Climate and monthly weather forecast
Zhaotong, China

In the vast geographical mosaic of China, Zhaotong sits in a temperate highland tropical zone with dry winters. The Köppen climate classification labels this as a Cwb climate. The positioning of Zhaotong offers components of a highland climate inducing temperature variations and uneven rainfall distribution throughout the year.

An examination of the climatological parameters unveils a pattern of temperature fluctuations from -1.9°C (28.6°F) to 24.9°C (76.8°F). The low end of this range usually falls in the grip of winter while the high zenith see around the summer months. Rainfall varies annually starting at 5mm (0.2") in the colder months escalating steeply to an acme at 158mm (6.22") in the monsoon-influenced season. Days with precipitation follow this pattern, suggesting a drier winter and a wetter summer. The daylight hours available also fluctuate marked by the winter solstice and summer solstice.

Zhaotong leaps out in its pattern of rainfall. A nearly four-fold increase is observed from January to the climax in July. The city also grapples with relatively high temperatures in summer, stretching to a peak of 24.9°C (76.8°F) in July.

Considering the climate parameters, the most favorable period to visit Zhaotong falls around the cusp of spring and summer. This is typically the phase from April to June. The temperature resides comfortably on the 16.8°C (62.2°F) to 23.4°C (74.1°F) mark. Rainfall is moderate, hovering in the 32mm (1.26") to 125mm (4.92") range. The daylight hours lie between 12 and 13.9 hours, promising long days of exploration. Visitors during this window can anticipate mildly warm days, manageable rainfall, and plenty of daylight to explore the delights of Zhaotong.

The most challenging period for a visit to Zhaotong lies in the heart of the wet season and in the peak of winter. This includes the months from July to August and from December to February. In the monsoon months, rainfall peaks to 158mm (6.22") and 122mm (4.8") respectively while the precipitous days hit a high of 16.7 and 17 days. The winter, on the other hand, experiences a drop in temperature to -1.9°C (28.6°F) in January along with a lower daylight availability of 10.4 hours.

Spring offers a transition from the chilly winter months to the more temperate weather of the year. From March to May, the temperature rises progressively from 3.3°C (37.9°F) to 11.5°C (52.7°F). Concurrently, the rainfall steadily increases from 13mm (0.51") in March to 74mm (2.91") in May, with the frequency of rainy days ranging from 6.5 days to 14.6 days. With an increase in daylight hours from 12 to 13.5 hours, Spring matures into a favorable season.

Summers in Zhaotong, lasting from June till August, bear witness to a pronounced rise in both temperature and rainfall. Thermometers measure an escalation from 14.3°C (57.7°F) to 15.7°C (60.3°F) while rainfall maximizes at 158mm (6.22") in July before subsiding to 122mm (4.8") in August. Precipitation perceptibly peaks with 17.6 rainy days in June. Daylight hours reach their zenith with 13.9 hours before receding to 13.1 hours.

Autumn, spanning September to November, invites a noticeable gradual decline in weather parameters. Temperatures fall from 12.5°C (54.5°F) in September to 3.9°C (39°F) by November. Rainfall follows suit with a decreasing trend from 91mm (3.58") in September to 19mm (0.75") in November. Following the trend, days of rainfall decrease from 16.6 to 8.1 days coupled with a decrease in daylight hours from 12.3 to 10.8 hours.

Winter grips Zhaotong from December to February. The temperature takes a deep plunge to the minimum threshold from 3.9°C (39°F) to -1.9°C (28.6°F). Rainfall slumps to its lowest levels going from 5mm (0.2") in December to 7mm (0.28") in February. The number of days with rainfall minimizes to 4.6 and rises marginally to 6.5 by February. Daylight hours also decrease to their lowest at 10.4 hours, lending to the chilling influence of winter.

As the year commences in Zhaotong, China, residents experience a sharp contrast between the highest temperatures of the day and the chilling depths of the night. Highest temperatures peak at 9.4°C (48.9°F) while lowest averages are down to -1.9°C (28.6°F). Weather in January »

Zhaotong's weather inches towards warmer days in February, displaying appreciable rise compared to January's conditions. Daylight extends a bit more, making the days seem longer. The city continues to gear up for the impending spring season, with rains showing a slight reduction compared to its January levels. Weather in February »

March signals the definitive arrival of spring with temperatures hovering, up to an average high of 16.8°C (62.2°F). This month displays a clear transition from winter's grip towards warmer climes, dubbing it as a month of rejuvenation. Weather in March »

April propels Zhaotong fully into spring with temperatures steadily rising and rains becoming notably present. The number of daylight hours continues to increase, availing residents of longer days. Despite the moderate increase in temperatures compared to March, evenings experience a drop in degrees, making them pleasantly cooler. Weather in April »

As the weather evolves into summer, May is reminiscent of the pleasant rise in temperatures towards moderately hot days. Understanding the city's weather pattern during this month involves anticipating rainfall, which peaks up to 74mm (2.91"). Weather in May »

June demonstrates a characteristic leap into summer with an average high temperature of 23.4°C (74.1°F). The number of rainy days reaches its peak, providing a cooler contrast from the rising temperatures of the daylight hours. Amidst abundant daylight and occasional downpours, June provides avenues for memorable weather moments in Zhaotong. Weather in June »

As the calendar turns to July, Zhaotong endures the summer heat in full swing as the day’s high temperatures rise up to 24.9°C (76.8°F). This month marks the zenith of higher temperatures, distinguishing itself as the warmest month for the city. Weather in July »

With summer continuing in full swing, August's temperatures display a slight dip, hovering around 24.7°C (76.5°F) in Zhaotong. Albeit, the hot spell is usurped by frequent rains, successfully holding the heat in check. August deviates from July primarily in the slight reduction of maximum temperatures. Weather in August »

September ushers in autumn, causing temperatures to descend from their summer peak, providing cooler days and nights. The city experiences a decline in rain quantity, a stark contrast from the drenching it receives during August. Weather in September »

October in Zhaotong continues to stand under the influence of autumn, displaying steadily declining degrees. The transition towards colder days becomes more apparent compared to September. The onset of October sees rain nearly halved from that of its preceding month, transforming Zhaotong into an autumn wonderland. Weather in October »

As November steps in, Zhaotong prepares to slowly embrace the winter season with temperatures falling to an average high of 13.9°C (57°F). The city's weather remodelling is clear in the reduction of rain compared to October. Weather in November »

December is the coldest month in Zhaotong, signalling the hearty arrival of winter with the lowest temperatures falling to a chilling -0.4°C (31.3°F). The city skies remain mostly clear compared to November, displaying fewer rainfall days. Weather in December »