Datong Weather in April

April weather in Datong

April feels like a real change from March: afternoons are milder, but mornings and evenings can still feel cold. The average high reaches 18°C, while the low is just 1°C. Rain is limited, and you'll often get plenty of daylight for sightseeing.

It's a good month to explore the Yungang Grottoes or walk Datong's restored city walls without summer heat. The wind can make open sites feel chilly, though, and evenings aren't ideal for lingering outdoors. Keep outdoor plans flexible in case of a rainy spell.

Festivals and crowds

Qingming Festival usually falls in early April. It's a time when families visit ancestral graves, and the public holiday can bring more domestic travellers to transport hubs and popular sights. The exact date changes each year.

Outside the holiday, April is generally calmer than May and the summer peak. Prices are often lower than during May's Labour Day break, though deals vary. If you hate crowds, avoid visiting Yungang during the Qingming holiday and choose a weekday instead.

Make the most of your visit

Travelling with kids? The grottoes offer a fascinating break from long walks outdoors, but you'll still need to cross open areas between caves.

At Yungang, take your time inside the carved caves, then save the exposed paths for the warmest part of the day. The site is outside central Datong, so check the return transport before you leave; you won't want to be waiting outdoors after sunset. In the old city, Datong's signature knife-cut noodles make a warming meal after a chilly evening walk.