Lanzhou Weather in July

Season: summer
In short: the highest temperature of the year but bearably hot during the day and cool in the evening, no much rainfall, strong UV rays
Average temperature: 17 - 29℃ (63 - 84℉)

July is the hottest month of a year in Lanzhou, with the high temperature of 21 - 36 degrees Celsius (69.8 - 96.8 degrees Fahrenheit) and low temperature of 16 - 24℃ (60.8 - 75.2℉). There are about 20 days with the temperature above 30℃ (86℉), but extreme high temperatures over 35℃ (95℉) don’t always appear: 7 days within the whole month, which is fewer than other northern cities in China. 

It’s a bit hot under the sun, but acceptable in most cases. Stepping into the shadows, you may immediately feel cool. Besides, the perceived temperature in Lanzhou is often several degrees Celsius lower than the forecast shows, under the impact of cool breezes. Also, you may surprisingly find that there is no sweat flowing on your body even though you may have walked for the full day. The reason lies in the dry climate. When returning to the hotel in the evening after a day trip, you don’t even need to open the air conditioning. 
 July belongs to the rainy season of Lanzhou. But the rainfall cannot be considered high, with a total amount of 67 mm (1.64 mm). The rainfall is scattered over 11 - 13 days, and usually doesn’t occur for more than two consecutive days. Also, quite amount of rain takes place at night and ends after sunrise, which can cool down the weather and clear the air without affecting people’s daytime travel. 

Meanwhile, the weather of Lanzhou in July is somewhat changeable. Sudden thunderstorms with huge winds, heavy rain, and hail sometimes happen, bothersome for outdoor travel, which can hardly be forecast accurately. Comfortingly, they come and leave quickly, and appear after noon in most cases. With luck, you may see a beautiful rainbow thereafter. 
 Around 17 sunny days bring abundant sunshine, with an average daily sunlight duration of 8 hours, and a maximum of 14 hours. The UV rays are accordingly strong. 

The sun rises at 5:51 - 6:11 and sets at 20:10 - 20:25, offering tourists 14 hours of daylight to enjoy their trip.
 Clothes: Normal summer clothes are OK during the daytime. For women, summer dress or T-shirt with skirts is a good option, while short shirt and shorts are suitable for men. Sun protection coat and light pants are also acceptable for those worried about getting a tan under strong sunshine. After dusk, remember to add a thin coat. If you feel it’s not convenient to carry an extra coat all the time, using the sun protection coat for extra warmth at night is also fine.

Shoes: Breathable and lightweight sneakers are ideal for a long walk in hot summer, while sandals or water shoes are convenient for rainy conditions.

Other items: Sun protection items, such as sunscreen, sunhat, and sunglasses are essential. As for the rain gear, a disposable raincoat is more advisable than an umbrella based on the climate conditions in Lanzhou in July - the latter may be unsafe on occasional thunderstorm days.
 1. If you are afraid of strong sunshine or high temperatures, set off early in the day and have a rest at 12 pm - 4 pm to avoid the hottest period of a day. 

2. It’s so nice to experience wonderful Lanzhou nightlife in the cool evening: walk on Zhongshan Bridge to enjoy the gentle breeze, enjoy a cup of tea by the Yellow River, and taste all kinds of snacks at Zhengning Road Night Market. Some people also choose to overlook the city’s charming night view from the high-altitude White Pagoda Park. With sufficient budget, you can also experience a cruise on the Yellow River; remember to add a thin windbreaker by then.

3. Many adventurers choose to experience the sheepskin rafting on the Yellow River in July, when the water flows fast, and the volume becomes high due to increasing rainfall. When encountering huge waves, don’t panic. Boatmen have rich experience, so just follow their instructions. Besides, wear a raincoat in advance, as your clothes may get wet from the waves, and hold your phone firmly when taking pictures. On some windy or thunderstorm days, the sheepskin rafting may stop.

4. Some accommodations in Lanzhou, especially homestays, are not equipped with air conditioning due to the relatively cool climate. So, confirm with the hotel staff in advance if you are sensitive to heat. 

5. If encountering thunderstorms when you travel outside, it would be better to seek temporary shelter immediately. 

6. In July 2026, many people may come to Lanzhou to spend their summer vacation, particularly in the second half of the month. You are advised to purchase flight and attraction tickets and book the hotel as early as possible.