Zhangye Weather: the Best Time & Seasons to Visit or Travel

Overview

Zhangye experiences a temperate continental arid climate characterized by abundant sunlight, significant temperature differences between day and night, frequent wind and sand, strong solar radiation, dryness, low precipitation, and uneven rainfall distribution. Spring warms up quickly, summers are dry and hot with concentrated rainfall, autumn is brief, and winters are cold and long. The average annual temperature is 7.8°C, with an average frost-free period of 146 days. The city enjoys an average of 3,076 hours of sunshine per year, with annual precipitation ranging from 112.3 to 354 millimeters and evaporation levels between 1,648 and 2,154 millimeters.

The Best Time and Seasons to Visit Zhangye

The best time to visit Zhangye is from June to September. Zhangye enjoys a cool summer climate, making it an ideal destination for escaping the summer heat. Watching the sunrise and sunset at the Danxia Scenic Area won’t feel too cold, and if you visit after a rain, you can witness the exceptionally vibrant beauty of the Danxia landscapes. Winter’s winds are strong, with cold temperatures and dryness.

Zhangye Weather in Four Seasons

Spring (March to May)

In spring, Zhangye awakens with the revival of all living things, enveloped in an air of harmony. After a few unavoidable sandstorms, the city ushers in its most vibrant season of the year. As the days grow warmer and flowers begin to bloom, colors fill the landscape under the gentle caress of the spring breeze. In the parks, peach and apricot blossoms compete to bloom, while willow trees sprout tender new buds. The breath of spring fills the air, refreshing the spirit and evoking an exclaim over the beauty of the season.

Summer (June to August)

Every summer, Zhangye maintains a temperature of around 20°C, making it a rare cool oasis during the hot summer months. This ancient and vibrant city has a different flavor in summer. In the parks, the vast expanse of blue skies and crystal-clear waters stretches endlessly, while the green meadows are adorned in the vibrant colors of summer. No matter where you go, you are surrounded by lush greenery. The most striking sight, however, is the colorful Danxia landforms, which shine with dazzling brilliance under the sunlight.

Autumn (September to November)

Autumn is like a poem, and the scenery like a painting. There is no scorching summer heat or bitter winter cold, only the fragrance of ripening fruits and the cool, pleasant weather. In this season, Zhangye presents a vibrant and colorful canvas. The deep blue sky, the fiery red willows, the golden poplar forests—all the intense colors blend together, creating a breathtaking view from every angle.

Winter (December to February)

In winter, Zhangye can be a bit cold, but the beauty is certainly not to be underestimated. Snow-capped mountains, canyons, glaciers, forests, meadows, and the Danxia landforms are all draped in a blanket of pure white snow. Amidst the biting cold winds, ancient temples stand in tranquil majesty, their solemnity and sanctity more pronounced. The red walls of the temples, against the backdrop of the white snow, appear even more vibrant.

Zhangye Weather by Month/Year Round

If you can freely choose when to travel to Zhangye, it is recommended to select the most suitable month based on your interests and preferences. If you don't have the flexibility to choose, it is advisable to understand the advantages and disadvantages of traveling to Zhangye in each month. According to them, you can be better prepared in advance.

View your month: January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, December

January: is January a Good Time to Visit?

In January, the average temperature in Zhangye ranges from -17°C to 2°C, with a monthly average precipitation of 2mm. The weather is mainly sunny and cloudy, with overcast days and occasional snow and haze. In January, Zhangye is cold and silent. The Dafo Temple in the snow is draped in a pristine white robe. As the rising sun shines upon it, the solemn and majestic ancient structure becomes even more sacred. The Rainbow Mountains, against the backdrop of white snow, display their layered formations and vibrant colors, appearing exceptionally bright and beautiful.

January is the low season for tourism in Zhangye, so there are fewer visitors, making accommodation and transportation options more flexible and prices lower, thus reducing travel costs. However, apart from snow-related activities, some tourist services and attractions in Zhangye may not be fully opened during this time. Therefore, it's important to plan your itinerary carefully to avoid missing out on any attractions or activities.

