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Lanzhou - Stunning sunset over a coastal city harbour

Best Time to Visit Lanzhou

The best months to visit Lanzhou are Mar, Apr, May. Here is the full monthly breakdown.

💰 From CNY 250/day

Photo: Frank McKenna / Unsplash

☀️

Best Months: Mar, Apr, May

These months offer the best balance of comfortable temperatures and low rainfall for visiting Lanzhou. Expect highs of 14°C to 20°C to 26°C with relatively dry conditions.

Warmest Month

July

31°C high

Coldest Month

January

-9°C low

Driest Month

January

0 rain days

Wettest Month

September

16 rain days

Monthly Weather

January

High: 3°C / Low: -9°C

0 rain days

3°
-9°Jan

February

High: 5°C / Low: -5°C

5 rain days

5°
-5°Feb

March

High: 14°C / Low: 0°C

2 rain days

14°
0°Mar

April

High: 20°C / Low: 6°C

5 rain days

20°
6°Apr

May

High: 26°C / Low: 12°C

7 rain days

26°
12°May

June

High: 29°C / Low: 16°C

8 rain days

29°
16°Jun

July

High: 31°C / Low: 19°C

7 rain days

31°
19°Jul

August

High: 30°C / Low: 18°C

8 rain days

30°
18°Aug

September

High: 25°C / Low: 14°C

16 rain days

25°
14°Sep

October

High: 17°C / Low: 7°C

11 rain days

17°
7°Oct

November

High: 10°C / Low: 0°C

3 rain days

10°
0°Nov

December

High: 3°C / Low: -7°C

0 rain days

3°
-7°Dec
Best monthsTemperatures in °C (high/low)

Tourist Seasons in Lanzhou

🌟

Peak Season

March, April, May

  • +Best weather conditions
  • +Most activities and events
  • -Higher prices and larger crowds
  • -Book accommodation well in advance
⚖️

Shoulder Season

February, June

  • +Good weather, fewer tourists
  • +Better value for accommodation
  • +More authentic local experiences
  • ~Some attractions may have reduced hours
💰

Off Season

January, July, August, September, October, November, December

  • +Lowest prices of the year
  • +No crowds at attractions
  • -Weather may be less favourable
  • -Some seasonal businesses may close

Month-by-Month Breakdown

MonthHighLowRain DaysSeason
January
3°C-9°C
0
Off Season
February
5°C-5°C
5
Shoulder Season
March
14°C0°C
2
Peak Season
April
20°C6°C
5
Peak Season
May
26°C12°C
7
Peak Season
June
29°C16°C
8
Shoulder Season
July
31°C19°C
7
Off Season
August
30°C18°C
8
Off Season
September
25°C14°C
16
Off Season
October
17°C7°C
11
Off Season
November
10°C0°C
3
Off Season
December
3°C-7°C
0
Off Season

Season Timeline

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
PeakShoulderOff Season

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best month to visit Lanzhou?
The best months to visit Lanzhou are Mar, Apr, May. These months offer the most comfortable temperatures with relatively low rainfall.
What is the weather like in Lanzhou?
Lanzhou has temperatures ranging from -9°C to 31°C throughout the year. Summer (June to August) is the warmest period.
When is peak tourist season in Lanzhou?
Peak tourist season in Lanzhou is typically around Mar and Apr and May. For lower prices and fewer crowds, consider visiting during shoulder season months.
Is Lanzhou worth visiting in winter?
Winter in Lanzhou (December to February) sees lows of around -2°C. It can be cold, but you will find lower prices and thinner crowds.

Our Top 5 Favourite Tours in Lanzhou

Make the most of your trip by booking popular tours and activities in advance.

Guided walking tour through a European city
1

Lanzhou Walking Tour: Highlights & Hidden Gems

Discover Lanzhou on foot with a local guide who knows every backstreet and story. You will cover the must-see landmarks and stumble upon places most visitors never find.

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Local street food and cuisine
2

Lanzhou Food Tour: Street Food & Local Favourites

Eat your way through Lanzhou with a local foodie as your guide. From bustling markets to tucked-away restaurants, taste the dishes the city is truly known for.

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Famous museum and attraction entrance
3

Best of Lanzhou: Skip-the-Line Top Attractions

Skip the queues and get straight into Lanzhou's top attractions with pre-booked access. An expert guide brings each site to life with stories and context you would not get on your own.

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Scenic countryside day trip
4

Day Trip from Lanzhou: Scenic Excursion

Escape Lanzhou for the day and explore the stunning surroundings. Transport, guide, and itinerary are all sorted so you can relax and enjoy the scenery.

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Local cultural experience and traditions
5

Lanzhou Cultural Experience: History & Traditions

Go beyond sightseeing and connect with Lanzhou's living culture. From hands-on workshops to historic neighbourhood walks, this is the side of the city most travellers miss.

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Top 3 Areas to Stay in Lanzhou

Liveliest areas for nightlife, culture, and entertainment

City Center (Cheng Guan District)

The bustling administrative and commercial heart of Lanzhou, offering a mix of modern amenities and historical sites.

Our top picks in City Center (Cheng Guan District)

🏨
Lanzhou Wanda Vista$$$

A luxurious option offering high-end amenities and city views.

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🏨
Shangri-La Hotel, Lanzhou$$$

Known for its excellent service and comfortable rooms in a prime location.

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🏨
Lanzhou Hotel$$

A well-established hotel offering good value and convenient access to city sights.

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🛡️ Generally safe during the day ...Mid-rangefirst-timersculture
View Hotels in City Center (Cheng Guan District)

Anning District

A developing area known for its universities and emerging commercial zones, offering a younger, more modern atmosphere.

Our top picks in Anning District

🏨
Lanzhou University Hotel$$

Conveniently located for those visiting the university, offering decent amenities.

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🏨
Hanting Hotel (Anning)$

A reliable budget option in the district.

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🏢
Local Apartments$

Good for longer stays, often found via Chinese booking sites.

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🛡️ Safe during the day; some univ...Budgetdigital nomadsbudget
View Hotels in Anning District

Chengguan West (Xigu District)

An industrial and residential area, less tourist-focused but offering a more local feel and access to petrochemical facilities.

Our top picks in Chengguan West (Xigu District)

🏨
Jinjiang Inn Select (various locations)$$

A reputable mid-range chain offering consistent quality.

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🏨
Home Inn Plus (various locations)$

A popular budget chain known for its clean rooms and convenient locations.

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🏢
Local Guesthouses$

Offers a more authentic stay, often found on local booking platforms.

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🛡️ Generally safe, but street lig...Budgetbudgetdigital nomads
View Hotels in Chengguan West (Xigu District)

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