Weather in Yushu

Stay informed about the latest meteorological conditions in the city of Yushu. This section presents up-to-date reports and forecasts to help you plan your time wisely.

The climate of the city of Yushu can be described as a harsh high-altitude climate with distinct continental features. The weather here remains cool for most of the year, so travellers planning a visit to this region of China should be prepared for low temperatures. The overall climate picture is formed by the contrast between a very cold, dry winter and a cool but humid summer.

The winter season here is long and frosty: in January, the average temperature drops to -16.8°C, and at night it can reach -24°C. During this time of year, there is practically no precipitation. Summer in Yushu is mild and not hot at all — even in July and August, the thermometer rarely rises above +16°C, and average indicators stay around +11°C. This makes the city an excellent destination for those who wish to escape the summer heat.

A characteristic feature of the local climate is the high frequency of precipitation during the warm season. From June to September, the number of rainy days can reach 22–25 per month. Although the rains may not be very heavy in volume, the sky is often overcast, and humidity rises. Tourists are advised to carry waterproof clothing and footwear if a trip is planned for the summer period.

The climate of Yushu dictates its own rules and requires serious preparation from travellers. High-altitude severity reigns here: even during the "warmest" hours of winter days, the air remains frosty, and after sunset, the cold becomes piercing. Winter night temperatures drop to extreme values, so quality warm equipment and thermal underwear are not just a recommendation, but a vital necessity for a comfortable stay outdoors.

Summer in this region is deceptive and completely unlike the customary hot season. During the day, the air warms up only to levels characteristic of cool autumn or early spring in temperate latitudes, rarely exceeding the +16°C mark. There is no scorching heat here, and nights even in July and August remain truly cold, compelling tourists to keep jackets, hats, and sweaters at hand all year round.

A distinctive feature of the local weather is the significant daily temperature amplitude. The difference between daytime warmth and nighttime cold is felt very acutely: as soon as the sun disappears, the thermometer drops rapidly. Transitional seasons here are fleeting — stable warmth arrives late and leaves quickly, giving way to prolonged frosts as early as the middle of autumn.

Precipitation in Yushu is distributed unevenly throughout the year, forming two contrasting weather periods. Winter months, especially December and January, are characterized by extremely dry weather: precipitation levels tend towards zero, and the number of days with snowfall is minimal (only about 3 days per month). At this time of year, clear but very frosty skies prevail here.

With the arrival of warmth, the situation changes drastically. The period from May to September can be called a season of high humidity due to the frequency of precipitation. The "wettest" month is June, when up to 25 days with precipitation are recorded. In July and August, it also rains very frequently — more than 20 days a month. However, despite the high frequency, the total volume of falling moisture remains small (averaging about 5 mm), indicating a prevalence of light drizzle or short weak rains rather than prolonged downpours.

Due to the high-altitude climate and low temperatures, the nature of precipitation depends heavily on the season. From October to April, when the thermometer drops below zero, precipitation falls primarily in the form of snow. In transitional months (May and October), wet snow is possible. If you are planning a trip in summer, be sure to take a raincoat: although the rains are not heavy, the probability of encountering them exists almost daily.

When preparing for a trip to Yushu, it is important to remember the harsh high-altitude climate of this region. Winters here are long and very cold, with temperatures often dropping below -20°C. If your journey is planned for the period from November to March, be sure to equip your luggage with quality thermal underwear, warm woollen sweaters, and a reliable windproof down jacket. A hat, scarf, and warm gloves are mandatory accessories for protection against the piercing wind and frost.

Summer in Yushu is quite unlike the hot season in other parts of the country: even in July and August, the average temperature stays around +11°C, and the number of rainy days increases significantly. For a summer trip, the principle of layering is ideal: wear a t-shirt, a fleece jacket over it, and bring a waterproof jacket or raincoat. This will allow you to easily adapt to weather changes, which can quickly shift from sunny to overcast and rainy.

Regardless of the time of year, you will need comfortable, broken-in footwear with thick soles, preferably trekking boots suitable for long walks. Also, do not underestimate the high-altitude sun: even in cool weather, UV radiation here is very strong. Be sure to pack sunglasses, cream with a high protection factor (SPF 50+), and moisturising lip balm to protect your skin from the dry air and wind.