What to Wear/Bring in January

January in Zhangye is very cold, so it's essential to wear warm clothing such as thermal wear, down jackets, and bring gloves and hats. If you plan to participate in snow activities, it's best to wear slip-resistant snow boots and bring sunglasses to protect your eyes from snow blindness. The weather is dry, and the sunlight can be intense, so it's recommended to carry lip balm, moisturizing cream, and a thermos for hot water. If necessary, sunscreen can also be helpful to protect against UV rays. Also, masks can be useful to block out any haze.

February: is February a Good Time to Visit?

In February, the average temperature in Zhangye ranges from -13°C to 3°C, with a monthly average precipitation of 1mm. The weather is mainly sunny and cloudy, with overcast days and occasional snow and haze. In February, the sky in Zhangye is a deep blue, with dry and cold air. Occasionally, a few birds fly by, adding a touch of vitality, yet the atmosphere still feels remarkably solitary. The snow-capped mountains remain frosted in white, but the streets and alleys quietly fill with a festive mood, as snowflakes fall to welcome the arrival of the new year.

February is also the low season for tourism in Zhangye except for the Spring Festival, so there are fewer visitors, making accommodation and transportation options more flexible and prices lower, thus reducing travel costs. During the Spring Festival, the amount of native tourist will increase, and some of the tourist services and activities may be opened. Therefore if you are interested in the traditional festival atmosphere of China, you can make your itinerary in this time.

What to Wear/Bring in February

February in Zhangye is also cold, so it's essential to wear warm clothing such as thermal wear, down jackets, and bring gloves and hats. If you plan to participate in snow activities, it's best to wear slip-resistant snow boots and bring sunglasses to protect your eyes from snow blindness. The weather is dry, and the sunlight can be intense, so it's recommended to carry lip balm, moisturizing cream, and a thermos for hot water. If necessary, sunscreen can also be helpful to protect against UV rays. Also, masks can be useful to block out any haze.

March: is March a Good Time to Visit?

In March, the average temperature in Zhangye ranges from -3°C to 15°C, with a monthly average precipitation of 4mm. The weather is mainly cloudy and sunny, with overcast days and occasional snow, rain, and haze. In March, Zhangye welcomes the fragrance of spring as promised. The plants begin to grow, with every branch and leaf swaying gently in the breeze. A stroll along Lushui Bay feels like stepping into spring with every step. Occasionally, a spring snow falls, blanketing everything in silver. On the second day of the second lunar month, festivals are celebrated in full swing across the region, brimming with passion and energy.

March is still the low season for tourism in Zhangye, but there are more visitors than January. The accommodation and transportation options are still flexible and prices still low, thus it reduces travel costs. Since spring coming, the most of attractions, tourist services and activities will be gradually fully opened. Therefore if you are interested in spring outing and the traditional activities, you can make your itinerary in this time.

What to Wear/Bring in March

In March, Zhangye warms up quickly yet is still cold, so it's recommended to wear warm clothing such as thermal wear and windbreakers, and pay attention to the large temperature difference between day and night. The weather is dry, and the sunlight can be intense, so it's recommended to carry lip balm, moisturizing cream, and a thermos for hot water. If necessary, sunscreen can also be helpful to protect against UV rays. Also, masks can be useful to block out any haze and goggles against strong wind.

April: is April a Good Time to Visit?

In April, the average temperature in Zhangye ranges from 3°C to 19°C, with a monthly average precipitation of 5mm. The weather is mainly cloudy and sunny, with overcast days and occasional haze and rain, and there might be still snowy at Qilian Mountains. In April, the golden Zhangye comes alive with vibrant greenery and the flight of orioles. The air is crisp and gentle, the sun warm and inviting, and everything feels full of vitality. Flowers bloom in the warmth of spring, and the branches turn lush with new leaves. The fields are lush with life, and the fragrance fills the air. You may as well pack your bags and embark on a journey.

