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Observations in the semi-arid Loess Plateau area of north-west China are utilized to reveal the characteristics and variations in the seasonal distribution of dewfall (frost) and the influence of micrometeorology, precipitation, and other weather conditions. Precipitation is the dominant water source in the Loess Plateau; however, non-rainfall water accounts for 13 % of the total land-surface water source. Dew is the second largest non-rainfall component next only to soil adsorption water. Observations show that dew (frost) occurrence is likely to occur when an inversion occurs between the heights of 1 and 4 m with a temperature difference of 0.25 K, surface wind speed of 1.5 m s $$^{-1}$$ , and surface relative humidity greater than 80 %. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]