Lanzhou Weather

Written by Ivana Dai Updated Jul. 2, 2021

Lanzhou enjoys a temperate continental climate, without the intense heat of summer or severe cold in winter. The annual average temperature is about 11.2℃ and the annual average precipitation amounts to 327 mm. Lanzhou has abundant sunshine, with an annual average sunshine duration of over 2,446 hours. There is a large temperature difference between day and night, and the annual range of temperature is great. Tourists traveling to Lanzhou should bring thick coats, in case of a change of weather. The annual precipitation amounts to 328 mm (12.91 inches), mainly concentrated in summer. January is the coldest month of the year, with the temperature ranging from -11.67 ºC to 1.11 ºC. July is the hottest month of the year, with the temperature ranging from 16.11 ºC to 28.89 ºC. Winter is long and chilly, with little precipitation; spring is very short, with changeable temperature; summer is short and hot; the temperature drops rapidly in autumn.

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Lanzhou is at the end of spring and the beginning of summer, mainly from May to September. Meanwhile, China Silk Road Festival is usually held in August in Lanzhou. Tourists who want to participate in the festival can come to Lanzhou in August, experiencing a unique journey on the Silk Road. It should be noticed that tourists need to prepare warm clothes while traveling to Lanzhou in case of the changeable weather.

Month	Average High (℃)	Average Low (℃)
January	1.5	-11.3
February	5.4	-7.2
March	12.1	-0.4
April	19.2	5.5
May	23.9	10.4
June	27.1	13.6
July	29.0	16.2
August	27.9	15.4
September	22.0	10.9
October	16.6	4.7
November	8.9	-2.6
December	2.3	-9.4

Spring (March to May)

Spring lasts from March to May in Lanzhou, with a large temperature difference between day and night. Spring can be ranked as a suitable time for traveling to Lanzhou, due to the comfortable weather condition. In March, the temperature starts to rebound, ranging from -5.6 ºC to.11.67 ºC. For packing, sweaters and overcoats are necessary. In April, it’s getting warmer, with the temperature ranging from 5 ºC to 1.89 ºC, and flowers begin to bloom in this month. In May, it becomes really warm, with the temperature ranging from 10 ºC to 23.89 ºC. May is one of the best months for visiting Lanzhou, due to its favorable temperature.

Summer (June to August)

Summer lasts from June to August in Lanzhou, which is hot and short. The temperature ranges from 13.33 ºC to 26.67 ºC in June, from 16.61 ºC to 28.89 ºC in July, and from 15 ºC to 27.78 ºC in August. Sometimes the rain starts to pour suddenly. Thus, remember to bring raincoats and umbrellas. In August, the famous Silk Road Tourism Festival is held annually in Lanzhou, providing visitors a unique experience on the Silk Road. For packing, besides summer clothing, sunglasses, sunhats, and sun cream are requisite.

Autumn (September to November)

Autumn lasts from September to November in Lanzhou, with a Sharp drop in temperature. There is a large temperature difference between day and night. The temperature ranges from 10.56ºC to 21.67 ºC in September, from 4.44 ºC to 16.11 ºC in October, and from -2.78 ºC to 8.89 ºC in November. Due to the changeable weather, visitors need to bring warm clothes in case of catching a cold.

Winter (December to February)

Winter lasts from December to the following February in Lanzhou, which is a little bit long and very dry. Winter is characterized by sold days and strong wind. The coldest month is January, with the temperature ranging from -11.67 ºC to 1.11 ºC. The temperature in December ranges from -9.44ºC to 2.22ºC in December and from -7.22ºC to 5ºC in February. For packing, warm and thick clothes are needed, such as down jackets, cotton-padded jackets, and shoes.