Weather, the best time or season to visit Xi'an

Spring Time

Spring (from March to May) and autumn (from September to November) are the best seasons to visit Xi’an. Your visit to Xi’an is based on the local places of historical interest. In spring and autumn, the temperature is mild and it is neither too cold nor too hot. This is why you are suggested to visit Xi’an during this period of time. The pleasant weather conditions render an enjoyable experience touring around the city. However, you may encounter dusty weather conditions in the spring, so you may be advised to stay indoors. It is cold and dry in the winter, which makes it hard to withstand the freezing wind while traveling. Given the cold weather conditions, you can simply undertake in indoor activities. In the summer it is sweltering hot, particularly in mid-summer. The sun is intense, which by noon becomes unbearable. Storms may strike the city from time to time, but will not last long. In the daytime, you are suggested to visit places that are not exposed to the sun, like the ancient city wall. It would be a good choice for you to visit indoor places like the Terracotta Warriors and Horses as well as the Shaanxi History Museum.

Shaanxi History Museum

FYI: You are advised to adopt measures to protect yourself from the sun and heat. Make sure you have enough water in case of dehydration as well as other protective items like sunscreen, moisturizer and skincare wipes while you are traveling. You may have to avoid going out in the hottest hours.

Spring (from March to May): The temperature is not stable yet and may rise quickly. Sometimes you may feel a bit cold despite the rising temperature. The weather is capable of changing during this period of time. You may feel like summer yesterday and the next day it’s winter. The precipitation in this season accounts for a fourth of the annual sum. Rainy weather lasts about 7 to 9 days per month. The temperature is mild during this season so it is a good time for you to go sightseeing and undertake outdoor activities.

In March, the temperature ranges from 4℃ to 14℃. It's cold in the morning and during the night time, you are advised to wear thermal underwear. It's a bit hot at noon so you can simply wear a single shirt and a coat (or a light sweater and a coat). For the elderly and children, it is suggested to wear more to keep warm.

In April, the temperature ranges from 9℃ to 21℃. The temperature is not stable yet so chances are high that there can be a drop in temperature. Given the huge temperature difference between day and night, you are suggested to bring some long T-shirts, sweaters and light coats with you. Wool clothes may not be necessary. It is hot at noon you that can strip off your coat and wear a T-shirt.

(FYI: From April 3 to 5, it’s a tradition for Chinese people to observe Tomb Sweeping Day. During this time chances are high that there are traffic jams in the city. You need to be fully prepared for this kind of situation if you visit Xi’an at that time of the year.)

In May, the temperature ranges from 14℃ to 26℃. Given the temperature difference between day and night, you may bring both long and short T-shirts as well as shorts. Additionally, you are advised to bring sunscreen, sunglasses and rain gear with you. It’s usually cooler during rainy days. A light coat and a long T-shirt are enough for you to keep warm.

(FYI: From May 1 to 3, and sometimes from May 1 to 7, the Chinese people will be celebrating their Labor Day holiday so the scenic areas, hotels and restaurants are all packed. You are suggested to avoid visiting Xi’an during this time.)

Summer Time

Summer (from June to August): Hot and rainy days are the majority of the season. Xi’an has long been known as one of the four hottest cities in China. The hottest month is July, with an average temperature of 26.3℃. The average temperature in June and August is 24.8℃ and 15.3℃, respectively. Annually, there are about 22 days with a temperature of above 35℃. The precipitation in summer accounts for 37% of the annual sum. Rainy weather conditions last from 8 to 11 days.

In June, the temperature ranges from 19℃ to 32℃. It is already mid-summer in June so it's quite hot during the day. You are suggested to wear such summer clothes as T-shirts, skirts and shorts. Given the temperature difference between day and night, you are advised to bring a long shirt with you. Besides, sunglasses, sunscreen and umbrellas are necessary for you to protect yourself from the sun. As for shoes, sandals would be a good choice.

In July, the temperature ranges from 22℃ to 32℃. The temperature in this month is quite high, which is around 25℃ to 37℃. You are suggested to bring short T-shirts, shorts and skirts with you. Umbrellas, sunscreen (SPF is not supposed to be too high), caps and sunglasses are necessary for you to protect yourself from the sun. It may rain from time to time so an umbrella is necessary. As for shoes, sandals, sneakers and rain boots are advised.

