As a pearl on the ancient Silk Road, Kashgar has been a hot destination for a Xinjiang tour. However, due to the typical temperate continental climate, Kashgar weather is distinctive in four seasons and the temperature difference is quite significant. It is no doubt that the weather conditions will greatly influence the comfort level and travel experience directly. Generally, the spring (April – June) and autumn (September – October) are regarded as the best time to visit Kashgar.
In this complete guide, we will introduce the weather in each season and the influence on your tour, so that you can choose the most suitable time for yourself and feel the endless charm of this ancient city.
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- Kashgar Weather Overview & Monthly Weather
- Best Time to Visit Kashgar
- Kashgar Weather By Seasons
- Worst Times to Visit Kashgar
- Kashgar Weather vs Other Tourist Destinations in Xinjiang
- Travel with China Xian Tour for a Worry-free Kashgar Tour
Kashgar Weather Overview & Monthly Weather
The core features of Kashgar Weather include: four distinctive seasons, abundant sunshine, rare rainfall and large annual and daily temperature differences.
Its spring weather is unstable with frequent strong winds and sandstorms. Summer lasts for a long time but the hot summer period is relatively short. Autumn is the most comfortable season with pleasant weather. Winter is cold and dry with a long cold period.
Due to its location in the deep inland, it is very dry throughout the year with an annual precipitation of only 74 – 85 mm. So there is no obvious rainy season. The sunshine is extremely abundant with an average annual sunshine duration of up to 2,862.6 hours. About the average annual temperature, it is around 12 – 14 ℃.
Kashgar Weather by Month: Temperature, Rainy Days, Daylight Hours
The monthly weather in Kashgar actually also varies. So learning about the detailed weather in each month will help you a lot in planning your own Kashgar tour.
Months |
Average Temperature (℃) |
Rainy Days (days) |
Daylight Hours (h) |
January |
-11℃ ~ -1℃ |
4.2 |
9.5 |
February |
-7℃ ~ 4℃ |
2.9 |
11 – 12 |
March |
6℃ ~ 19℃ |
1.3 |
11 – 12 |
April |
12℃ ~ 23℃ |
0.5 |
13 – 14 |
May |
15℃ ~ 26℃ |
4.3 |
13 – 14 |
June |
19℃ ~ 30℃ |
5.1 |
14.5 – 15 |
July |
22℃ ~ 33℃ |
13.5 |
14.5 – 15 |
August |
21℃ ~ 32℃ |
34.8 |
12 – 13 |
September |
14℃ ~ 27℃ |
21.2 |
12 – 13 |
October |
7℃ ~ 21℃ |
0 |
10 – 11 |
November |
-1℃ ~ 10℃ |
1.7 |
10 – 11 |
December |
-8℃ ~ 1℃ |
0 |
9.5 |
Best Time to Visit Kashgar
Best Months to Visit Kashgar Based on Weather
Months |
Comfort Level (out of 5 stars) |
Key Features |
January |
2 stars |
Abundant sunshine, sparse crowds, tranquil ancient city experiences, distinctive snowy landscapes.
Severe cold limits most outdoor activities. |
February |
2 stars |
Fewer tourists, more sunny days, daytime gets longer, tranquil environment.
Cold night, unstable weather, fluctuating temperature. |
March |
2 stars |
Temperatures rise, blooming apricot blossoms.
Highly unstable weather, extreme daily temperature fluctuations, frequent late spring cold snaps and sandstorms. |
April |
4 stars |
Pleasant temperatures, fully blooming flowers, reduced wind and dust.
Possible strong winds and airborne dust, significant daily temperature variations. |
May |
5 stars |
Best climate, warm without excessive heat, predominantly sunny days with little rainfall, moderate day-night temperature variations.
Rising UV levels, sun protection needed. |
June |
4 stars |
Summer begins, exceptionally long daylight hours, fruits come into season.
Daytime temperatures rise significantly, oppressive afternoon heat. |
July |
3 stars |
Fruit season, super long daylight hours of nearly 15 hours.
High temperature and strong sunlight, dry and hot, peak season. |
August |
3 stars |
Peak of a bountiful harvest of fruits and melons.
