Yinchuan, situated in the arid northwest of China, has a harsh climate. The temperatures of the four seasons are fairly distinctly separated here, although in any season the likelihood is that you will experience strong winds, dryness and frequent sandstorms. The average yearly temperature is between 8 and 9 degrees C. The coldest month of January averages minus 9, while the hottest month has an average of 23 degrees C. Annual rainfall, despite the picture on our right, is less than 8 inches.

If you plan to visit Yinchuan, or other areas in this vast and little visited province, it is advisable that you bring along sunglasses and a hat, useful for both the raging sun and as protection against the sandstorms. Generally, the best time to visit is between May and October.

Monthly Average Temperatures in Yinchuan (degrees C.)
Month	Jan.	Feb.	Mar.	Apr.	May	Jun.	Jul.	Aug.	Sep.	Oct.	Nov.	Dec.
Average Temperature	-9.2	-4.9	2.9	10.4	17	21.4	23.5	21.6	16.1	9	0.6	-7