Gansu Weather: Climate, Seasons, and Best Time to Visit

Gansu Weather in Different Seasons & Best Time to Visit

Written by Veronica | Updated September 20,2024

Gansu is a northwestern province in China, sitting at the crossroads of Tibetan Plateau, Loess Plateau, and Inner Mongolian Plateau. As a result, there are many geographical landforms in Gansu: alpine regions, basins, deserts, etc.

Different parts of the province have diverse climates, ranging from subtropical humid monsoon climate to alpine cold climate and dry climate. Gansu weather is generally characterized by little rainfall and drastic temperature difference between day and night. It sees its highest temperatures usually in July and lowest in January.

Lanzhou, the capital city of Gansu, has a temperate, semi-arid continental monsoon climate. It is dry and warm with little rainfall. It sees plenty of sunlight throughout the year for about 2,600 hours.

The popular tourist city, Dunhuang, features in a temperate continental arid climate, with four distinct seasons, plenty of sunshine and little rainfall. Others like Jiayuguan and Zhangye have a similar climate.

Gansu Weather in Spring (March to May)

Gansu is still pretty cold in March. It starts to warm up in April from the cold winter months. The weather becomes milder with average temperatures ranging from 8°C (46°F) to 20°C (68°F).

Temperatures can vary significantly between day and night, so make sure you bring a light jacket or sweater. Spring in Gansu is relatively dry with only occasional rainfall, bringing much-needed moisture to the region.

Recommended Activities in Spring

If you travel to Gansu in spring, one must-visit destination is Yadan National Geological Park in Dunhuang to see amazing landforms sculpted by wind erosion. Go on a Silk Road tour and visit renowned attractions such as the Mogao Caves, Jiayuguan Pass, and Zhangye Danxia Geopark.

Gansu Weather in Summer (June to August)

Gansu weather in the summer is characterized by warm temperature and occasional rainfall. The temperature is mostly comfortable, can sometimes reach up to to 30°C (86°F) to 35°C (95°F). It rains sometimes but not often, though 70% of rainfall in Gansu occur during the summer. Eastern part of the province is more humid compared to the arid western regions.

Remember to dress light and bring sunscreen and sunglasses. Because of its pleasant weather, summer is a popular time for traveling to Gansu and witnessing its stunning beauty in nice weather.

Recommended Activities in Summer

Gansu comes alive during the summer months. It’s a great time to experience local Tibetan culture and see the vast grasslands. Pay a visit to the Labrang Monastery in Xiahe, one of China’s largest and most influential Tibetan Buddhist monasteries. See the lush green meadows, colorful wildflowers in full bloom, and yaks grazing peacefully in the Gannan Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture.

Gansu Weather in Autumn (September to November)

Autumn is considered the best season to travel to Gansu. The weather is cool with refreshing breeze. It slowly gets colder with the temperature ranging from 7°C (45°F) to 20°C (68°F). You’ll often see clear skies, and there’s minimal rainfall. It’s the best season for fun outdoor activities.

Recommended Activities in Autumn

Gansu in autumn is full of colors and scenes of harvests. Make a pilgrimage to Bingling Temple in Lanzhou, a historical site for Han Buddhism worship with an impressive collection of over 1,000 statues and murals. Also, don’t miss the golden poplar trees and fiery red chili peppers in Linze County. Against the backdrop of a clear blue sky, it’ll feel like you’re standing inside a painting.

Gansu Weather in Winter (December to February)

Winter in Gansu brings cold temperatures and occasional snowfall. The average temperature ranges from -9°C (16°F) to 3°C (37°F) and even lower in the mountains. Despite the chill, visiting Gansu in winter makes an equally excellent trip, especially for those interested in winter sports and would like to witness snow landscapes.

Recommended Activities in Winter

With fewer crowds, you can have a peaceful visit to Gansu in the winter. Visit Maijishan Grottoes in Tianshui, an architectural wonder with over 7,000 Buddhist sculptures and paintings. Take part in fun winter activities in Lanzhou or Zhangye, such as skiing, ice skating, making ice sculptures.

Extreme Weather Conditions

There might sometimes be extreme weather conditions in Gansu from time to time, like common sandstorms in spring. They affect visibility and cause a lot of inconvenience. In the summer, there are occasional thunderstorms and heavy rainfall, which may result in small-scaled flooding. So it’s very important to stay informed about weather condition warnings when you visit Gansu.

Best Time to Visit Gansu

When to visit Gansu largely depends on what you wish to see and do during your trip. Spring and autumn are generally considered the best seasons, because the weather is nice, and the views are great. Summer is best for outdoor activities, and winter is quieter with option of snow sports.