Continuous high temperatures, occasional rainfall, daily temperature difference rises. |
September |
5 stars |
The best month of the year. Cool and comfortable weather, exceptional visibility, perfect temperatures, fruit season continues, festival activities may start. |
October |
4 stars |
The golden autumn continues, azure sky, cool and pleasant temperatures, poplar forests begin turning gold.
Temperatures drop rapidly in late October, distinct chill in the mornings and evenings. |
November |
2 stars |
Fewer tourists, stark and majestic late autumn scenery.
Cold intensifies, but no winter landscapes, a transitional period in the low season. |
December |
2 stars |
A pure winter tranquility experience.
Cold and dry, reduced service facilities. |
The time window from April – June and September – October is regarded as the best time to visit Kashgar, so it is highly recommended to arrange your Kashgar travel during this time. If you are food lovers, target July – August for fruit abundance. Photographers are advised to visit there in April and late October.
Best Time to Visit Kashgar for Festivals & Cultural Experiences
In Kashgar, festivals are not only the mark on the calendar, but also the best way to have an in-depth experience of the local Uyghur culture. Here are the main festivals and the major activities and weather conditions.
Festivals |
Estimated Time in 2026 |
Major Activities and Experiences |
Weather Conditions |
Nowruz Festival |
Mar. 20 – 21 |
Celebrate the coming spring. Locals will light pine and cypress branches for purification rites, prepare ‘Nowruz rice’, and engage in traditional activities such as song and dance, wrestling. |
Highly unstable weather, rising but fluctuating temperatures, a peak period for sandstorms. |
Eid al-Fitr |
Mar. 18 |
A grand celebration after the end of Ramadan. At dawn, Muslims attend the prayer at the Id Kah Mosque. They will slaughter sheep, prepare abundant dishes and traditional pastries, and visit relatives and friends. |
Highly unstable weather, rising but fluctuating temperatures, a peak period for sandstorms. |
Eid al-Adha |
May 27 – 31 |
One of Islam’s grandest festivals. They will do morning prayers, sacrifice animals and distribute the meat to relatives, neighbours, and the poor. The feasts usually last for several days. |
Golden Tourism Season. Warm and pleasant climate, clear sky and little rain. Melon and fruit season starts. |
Based on the above table, it is not hard to find that late March and late May are the best time for festivals. Among them, we highly recommend the Eid al-Adha for cultural lovers. The perfect Kashgar weather during this time allows you to fully experience the entire process from solemn religious ceremonies to grand folk celebrations. It is also the best time to visit Kashgar Ancient City and Taxkorgan. It will be very crowded during the festivals, please observe the order. If you take part in the Nowruz Festival and Eid al-Fitr in March, remember to prepare wind-proof coat and mask.
Though the Kashgar Sunday Market is not a traditional festival, it is also worth visiting. It opens at 10:00 every Sunday. To feel its charm and lively atmosphere, 11:00 – 13:00 are the peak hours and the best time of day.
Dive into Kashgar's 2,000-year-old culture exploring maze-like Old Town alleys, Id Kah Mosque, handicraft markets, and Asia's largest livestock bazaar on this private tour.
Kashgar Climate and Ideal Visiting Time for Different Activities
The charm of Kashgar stretches across the four seasons, so for different travelers, the best time to visit Kashgar varies.
- Photographers: autumn is undoubtedly the peak period for creation, when Kashgar presentsa feast of colors, especially the golden poplar trees. April – May is the only time for the spring scenery on the plateau and the apricot flowers are in full bloom. In winter, it is very likely to capture the pure and stunning ice and snow blockbusters, such as morning sunlight casting over snow mountain.
- Hiking & outdoor lovers: In Kashgar, the weather in late spring and autumn is more stable with moderate temperatures and relatively less wind and sand. So it is the golden time for most outdoor activities, such as hiking and cycling.
- For festivals: Eid al-Adha is usually in late May or June. The whole city is immersed in several days of celebration, making it absolutelythe best time to experience the enthusiasm of Kashgar’s folk customs deeply. Another recommended time is late March.
- Budget travelers (cheapest months to fly): November – March is the off-peak season inThere are always subsidized travel packages including air tickets and accommodation. The price may be only half of that in peak season.
