Lanzhou weather in March

Season: early spring or transition from winter to spring
In short: frequent alternating between warm and cold weather, possible snowfall, windy, floating dust weather

The weather of Lanzhou in March features a “fight” between spring and winter, especially in terms of temperature. The frequent clash of cold and warm air makes the weather complex and changeable.
Average temperature: 0 - 12℃ (32 - 53.6℉)

From the whole, it is cool in March and gradually warms up: The historical data shows that the high temperature often remains at only 5 - 10 degrees Celsius (41 - 50 degrees Fahrenheit) at the beginning of the month and reaches a pleasant 15 - 19℃ (59 - 66.2℉) in the middle and late of the month, sometimes even over 20℃ (68℉). However, due to active cold air, the warming is not reliable; the high temperature may drop significantly, with a maximum difference of 15℃ (27℉) within a few days. The low temperature fluctuates slightly within -5 ~ 3℃ (23 - 37.4℉) this month. 

Additionally, the temperature also changes a lot between day and night. The difference often exceeds 10℃ (18℉), and even reaches 17℃ (30.6℉) on some sunny days.
 Controlled by Mongolia High, the total precipitation is only around 9 mm, accounting for 3 - 5% of the annual amount. There are about 5 days with some rain; when the cold air approaches, it’s not surprising to see snow, but it often appears in the form of sleet.

The climate is dry in Lanzhou in March, with an average humidity of 48%. 
 Cold air often brings strong winds, which can cause floating dust weather. When it happens, the air quality can be very poor, resulting in possible problems with the respiratory system. On average, about 4 - 6 days in this month see this kind of special weather, and it usually lasts for 2 days each time this kind of weather happens. Walking on the road, you may see a sprinkler car spraying water to wash the air.
 With sunrise at 6:52 - 7:35 and sunset at 18:59 - 19:25, tourists enjoy 12 hours of daylight each day in March. In despite of the rainy and cloudy periods, Lanzhou receives about 7 hours of sunshine every day, but under the impact of the floating dust weather, the actual sunlight hours are shorter than that duration.
 You need to pack both winter and spring clothes to deal with the changing temperature, and adjust clothes promptly during the trip based on your actual feelings.

Long-sleeve T-shirt or bottoming shirt and a hoodie, plus a wool overcoat, are a good option in the early morning and evening. You can also choose a single wool sweater as the inner layer. Jeans or sweatpants are advised for the bottom. Those who are sensitive to cold air can put on long johns inside. When the sun shines at noon, take off the overcoat or replace it with a lightweight jacket or trench coat. 

It’s wise to pack a thick windbreaker in your suitcase, which works well in both cold wave weather and dusty weather. As for shoes, sneakers or casual shoes are acceptable. If you are worried about cold wave, prepare some thick socks.
 1. Focus more on the real-time weather forecast to see whether the temperature will drop dramatically the next day. If yes, put on thicker clothes and add necessary accessories to keep warm. 

2. It’s easy to catch a cold in changeable weather, so bring some medicine just in case.

3. It’s not advised to have outdoor activities in dusty weather, actually. If you have to, wrap yourself heavily with a protective mask, a scarf, a cap with a huge brim, and goggles, especially those who are sensitive to air quality. When returning to the hotel, clean your clothes and skin promptly. 

4. Although March cannot be considered as a best time to visit Lanzhou in 2026 based on its climate conditions, you can appreciate the view at a leisurely pace according to your own schedule, as it’s a slack tour season, when you will not see long queues at hot attractions, including Sculpture of the Mother Yellow River, Zhongshan Bridge, Waterwheel Garden, White Pagoda Park, Gansu Provincial Museum, and Bingling Temple.