Weather in Lanzhou

Planning your day or preparing for a trip? Discover everything about the current weather conditions in the city of Lanzhou by exploring the latest data and forecasts in this section.

The climate of Lanzhou can be described as temperate semi-arid, with a distinct separation into four seasons. Due to its location deep inland, there is no extreme humidity here, and the weather often delights visitors with sunny days. Significant temperature fluctuations throughout the year are typical for the region: from frosty winters to pleasantly warm summers.

The winter months, particularly January and December, are cold here: the average temperature hovers around -3...-4°C, and at night it can drop to -9°C. There is practically no precipitation during this time, so snow falls rarely. Summer in Lanzhou is comfortable and not overly hot. In July, the warmest month, the thermometer shows an average of about +21.7°C, and daily highs rarely exceed +27°C, creating excellent conditions for walking.

An interesting feature of the local weather is the precipitation pattern. Although the total volume remains quite low throughout the year, the number of rainy days increases noticeably in the second half of summer and early autumn. For example, in August and September, rains may occur more frequently, but they are generally not heavy. Travellers should take this seasonality into account: warm clothing is necessary in winter, while a light windbreaker and an umbrella will be useful in summer.

The climate in Lanzhou is characterised by distinct seasonality and a significant temperature range throughout the year. The coldest month is traditionally January, when the average temperature drops to -4.1°C, and night frosts can reach -9.1°C. The warmest time of the year is July: during this period, the air warms up to an average of 21.7°C, creating favourable conditions for exploring the city without exhausting heat.

Summer in Lanzhou can be described as mild and comfortable. In June and August, daily highs usually remain around 25°C, and in July they reach 27.2°C. However, travellers must remember the continental nature of the local climate: there are noticeable differences between day and night temperatures. Even at the height of summer, after a warm day, the nights bring freshness and cool air, with the thermometer dropping to 15–16°C.

The winter period, lasting from December to February, is distinguished by frosty weather. Average figures at this time are negative, ranging from -1.1°C to -4.1°C. Nights in winter are cold, with temperatures from -6°C to -9°C, although during the day the sun often warms the air slightly above freezing. Spring and autumn are quite dynamic: by April, the daytime temperature reaches a pleasant 16.4°C, and in October, before the cold sets in, the air still warms up to 13.7°C during the day.

The climate of Lanzhou can be characterised as semi-arid, so heavy precipitation is a rarity here. Overall, the city is distinguished by dryness throughout the year, and even during periods of increased cloudiness, rains are generally short-lived and light. The total volume of moisture remains extremely low, rarely exceeding a few millimetres even in the "dampest" months, so travellers are unlikely to have to seriously adjust their plans due to bad weather.

The highest probability of precipitation occurs in the second half of summer and early autumn. The wettest months in terms of rain frequency are August and September, when about 14 days with precipitation are recorded, as well as July with 11 rainy days. Despite the relatively high frequency, the intensity of these rains is low, and they often resemble a light drizzle, bringing pleasant freshness on warm days.

Conversely, the winter period and early spring are the driest seasons. From November to March, the amount of precipitation tends towards zero, and the number of days with any moisture is minimal (from 2 to 4 days per month). Given that average temperatures in winter drop below freezing (especially in January and December), rare precipitation may fall as light snow, but a stable and deep snow cover rarely forms within the city itself.

When packing for Lanzhou, consider the region's sharp continental climate: the weather here can change significantly depending on the time of day. In winter, temperatures often drop below freezing, so be sure to bring a warm down jacket, a hat, a scarf, and gloves. In the off-season (spring and autumn), the best solution is the principle of layering: a combination of a T-shirt, sweater, and light jacket will allow you to feel comfortable both on cool mornings and during warm days.

Summer in the city is quite comfortable, without exhausting heat, with average temperatures around +20...+27°C. Light clothing made from natural fabrics is suitable for a trip during these months, but evenings can be fresh, so a hoodie or windbreaker in your suitcase will not go amiss. Since Lanzhou is located at an elevation, the sun here is quite active—do not forget sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat to protect yourself from ultraviolet rays.

For long walks along the Yellow River embankment and sightseeing, you will need comfortable shoes with flat soles. The climate in the region is predominantly dry, but brief rains are possible in the summer months, so a compact umbrella may come in handy. We also strongly recommend bringing moisturising cream and lip balm, as the low humidity can dry out your skin.