The climate of Dingxi
Classified under the Köppen climate categorization as BSk,
Dingxi,
China, exhibits mid-latitude steppe characteristics. Geographically, this region lies in the longitude of 104.21 and latitude of 35.58. This climatic zone is typified by moderate rainfall, hot summers, and cold winters, but displays its own unique weather patterns.
Throughout the year, average high temperatures oscillate from -1.5°C (29.3°F) in
January to 24.7°C (76.5°F) in
July. On the other hand, average low temperatures run the gamut from -9.7°C (14.5°F) in January to 14°C (57.2°F) in July. Month to month, shifts in the weather parameters are noticeable, showing Dingxi's broad temperature range. Maximum rainfall is recorded in
August with 54mm (2.13") while the minimum is seen in
December with 3mm (0.12"). Along with the rainfall, the number of rainy days varies as well, reaching its peak in August with 12.2 days and lowering to 3.2 days in December.
Moreover, snowfall is not uncommon in Dingxi. It ranges from 68mm (2.68") in
March down to no snow throughout the summer months from
May to
September. Along with the snowfall, the number of snowy days also ranges from 7.1 days in March to a no snow day situation in the same summer months. One of the things that makes Dingxi unique is the sunlight it gets year-round. The amount of daylight stretches from 10.1 hours in January to 14.5 hours in
June, along with clear visibility, typically around 9-10km (-6.2mi) throughout the year, allowing locals and travelers to enjoy the city's beauty.
The best time to visit Dingxi
The best time to visit
Dingxi is influenced by several weather parameters, including temperature, rainfall, and sunshine hours. Using these as assessment criteria, it is prudent to recommend the months between
May and
September. In this period, the average high temperatures are pleasant, ranging from 18.9°C (66°F) to 23.7°C (74.7°F). Rainfall is moderate, and there is no snowfall. Further, these months offer longer daylight hours, between 14 and 14.5 hours, and respectable sunshine hours, between 10 and 10.9 hours. It provides the perfect weather for outdoor activities and exploring the city's attractions.
The worst time to visit Dingxi
On the other end of the spectrum, the least favorable period to visit
Dingxi falls on the winter months. Specifically, from
December to
February, the city experiences its coldest period. Average high temperatures plunge from 5.8°C (42.4°F) in December to -1.5°C (29.3°F) in
January, with lows hitting a chilling -8.3°C (17.1°F) in December and descending further, to -9.7°C (14.5°F), in January. Adding to these sub-zero temperatures are the higher frequency of snowfall, hitting around 57mm (2.24") in December, around 39mm (1.54") in January and around 65mm (2.56") in February. This period also has the shortest daylight hours, fluctuating between 9.8 and 10.3 hours.
Spring weather in Dingxi
Spring in
Dingxi, running from
March to
May, carries a noticeable change in weather. Low temperatures start to transition, with -0.8°C (30.6°F) in March to 8.2°C (46.8°F) by May, and high temperatures rise from 8.4°C (47.1°F) to 18.9°C (66°F) in the same period. Snowfall decreases, with only 68mm (2.68") in March and 44mm (1.73") in
April before totally disappearing by May. Meanwhile, the rainfall starts to increase, from 12mm (0.47") in March to 35mm (1.38") by May.
Summer weather in Dingxi
Summer in
Dingxi, which spans from
June to
August, brings warm temperatures and increased rainfall. High temperatures climb from 22.8°C (73°F) in June to 24.7°C (76.5°F) in
July, then slightly decrease to 23.7°C (74.7°F) by August, while low temperatures range from 12°C (53.6°F) in June to 14°C (57.2°F) in July, maintaining at 13.8°C (56.8°F) in August. This is the rainiest season, with 37mm (1.46") in June, rising to 38mm (1.5") in July and peaking at 54mm (2.13") in August.