April is still the low season for tourism in Zhangye, but there are more visitors than March. The accommodation and transportation options are still flexible and prices still low, thus it reduces travel costs. Since spring coming, the most of attractions, tourist services and activities will be gradually fully opened, but some grasslands are not recommended to visit. Therefore if you are interested in spring outing, you can make your itinerary in this time.

What to Wear/Bring in April

In April, Zhangye is mild, so it's recommended to wear warm clothing such as sweatshirts and windbreakers, and pay attention to the large temperature difference between day and night. The weather is dry, and the sunlight can be intense, so it's recommended to carry lip balm, moisturizing cream, and a thermos for hot water. If necessary, sunscreen can also be helpful to protect against UV rays. Also, masks can be useful to block out any haze and goggles against strong wind.

May: is May a Good Time to Visit?

In May, the average temperature in Zhangye ranges from 11°C to 26°C, with a monthly average precipitation of 13mm. The weather is mainly cloudy, with some sunny and overcast days, as well as occasional haze and rain, and there might be still snowy at Qilian Mountains. The April rains have washed May's skies to a perfect clarity, free of dust. The mountains, with their shades of little red and much green, adorn Zhangye’s May in just the right way. The pure white snow-capped mountains, crystal-clear lakes, azure sky, and lush green reeds together form the most stunning scenery in Zhangye.

May is the peak season for tourism in Zhangye, with an increase in visitors, which leads to fewer accommodation and transportation options and higher prices, thus increasing travel costs. As the May Day holiday begins, the tourism services and activities in Zhangye become quite diverse, so it's important to plan your itinerary carefully to avoid missing out on your favored attractions tickets or fully-booked hotels.

What to Wear/Bring in May

May in Zhangye is warm, so it's suitable to wear comfortable clothing such as sweatshirts and jackets, and pay attention to the large temperature difference between day and night. The weather is dry, and the sunlight can be intense, so it's recommended to carry moisturizing cream, and if necessary, sunscreen can be helpful to protect against UV rays. Also, masks can be useful to block out any haze and goggles against strong wind.

June: is June a Good Time to Visit?

In June, the average temperature in Zhangye ranges from 15°C to 30°C, with a monthly average precipitation of 21mm. The weather is mainly cloudy and sunny, with some overcast days, as well as occasional rain. In early summer, the Colorful Danxia is bathed in a glow, as bright as the morning clouds, with its colors even more vibrant after a rain. The waters of Lushui Bay are a rich emerald green, surrounded by lush trees and picturesque landscapes. The wetlands, covering thousands of acres, are filled with lush reeds, and the lotus flowers bloom in full splendor.

June is also the peak season for tourism in Zhangye, with an increase in visitors, which leads to fewer accommodation and transportation options and higher prices, thus it increases travel costs. The tourism services and activities in Zhangye are quite diverse, so it's important to plan your itinerary carefully to avoid missing out on your favored attractions tickets or fully-booked hotels.

What to Wear/Bring in June

June in Zhangye is very warm, so it's suitable to wear comfortable clothing such as shirts and thin jackets, and pay attention to the large temperature difference between day and night. The weather is dry, and the sunlight can be intense, so it's recommended to carry moisturizing cream, and if necessary, sunscreen can be helpful to protect against UV rays. Mosquitoes and insects are increasing in forests and wetlands, and mosquito prevention measures can be taken if necessary.

July: is July a Good Time to Visit?

In July, the average temperature in Zhangye ranges from 16°C to 32°C, with a monthly average precipitation of 29mm. The weather is mainly cloudy and sunny, with some rainy and overcast days. In July, the sky over Zhangye is vast, with the Black River flowing gently. The trees and plants are lush, and flowers are in full bloom. Migratory birds chirp cheerfully, and tourists laugh and play. In the heat of midsummer, the scorching sun is relentless, but the forests and wetlands provide perfect places for cooling off and escaping the heat. Hundred thousand acres of rapeseed flowers in Biandukou flow down from the foothills of Qilian Mountains, complementing the blue sky and white clouds.

