Dunhuang
City in China
Dunhuang is located in China, 1,847 kilometers from Beijing. With a population of approximately 185,000 people, the city draws visitors primarily for its significant historical sites.
What to see
The area is home to two UNESCO World Heritage sites. The Mogao Caves and the Yumen Pass are the primary points of interest for travelers visiting the region.
When to go
The climate in Dunhuang is characterized by cold winters and hot summers. Daytime highs drop to -1 °C in January and climb to 34 °C in July. Rainfall is minimal throughout the year, with most months seeing only 0 to 2 days of rain. Visitors preferring warmer weather may find the period from May through September suitable, as daily highs range from 27 °C to 34 °C during these months.
Getting there
Dunhuang Mogao International Airport is located 13 kilometers from the city.
Top sights in Dunhuang
Weather by month
The warmest month is July, with an average high of 34 °C. Rain is spread fairly evenly through the year.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average high, °C | -1 | 5 | 13 | 21 | 27 | 32 | 34 | 33 | 27 | 18 | 8 | 0 |
| Average low, °C | -11 | -7 | -1 | 5 | 12 | 17 | 20 | 18 | 12 | 4 | -4 | -10 |
| Rainfall, mm | 1 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 5 | 7 | 10 | 6 | 2 | 1 | 2 | 1 |
| Rainy days | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
Temperatures and rainfall: 1981–2010 averages for Dunhuang (4 km grid), from CHELSA. Rainy days: 2015–2024, NASA POWER.