Autumn weather in Dingxi
Autumn in
Dingxi, from
September to
November, is characterized by falling temperatures and decreasing precipitation. High temperatures reduce from 18.2°C (64.8°F) in September to 5.8°C (42.4°F) in November. Meanwhile, low temperatures also decrease from 10°C (50°F) in September to -2°C (28.4°F) in November. Rainfall lessens over these months, from 25mm (0.98") in September to just 10mm (0.39") by November.
Winter weather in Dingxi
Winter weather in
Dingxi, observed from
December to
February, is known for its very cold and dry conditions. Temperatures during this time can drop low, with average highs from 5.8°C (42.4°F) in December to temperatures below zero in
January and February, and lows sliding down from -8.3°C (17.1°F) in December to -9.7°C (14.5°F) in January. Snowfall is also common in these months, with 57mm (2.24") in December and 39mm (1.54") in January. It should also be noted that the city experiences fewer daylight hours during winter, with only around 10 hours per day.
Weather in January
In the bitter mid-winter,
Dingxi,
China, contends with its lowest temperatures of the year, falling as low as -9.7°C (14.5°F) at night and struggling to rise above -1.5°C (29.3°F) in the daytime.
January witnesses longer hours of daylight and more days of sunshine compared to
December while the relative humidity is slightly higher.
Weather in January »Weather in February
February in
Dingxi sees a gradual change in the weather as temperatures climb slightly, relative to
January. Copious quantities of snow still fall, making it seem like winter is reluctant to leave. Rainfall amounts also increase, hinting at the impending spring season.
Weather in February » Weather in March
The arrival of
March signifies the commencement of the spring season in
Dingxi, with a clear warming trend compared to
February. Snowfall reduces dramatically this month and the frequency of rainy days escalates, prepping the ground for plant growth.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
April's weather in
Dingxi is distinctly warmer than in previous months, signaling the city's full transition into spring. Increased rainfall contributes to the blooming of flora, making it a beautiful period to witness nature's awakening.
Weather in April » Weather in May
Compared to
April,
May's average temperatures in
Dingxi jump to a high of 18.9°C (66°F) and a low of 8.2°C (46.8°F), indicative of a definitive move into warmer seasons. The city sees a peak in rainfall, which adds to the lushness of the spring landscape.
Weather in May »Weather in June
June in
Dingxi marks the advent of summer with increased temperatures from
May. Long, sunny days dominate the month causing a slight escalation in humidity levels. The UV index climbs to its year-round peak, encouraging residents to take solar protection measures when going outdoors.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July typically stands as the warmest month in
Dingxi with peak temperatures reaching up to 24.7°C (76.5°F). Coupled with an increase from
June's humidity levels, the atmosphere feels distinctly summery. Heatwaves might occur due to the rise in temperature and the relatively high cloud coverage.
Weather in July » Weather in August
With the onset of
August,
Dingxi experiences a slight drop in temperature in comparison to
July, signalling the approaching conclusion of summer. The high amount of rainfall this month is matched with heightened humidity, rendering the climate quite muggy.
Weather in August »Weather in September
September in
Dingxi ushers in the autumn season with lower temperatures, in comparison to
August, making it significantly cooler. The decrease in humidity levels offer welcome respite from the muggy conditions of the previous month.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October in
Dingxi carries a chilly undertone as temperatures dip further from those of
September. While rainfall amounts are moderate, snowfall begins its slow ascend, hinting at the forthcoming winter. The city experiences shorter daylight hours yet enjoys plenty of sunshine-filled days.
Weather in October » Weather in November
November weather in
Dingxi signals the fast-approaching winter. Temperatures nosedive compared to
October and an increased frequency of snowfall days blankets the city with a wintry white layer. Dingxi also experiences a decrease in daylight hours, although sunny days are more frequent.
Weather in November » Weather in December
Dingxi in
December is a world of freezing temperatures, persistent snowmen, and well-insulated residents. The city feels consistently colder than in
November, marking the full arrival of winter. Abundant snowfall coupled with fewer hours of daylight suggests a quieter time in the city with limited outdoor activity.
Weather in December »