Last updated: August 21, 2025
In Dunhuang, China, October showcases a fascinating transition in weather patterns, where daytime temperatures can soar to a maximum of 33°C (91°F), while cool nights bring the average down to a refreshing 11°C (51°F). As the month progresses, temperatures can dip to a minimum of -5°C (24°F), emphasizing the area's dramatic climate shifts. Notably, October remains dry, with only 1 mm (0.0 in) of precipitation and no recorded rainy days, complementing the moderate humidity levels at 48%. This unique combination creates a picturesque atmosphere, perfect for enjoying the stunning landscapes and rich cultural heritage that Dunhuang has to offer.
In Dunhuang, China, October marks a significant transition as the area shifts from the warmth of summer to the briskness of autumn. With average temperatures settling around 11°C (51°F), the month presents a refreshing charm, highlighting a minimum of -5°C (24°F) that hints at the impending chill of winter. The maximum temperature can still reach a pleasant 33°C (91°F), allowing for mild days that are ideal for exploring the region's rich cultural heritage. This fluctuation in temperatures reflects a broader trend seen throughout the year, where extreme cold gives way to surprisingly warm peaks, showcasing Dunhuang's diverse climate and making it a fascinating destination in October.
October in Dunhuang, China, marks a continuation of the region's arid climate, evidenced by a stark precipitation total of just 1 mm, mirroring the dry pattern observed from the previous month. Throughout the year, rainfall remains scarce, with most of it occurring in the summer months, peaking in July and August when the total reaches a modest 9 mm. Interestingly, October stands out as a month with no recorded precipitation days, aligning with the trend of minimal rainfall and reinforcing Dunhuang's reputation as a desert landscape. As the year winds down, November is expected to bring a slight increase, yet it remains a mere flicker in the grand scheme of Dunhuang's predominantly dry climate.
In Dunhuang, China, October marks a notable shift in humidity levels, climbing to 48% after the drier summer months, where values dipped as low as 25% in July and August. This increase serves as a precursor to the wetter autumn and winter months, as November approaches with an even higher humidity of 54%. October, therefore, acts as a transitional month, bridging the dry summer heat with the cooler, more humid conditions of late fall. Interestingly, this upward trend in humidity aligns with a seasonal shift that sees a resurgence in moisture, inviting visitors to experience the unique blend of desert charm and the crispness of early autumn.
In October, Dunhuang experiences a noticeable decline in UV exposure compared to the scorching summer months. With a UV Index of 6, categorized as high, residents and visitors should be mindful, as the burn time is around 25 minutes. This shift marks a transition from the extreme levels seen in June, July, and August, where the burn times were notably shorter. As autumn sets in and temperatures cool, the UV rays remain potent, encouraging sun protection measures. For detailed information on sun safety throughout the year, be sure to check out the full Dunhuang UV Index.
UV Risk Categories
In October, Dunhuang basks in an impressive 316 hours of sunshine, marking a shift as the vibrant summer light begins to wane. This month encapsulates a sweet spot in the region's climate, with daylight hours still significant, yet softer than the peak of July which boasts the highest at 372 hours. As the days shorten, October’s sunshine gently transitions from the high-energy glow of May and June, which are among the sunniest months, to the more subdued light of late fall. This gradual decrease in sunshine hours reflects the rhythm of the seasons, allowing residents and visitors to enjoy the region's stunning desert landscapes under the warm embrace of autumn sun.
In October, Dunhuang enjoys a 69% chance of sunny weather, continuing a trend of increasing sunshine as the year progresses. Following a rise from 52% in March to 73% in September, this month's likelihood of clear skies remains strong, slightly dipping from the peak but still well above average. As the temperatures cool and the vibrant autumn colors take hold, visitors can expect plenty of sunshine, making October a delightful time to explore this desert oasis. Notably, the later months of the year, such as November and December, also show promising sunshine rates at 78% and 76% respectively, suggesting that the allure of sunny days continues well into the fall and winter seasons.
