Climate Overview
The climate in Datong is cool. The average annual temperature is 9°C and approximately 513mm of precipitation falls per year. July is the wettest month, receiving around 130mm of rainfall. Datong is in the Northern Hemisphere. Summer begins at the end of June and lasts through September. The summer months are: July, June, August. The coldest months are January, December, February, when temperatures can drop to -15°C. Light snow can occur between January and December.
Temperature
Datong has a wide annual temperature range, spanning 44°C from the coldest to warmest months. The warmest month is July, when average highs reach 29°C and the mean temperature sits around 23°C. January brings the harshest conditions, with lows dropping to -15°C and an average temperature of -9°C. On average, daily temperatures fluctuate by about 12°C between overnight lows and afternoon highs. The sharpest temperature change occurs between February and March, with a 8°C shift in average temperatures.
Precipitation
Datong is a relatively dry area, receiving approximately 513mm of precipitation annually, which averages out to around 43mm per month. The wettest month is July, averaging 130mm of rainfall. August and June also tend to see above-average precipitation. The driest month is January, with just 2mm. That's 127mm less than July, the wettest month. Rainfall is heavily concentrated in certain months, creating a distinct wet and dry season. Visitors should plan around these patterns, as the difference between peak and low months is dramatic. Light snowfall can occur between January and December, totalling around 27cm annually. March is the snowiest month with approximately 7cm.
Wind
Datong is relatively calm, with an average annual wind speed of 9km/h. For context, sustained winds below 12km/h are generally light, while anything above 25km/h is considered strong. The windiest month is April, averaging 11km/h, though still comfortable for most outdoor activities. The calmest conditions occur in July, with average winds dropping to 7km/h, making it an ideal period for wind-sensitive activities. There is moderate seasonal variation in wind speed, with a 4km/h gap between the calmest and windiest months. Wind tends to be stronger during winter months, driven by seasonal pressure systems. The seasonal averages break down to 10km/h in winter, 11km/h in spring, 7km/h in summer, 8km/h in autumn.
Seasons
3 days until Autumn
It is currently summer in Datong, which began on June 21, 2026. Datong is in the Northern Hemisphere, where spring begins in March, summer in June, autumn in September, and winter in December. The warmest period peaks in July at around 29°C, while the coldest stretch bottoms out in January near -15°C. Autumn is next, beginning on September 23, 2026 (3 days from now).
Spring
Temperatures range from -2 to 23°C. Rainfall is relatively light, with around 90mm over the season and a monthly average of 30mm. Winds are generally light, averaging 11km/h. Light layers work well as temperatures warm through the season. It is a great time to be outdoors.
Summer
Temperatures range from 15 to 29°C. Precipitation is moderate at around 301mm for the season, averaging 100mm per month. Winds are generally light, averaging 7km/h. Light, breathable clothing is ideal. Perfect conditions for outdoor activities.
Autumn
Temperatures range from -5 to 23°C. Rainfall is relatively light, with around 110mm over the season and a monthly average of 37mm. Winds are generally light, averaging 8km/h. Layered clothing works best as temperatures gradually cool. Enjoy the crisp air and changing scenery.
Winter
Temperatures range from -15 to 2°C. Precipitation is minimal, with only around 12mm for the entire season. Expect around 12cm of snow accumulation during this period. Winds are generally light, averaging 10km/h. Heavy layering and insulated outerwear are essential. Exposed skin should be minimised outdoors.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Datong is during May, June and September, when the weather is most comfortable for travellers. During these months, average temperatures hover around 18°C with modest rainfall averaging 49mm per month. By contrast, July can be uncomfortably hot with highs reaching 29°C, while January is the coldest period with lows dropping to -15°C. A light rain jacket is recommended, though showers are generally brief and shouldn't disrupt your plans.
Monthly Climate Data
The table below shows monthly climate averages for Datong based on historical weather data. Min and max temperatures represent typical overnight lows and afternoon highs for each month, shown in degrees Celsius (°C). Precipitation is measured in millimetres (mm) and indicates the average total rainfall per month. Snow is measured in centimetres (cm) and reflects average monthly snowfall accumulation. Wind speed is the average sustained speed in kilometres per hour (km/h). All values are based on averages from over 10 years of historical weather data. The current month is highlighted for quick reference.