Last updated: August 21, 2025
In Dunhuang, China, December brings a crisp and chilly atmosphere, with temperatures ranging from a maximum of 9°C (48°F) to a minimum of -19°C (-2°F). The average temperature hovers around -6°C (21°F), making it essential for visitors to bundle up against the cold. With precipitation measuring a mere 1 mm (0.1 in) and no rainy days to disrupt the serene landscape, the humidity remains steady at 50%. This dry and stark winter climate offers a unique charm, inviting exploration of Dunhuang's rich cultural heritage and stunning desert scenery.
In Dunhuang, China, December experiences a notable chill, with temperatures reflecting the onset of winter. The month ushers in cold days, characterized by a minimum temperature dipping to -19°C (-2°F), while the average remains below freezing at -6°C (21°F). Despite this drop, the maximum temperature can reach a brisk 9°C (48°F), offering brief moments of respite from the frigid air. This trend of decreasing temperatures marks a striking contrast to the milder temperatures of earlier months, signaling a dramatic shift as December fully embraces the cold season. As the year draws to a close, visitors to Dunhuang may need to bundle up, but the winter landscape offers a unique charm that is well worth braving the elements.
December in Dunhuang, China, wraps up the year with a mere 1 mm (0.1 in) of precipitation, continuing the trend of minimal rainfall that characterizes the region during the winter months. Interestingly, December marks the end of a dry spell, with no recorded precipitation days, a pattern echoed from the previous months of January through November, where significant rainfall was virtually absent. This stark contrast to the more humid summer months showcases Dunhuang's characteristic arid climate, emphasizing its status as a desert oasis. As the year draws to a close, the lack of rainfall reinforces the region's dry allure while hinting at the resilience of life thriving amidst these challenging conditions.
In December, Dunhuang experiences a notable increase in humidity, reaching 50%, which is a slight rise from the previous month’s 54%. This increase comes after several months of steadily declining humidity, peaking in May at just 30% and hitting its lowest point of 25% during the summer months of July and August. As autumn sets in, humidity levels begin to creep up again, reflecting a seasonal shift. With January's humidity starting higher at 47%, December serves as a transitional period where the dry desert air of summer gives way to a cooler, more humid winter climate, highlighting Dunhuang’s unique weather patterns.
In Dunhuang, China, the UV Index experiences a noticeable decline as winter approaches, with December boasting a UV Index of 2, categorizing it as low exposure risk. This is a significant drop from the extremes of summer, when values soar to 11 in June, prompting a much shorter burn time of just 10 minutes. As the year progresses from December to November, the trend shows that the highest indices are concentrated in the warmer months, with the burn time shrinking dramatically. Visitors in December can enjoy the sun safely, spending up to 45 minutes outdoors without the worry of rapid skin damage. For a comprehensive look at the UV Index throughout the year, check out Dunhuang UV Index.
UV Risk Categories
As the year draws to a close, December in Dunhuang, China reflects a gentle dip in sunshine hours, totaling 271 hours. Although this marks one of the lower points in the annual cycle, it still embodies the region's characteristic brightness. Following a peak in mid-summer, where July basks in an impressive 372 hours of sunlight, there's a gradual decline leading into winter months. Despite this reduction, December still benefits from more hours of sun than January, hinting at a lingering warmth in the desert air. Interestingly, the trend throughout the year shows a steady increase in sunshine as spring transitions into summer, while autumn gently weans us into shorter days. Thus, December, while softer in sunlight, remains a beautiful continuation of the vibrant climatic tapestry that defines Dunhuang.
In Dunhuang, China, the likelihood of sunny weather in December stands at 76%, making it one of the sunniest months of the year. This trend showcases a gradual increase in sunshine from the previous months, particularly when compared to November's 78%. While December’s odds for sunny days are slightly lower than in the late fall, the promise of bright skies remains robust. The data reveals a seasonal pattern: as winter approaches, the chances of enjoying clear, sunny days in Dunhuang consistently hold strong, providing a vibrant backdrop for travelers and locals alike. This persistent sunshine is a delightful feature that many anticipate as they embrace the cooler December temperatures.