In August, the temperature ranges from 21℃ to 31℃. It is hot if it doesn’t rain. But at the end of the month, it will be much cooler. You are suggested to bring summer clothes and a light coat with you. August is the month when Xi’an welcomes most of its rainfall, and it’s usually cooler during this time. Pants, sandals, summer shoes and socks that can easily dry are advised to bring.

Autumn Time

Autumn (from September to November): Sunny days are the majority of this season. The comfortable weather will render you a comfortable stay here. In this season, the temperature difference will be larger. Since it’s cold in the morning and during the night you are suggested to wear an extra coat. Additionally, you are advised to drink more water. The temperature this season is mild, but sometimes, there is a substantial drop in temperature. The average temperature in September, October and November is 19.6℃, 13.8℃ and 6.8℃ respectively. Autumn is the season with the lowest average wind velocity, which is 1.5 m/s.

In September, the temperature ranges from 16℃ to 25℃. Under the influence of Horse Latitudes, it rains a lot. The average precipitation of the month is 99.5 mm, accounting for 19% of the annual sum. Rainy weather conditions last for about 12 days. You are suggested to bring short T-shirts, shorts and light shirts with you. Given that it’s a little bit cold in the morning and during the night, a sweater may help you keep warm. While it’s hot at noon you are advised to prepare yourself with some sun-protective items. Rain gear and boots are also recommended.

In October, the temperature ranges from 10℃ to 19℃. You are suggested to wear long T-shirts, light coats and pants. A thick coat is good to have in case the temperature drops. If you think you are strong enough to withstand the cold a light coat and a long T-shirt will be enough. Additionally, you’d have to bring rain gear and boots with you.

(FYI: From October 1 to 7, the Chinese people will be celebrating their National Day holiday so the scenic areas, hotels and restaurants are all packed. It would be a good choice for you to avoid visiting Xi’an during this time.)

In November, the temperature ranges from 3℃ to 12℃. Every year, the city’s heating system starts operating on November 15. You are suggested to bring coats and sweaters with you. For elderly and children they may have to wear more to keep warm. Cold waves may frequent after November 20, so you need to bring some down jackets, thermal underwear, scarves, hats, thermal shoes and gloves with you.

Winter Time

Winter (from December to February): It is cold but seldom rains or snows in the winter. The average temperature in January is -0.5℃. Under the influence of cold waves, the temperature may drop to -10℃ or even lower. It’s quite dry because it rarely rains. The total precipitation in winter is only 24 mm, only accounting for 4% of the annual sum. If you visit Xi’an in the winter, you may have a glimpse of the Chinese tradition of celebrating the Spring Festival and get a chance to experience it first-hand. Given the cold weather, you are advised to bring enough clothes with you to keep warm.

Chinese New Year

In December, the temperature ranges from -3℃ to 6℃. The wind may blow from time to time, but not too strongly. For most days, the sky is all overcast. But when the sun comes out it’s quite comfortable. During this month, you are suggested to bring cardigans, down jackets, thermal pants, scarves, gloves and hats with you. For the elderly and children, they are supposed to wear more to keep warm. Besides, thermal shoes are also a must.

Hot-Pot for New Year

In January, the temperature ranges from -4℃ to 5℃. This is a time when the Spring Festival is approaching. It’s usually colder than December, and it may snow from time to time. The dress code for this month is quite similar to that in December. The difference is that you have to wear more. When it snows the ground is quite slippery. For elderly and children, they need to pay attention to keep from falling. Additionally, the local hot-pots would be a good choice for you to stay warm.

(FYI: the Spring Festival in 2013 starts on February 10 and ends on February 24; the Spring Festival in 2014 starts on January 31 and ends on February 15)

In February, the temperature ranges from -1℃ to 8℃. Though there will be an increase in temperature in this month you are suggested to bring sweaters, thermal underwear, down jackets, thick jackets and wool coats with you. Also, hats, gloves, scarves and thermal shoes are a must.

FYI: The above information is not always 100% accurate as the temperature may go up and down from time to time. It would be sensible for you to bring enough clothes with you in case conditions change.

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