Weather in Daocheng

Stay updated on the weather conditions in the city of Daocheng before beginning your journey. Below you will find current reports, detailed forecasts, and useful charts for a comfortable trip.

The climate of Daocheng, located in the highlands, can be described as harsh and cool, typical of alpine zones. Due to the significant elevation above sea level, there is no scorching heat here even in the height of summer, and weather conditions require travelers to prepare carefully. Generally, the year is divided into two distinct periods: a dry, frosty winter and a humid, cool summer.

The winter months, from November to March, are characterized by stable freezing temperatures, dropping on average to -8°C, and clear skies with almost a complete absence of precipitation. Summer brings radical changes: the rainy season arrives from June to August. During this period, precipitation can occur almost daily (up to 29 rainy days in July); however, the air temperature remains very moderate, rarely exceeding +14°C even on the warmest days.

Tourists should note that the weather in Daocheng requires warm clothing at any time of the year. Even in summer, despite the absence of severe frost, high humidity and low night temperatures can create a sensation of cold. The most comfortable time to visit is considered to be the transitional periods or early autumn, when the rains gradually recede, but the severe cold has not yet arrived.

Climatic conditions in Daocheng are distinguished by the severity characteristic of high-altitude regions. The coldest month of the year is January, when the average temperature drops to -8.3°C, and night frosts can reach -14.6°C. Winter here is long and frosty: even during daylight hours in December and January, the thermometer often does not rise above zero, which requires travelers to prepare thoroughly and have warm gear.

The summer period, although the warmest time of the year, does not bring the accustomed heat. In July, which is considered the peak of the season, the average temperature is only about +10.1°C, and the daily maximum rarely exceeds +14°C. Summer in this region of China is cool and humid, with a large number of rainy days, so light clothing will hardly be useful here even in the height of August.

Throughout the year, noticeable temperature fluctuations between day and night are observed. Even in the most comfortable summer months, night readings fall to +5...+6°C, and in the transitional seasons (spring and autumn), nights are consistently frosty. Travelers should consider that the weather in Daocheng remains cool all year round, and warm items are necessary regardless of the travel date.

The nature of precipitation in Daocheng has a pronounced seasonality, yet the total volume remains surprisingly low throughout the year. The winter period, lasting from November to March, is considered the driest time. During these months, especially in January and December, precipitation levels tend toward zero. Given that average temperatures at this time drop significantly below freezing (to -8.3°C), any moisture falls exclusively as snow or frost, but snowfalls here are a rare and sparse phenomenon.

The summer season brings radical changes to the weather, but in a very specific way. From June to August, the number of days with precipitation rises sharply, reaching a peak in July, when rain can fall up to 29 days a month. However, despite such frequency, the intensity of the rains is minimal: the average volume of precipitation in summer does not exceed 8 mm per month. This means that instead of torrential downpours, tourists are more often met with fine drizzle, fog, or brief light rain.

Transitional periods, such as May and September, maintain the summer trend of frequent but weak precipitation — up to 23–25 rainy days per month. By October, the frequency of rains begins to decrease noticeably, and with the arrival of cold weather, moisture in the air changes back to rare snowflakes. Thus, even in the "wettest" season, an umbrella may be needed more for drizzle than for a heavy flow of water.

When planning a trip to Daocheng, it is important to remember that a harsh high-altitude climate prevails here, and it can be cool even in the height of summer. The main principle when packing your suitcase is layering. Regardless of the season, take quality thermal underwear, fleece jumpers, and a windproof jacket with you. In winter, when the temperature drops to -14°C, you will definitely need a warm down jacket, a hat, a scarf, and gloves.

Summer months, especially July and August, are distinguished not only by coolness (during the day the air warms up only to +14°C) but also by frequent precipitation. Since rains can occur almost every day, be sure to pack a reliable raincoat or membrane jacket in your luggage, as an umbrella may be ineffective due to the wind. For comfortable walks, choose comfortable, well-broken-in trekking shoes with water-repellent treatment.

Despite the cold, the sun in the mountains is very active. Do not forget to take sunscreen with a high protection factor (SPF 50+) and quality sunglasses to protect your eyes and skin from ultraviolet radiation. It is also useful to have moisturizing cream and lip balm with you, as the mountain air is often dry and windy.