As December unfolds in Dunhuang, China, daylight duration dips to 9 hours, mirroring the shorter days of January and November. This trend of reduced sunlight contrasts sharply with the sunlit abundance of 14 hours experienced in the summer months of May through July. As the year progresses toward its winter zenith, daylight reveals a gradual increase from 9 hours in the early winter months to a bright 14 hours in late spring, illustrating a clear seasonal rhythm. This shifting pattern of light not only marks the passage of time but also sets the stage for activities that embrace the unique charm of Dunhuang's winter season.
As December settles over Dunhuang, the winds begin to whisper softly, averaging just 2.8 m/s (6 mph), marking it as the calmest month of the year. This gentle breeze contrasts sharply with the more robust winds experienced from March to April, which peak at around 4.2 m/s (9 mph), creating a vibrant dance of sand and sound. As we journey through the year, it's clear that the wind's vitality ebbs and flows, with December’s milder gusts bringing a tranquil end to the year. The transition from more vigorous winds in the earlier months to the serene stillness of December reflects a natural rhythm, inviting reflection and a sense of peace as the year draws to a close in this picturesque corner of China.
Weather in Dunhuang varies notably across the year, with each month offering distinct climate conditions. This page compares December’s weather to other months in Dunhuang, focusing on differences in temperature, rainfall, humidity, and UV levels.
In December, temperatures range from a minimum of -19°C (-2°F) to a maximum of 9°C (48°F), with an average of -6°C (21°F). The month experiences dry conditions with no precipitation and a humidity level of 50%. In comparison, January sees slightly colder temperatures, with a minimum of -20°C (-4°F) and an average of -7°C (19°F), while the maximum rises to 11°C (52°F). Like December, January remains dry, recording 1 mm of precipitation over no rainy days and slightly lower humidity at 47%. For more information on January weather specifics, you can check Dunhuang weather in January.
In December, temperatures typically range from a minimum of -19°C (-2°F) to a maximum of 9°C (48°F), resulting in an average temperature of -6°C (21°F). The month experiences very little precipitation, with only 1 mm recorded, and humidity levels hover around 50%. In contrast, February sees slightly colder minimum temperatures of -20°C (-4°F), but a higher maximum of 17°C (63°F), leading to a more moderate average of -1°C (30°F). Like December, February also reports minimal precipitation at 1 mm, but with lower humidity at 43%. For a detailed look at weather specifics in February, you can check out Dunhuang weather in February.
In December, the weather tends to be quite frigid, with temperatures averaging around -6°C (21°F) and dipping as low as -19°C (-2°F). With minimal precipitation and a humidity level of 50%, the month often feels cold and dry. In stark contrast, March experiences noticeably milder conditions, where average temperatures rise to 8°C (46°F) and can reach highs of 26°C (79°F). Additionally, March remains completely dry with no recorded precipitation days and a lower humidity level of 38%. For more specific details about the weather in March, you can refer to Dunhuang weather in March.
December and April present striking contrasts in weather patterns. In December, temperatures can plunge as low as -19°C (-2°F), with an average of -6°C (21°F) and a maximum of just 9°C (48°F), while humidity hovers around 50%. Precipitation is minimal, with only 1 mm recorded over the month and no rainy days. In contrast, April experiences milder temperatures, ranging from a minimum of -3°C (26°F) to a scorching maximum of 31°C (89°F), and an average of 15°C (59°F). Humidity decreases to 36%, and some rainfall is noted, with 4 mm falling on just one day. The changing weather dramatically illustrates the transition from winter to spring. For more detailed information on Dunhuang's climate, you can check Dunhuang weather in April.
In December, the weather is significantly colder, with temperatures ranging from a frigid -19°C (-2°F) to a slightly warmer 9°C (48°F), and the average sits at -6°C (21°F). The month experiences minimal precipitation of just 1 mm, with no rainy days, contributing to a humidity level of 50%. In contrast, May brings a dramatic shift in conditions, where temperatures soar from a minimum of 4°C (40°F) to a maximum of 38°C (100°F), averaging around 21°C (70°F). With a bit of rain totaling 5 mm over one day and a lower humidity of 30%, the weather in May transforms into a much more pleasant and inviting experience. To learn more about the specifics of May weather, you can check out Dunhuang weather in May.
