Last updated: August 21, 2025
Dunhuang experiences an arid climate in August, characterized by a maximum temperature soaring up to 40°C (103°F) and an average of 26°C (80°F), making it a hot destination for travelers. The nights offer a cool reprieve, with minimum temperatures dropping to 11°C (52°F). With only 9 mm (0.3 in) of rain over the month and just one day of precipitation, the humidity remains low at 25%, ensuring predominantly dry conditions. This unique weather pattern highlights Dunhuang's desert environment, perfect for exploring its rich cultural heritage and stunning landscapes.
In Dunhuang, China, August marks the height of summer, revealing a climate that contrasts sharply with its frigid winter months. With minimum temperatures around 11°C (52°F) and average highs reaching a sweltering 40°C (103°F), this desert town experiences a dramatic heat surge compared to the earlier months of the year. The averages hover around 26°C (80°F), providing a warm and often dry atmosphere perfect for exploration. As visitors bask in the sunshine, they can revel in the progressive rise from the cooler early summer of June and July, emphasizing Dunhuang's transition into peak heat. Such climatic extremes make August both a vibrant and challenging time to enjoy all that this historic region has to offer.
In August, Dunhuang experiences a modest precipitation level of 9 mm (0.3 in), matching the rainfall observed in July. Notably, this amount falls within a generally dry context, as the city's annual precipitation remains quite low. The single day of rain this month reflects a pattern of irregular but sporadic downpours throughout the summer months, highlighting the region's arid climate. From January to June, precipitation levels remain minimal, with most months recording 1 mm or less, while the excitement of summer brings a slight uptick. This trend culminates in August, illustrating how fleeting moments of rain can punctuate the otherwise parched landscape of Dunhuang.
In Dunhuang, China, the August humidity hovers at a low 25%, mirroring the trend set by the preceding month of July. This marks the peak of the dry summer season, where humidity levels have steadily decreased from 47% in January to their lowest point during the summer months. Following August, humidity experiences a modest rebound in September to 32%, heralding the shift toward the more humid autumn months. As the year progresses, we see a noticeable ascension, with humidity levels climbing again to around 50% by December. This cyclical pattern highlights Dunhuang's characteristic arid climate, with sharp drops in the summer and increases in the fall and winter months, creating a distinct rhythm throughout the year.
In August, Dunhuang, China, experiences a very high UV Index of 10, indicating that sun exposure should be approached with caution, as the burn time is just 15 minutes. This trend of heightened UV levels continues from July, where the UV Index also reached 10, signaling a peak in summer intensity. Following a gradual increase from January’s moderate levels, this month stands out as part of a broader pattern where the late summer months of June through September consistently exhibit very high to extreme UV conditions. As the season transitions into fall, the UV Index begins to decrease, but for now, it’s essential for residents and visitors alike to remain vigilant about sun safety. For more information on Dunhuang's UV Index throughout the year, visit Dunhuang UV Index.
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In August, Dunhuang basks in the brilliance of 361 hours of sunshine, maintaining a vibrant summer glow. This month is part of a sunlit trend that begins in May, peaks in July, and gently tapers off in September. The sunshine hours show a clear progression from the chilly winter months, rising steadily from 223 hours in January to a warm 372 hours in July. As summer wanes, August's substantial sunlight contributes to the scenic beauty of this historic oasis, inviting visitors to enjoy the blend of natural splendor and cultural richness before the cooler fall months approach. The overall pattern of abundant sunshine underscores Dunhuang's appeal as a dazzling getaway throughout the warmer seasons.
In Dunhuang, China, August stands out with a 69% chance of sunny weather, maintaining a trend of favorable conditions for outdoor activities during the summer months. This slight dip from July's 68% reflects a consistent pattern as the region transitions into the fall. While the chance of sunshine fluctuates throughout the year, the late summer to early autumn months, particularly August and September, show promising sunlit days with probabilities of 73% and 69% respectively. This makes Dunhuang an ideal destination for sun-seekers, particularly as the year progresses towards the sunnier months of late fall.
