Last updated: August 21, 2025
In Dunhuang, China, January brings chilly temperatures that range from a maximum of 11°C (52°F) to a minimum of -20°C (-4°F), with an average hovering around -7°C (19°F). Despite the cold, the month remains remarkably dry, recording only 1 mm (0.1 in) of precipitation over no days, making it an ideal time for visitors to explore the stunning landscapes without the worry of rain. With humidity levels at a moderate 47%, the crisp winter air enhances the beauty of this historical city, inviting adventurers to experience its unique charm.
In Dunhuang, China, January presents a sharp chill, with temperatures plummeting to a frosty minimum of -20°C (-4°F). As the month unfolds, the average temperature hovers around a biting -7°C (19°F), while daytime highs can reach up to 11°C (52°F). This stark contrast hints at the stark winter climate, where icy nights give way to brief, cool days. Transitioning into February, the landscape begins to thaw slightly, showcasing a gradual warming trend that continues through the early spring months, as temperatures steadily rise. By March, the chill of winter dramatically fades, allowing for a more temperate average of 8°C (46°F), culminating in a marked shift towards warmer conditions that characterize Dunhuang's climate throughout the year. The overall trend reveals a unique transition from the depths of winter to the promise of spring, illustrating the region's diverse and often extreme temperature fluctuations.
In Dunhuang, China, January typically ushers in a notably dry start to the year, with an average precipitation of just 1 mm (0.1 in) and no recorded rainy days. This pattern of minimal rainfall continues into February, highlighting the area's arid climate. As winter transitions to spring, precipitation begins to gradually increase, peaking in June and July with 8 mm and 9 mm respectively. However, even during the summer months, rain is scarce, often limited to just a few days, creating a stark contrast with the slightly more active months of April and May. Overall, Dunhuang's January precipitation sets the tone for a predominantly dry climate throughout the year, with only brief moments of moisture breaking the long stretches of aridity.
In January, Dunhuang experiences a moderate humidity level of 47%, which sets the tone for a gradual decline in moisture throughout the winter months. As the seasons shift into spring, February's humidity drops slightly to 43%, continuing the trend down to a low of 36% in April. This downward trajectory reaches its minimum in the summer months, with July and August both registering a notably crisp 25% humidity. However, as autumn takes hold, there is a reversal; humidity levels begin to rise again, culminating in October's 48% and November's 54%, showcasing Dunhuang's return to a more humid climate as the year wraps up. This cyclical pattern highlights the region's transition from dry, arid summers to more humid winters, offering a dynamic and ever-changing atmospheric profile.
In Dunhuang, China, January brings a moderate UV Index of 3, suggesting that while sun exposure is reasonably safe, caution is still advised, especially for extended periods—limit direct sunlight to 30 minutes to avoid potential harm. As winter transitions to spring, the UV Index begins to rise, hitting 4 in February and jumping to 7 by March, indicating a shift towards higher sun intensity. This upward trend continues into April and May, with UV levels soaring to 9 and 10, respectively, marking a shift to very high exposure categories where burn times shorten dramatically to just 15 minutes. The peak summer months see an extreme level of UV radiation, particularly in June with an Index of 11, where protective measures become crucial to avoid sunburn in as little as 10 minutes. As the year progresses into autumn, the UV Index gradually declines, finishing the year with a low value of 2 in December, where sun exposure can safely extend to 45 minutes. For detailed insights into this and more, visit Dunhuang UV Index.
UV Risk Categories
January in Dunhuang, China, witnesses 223 hours of sunshine, marking the start of a gradual upward trend in daylight as the year progresses. As winter fades and spring approaches, February and March see a delightful surge to 275 and 332 hours respectively. This warming pattern continues into April and May, with sunshine peaking at 361 hours in May. The summer months are basked in an impressive display of light, culminating in 372 hours during July, the sunniest month of the year. However, as autumn sets in, a soft decline occurs, with October still enjoying 316 hours before the colder months return, closing the year at 271 hours in December. This seasonal rhythm of increased sunlight not only brightens the landscape but also invites both locals and travelers to embrace the beauty of Dunhuang throughout the year.
In Dunhuang, China, January boasts a promising 70% chance of sunny weather, making it a delightful time for outdoor enthusiasts and travelers alike. This trend of high sunshine in the winter months stands in contrast to the subsequent drop in February and March, where sunny days become less likely, at 54% and 52% respectively. Notably, the likelihood of sunny weather fluctuates throughout the year, with a gradual increase observed in the late summer and early fall months, peaking at an impressive 78% in November. This suggests that while January invites plenty of sunshine, the region's weather patterns showcase a lively dance between light and cloud cover through the seasons, inviting visitors to experience Dunhuang's stunning landscapes at various times of the year.
