Weather in Zhaotong

Planning your day or preparing for a trip? Discover the most up-to-date weather information for the city of Zhaotong, including detailed charts and fresh forecasts.

The climate of Zhaotong can be described as mild and temperate, largely due to its geographical location. There is no sweltering tropical heat here, and winters, whilst cool, rarely bring severe frosts. This makes the city a comfortable destination for those who prefer to avoid temperature extremes during their travels.

Seasonality is quite distinct, yet temperature fluctuations remain within reasonable limits. Summer here is surprisingly pleasant: even in the warmest months, July and August, the average temperature stays around 20°C, allowing you to enjoy nature without the risk of overheating. Winter brings a cooling trend, with the thermometer dropping to 3-4°C during the day, while slight frosts are possible at night, so warm clothing will be necessary.

An important feature of the weather in Zhaotong is the high frequency of precipitation during the warm season, despite a relatively small total volume. From May to September, the number of rainy days can reach 20–24 per month, often manifesting as high humidity, fog, or light drizzle, which creates a mystical atmosphere. The winter period, by contrast, is distinguished by dryness: very little precipitation falls, and there are more sunny days, despite the cool air.

The climate of Zhaotong is characterised by its moderate nature, making it attractive for travellers avoiding extreme weather conditions. The coldest period of the year is January and December, when the average temperature hovers around 3.7°C. During these months, nights can be frosty, with temperatures dropping to -2.0°C, so warm clothing is essential. However, by March, the air begins to warm up noticeably, marking the arrival of spring.

Summer in Zhaotong can be described as surprisingly mild and comfortable, without the exhausting heat typical of many other regions in China. The warmest months—July and August—demonstrate average daily highs of about 23.7°C, while nights bring a pleasant coolness with temperatures around 16°C. This time of year is ideal for long walks, as the weather offers a refreshing warmth rather than dry heat, although the high number of rainy days in this season may add humidity.

An important feature of the local temperature regime is the daily fluctuation, which is most noticeable in the winter and spring periods. For example, in February and March, the difference between the daily maximum and the nightly minimum can exceed 12 degrees. Travellers should consider this factor when planning their wardrobe: while it may be sufficiently warm and comfortable in the sun during the day, the temperature drops rapidly immediately after sunset, requiring additional layers.

The pattern of precipitation in Zhaotong has a clearly defined seasonality. The year can be roughly divided into a wet summer period and a drier winter season. If you are planning a trip in the middle of the year, be prepared for high humidity and frequent rainfall, which define the climatic picture of the region at this time.

The rainiest months are June, July, August, and September. During this period, the highest number of days with precipitation is recorded—from 22 to 24 days per month. June stands out particularly, when rain can fall almost daily. Although the frequency of precipitation in summer is very high, its character varies from light drizzle to moderate rain.

Winter, on the other hand, is the driest time of the year. From December to February, the number of days with precipitation drops to 6–7 per month. Given that the average minimum temperature in January and December drops below freezing (down to -2.0°C), snow or sleet is possible during the winter months, although heavy snowfalls occur infrequently.

Spring and autumn serve as transitional periods. For instance, already in April and May, the number of rainy days increases noticeably (up to 17–18 days), but their intensity remains relatively low. Travellers are recommended to always carry an umbrella or raincoat, especially if the trip is scheduled for the period from April to October.

Travelling to Zhaotong requires a careful approach to your wardrobe, especially if you are planning a trip during the winter months. From December to February, night-time temperatures often drop below freezing, so be sure to bring a warm jacket, hat, scarf, and gloves. The principle of layering will be your best friend: quality thermal underwear and fleece jumpers will help retain heat during walks, and if it warms up during the day, an extra layer can be easily removed.

Summer here is distinguished by a surprisingly mild and comfortable climate: even in July and August, the average temperature rarely exceeds 24°C, so there is no need to fear exhausting heat. However, this is a season of frequent rainfall—the number of rainy days can reach 24 per month. During this period, it is critically important to have a reliable umbrella, a light raincoat, and, most importantly, waterproof shoes. Since nights can be fresh even in summer (around 16°C), do not forget to pack a couple of sweaters or hoodies in your suitcase.

Regardless of the season, for exploring natural and urban attractions, choose comfortable and durable flat-soled shoes suitable for long walks on uneven terrain. Also, despite the cloud cover and rain, do not neglect sun protection: bring sunscreen and sunglasses to be ready for clear days. Such a set of items will ensure your comfort and allow you to enjoy the beauties of China without being distracted by the whims of the weather.