In Dunhuang, China, the daylight duration in August reaches 13 hours, marking a gradual decline from the peak summer months. Starting the year with a modest 9 hours in January, the days grow longer, peaking at 14 hours in both June and July. As summer gives way to autumn, August experiences a slight decrease, transitioning into September's 12 hours. This trend highlights a natural rhythm of sunlight, where longer days in the warmer months gradually yield to cooler seasons, reminiscent of the harmonious cycle of nature in this mesmerizing desert landscape.
In Dunhuang, China, the August winds bring a shift in the breezy patterns of the year, with an average speed of 3.4 m/s (about 8 mph). This gentle wind marks a slight decline from the stronger gusts of summer, where July peaks at 4.0 m/s. Throughout the months leading up to August, wind speeds gradually ascend from 3.2 m/s in January to a summer high, before dipping slightly during the late summer into early autumn. By September, winds decrease further to 3.3 m/s, suggesting a gradual transition towards the calmer, cooler months ahead. Overall, August stands as a transitional period, capturing a blend of summer warmth and the impending shift towards autumn as the landscape breathes in the gentle breezes.
Weather in Dunhuang varies notably across the year, with each month offering distinct climate conditions. This page compares August’s weather to other months in Dunhuang, focusing on differences in temperature, rainfall, humidity, and UV levels.
August and January present strikingly contrasting weather conditions. In August, temperatures can soar to a maximum of 40°C (103°F), with an average of 26°C (80°F) and minimal precipitation at just 9 mm (0.3 in) over one day, contributing to a low humidity level of 25%. In contrast, January is characterized by frigid temperatures, with a maximum of only 11°C (52°F) and an average of -7°C (19°F), plunging as low as -20°C (-4°F). The month sees negligible precipitation of 1 mm (0.1 in) and a higher humidity rate of 47%. For more detailed information about January's weather, visit Dunhuang weather in January.
The weather in August is characterized by warm to scorching temperatures, with averages around 26°C (80°F) and highs reaching up to 40°C (103°F), complemented by low humidity levels of 25% and minimal precipitation. In contrast, February experiences a dramatically colder climate, with average temperatures hovering around -1°C (30°F) and lows plummeting to -20°C (-4°F). February also sees very little precipitation, averaging just 1 mm, and a higher humidity level of 43%. For more insights into February weather, you can visit Dunhuang weather in February.
In August, the weather is significantly warmer, with average temperatures around 26°C (80°F) and peaks reaching up to 40°C (103°F), making it a hot month with low humidity at 25%. In contrast, March experiences much cooler temperatures, with an average of only 8°C (46°F) and nighttime lows plummeting to -10°C (15°F). Additionally, March is remarkably dry, registering no precipitation and a higher humidity of 38%. For more detailed information, you can check Dunhuang weather in March.
When comparing the weather in August and April, notable differences emerge. August features much warmer temperatures, with an average of 26°C (80°F) and highs reaching up to 40°C (103°F), while April's milder climate boasts an average of 15°C (59°F) and maximum temperatures of 31°C (89°F). Precipitation is relatively low in both months, with August receiving 9 mm over 1 day and April slightly less at 4 mm, also over 1 day. Additionally, humidity levels in April are higher at 36%, compared to August's drier atmosphere at 25%. For more specific details about the weather in April, check out Dunhuang weather in April.
In comparing the weather between August and May, it's clear that August is generally warmer overall. August records average temperatures around 26°C (80°F), with highs reaching up to 40°C (103°F), while May has a cooler average of 21°C (70°F) and a maximum of 38°C (100°F). Precipitation is slightly higher in August at 9 mm (0.3 in) compared to May's 5 mm (0.2 in), although both months experience minimal rainfall, with just one rainy day each. Additionally, August tends to be less humid, with humidity levels at 25%, compared to May's 30%. For more detailed information, you can check the following link: Dunhuang weather in May.
