Lanzhou Weather in November

Season: late autumn/ transition from autumn to winter
In short: becoming cold, low precipitation, first snow, dry, short daylight
Average temperature: -2 ~ 10℃ (28 - 50℉)

Entering November, the weather of Lanzhou is getting colder and colder. And a large temperature difference lies between day and night, normally exceeding 10 degrees Celsius (18 degrees Fahrenheit).

In the first half of the month, the high temperature is about 11 - 18℃ (51.8 - 64.4℉), warm when the sun shines brightly, and the low value remains steady at 3 - 6℃ (37.4 - 42.8℉), a little cold before sunrise and after sunset. In the second half, the high temperature drops to 2 - 10℃ (35.6 - 50℉), and low to -7 ~ 3℃ (19.4 - 37.4℉). 

Under the influence of winds, the perceived temperature can be lower. According to the recorded data for the past 10 years, the extreme low temperature in November reached -13℃ (8.6℉) in 2022. But don’t worry. The indoor heating system starts working this month.
 It hardly rains or snows: the precipitation is only 3 mm (0.12 in) and distributed on 2 - 3 days. November serves as a transition period from rainfall to snowfall. When cold waves pass, the first snow is likely to come. It doesn’t snow heavily, and the snowfall doesn’t last for a long time. Therefore, you can hardly see any snow cover in downtown areas. Affected by the snowfall, the high temperature can drop by around 10℃ (18℉) within 1 - 2 days. 

Other than the low precipitation, frequent winds and indoor heating accelerate the evaporation of moisture in the air. Therefore, people still feel that the climate of Lanzhou is dry, although the average humidity is a moderate 60% in November. 
 In November, the sun rises late after 7 am and sets early at around 6 pm, bringing a daylight of 10 hours. You can make a relatively tight schedule if you think it’s not long enough.

Sunny days take the majority of November, bringing about 6 hours of daily sunshine averagely. The UV index is not high statistically, but with experience, you are still advised to take some sun protection measures, especially when you go out at noon.
 There are about 5 foggy days in November, and 2 of them can be hazy days when the air flows slowly. They don’t last long and gradually dissipate as the temperature rises in the day. With huge winds blowing, floating dust weather appears, on 1 - 2 days averagely. 
  In the first half of the month: 
A sweater or fleece hoodie is enough for sunny daytime or indoor spots. When feeling cold outdoors or leaving the room with heating, put on a woolen overcoat. As for the bottom, thick sweatpants are needed. To deal with a long walk, a pair of sneakers is necessary. 

 In the second half of the month:
Add a bottoming shirt and long johns inside based on the match above. At the same time, change the overcoat to a padded jacket or down coat to protect against the wind. If you plan to go out in the evening, add necessary accessories, such as a hat and a scarf. 
 1. Coming to Lanzhou in November 2025, you can have a cost-effective trip. In the low tour season, flight tickets and hotels are sold at a lower price, and there are not many tourists, making it possible to visit popular destinations at a slow pace, including Zhongshan Bridge, Gansu Provincial Museum, the Statue of Mother Yellow River, and Zhangye Road Pedestrian Street.

2. In early the month, you have the chance to admire the charming autumn foliage in Lanzhou at White Pagoda Park and Xinglong Mountain.

3. If you plan to experience sheepskin rafting on the Yellow River, choose a warm noon or afternoon with bright sun. Meanwhile, put on a hat, scarf, and mask to keep warm in windy conditions.

4. Pay attention to real-time weather conditions during your Lanzhou trip, especially when you stay a long time there. It’s not a good time to go out on hazy or dusty days. If you have to, be sure to wear a protective mask to prevent respiratory diseases, and pack some normal medicines just in case. At the same time, close the windows and doors in time to prevent dust from entering.

5. If you come from a humid area, take lipstick and moisturizer to deal with the dry environment. Besides, drink as much water as possible, especially when you stay indoors where the heating is working.