In Dunhuang, China, the patterns of daylight duration throughout the year reveal a captivating seasonal rhythm. As the year unfolds, January brings only 9 hours of daylight, gradually increasing to a peak of 14 hours in the sunlit months of May, June, and July. This extends into August, before daylight hours start to wane, descending back to 12 hours in September and further down to 11 hours in October. The transition into winter sees daylight dipping again to 9 hours by November and December. This cyclical shift not only marks the changing seasons but also highlights the allure of Dunhuang's luminous summers contrasted against its serene, shorter winter days.
As October unfolds in Dunhuang, China, the gentle stirrings of the autumn breeze bring with them an average wind speed of 3.7 m/s (8 mph). This slight uptick from the preceding months reflects a gradual shift in the seasonal landscape, with the wind whispering hints of the coming winter. Notably, the wind speeds in October mark a rebound from September's calm, suggesting a transition towards the cooler, crisp days ahead, while still remaining milder than the peak gusts experienced earlier in the spring and summer. The gradual decline in wind speeds from the vibrant summer months underscores a retreat into the tranquility of fall, making October a perfect time to embrace the serene beauty and shifting colors of this enchanting desert region.
Weather in Dunhuang varies notably across the year, with each month offering distinct climate conditions. This page compares October’s weather to other months in Dunhuang, focusing on differences in temperature, rainfall, humidity, and UV levels.
October and January showcase a striking contrast in weather conditions. In October, temperatures range from a chilly minimum of -5°C (24°F) to a warm maximum of 33°C (91°F), with an average of 11°C (51°F), making it a month of significant variability. The low humidity of 48% and minimal precipitation (1 mm over 0 days) contribute to a pleasant fall atmosphere. In contrast, January plunges into the depths of winter, featuring much colder temperatures that dip as low as -20°C (-4°F), with an average of -7°C (19°F) and a maximum of only 11°C (52°F). Despite similar precipitation levels (1 mm over 0 days), January's chilliness and slightly lower humidity of 47% create a starkly different environment. For more specific insights about winter conditions, you can check Dunhuang weather in January.
October and February present distinct contrasts in weather conditions. In October, temperatures range from a chilly -5°C (24°F) at night to a warm average of 11°C (51°F), occasionally peaking at 33°C (91°F) during the day. The humidity sits at a comfortable 48%, and there’s minimal precipitation, with 0 days of rain reported. In stark contrast, February is much colder, with a minimum temperature plunging to -20°C (-4°F) and an average of -1°C (30°F), reaching a maximum of only 17°C (63°F). While precipitation remains at 1 mm, February also experiences 0 days of rain, but the overall humidity drops slightly to 43%. For more detailed weather insights for this winter month, you can visit Dunhuang weather in February.
When comparing the weather in October and March, we see notable differences in temperature and humidity. October typically enjoys milder conditions with minimums around -5°C (24°F) and maximums reaching up to 33°C (91°F), leading to an average temperature of 11°C (51°F) and a humidity level of 48%. In contrast, March experiences colder temperatures, with minimums dropping to -10°C (15°F) and maximums peaking at 26°C (79°F), resulting in a lower average of 8°C (46°F) and a humidity of 38%. Additionally, both months see virtually no precipitation, making them relatively dry periods. For more detailed insights into Dunhuang's weather during March, check out Dunhuang weather in March.
October and April showcase distinct weather patterns, with October exhibiting a broader temperature range. In October, temperatures can vary from a chilly -5°C (24°F) to a warm 33°C (91°F), averaging around 11°C (51°F), and it features minimal precipitation, with just 1 mm recorded over zero days. In contrast, April experiences milder conditions, with temperatures ranging from -3°C (26°F) to a maximum of 31°C (89°F) and an average of 15°C (59°F). While April sees slightly higher precipitation at 4 mm over one day, it also has lower humidity at 36%. For a closer look at April weather, you can check Dunhuang weather in April.
October weather presents a broader temperature range, with temperatures varying from a chilly -5°C (24°F) to a warm 33°C (91°F), and an average of 11°C (51°F). It typically enjoys low humidity at 48% and negligible precipitation, making it quite dry with no rainy days. In contrast, May features a milder minimum temperature of 4°C (40°F) and a warmer average of 21°C (70°F), reaching highs of up to 38°C (100°F). This month experiences slightly more humidity at 30% and some precipitation, with about 5 mm falling over just one day. For more details, check out Dunhuang weather in May.