The weather in August is typically warmer than in June, with average temperatures reaching 26°C (80°F), while June averages at 25°C (78°F). August experiences a more extreme temperature range, with highs soaring up to 40°C (103°F), compared to June's maximum of 37°C (98°F). Despite both months seeing minimal precipitation—9 mm (0.3 in) in August and 8 mm (0.3 in) in June—August is drier overall, with just one day of rain compared to two in June. Humidity levels are also slightly lower in August at 25%, compared to 27% in June. For more detailed insights, you can check out Dunhuang weather in June.
In comparing the weather of August and July, August tends to be slightly cooler overall, with average temperatures dropping to 26°C (80°F) compared to July's warmer average of 28°C (83°F). The minimum temperature in August is also lower at 11°C (52°F) versus 16°C (61°F) in July. Both months experience minimal precipitation of 9 mm (0.3 in) over just one day, and humidity remains consistent at 25%. However, August reaches a slightly lower maximum temperature of 40°C (103°F) compared to July's peak of 42°C (108°F). For more details on July weather, visit Dunhuang weather in July.
August and September present a noticeable shift in weather patterns. In August, the temperatures reach a minimum of 11°C (52°F) and can soar up to a sweltering maximum of 40°C (103°F), averaging around 26°C (80°F). The month experiences minimal precipitation, with only 9 mm (0.3 in) over one day and relatively low humidity at 25%. In contrast, September sees cooler temperatures, with a minimum of 4°C (40°F) and a maximum of 37°C (98°F), averaging 21°C (70°F). This month is even drier, recording just 1 mm (0.0 in) of precipitation over no rainy days, though humidity increases slightly to 32%. For more detailed information, you can check Dunhuang weather in September.
In August, the weather is characterized by warm to hot temperatures, with an average temperature of 26°C (80°F) and highs reaching up to 40°C (103°F). The humidity is relatively low at 25%, and there is minimal precipitation of just 9 mm over one day. In contrast, October experiences a significant drop in temperatures, with an average of 11°C (51°F) and nighttime lows hitting -5°C (24°F). The humidity increases to 48%, but the month remains quite dry with only 1 mm of precipitation and no rainy days. For more details on October weather, visit Dunhuang weather in October.
August and November present starkly contrasting weather conditions. In August, temperatures soar, with averages around 26°C (80°F) and highs reaching up to 40°C (103°F), accompanied by low humidity at 25%, creating a warm and dry atmosphere with minimal precipitation of just 9 mm over one day. In contrast, November ushers in a more frigid environment, where temperatures plunge, averaging around 1°C (35°F) and dropping as low as -14°C (6°F). This cooler month experiences very little precipitation at only 2 mm and no rainy days, but the humidity is higher at 54%, adding to the crisp air. For a detailed look at weather specifics, visit Dunhuang weather in November.
In August, the weather is characterized by warm temperatures, with averages around 26°C (80°F) and maximums peaking at 40°C (103°F), accompanied by low humidity levels at just 25%. Precipitation is minimal, occurring only one day with a total of 9 mm (0.3 in). In stark contrast, December brings cold conditions with average temperatures dipping to -6°C (21°F) and reaching lows of -19°C (-2°F). The month experiences virtually no precipitation, with just 1 mm (0.1 in) recorded over zero days. Additionally, humidity rises to 50%, creating a sharp difference in the overall weather experience. For more details on December weather, visit Dunhuang weather in December.
As August arrives in Dunhuang, the weather showcases a striking contrast to the cooler months. With temperatures soaring to a maximum of 40°C (103°F), this month is characterized by long, hot days that invite exploration of the area's stunning landscapes. The average temperature settles pleasantly around 26°C (80°F), offering some relief, while nights cool down significantly to a minimum of 11°C (52°F). Despite the heat, August remains relatively dry, with only a single day of rain contributing a mere 9 mm (0.3 in) of precipitation, and humidity levels hovering at a comfortable 25%. This dry heat coupled with warm evenings makes August a unique time to experience Dunhuang’s expansive beauty. For more insights on the region’s weather patterns throughout the year, check out Dunhuang Climate.