In Dunhuang, China, January ushers in a serene winter landscape, accompanied by approximately 9 hours of daylight. As the month progresses into February, daylight starts to extend, marking the onset of gradual change with 10 hours of sunlight. This trend continues to gather momentum through the spring months, where daylight reaches 11 hours in March and 13 hours in April. By May, the increase peaks at 14 hours, and this ample sunshine persists throughout June and July, providing plenty of light during the summer months. August signals a gentle transition back to shorter days, as daylight begins to wane slightly, dropping to 13 hours. The trend of diminishing daylight continues into autumn, with 12 hours in September and 11 hours in October. Finally, daylight returns to the 9-hour mark in November and December, completing a yearly cycle that beautifully contrasts the longer summer days with the quieter, reflective winter months.
In Dunhuang, January features a gentle breeze with an average wind speed of 3.2 m/s (7 mph), setting the tone for a quiet winter month. As the year progresses into February, the wind picks up slightly to 3.3 m/s, maintaining that soothing touch. However, by March, the winds begin to stir, increasing to 4.1 m/s, and continue their upward trend through the spring months, reaching 4.2 m/s in April and 4.0 m/s in May. The warm summer months show consistency with wind speeds around 4.0 m/s, but a noticeable decline occurs moving into autumn, with wind speeds gently tapering to 3.0 m/s by November and culminating at 2.8 m/s in December. This cyclical pattern reflects a natural ebb and flow, enhancing Dunhuang's serene winter atmosphere and vibrant seasonal transitions.
Weather in Dunhuang varies notably across the year, with each month offering distinct climate conditions. This page compares January’s weather to other months in Dunhuang, focusing on differences in temperature, rainfall, humidity, and UV levels.
In January, the weather is characterized by a minimum temperature of -20°C (-4°F) and an average of -7°C (19°F), with a maximum reaching just 11°C (52°F). The month sees virtually no precipitation, maintaining a consistent humidity level of 47%. Conversely, February experiences slightly milder conditions, with the minimum temperature remaining at -20°C (-4°F) but an average rising to -1°C (30°F) and a maximum peaking at 17°C (63°F). Similar to January, February also records minimal precipitation, with only 1 mm (0.0 in) and no rainy days, while humidity drops slightly to 43%. For more detailed insights into February's weather, you can check out Dunhuang weather in February.
In January, the weather is significantly colder, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of -20°C (-4°F) to a maximum of only 11°C (52°F) and an average of -7°C (19°F). This month sees virtually no precipitation, with a humidity level of 47%. In contrast, March brings a much milder climate, featuring temperatures that range from a minimum of -10°C (15°F) to a maximum of 26°C (79°F), with an average of 8°C (46°F). Notably, March also experiences no precipitation and a lower humidity level of 38%. For more detailed insights on March weather, visit Dunhuang weather in March.
January and April present starkly contrasting weather conditions. In January, temperatures can plummet to a minimum of -20°C (-4°F), with an average temperature around -7°C (19°F) and a maximum of only 11°C (52°F). The month is characterized by very little precipitation, registering only 1 mm, and maintaining a humidity level of 47%. In contrast, April brings a significant warming trend, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of -3°C (26°F) to a maximum of 31°C (89°F), an average reaching 15°C (59°F). Precipitation increases slightly to 4 mm, occurring over just one day, while humidity decreases to 36%. The transition from the biting cold of January to the mild warmth of April highlights the dramatic shifts in climate in this period. For more details, you can refer to Dunhuang weather in April.
In January, the weather is characterized by frigid temperatures, with a minimum of -20°C (-4°F) and an average of -7°C (19°F), making it one of the coldest months of the year. In stark contrast, May brings significantly warmer conditions, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 4°C (40°F) to a scorching maximum of 38°C (100°F) and an average of 21°C (70°F). Additionally, while January sees no precipitation, May experiences some rainfall, albeit minimal at 5 mm (0.2 in) over just one day. Humidity also differs, hovering at 47% in January and dropping to 30% in May, contributing to a more comfortable atmosphere. For those interested in a more detailed look at May weather patterns, visit Dunhuang weather in May.
In January, the weather is notably cold, with temperatures ranging from a chilling -20°C (-4°F) at night to a mild 11°C (52°F) at its warmest, averaging around -7°C (19°F). The month sees almost no precipitation, with only 1 mm recorded over 0 days, and a humidity level of 47% that can make the cold feel even more biting.