Due to the beginning of summer holiday, July is the most peak season for tourism in Zhangye, with an increase in visitors, which leads to fewer accommodation and transportation options and higher prices, thus it increases travel costs. The tourism services and activities in Zhangye are quite diverse, so it's important to plan your itinerary carefully to avoid missing out on your favored attractions tickets or fully-booked hotels.

What to Wear/Bring in July

July in Zhangye is hot, so it's recommended to wear breathable clothing such as T-shirts and light shirts, and pay attention to the large temperature difference between day and night. The weather is dry, and the sunlight can be intense, so it's recommended to carry moisturizing cream, and if necessary, sunscreen can be helpful to protect against UV rays. The rainfall is erratic, so you may bring an umbrella in case. Mosquitoes and insects are increasing in forests and wetlands, and mosquito prevention measures can be taken if necessary.

August: is August a Good Time to Visit?

In August, the average temperature in Zhangye ranges from 15°C to 30°C, with a monthly average precipitation of 29mm. The weather is mainly cloudy and sunny, with some rainy and overcast days. August is the most beautiful season of the year on the Zhangye Shandan Horse Farm Grassland. Under the blue sky and white clouds, the snow-capped peaks of the Qilian Mountains sparkle with silver light. Golden rapeseed flowers and various wildflowers compete in a colorful display, while herds of magnificent horses gallop like arrows released from a bow, racing across the endless grasslands.

August is also the most peak season for tourism in Zhangye, with an increase in visitors, which leads to fewer accommodation and transportation options and higher prices, thus it increases travel costs. The tourism services and activities in Zhangye are quite diverse, so it's important to plan your itinerary carefully to avoid missing out on your favored attractions tickets or fully-booked hotels, or avoid the peak time to visit in the late August instead.

What to Wear/Bring in August

August in Zhangye is hot, so it's recommended to wear breathable clothing such as T-shirts and light shirts, and pay attention to the large temperature difference between day and night. The weather is dry, and the sunlight can be intense, so it's recommended to carry moisturizing cream, and if necessary, sunscreen can be helpful to protect against UV rays. The rainfall is erratic, so you may bring an umbrella in case. Mosquitoes and insects are increasing in forests and wetlands, and mosquito prevention measures can be taken if necessary.

September: is September a Good Time to Visit?

In September, the average temperature in Zhangye ranges from 10°C to 26°C, with a monthly average precipitation of 18mm. The weather is mainly sunny and cloudy, with some rainy and overcast days. In September, with the arrival of autumn, the beauty of Zhangye becomes more layered. In autumn, this beautiful season, there is no scorching summer heat or harsh winter cold—only the fragrance of ripening fruits and the cool, refreshing weather. In Zhangye, the autumn skies are high and clear, with the blue sky washed clean. The forests are painted in rich, vibrant colors, and everywhere you look, the landscape is bathed in golden hues.

September is the peak season for tourism in Zhangye, but visitors are fewer than August, leading to a little more accommodation and transportation options, yet travel costs are still high. The tourism services and activities in Zhangye are quite diverse, and the Mid-Autumn Festival adds a harmonious atmosphere, so it's important to plan your itinerary carefully to avoid missing out on your favored attractions tickets or fully-booked hotels.

What to Wear/Bring in September

September in Zhangye is cool down, so it's recommended to wear comfortable clothing such as sweatshirts and jackets, and pay attention to the large temperature difference between day and night. The weather is dry, and the sunlight can be intense, so it's recommended to carry moisturizing cream, and if necessary, sunscreen can be helpful to protect against UV rays and goggles against strong wind. Mosquitoes and insects are increasing in forests and wetlands, and mosquito prevention measures can be taken.

October: is October a Good Time to Visit?

In October, the average temperature in Zhangye ranges from 1°C to 19°C, with a monthly average precipitation of 5mm. The weather is mainly sunny and cloudy, with some overcast and occasional rainy days. In the golden autumn of October, harvest season arrives across the land, and the fields are bustling with activity, creating a beautiful picture of abundance. Zhangye seems to have a more sense of tranquility and depth, that the forests are ablaze with color, the vibrant leaves swaying gracefully in the autumn breeze, attracting numerous visitors who come from far and wide to enjoy the scenery.

