Datong Weather in December

Season: winter
In short: pretty cold, windy, rare snowfall, short day length but lots of sunshine
Average temperature: -17 ~ -1℃ (1.4 - 30.2℉)

According to historical data, the daytime temperature in Datong in December often remains between -10 ~ -2 degrees Celsius (14 - 28.4 degrees Fahrenheit) and occasionally rises above 0℃ (32℉), marking cold weather on the whole. Only when there is sufficient sunshine around noon does it feel not that chilly. The temperature begins to drop from around 4 pm. Till night, it’s often below -15℃ (5℉), and the extremely low value reaches -20℃ (-4℉). A large temperature difference of 10℃ (18℉) always exists within a day.

What’s more, frequent winds make the perceived temperature 5 - 8℃ (41 - 46.4℉) lower than the forecast shows, especially in large open areas. Afternoon to evening is the peak windy period, when you feel the wind continuously slapping your face. 

When a cold air wave passes through the city, the stronger winds make it difficult to walk smoothly; at the same time, the coldness doubles.

Luckily, heating equipment works nonstop indoors, offering visitors a warm environment to have a break during the trip and enjoy comfortable sleep at night.

Residual Snow Cover on Mt. Hengshan

Wear as Warm as Possible

December has the least precipitation in a year, only 2 mm (0.08 in) in total from only 2 snowy days. It often snows lightly, and the whole process lasts for a short period. Occasionally, cold air brings heavy snowfall. In this case, even if it stops when you arrive, you may see residual snow cover. 

Air humidity remains moderate, around 50% on average, but the actual feeling is dry due to rapid evaporation of surface water in strong winds.
 The sun rises between 7:29 and 7:48 and sets at 17:01 - 17:10, resulting in a moderate daylight of 9 hours. In fact, it’s enough for an essence tour, but if you want to visit the city in depth, you need to make a compact arrangement and set off early, unless you plan to stay for many days.

The climate of Datong is sunny overall in December: over 25 days are totally free of cloud cover. So, although the day is not long, 6 hours of sunlight are available per day on average. 
  When inside the room: You don’t need to wear too much indoors as the heating system is effective. Just prepare a bottoming shirt and a thin sweater or hoodie. Those who don’t like heat can even wear T-shirt. 

 When traveling outside: Put on a long down coat. If you sweat a little in the sun, just unzip it instead of taking it off completely in case of catching a cold. For the bottom, winter pants are needed. If you prefer fleece jeans or sweatpants, be sure to wear thermal long johns below. 

 Shoes: Thick sneakers with warm socks are only suitable for visiting downtown attractions. For mountainous spots like Mt. Hengshan, snow boots are needed. The key lies in that your ankle needs to be covered.

 Necessities: Add a hat, a scarf, and gloves when you visit the open Yungang Grottoes and Hanging Monastery to protect your head, face, and hands from strong winds. Besides, pack moisturizing mask and cream as well as lipsticks. 
 1. Visiting Datong in December 2025, you may find that there are almost no snack stalls on the roadside, and you have to eat at restaurants.

2. Choose a relatively warm period, mostly 10 am - 3 pm, for destinations at a high altitude, including Hanging Monastery, Mt. Hengshan, and Yungang Grottoes. 

3. Some local foods, like sheep’s haslet soup and copper hot pot, can help to keep your body warm. You can have a try when finishing the outdoor trip.

4. Popular attractions, such as Huayan Monastery, Nine-Dragon Screen, Wooden Pagoda in Yingxian County, etc., are free from crowded tourists in the low travel season, offering you more opportunities to take a careful look around. Hotels and flights are sold at a lower price, and even some scenic spots offer discounted tickets.

5. If you encounter snowy weather, be careful not to slip when walking on mountain roads. The operation of Mt. Hengshan scenic area and Hanging Monastery can be affected by heavy snow. You are advised to check the weather and official notice before departure.