Xinjiang Weather

Xinjiang weather, the best time and seasons to visit

Grace Wang
1715 Words/7 Minutes, By Grace Wang, Updated December 11, 2023

When is the best time to visit Xinjiang

The best time to travel to Xinjiang depends on what you want to do and see while you're there, as the region experiences a range of climates and weather patterns.

Generally, the best time to visit Xinjiang is during the months of May to October when the weather is mild and comfortable. During this time, the temperatures range from 15°C to 30°C (59°F to 86°F) and the days are generally sunny and dry. This is a great time to explore the region's stunning natural landscapes, such as the Tianshan Mountains and the Gobi Desert, as well as its vibrant and diverse culture.

If you are interested in winter sports and activities, the best time to visit Xinjiang is from November to April. During this time, the region is covered in snow and the ski resorts in places like the Altay Mountains and Nanshan Ski Village are open for business. The temperatures can be quite cold, ranging from -10°C to 10°C (14°F to 50°F), so make sure to pack accordingly.

It's worth noting that Xinjiang is a predominantly Muslim region and observes Ramadan, which is a month-long period of fasting and prayer. If you are planning to travel during this time, it's important to be respectful of local customs and traditions.

Xinjiang travel guide based on the four different seasons

Xinjiang is a beautiful region in China that has a lot to offer visitors throughout the year. Its diverse landscape ranges from deserts to mountains, making it a popular destination for adventure seekers, nature lovers, and culture enthusiasts. Here's a guide on what to expect in Xinjiang based on the four different seasons.

Spring (March to May)

Spring in Xinjiang is generally dry and cool, with temperatures ranging from 10°C to 25°C. The weather is perfect for outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, and exploring the desert. The best places to visit during this time include:

Kanas Lake: Kanas Lake is a popular tourist destination located in the Altay Mountains. In spring, the surrounding forests are in full bloom, making it a beautiful sight to behold.

Heavenly Lake: Heavenly Lake is a glacial lake located in the Tianshan Mountains. The lake is surrounded by snow-capped peaks and is a great place to go hiking.

Turpan: Turpan is a city located in the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. It is famous for its grape vineyards and is a great place to sample some of the local wine.

Summer (June to August)

Summer in Xinjiang is hot and dry, with temperatures ranging from 25°C to 35°C. The weather is perfect for outdoor activities such as swimming, camping, and hiking. The best places to visit during this time include:

The Gobi Desert: The Gobi Desert is a vast desert that spans across northern and northwestern China. It is a great place to go camping and stargazing.

Hemu Village: Hemu Village is a beautiful village located in the Altay Mountains. It is known for its beautiful scenery and is a great place to go hiking.

Kuche: Kuche is a city located in the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. It is known for its ancient ruins and is a great place to learn about the history of Xinjiang.

Autumn (September to November)

Autumn in Xinjiang is cool and dry, with temperatures ranging from 10°C to 20°C. The weather is perfect for outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, and exploring the desert. The best places to visit during this time include:

Tianshan Mountains: The Tianshan Mountains are a beautiful range of mountains that offer great hiking opportunities. The scenery is especially beautiful in the autumn when the leaves change color.

Karakoram Highway: The Karakoram Highway is a famous road that connects China and Pakistan. The scenery along the way is stunning, especially in the autumn when the leaves change color.

Kanas Lake: Kanas Lake is a beautiful sight in the autumn when the surrounding forests turn orange and red.

Winter (December to February)

Winter in Xinjiang is cold and dry, with temperatures ranging from -10°C to 5°C. The weather is perfect for winter sports such as skiing and snowboarding. The best places to visit during this time include:

Altay Mountains: The Altay Mountains are a great place to go skiing and snowboarding. The scenery is also beautiful, especially when covered in snow.

Urumqi: Urumqi is the capital city of the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. It has several ski resorts that offer great skiing and snowboarding opportunities.

Kashgar: Kashgar is a city located in the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. It is known for its winter festival, which features traditional music, dance, and food.

Overall, Xinjiang has something to offer visitors throughout the year, whether you're interested in outdoor activities or cultural experiences. It's important to keep in mind that the weather can be extreme, so be sure to pack

Xinjiang travel guide based on the weather by month

Xinjiang is known for its stunning natural beauty, diverse ethnic cultures, and historical landmarks. The region is quite vast, covering an area of 1.6 million square kilometers, and the weather conditions can vary greatly depending on the time of year and location. Here is a month-by-month Xinjiang travel guide based on the weather:

March to May:

Spring is a great time to visit Xinjiang, as the weather is pleasant with warm days and cool nights. The temperature can range from 10 to 20 degrees Celsius, and the scenery is particularly beautiful during this time, with blooming flowers and greenery. However, be prepared for some occasional rain and wind.

