Chaoyang has a semi-arid continental climate: hot, dry summers and bitterly cold winters, with most of the annual rainfall concentrated in July and August. The best months to visit are May to June and September to October — temperatures are comfortable, the light is good for photography, and the dust storms that can afflict the region in early spring have usually passed.
Winter visits are possible but require preparation: temperatures regularly fall below -15°C and the city's outdoor sites become inhospitable. The Geopark museum is indoor and accessible year-round. Summer visits are workable despite the heat, but July can bring both heavy rain and temperatures above 35°C.