Weather in Datong

Stay updated on the latest weather conditions in the city of Datong. Below you will find current data, forecasts, and useful weather charts to help you plan your time.

The climate in the city of Datong is characterised as continental and semi-arid, with four distinct seasons and significant temperature fluctuations throughout the year. Typical for this region are very cold, dry winters and warm, relatively humid summers. Total annual precipitation is low, making the climate predominantly dry.

The winter months, especially January and December, are the coldest, with average temperatures dropping to -9°C. Summer, conversely, is warm and comfortable, with peak temperatures in July when the average reaches +22°C. It is during the summer months (June-August) that the majority of annual rainfall occurs, which can be considered a short rainy season, although intensity remains moderate. Spring and autumn are pleasant transitional seasons with rapidly changing weather conditions.

The climate in Datong is distinguished by distinct seasons and significant temperature variations throughout the year. The city experiences very cold winters and warm summers, which is typical for a continental climate. The coldest month is January, when the average temperature drops to -9.3°C, and night frosts can reach -15.6°C. In contrast, the warmest period falls in July with an average temperature of +22.0°C and maximum daytime highs around +27.3°C.

Winter in Datong, from December to February, is harsh and frosty, with minimal precipitation. Daytime temperatures rarely rise above freezing. Summer, especially in June, July, and August, offers comfortable warmth rather than exhausting heat. Daytime temperatures average in the range of +25°C to +27°C, creating pleasant conditions for exploring the city. Although summer is the wettest season, rainfall amounts remain moderate.

A key feature of Datong's weather is the large difference between day and night temperatures. The diurnal range regularly exceeds 10-12°C, especially during the transitional seasons of spring and autumn. This means that even after a very warm day, the evening and night can be quite cool. Travellers are advised to bring layered clothing to easily adapt to such changes throughout the day.

The climate of Datong is characterised by generally low precipitation levels throughout the year, indicating predominantly arid conditions. However, the city observes marked seasonality in rainfall: a relatively wetter summer period contrasts with a very dry winter. The majority of the annual precipitation falls during the summer months, while in winter, amounts are minimal or approach zero.

The wettest period in Datong occurs during the summer months, from June to September. July and August are the peak months for precipitation, averaging about 4 mm, with the number of days with precipitation reaching 14 and 12 respectively. During this time, precipitation falls mainly as rain. June and September also bring some moisture, about 2 mm, with approximately 9 rainy days in each of these months. It is important to note that even in the "wettest" months, the total amount of precipitation remains low.

The dry season in Datong is most pronounced from late autumn to spring. The winter months — December, January, and February — as well as November, are the driest. In these months, the average precipitation is 0 mm. December stands out in particular, as on average there are no days with precipitation in this month. Given the sub-zero average temperatures in winter (from -0.5°C in November to -9.3°C in January), any extremely rare precipitation, if it occurs, falls as snow, but in very insignificant amounts. Spring months (March, April, May) and October are also characterised by low precipitation, about 1 mm, and a small number of days with precipitation (from 3 to 6).

When packing your suitcase for a trip to Datong, it is important to consider significant seasonal weather fluctuations. The winter months (December to February) are characterised by severe frosts: the average temperature in the coldest months is around -9°C, and minimum temperatures can drop to -15°C / -16°C, so night frosts can be very intense. Be sure to bring your warmest clothing: thermal underwear, a thick sweater, a down jacket or winter coat, as well as a hat, scarf, and gloves. Windproof outerwear will help cope with the cold wind, as there is practically no precipitation at this time, but the air is very dry and frosty. In summer (June-August), the weather in Datong is warm, sometimes hot, with an average temperature of about +20-22°C and maximums up to +27°C. For this period, light natural fabrics, T-shirts, shorts, and dresses are suitable. Do not forget sunscreen and a hat for sun protection. Although the total rainfall is low, there are more days with light rain in the summer months (up to 4mm per month), so a compact umbrella or light raincoat may prove useful.

Spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November) in Datong are times of changeable weather with a substantial difference between day and night temperatures. For example, in March the average temperature is still around +3°C, while in May it is already +15°C. The key principle when packing for these seasons is layering. Take T-shirts, long-sleeved shirts, jumpers or fleece jackets, as well as a mid-season jacket that can be taken off or put on depending on the weather. In April-May and September-October, it can be quite comfortable during the day, but evenings are cool. For any time of year in Datong, you will need comfortable walking shoes, as the city and its surroundings are perfect for long walks. Given the dryness of the air, especially in the cold season and off-season, hand moisturiser and lip balm may also be necessary.