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Mogao Caves

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Mogao Caves Weather, Climate and Best Time to Visit

Data source：Meteostat
Update date：2025-09

Mogao Caves year round climate

  • Spring (March–May): Average 45–70°F, mild climate, but with a large temperature difference between morning and evening, and less rainfall. Common activities: Visiting Mogao Grottoes murals, touring the surrounding desert landscape. Recommended clothing: Light jacket, long-sleeved shirt, and warm clothing.
  • Summer (June–August): Average 80–83°F, hot and dry, very little rainfall. Common activities: Visiting Mogao Grottoes in the early morning or evening, avoiding direct sunlight at noon. Recommended clothing: Light and breathable clothing, wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, sunscreen.
  • Autumn (September–November): Average 69–36°F, temperature gradually decreases, slightly more rainfall in September. Common activities: Visiting Mogao Grottoes, experiencing the autumn scenery of Dunhuang. Recommended clothing: Comfortable and warm long-sleeved clothing, adjust clothing according to temperature changes.
  • Winter (December–February): Average -7.2–-36.1°F, cold and dry, very little rainfall. Common activities: Relatively few, indoor activities such as museums or local cultural experiences can be chosen. Recommended clothing: Heavy down jackets, thermal underwear, hats, gloves, scarves, etc.

Mogao Caves climatological average

Annual average temperature: approx. 53.2°F / Annual rainfall: approx. 23 mm / Summer humidity: 20%–30% / Rainiest month: September

Mogao Caves monthly average temperature and precipitation

Month
Air temperature (°F)
Precipitation (mm)
January
19°F
1
February
27.9°F
1.5
March
45.5°F
4.1
April
57°F
0.7
May
70.9°F
2.8
June
80.6°F
1.8
July
83.1°F
2.7
August
80.1°F
0.8
September
69.4°F
4.3
October
52.5°F
1.5
November
36.3°F
1.7
December
20.7°F
0.7

Mogao Caves weather for the next seven days

2/11
Wednesday
Partly Cloudy
40.1°F/23.3°F
2/12
Thursday
Sunny
49°F/25°F
2/13
Friday
Partly Cloudy
46.1°F/28.9°F
2/14
Saturday
Partly Cloudy
41.8°F/26.8°F
2/15
Sunday
Sunny
41.8°F/25.2°F
2/16
Monday
Cloudy
42.8°F/26.9°F
2/17
Tuesday
Overcast
46°F/27.8°F

Mogao Caves Frequently Asked Questions and Useful Information for Travel

What is the significance of the Mogao Caves?

As evidence of the evolution of Buddhist art in the northwest region of China, the Mogao Caves are of unmatched historical value. These works provide an abundance of vivid materials depicting various aspects of medieval politics, economics, culture, arts, religion, ethnic relations, and daily dress in western China.

How many caves are at Mogao?

735 caves currently exist in Mogao; the best-known ones are the 487 caves located in the southern section of the cliff which are places of pilgrimage and worship. 248 caves have also been found to the north which were living quarters, meditation chambers, and burial sites for the monks.

Is there an entrance fee to Mogao Caves?

Please don't go to the caves area without a ticket. As the most popular scenic site in Dunhuang, Mogao caves attract numerous visitors home and abroad. Each visitor has to hold a ticket for entry. Depending on peak/off seasons, there are different types of tickets for sale.

Are the Mogao Caves a UNESCO site?

The Mogao caves were designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987, and are overseen by international watchdog groups as well as a state-run institution called the Dunhuang Research Academy.

What can I expect to see at the Mogao Caves?

The Mogao Caves feature an astonishing collection of Buddhist art, including vibrant murals, intricate sculptures, and ancient manuscripts. Visitors can marvel at the detailed depictions of religious stories, historical events, and the daily life of monks from centuries past.