December and June showcase striking contrasts in weather. In December, temperatures can drop as low as -19°C (-2°F), with an average chilling at -6°C (21°F) and only a slight maximum of 9°C (48°F). The month is relatively dry, with just 1 mm of precipitation over 0 days, accompanied by a humidity level of 50%. In contrast, June brings a much warmer climate, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 12°C (53°F) to a sweltering maximum of 37°C (98°F) and an average of 25°C (78°F). Although June sees some precipitation, totaling 8 mm over 2 days, the humidity decreases to 27%. For more insights into Dunhuang's June weather, check out Dunhuang weather in June.
December and July showcase starkly contrasting weather patterns. In December, temperatures range from a chilly -19°C (-2°F) to a maximum of 9°C (48°F), with an average of -6°C (21°F) and low humidity at 50%. The month experiences virtually no precipitation, making it a predominantly dry and frigid period. In contrast, July boasts a much warmer climate, with temperatures soaring from 16°C (61°F) to an impressive 42°C (108°F), averaging around 28°C (83°F). Although slightly wetter with 9 mm (0.3 in) of precipitation over one day and a lower humidity of 25%, it epitomizes the hot summer season. For more details, you can check out Dunhuang weather in July.
December and August present starkly contrasting weather conditions. In December, temperatures can plunge to a minimum of -19°C (-2°F) and average around -6°C (21°F), with a maximum of only 9°C (48°F). The month is characterized by low precipitation, with only 1 mm recorded over zero rainy days, and a humidity level of 50%. In contrast, August boasts much warmer temperatures, with a minimum of 11°C (52°F) and an average high of 26°C (80°F), soaring up to a scorching maximum of 40°C (103°F). Here, precipitation is slightly higher at 9 mm over just one day, accompanied by a lower humidity level of 25%. For more details on August weather, visit Dunhuang weather in August.
In December, the weather is significantly colder, with temperatures ranging from a chilling -19°C (-2°F) at night to a maximum of 9°C (48°F) during the day, averaging around -6°C (21°F). The month is remarkably dry, with no recorded days of precipitation and a humidity level of 50%. In contrast, September experiences much milder conditions, with minimum temperatures around 4°C (40°F) and maximums soaring up to 37°C (98°F), resulting in a warm average of 21°C (70°F). Additionally, September also sees no precipitation, but with a lower humidity of 32%. For more details on September weather, you can check Dunhuang weather in September.
In comparing the weather between December and October, it is clear that December presents a much colder climate, with average temperatures ranging from a minimum of -19°C (-2°F) to a maximum of 9°C (48°F). In contrast, October experiences significantly warmer temperatures, with averages fluctuating between -5°C (24°F) and a high of 33°C (91°F). Despite both months receiving minimal precipitation—just 1 mm (0.1 in) in December and the same amount but recorded as 0 days in October—October's humidity is slightly lower at 48%, compared to December's 50%. For more detailed information about October's weather, you can check Dunhuang weather in October.
December's weather is characterized by significantly colder temperatures compared to November, with a minimum of -19°C (-2°F) and an average of -6°C (21°F), while November features a milder minimum of -14°C (6°F) and an average of 1°C (35°F). Additionally, December sees a maximum temperature of 9°C (48°F), which is notably lower than November's high of 20°C (68°F). Both months have minimal precipitation, but November has slightly higher humidity at 54%, compared to December's 50%. For more details, you can check Dunhuang weather in November.
As December settles in Dunhuang, the weather shifts to embrace the chill of winter, showcasing a distinct contrast to the milder months. With average temperatures hovering around a crisp -6°C (21°F) and a maximum of just 9°C (48°F), the month ushers in a frosty atmosphere, characterized by tranquil days and scarce precipitation, totaling a mere 1 mm over the month. This arid climate, combined with a humidity level of 50%, creates a serene winter landscape perfect for exploration. For a deeper understanding of how the weather in December compares to other times of the year, visit Dunhuang Climate.