October weather showcases a significant range in temperatures, with minimums dropping to -5°C (24°F) and highs reaching up to 33°C (91°F). This month sees very minimal precipitation, averaging just 1 mm with no rain days and a humidity level of 48%. In contrast, June presents a warmer climate, with temperatures ranging from a mild 12°C (53°F) to a steamy 37°C (98°F). This month experiences more rainfall, accumulating 8 mm over two days, coupled with lower humidity at 27%. For more detailed information on the June climate in Dunhuang, you can visit Dunhuang weather in June.
In comparing the weather between October and July, October presents a broader temperature range, with minimums dropping to -5°C (24°F) and maximums reaching up to 33°C (91°F). Despite this variability, October experiences significantly lower humidity at 48% and a complete absence of precipitation. In contrast, July is characterized by much warmer conditions, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 16°C (61°F) to a scorching maximum of 42°C (108°F). Although July sees a higher average temperature of 28°C (83°F), it also records a slight amount of precipitation, averaging 9 mm (0.3 in) over just one day, and maintains a lower humidity level of 25%. For more details, you can check out the Dunhuang weather in July.
In October, temperatures in Dunhuang can drop significantly, with a minimum of -5°C (24°F) and an average of 11°C (51°F), while the maximum can reach a warm 33°C (91°F). In stark contrast, August boasts much warmer conditions, with minimum temperatures of 11°C (52°F), averaging 26°C (80°F), and soaring to a high of 40°C (103°F). Additionally, October experiences minimal precipitation of just 1 mm (0.0 inches) over zero days, while August sees slightly more rainfall at 9 mm (0.3 inches) spread over one day, contributing to a humidity level of 25%. For more details on August weather, you can check Dunhuang weather in August.
In comparing the weather of October to that of September, we see notable differences in temperature and humidity. October experiences a wider temperature range with a minimum of -5°C (24°F) and a maximum of 33°C (91°F), averaging around 11°C (51°F). In contrast, September boasts warmer temperatures, with a minimum of 4°C (40°F), a maximum of 37°C (98°F), and an average of 21°C (70°F). Both months report minimal precipitation, with only 1 mm and no rainy days, but October has a higher humidity level at 48% compared to September's 32%. For more detailed insights, check out Dunhuang weather in September.
In October, the weather exhibits a wide temperature range, with minimums dropping to -5°C (24°F) and maximums soaring up to 33°C (91°F), while the average temperature hovers around 11°C (51°F). The month is characterized by low humidity at 48% and negligible precipitation. In contrast, November sees significantly cooler temperatures, with a minimum of -14°C (6°F) and an average of just 1°C (35°F). While maximums are more temperate at 20°C (68°F), the humidity slightly increases to 54%, and the month records a mild precipitation of 2 mm (0.1 in) despite no rainy days. For more detailed insights, check out Dunhuang weather in November.
October and December exhibit striking contrasts in weather conditions. In October, temperatures range from a chilly -5°C (24°F) at their lowest to a warm 33°C (91°F) at their peak, with an average of 11°C (51°F). The month experiences minimal rainfall, with just 1 mm of precipitation over no rainy days and a humidity level of 48%. In comparison, December brings much colder temperatures, with a minimum of -19°C (-2°F), an average of -6°C (21°F), and a maximum of only 9°C (48°F). Precipitation remains low at 1 mm, also spread across no rainy days, but humidity slightly increases to 50%. For more detailed information about December weather, you can check Dunhuang weather in December.
As October settles in Dunhuang, the weather showcases a remarkable transition that sets it apart from the sweltering summer months and the chilly winter to come. With mild average temperatures around 11°C (51°F), a rare maximum reaching 33°C (91°F), and the occasional minimum dipping to a crisp -5°C (24°F), October presents a comfortable reprieve. Humidity levels hover at a pleasant 48%, and with virtually no precipitation, the skies remain mostly clear, making it an ideal time for exploration and outdoor activities. To learn more about the distinctive weather patterns throughout the year, visit Dunhuang Climate.