October is the last peak season for tourism in Zhangye, visitors increase during the National Day holiday, leading to fewer accommodation and transportation options, thus travel costs are still high. The tourism services and activities in Zhangye are quite diverse, so it's important to plan your itinerary carefully to avoid missing out on your favored attractions tickets or fully-booked hotels.

What to Wear/Bring in October

October in Zhangye is cool, so it's recommended to wear comfortable clothing such as jackets and coats, and pay attention to the large temperature difference between day and night. The weather is dry, and the sunlight can be intense, so it's recommended to carry lip balm and moisturizing cream, and a thermos for hot water. If necessary, sunscreen can be helpful to protect against UV rays and goggles against strong wind. Mosquitoes and insects are increasing in forests and wetlands, and mosquito prevention measures can be taken.

November: is November a Good Time to Visit?

In November, the average temperature in Zhangye ranges from -7°C to 10°C, with a monthly average precipitation of 2mm. The weather is mainly sunny and cloudy, with some overcast days, as well as occasional snow and haze. In November, as autumn transitions into winter, a heavy snowfall blankets the mountains, covering them in a layer of silver. The peaks are shrouded in mist, creating a mystical atmosphere. In the distance, the Qilian Mountains, along with nearby villages and small towns, are hidden beneath a thick layer of snow, that against the backdrop of the blue sky and white clouds, everything appears even more breathtakingly beautiful.

November is the low season for tourism in Zhangye, so there are fewer visitors, making accommodation and transportation options more flexible and prices lower, thus reducing travel costs. However, some of the attractions may be closed, and the tourism services and activities reduce, Therefore, it's important to plan your itinerary carefully to avoid missing out on any attractions or activities.

What to Wear/Bring in November

November in Zhangye is cold, so it's essential to wear warm clothing such as thermal wear, down jackets and cotton coats. The weather is dry, and the sunlight can be intense, so it's recommended to carry lip balm and moisturizing cream, and a thermos for hot water. If necessary, sunscreen can be helpful to protect against UV rays. Also, masks can be useful to block out any haze and goggles against strong wind.

December: is December a Good Time to Visit?

In December, the average temperature in Zhangye ranges from -15°C to 1°C, with a monthly average precipitation of 2mm. The weather is mainly cloudy and sunny, with some overcast days, as well as occasional snow and haze. In December, with the snow adorning Mati Temple, it feels as though one has traveled through time. With the cold wind blowing, the snowflakes on the branches fall gently, while the Buddha statues inside the cave remain serene and tranquil. The pure white snow decorates the Colorful Danxia, that the snow, like a delicate veil, settles on the Danxia landform, enhancing the vibrant colors, dreamlike and ethereal.

December is the low season for tourism in Zhangye, so there are fewer visitors, making accommodation and transportation options more flexible and prices lower, thus reducing travel costs. However, apart from snow-related activities, some of the attractions may be closed, and the tourism services and activities reduce, Therefore, it's important to plan your itinerary carefully to avoid missing out on any attractions or activities.

What to Wear/Bring in December

December in Zhangye is very cold, so it's essential to wear warm clothing such as thermal wear, down jackets, and bring gloves and hats. If you plan to participate in snow activities, it's best to wear slip-resistant snow boots and bring sunglasses to protect your eyes from snow blindness. The weather is dry, and the sunlight can be intense, so it's recommended to carry lip balm and moisturizing cream, and a thermos for hot water. If necessary, sunscreen can be helpful to protect against UV rays. Also, masks can be useful to block out any haze.

Customize Your Unique Golden Zhangye Trip

If you are interested in one of the Zhangye itineraries mentioned above, please contact us, and we will be happy to customize it and provide a quote tailored to your preferences.

Alternatively, if you would like to customize your Zhangye Tour, please visit our Zhangye Tour Customized Center. We assure you that you will receive a reply within 24 working hours.

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