June to August:

Summer in Xinjiang is hot and dry, with temperatures ranging from 25 to 35 degrees Celsius. This is the peak season for tourism, and it's the perfect time to explore the vast grasslands and stunning lakes in the region. However, be sure to pack plenty of sunscreen, sunglasses, and light, breathable clothing.

September to November:

Autumn is another great time to visit Xinjiang, with cooler temperatures ranging from 10 to 20 degrees Celsius. The landscape is particularly beautiful during this time, with golden leaves and clear skies. However, it's important to note that the weather can change quickly, and there may be some occasional snow or rainfall.

December to February:

Winter in Xinjiang can be very cold, with temperatures dropping to below freezing. However, if you enjoy winter sports like skiing and snowboarding, this is the perfect time to visit. Some areas of the region may be inaccessible due to heavy snowfall, but the cities are generally still accessible.

Overall, the best time to visit Xinjiang is during the spring or autumn when the weather is mild and pleasant, and the scenery is particularly stunning. However, no matter when you visit, be sure to pack appropriate clothing and gear for the weather conditions.

Packing list for a Xinjiang trip in different seasons

Xinjiang is a vast region with diverse landscapes, ranging from deserts and grasslands to snow-capped mountains. The packing list for a trip to Xinjiang will vary depending on the season and the specific activities you plan to do. Here's a general packing list for each season:

Spring (March to May)

  • Lightweight, breathable clothing for daytime (long-sleeved shirts, pants, shorts, and skirts)
  • Warm layers for the evenings and cooler days (fleece or sweater)
  • Comfortable walking shoes or hiking boots
  • Sunscreen and sunglasses
  • Hat or cap for sun protection
  • Lightweight rain jacket or umbrella (in case of occasional rain)
  • Personal medications and first-aid kit
  • Camera and extra batteries

Summer (June to August)

  • Lightweight, breathable clothing for daytime (short-sleeved shirts, shorts, and skirts)
  • Light long-sleeved shirts and pants for sun protection
  • Comfortable walking shoes or hiking boots
  • Sunscreen and sunglasses
  • Hat or cap for sun protection
  • Lightweight rain jacket or umbrella (in case of occasional rain)
  • Insect repellent (for mosquitoes and other bugs)
  • Personal medications and first-aid kit
  • Camera and extra batteries

Autumn (September to November)

  • Lightweight, breathable clothing for daytime (long-sleeved shirts, pants, shorts, and skirts)
  • Warm layers for the evenings and cooler days (fleece or sweater)
  • Comfortable walking shoes or hiking boots
  • Sunscreen and sunglasses
  • Hat or cap for sun protection
  • Lightweight rain jacket or umbrella (in case of occasional rain or snow)
  • Personal medications and first-aid kit
  • Camera and extra batteries

Winter (December to February)

  • Warm, waterproof, and windproof clothing for daytime (heavy coat, pants, and boots)
  • Layers of warm clothing for the evenings and cooler days (wool or fleece sweaters)
  • Warm hat and gloves
  • Comfortable walking shoes or hiking boots with good traction
  • Sunglasses (to protect against snow glare)
  • Personal medications and first-aid kit
  • Camera and extra batteries

It's important to note that Xinjiang is a Muslim-majority region, and visitors should dress modestly, especially when visiting mosques and other religious sites. Additionally, visitors should be respectful of local customs and traditions.

Customize Your Unique Xinjiang Silk Road Tour

Xinjiang Itinerary

If you are interested in one of the Xinjiang itineraries mentioned above, please contact us, and we will be happy to customize it and provide a quote tailored to your preferences.

Alternatively, if you would like to customize your Xinjiang Tour, please visit our Xinjiang Tour Customized Center. We assure you that you will receive a reply within 24 working hours.

Informative Articles for Your Xinjiang Trip

Xinjiang ItineraryId Kah Mosque, Kashgar
Grace Wang

Hi, I’m Grace Wang, if you like my article, please share it with your friends. Any sugguestions on this article, please contact me. Thanks!

Want to plan a private Xinjiang tour? CREATE NOW

FABULOUS TOUR COMPANY

CHINA OCTOBER - NOVEMBER 2019 We researched several companies and studied reviews on Trip Adviser before contacting who did a very China Culture Tour with an initial query. Right from the outset Grace who owns the company was excellent. She emailed detailed with pictures information and a suggested…read more details

Karen from US

Ready to Create a Unique Dream Travel?

Create My Vacation