Best Time to Visit Datong

September to October is a perfect time to visit Datong. The days are warm but not scorching, while the nights are cool but not chilly. Free from the troubles of sudden rainfall, you can enjoy a pleasant journey in sunny weather. Additionally, the high atmospheric pressure and dry air in autumn jointly provide optimal visibility: the stone carvings of Yungang Grottoes and the layered Mt. Hengshan are clearly visible. Moreover, various trees at Hanging Monastery and Huayan Monastery gradually turn yellow, red, and other colors, creating a charming autumn landscape.

Cycling on the Ancient City Wall in Sunny September

 May to June is the second-best time for a Datong trip when the climate is mild and steady. The temperature remains moderate, and strong winds or dust do not disturb. Sporadic showers don’t disrupt the itinerary but instead make the air fresher. Blooming flowers can be seen everywhere, such as the peach blossoms on Mt. Hengshan, the lilacs at Huayan Monastery, and Malus spectabilis around Datong Ancient City. In addition, the peak travel period has not yet arrived, and the number of tourists is moderate.

Lively Scenery in June

 Entering April, the disappearance of extreme low temperatures in Datong and gradually warming weather, coupled with the revival of vegetation, begin to attract tourists to take a tour. The number of tourists reaches its peak in July to August in summer. Unlike other burning hot northern cities in China, Datong in the two months is only hot around noon and gets cool quickly at night. People don’t even need to turn on the air conditioning when sleeping at night. Meanwhile, the domestic summer vacation starts, and a large number of families and students regard this city as a summer resort. 
 The severe cold weather and monotonous natural scenery reduce tourists’ willingness to explore Datong. People visiting scenic areas during this period are mostly local residents and tourists from surrounding cities. Long queues can hardly be seen. Facing a sharp decline in visitors, many scenic spots implement off-season ticket prices and shorten their opening hours. Some nearby snack stalls and souvenir shops close for some time, and the number of tour guides and direct buses to scenic spots both decreases.

Yungang Grottoes in Low Travel Season

Hanging Monastery without Crowds

 The low temperature remains around -15 ~ -20℃ (5 ~ -4℉) in the three months; in the coldest January, it reaches -25℃ (-13℉). Even during the daytime, the temperature does not rise above 0℃ (32℉). What’s more, piercing wind lowers the perceived temperature. Popular attractions in Datong, such as Yungang Grottoes, Hanging Monastery, Mt. Hengshan, etc., are all outdoor open sites. Visiting them in extremely cold weather is really a challenge. 

Although indoor heating systems provide a warm environment, the dry air brought by them is a little difficult to adapt to, especially for those who live in humid places for a long time. In addition, occasional snowfall or frost can cause road closures and affect the opening of certain mountainous scenic areas. 

Therefore, it is not a good time to visit Datong, unless you have the strongest physical condition.
 There are totally 12 - 15 days with floating dust or blowing sand brought by strong winds in the two months. By then, the visibility gets poor, making it difficult to take a clear look at attractions. At the same time, the air deteriorates, which may lead to respiratory discomfort.  

In addition, although the weather gradually warms up, cold air frequently visits, causing drastic fluctuations in temperature. If you don’t adjust your clothes in a timely manner, it is easy to catch a cold. Besides, the natural landscape recovers slowly, and flowers don’t bloom until the end of April.

Ancient City with Numerous Tourists in Holiday

 Datong, with many historical sites, becomes the first choice for many tourists during their holidays. If you plan to visit this city in 2026, try to choose weekdays and avoid particularly May Day and National Day holidays when the number of tourists surges.

You have to queue for at least an hour to enter major scenic areas such as Huayan Monastery, Shanhua Temple, Wooden Pagoda in Yingxian County, Datong Ancient City, etc. For popular Hanging Monastery, it’s almost impossible to get a ticket on-site, and you need to rush to make a prior reservation. For safety and cultural heritage protection, caves at Yungang Grottoes open to the public alternately during peak season. The demand for a tour guide also exceeds the supply. In addition, airfare and hotel prices increase significantly, requiring more budget, and waiting for transportation and meals take up a lot of your time.