Weather in Jiayuguan

Stay updated on current weather conditions in Jiayuguan. Below you will find up-to-date data, forecasts, and useful charts to help you plan your stay.

The climate in Jiayuguan can be described as sharply continental and arid. The city is located in a region influenced by the desert, resulting in significant temperature differences between seasons. The air here is dry throughout the year, and the weather is generally clear and sunny, making trip planning quite predictable.

The seasons are distinct: winter is cold and frosty, with average temperatures dropping significantly below freezing, so reliable warm clothing will be required for a trip in December or January. Summer, on the other hand, is warm and comfortable, with daytime highs around 26-28°C; however, thanks to the low humidity, the heat does not feel exhausting.

The main feature of the weather in this region is the extremely low amount of precipitation. Rain is a rarity here even in the summer period, and snow falls infrequently in winter. Tourists should be prepared for very dry air and intense sun, so sunglasses and moisturizers will come in handy during the journey regardless of the chosen month.

The weather in Jiayuguan is characterized by pronounced seasonal contrasts typical of a continental climate. The coldest period is winter, when the city plunges into true frost. In January, the coldest month of the year, the average temperature drops to -8.3°C, and at night the thermometer can fall to -13.8°C. If you are planning a trip between December and February, it is necessary to take care of high-quality warm clothing, as the air remains freezing even during daylight hours.

Summer brings welcome warmth to the region, which, however, rarely turns into sweltering heat. July is traditionally considered the hottest month: the average temperature holds at 22.8°C, and daytime highs reach a comfortable 28.6°C. This time of year is excellent for tourism, as the weather encourages long walks in the open air without the risk of overheating characteristic of China's more southern regions.

An important feature of the local climate is the noticeable temperature fluctuations between day and night, observed almost year-round. The difference between the daily maximum and nightly minimum often exceeds 10–12 degrees. For example, in September, after a pleasant day with temperatures around 22°C, the air can cool down to 10°C at night. Travellers are recommended to adhere to the principle of layering clothing to feel comfortable at any time of day.

Jiayuguan is distinguished by an extremely arid climate characteristic of desert regions, so precipitation here is a rare and usually insignificant phenomenon. Throughout the year, the city remains predominantly dry, and travellers are unlikely to have to worry about prolonged downpours that could seriously disrupt plans. The overall level of precipitation is minimal, making this region an excellent destination for lovers of clear weather.

The highest probability of precipitation is observed in the summer period, which can be conditionally called the "wettest" season, although moisture volumes remain extremely low (about 1 mm). The peak falls in July and August, when 6 to 7 days with precipitation per month are recorded. During this time, rains usually take the character of short, light drizzles that evaporate quickly and bring only a little freshness on hot days.

In winter, from November to March, when temperatures drop significantly below freezing, precipitation falls even less frequently—on average only 1–2 days a month. Given the frosty weather (down to -13°C and lower), light snow is possible during this period, but a stable snow cover forms infrequently due to the general dryness of the air. Spring and autumn also remain very dry periods with a minimal number of rainy days.

Jiayuguan features a sharply continental climate with very dry air, so the contents of your suitcase will depend directly on the time of year. If you are planning a trip in winter (from November to March), when the temperature often drops significantly below freezing, be sure to take quality thermal underwear, a warm windproof jacket or down jacket, as well as a hat and gloves. In the off-season, the weather can be changeable, so it is best to stick to the principle of layering: a combination of a T-shirt, a fleece jacket, and a light windbreaker will allow you to comfortably regulate heat exchange during temperature fluctuations throughout the day.

It is quite warm here in summer, but usually without extreme heat, so light clothes made of natural fabrics will be suitable. However, even in the warmest months, evenings can bring coolness, so a light sweater or hoodie in your luggage will not be superfluous. Although rain in this region is a rare and meager phenomenon, the desert sun here is very active. It is critically important to carry sunglasses, cream with a high SPF level, and reliable headwear to protect yourself from ultraviolet radiation during open-air excursions.

Since visiting the main attractions, including the famous fortress and sections of the Great Wall of China, involves long walks, take care to bring comfortable, worn-in flat shoes—sneakers or light trekking boots are ideal. Given the extremely low air humidity all year round, travellers are strongly advised to bring skin moisturizers and lip balm to avoid discomfort from dryness and windburn.