Climate and monthly weather forecast
Zhangye, China

Resting in mid-latitude steppe, Zhangye's prevalent climatic prototype suits Köppen's BSk climate classification. This component of China experiences vast temperature differences throughout the year. The coldest month, January, sees average high temperatures scarcely surpass freezing at 0.1°C (32.2°F), falling to bone-chilling lows of -16.2°C (2.8°F). Conversely, during the warmest month of July, the city sizzles with an average daytime temperature of 29.3°C (84.7°F) and a night-time temperature of 14.2°C (57.6°F).

When observing the rainfall pattern, it registers a sharp increase from May, with a peak in July and August at 30mm (1.18") and 29mm (1.14") respectively. Then, it begins to decrease steadily until it reaches the lowest figures in January and February at 1mm (0.04") and 1mm (0.04") respectively. The number of rainfall days also follows a similar pattern spiking in July and August, with 9.4 and 8.3 rainy days correspondingly before descending to minimum figures in winter months.

The daylight hours fluctuate from 9.8 hours in December to a maximum of 14.9 hours in June. This significant difference in daylight hours dictates the length of days and nights, impacting the overall weather conditions and temperature variability.

The most favorable period to explore Zhangye should coincide with the city's moderately warm weather and less frequent rain. That period occurs from April to June, when the temperature ranges from 10°C (50°F) to 23.5°C (74.3°F) and the rainfall has not yet reached its yearly high, ranging from 5mm (0.2") to12mm (0.47"). In addition, the city enjoys ample daylight during this period, between 12 and 14.3 hours, allowing tourists to appreciate Zhangye's beauty for longer periods.

Visiting Zhangye might be less pleasant during the months of January and February, due to the city's frigid temperatures. With highest temperatures barely topping 0.1°C (32.2°F) to 3.6°C (38.5°F) and lowest temperatures dipping to -16.2°C (2.8°F) to -12.2°C (10°F), it may be too cold for some visitors. Although the rainfall is significantly low during these months, the bitter cold can limit outdoor activities.

As the frigid winter subsides, Zhangye welcomes Spring with an average maximum temperature that rises steadily from 10°C (50°F) in March to 23.5°C (74.3°F) in May. Night temperatures show a similar uptrend from -4.8°C (23.4°F) to 7.8°C (46°F). Rainfall is relatively minimal throughout spring with an average of 4mm (0.16") in March, 5mm (0.2") in April, working up to 12mm (0.47") by May.

Summer introduces hotter weather to Zhangye, with daytime temperatures rising swiftly to 27.2°C (81°F) in June and peaking at 29.3°C (84.7°F) in July. Nighttime temperatures also see a similar increase, settling between 11.6°C (52.9°F) and 14.2°C (57.6°F). Rainfall and rainy days are in plenty during this time, increasing twofold from 24mm (0.94") in June to a whopping 30mm (1.18") by July.

The transition from summer through to autumn brings a noticeable drop in temperatures to Zhangye. In September, the average high hovers around 23.2°C (73.8°F), before descending to 16.3°C (61.3°F) by November. Rainfall also decreases during this period, declining steadily from 17mm (0.67") in September to a meager 2mm (0.08") by November.

The arrival of winter in December ushers in plummeting temperatures, with the average high descending swiftly to 8°C (46.4°F) and further to 0.1°C (32.2°F) by January. Night temperatures plunge to freezing levels, with lows ranging from -6.9°C (19.6°F) to -16.2°C (2.8°F). Rainfall remains consistently low throughout winter, falling to a mere 1mm (0.04") in December and January.

January in Zhangye, China, is typically the coldest and darkest month of the year. It has the harshness of winter, with temperatures plummeting down from 0.1°C (32.2°F) as a high, to an unforgiving -16.2°C (2.8°F) low. The weather can be harsh and unpredictable, making it challenging for outdoor activities, particularly in the late evenings and early mornings. Weather in January »

Moving into February, Zhangye experiences a slight increase in temperatures. It sets an optimistic tone for the impending arrival of spring. The city observes a marginal rise in rainfall to 1mm (0.04"), suggesting that the weather is on the brink of transformation. Weather in February »

The weather in March serves as a transition from winter to spring in Zhangye, with temperatures rising to 10°C (50°F) during daylight hours. Residents and visitors can observe varying weather patterns, ranging from remaining chill of winter mornings to relatively warm afternoons. Weather in March »

As Zhangye steps into April, the weather warms up significantly. The daytime temperatures swells to a more agreeable 17.9°C (64.2°F), making outdoor activities all the more enjoyable. Rainfall becomes fairly common, reaching its total amount of 5mm (0.2"). Weather in April »

May in Zhangye extends the hospitality of spring into early summer. This month witnesses a considerable increase in both temperatures and rainfall. Zhangye hits a high of 23.5°C (74.3°F), and receives its first significant annual rainfall at 12mm (0.47"), marking the arrival of early monsoon. Weather in May »

June in Zhangye is the gateway to summer with pleasant and warm weather conditions. Daylight continues to extend, providing a little over 14.9 hours of brightness. Although the temperature rises to a warm 27.2°C (81°F), plentiful rain of 24mm (0.94") provides a refreshing break from the heat. Weather in June »

July dominates as the height of summer in Zhangye with temperatures reaching a peak of 29.3°C (84.7°F). It also takes the lead as the wettest month, with a significant amount of rainfall recorded at 30mm (1.18"). The summer heat coupled with the frequent rains makes this month humid and tropical. Weather in July »

In August, Zhangye experiences a slight relief from the peak of summer heat. The city observes a decline in temperatures from 29.3°C (84.7°F) to 28.2°C (82.8°F), making for comfortable warm afternoons. Even so, the rainfall remains high at 29mm (1.14"), matching nearly the rainfall of July. Weather in August »

September marks the onset of autumn in Zhangye, with temperatures dropping to a pleasant 23.2°C (73.8°F). The city starts to dry up, with rainfall decreasing to 17mm (0.67"), hinting at the transition towards drier months. Gorgeous shades of fall start to paint the city, while the temperature stays agreeable. Weather in September »

October in Zhangye brings a true taste of autumn. Daylight hours decrease, and the aura of the city starts to cool down. Temperatures can drop, reaching a low of 0.1°C (32.2°F), signaling the arrival of winter. Although the rain persists, it occurs sparingly, amounting to 5mm (0.2") for the entire month. Weather in October »

November marks the start of the winter season in Zhangye. The city experiences a significant drop in temperatures, with a high of just around 8°C (46.4°F). Daylight reduces noticeably, giving way to early sunsets and late sunrises. Weather in November »

December in Zhangye is indeed the heart of winter. The city experiences extreme cold with temperatures dropping as low as -13.7°C (7.3°F). Daylight hours are the shortest during this month, adding to a typical winter feel. Despite receiving a low rainfall of 1mm (0.04"), the city witnesses regular frost due to the low temperatures. Weather in December »