In stark contrast, June brings warm and pleasant temperatures, with nighttime lows of 12°C (53°F) and daytime highs soaring to 37°C (98°F), resulting in a comfortable average of 25°C (78°F). This month experiences slightly more precipitation, totaling 8 mm over 2 days, and a lower humidity of 27% that contributes to a more enjoyable warmth. To learn more about Dunhuang weather specifically in June, visit Dunhuang weather in June.
January and July present starkly contrasting weather conditions. In January, temperatures can plunge to a chilling minimum of -20°C (-4°F), with an average temperature of -7°C (19°F) and a maximum reaching only 11°C (52°F). The month sees very little precipitation, registering just 1 mm (0.1 in) over the entire month and maintaining a humidity level of 47%. In contrast, July boasts a much warmer climate, with minimum temperatures around 16°C (61°F) and averages soaring to 28°C (83°F), peaking at a scorching 42°C (108°F). Rainfall remains minimal at 9 mm (0.3 in), occurring on just one day, and humidity drops to a comfortable 25%. This drastic shift in temperatures and humidity levels highlights the diverse climatic conditions experienced throughout the year. For more information, check out Dunhuang weather in July.
January and August present strikingly contrasting weather conditions. In January, the temperatures can plunge as low as -20°C (-4°F) and typically hover around an average of -7°C (19°F), with the mercury only reaching a maximum of 11°C (52°F). Precipitation is minimal, with only 1 mm recorded over the course of the month, contributing to a relatively humid atmosphere with 47% humidity. In stark contrast, August boasts much milder weather, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 11°C (52°F) to a sizzling maximum of 40°C (103°F) and an average of 26°C (80°F). Although precipitation slightly increases to 9 mm, it occurs over just one day, and humidity drops to a comfortable 25%. For a deeper look at weather conditions in August, check out Dunhuang weather in August.
In January, the weather is notably frigid, with temperatures ranging from a biting -20°C (-4°F) to a maximum of 11°C (52°F) and an average of -7°C (19°F). The air is relatively dry with only 1 mm of precipitation and consistent low humidity at 47%. In stark contrast, September boasts a much milder climate, with temperatures swinging from a minimum of 4°C (40°F) to a scorching maximum of 37°C (98°F), and an average of 21°C (70°F). Despite the warmth, September also sees minimal precipitation, recording just 1 mm with no rainy days and lower humidity at 32%. For more details on September weather, visit Dunhuang weather in September.
In January, the weather is starkly colder, with temperatures ranging from a chilling -20°C (-4°F) at the minimum to a maximum of 11°C (52°F), and an average of -7°C (19°F). The month sees a dry spell with only 1 mm of precipitation, coupled with a humidity level of 47%. In contrast, October experiences milder temperatures, with a minimum of -5°C (24°F), an average of 11°C (51°F), and a maximum that can reach a warm 33°C (91°F). Interestingly, October also records negligible precipitation of 1 mm but maintains a slightly higher humidity at 48%. For more detailed information, you can visit Dunhuang weather in October.
In January, the weather is significantly colder, with average temperatures around -7°C (19°F) and a minimum dropping to -20°C (-4°F). In contrast, November experiences milder conditions, with an average temperature of 1°C (35°F) and a minimum of -14°C (6°F). Both months see minimal precipitation, with January receiving just 1 mm and November slightly more at 2 mm, yet neither experiences any rainy days. Additionally, humidity is slightly higher in November at 54%, compared to January's 47%. For more details on November's weather, you can check Dunhuang weather in November.
In January, the weather remains extremely cold, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of -20°C (-4°F) to a maximum of 11°C (52°F), resulting in an average of -7°C (19°F). The month experiences minimal precipitation, similar to December, with only 1 mm recorded and no rainy days, but January tends to be slightly less humid at 47%. December, on the other hand, features slightly milder temperatures, with highs reaching 9°C (48°F) and lows around -19°C (-2°F), leading to an average of -6°C (21°F). The humidity in December is a bit higher at 50%, yet still remains quite low overall. For more details on December weather, you can check Dunhuang weather in December.
January in Dunhuang stands out with its crisp and cold conditions, significantly contrasting with the milder temperatures of other months. With an average chill that dips well below freezing, residents and visitors alike experience a stark winter atmosphere, characterized by the absence of precipitation and moderate humidity levels. This makes January not only the coldest month but also a unique time to appreciate Dunhuang's wintry beauty and quietude. For those planning a visit, it's essential to prepare for the cold while relishing the serene charm of this historical oasis. For more detailed insights into the weather throughout the year, check out Dunhuang Climate.