An in-depth 4-day Kashgar tour driving to Tashkurgan, featuring Old Town bazaars, Karakuri Lake's alpine scenery, and the 2,000-year-old Stone City ruins on the Pamir Plateau.
Kashgar Weather By Seasons
Kashgar Weather in Spring (March – May) – Unstable
Spring (March – May) is the most unstable season in Kashgar. The temperature rises very quickly. In March, the daily average temperature is about 6 – 19 ℃, while in May, it rises to 25 ℃ easily. The temperature difference between months can reach over 15 ℃. Due to the extremely little precipitation, the air is very dry. Influenced by the Taklimakan Desert, dust and sand weather occurs frequently with strong winds.
It is the off-peak season, so the price for hotel and flight is lower. Budget travelers can travel in spring to reduce costs and avoid crowds. Cultural lovers can visit in late March and late May to take part in the local festivals.
- What to pack: layered clothing, comfortable shoes, mask, scarf, sunglasses, sunscreen, wide brim hat, moisturizing skin care products, thermal mug.
Kashgar Weather in Summer (June – August) – Scorching Sun
The Kashgar weather in summer (June – August) features extreme heat, but its hot summer period is relatively short. The average temperature in June is about 25-32°C, and that in July and August is always over 35 °C. The area near desert can reach an extreme high temperature of 40°C. Though the rainfall is less, August is the month when precipitation is relatively concentrated throughout the year with more short-term thunderstorms.
It is definitely the peak season, leading to the higher travel costs. It is better to plan your tour 2 – 3 months in advance. Food lovers and energetic young travelers can visit Kashgar in summer.
- What to pack: breathable and quick-drying clothes, sun-protective clothing, thin coat, comfortable sandals, sunscreen, sunhat, sunglasses, mask, umbrella.
Kashgar Weather in Autumn (September – November) – Most Comfortable
Autumn (September – November) is the most reputed season in Kashgar. The scorching heat has subsided and the temperature descends month by month. Until mid-to-late November, cold air activities are becoming more frequent, and rain, snow and significant temperature drops may occur. But the sand and dust weathers reduce significantly and there is more sunny and stable weather.
With the most comfortable weather and best scenery, this period is the absolute peak season and is highly recommended to all tourists.
- What to pack: layered clothing, sunglasses, sunscreen, hat, lip balm, scarf
Kashgar Weather in Winter (December – February) – Cold, Dry, & Surprisingly Sunny
Cold and dry are the main features of Kashgar weather in winter, but it is not as cold as we imagine. The average daily temperature in the urban areas is mostly below 0 ℃. But when the cold wave hits, the temperature will drop sharply to -10 ℃. It also rarely snows. The sandstorm is extremely rare and the air is clear, it is the best time to capture the snow mountain and starry sky. Photographers are recommended to visit at this time.
Winter is also the low season. The air ticket and hotel prices have dropped to the lowest point of the year. It is a good time for budget travelers.
- What to pack: warm clothes, snow boots, earflaphat, waterproof gloves, thick scarf, power bank
Worst Times to Visit Kashgar
When planning the tour, we usually give priority to comfort, convenience and best scenery. From this perspective, April, July and August are the worst times. In April, the frequent strong winds will result in sandstorms, greatly affecting outdoor sightseeing and photography. The scenery is also not vibrant and charming.
The main reason to avoid July and August is its extreme hot weather. You may get sunstroke. And due to the summer holiday, the attractions are crowded with people and the cost will reach the peak.
Kashgar Weather vs Other Tourist Destinations in Xinjiang
Destination |
Weather |
Experience |
Kashgar |
Four distinctive seasons, extremely dry, little rainfall, hot summer and cold winter, strong sunlight and more sandstorms than other cities |
Rich Uyghur culture: Nowruz, Eid al-Adha, Kashgar Ancient City, grand Bazaar, fragrant melons and fruits Scenery: Golden poplar forests, Baisha Lake |
Urumqi |
Slightly more humid than Kashgar, relatively milder summer and suitable for escaping the heat, colder and longer winter with the lowest temperature of -41.5℃, largest annual temperature difference of 42-45℃ |
Integration of modernity and nature: International Grand Bazaar, museums, Tianchi Lake and Nanshan Pasture, ideal for summer retreat and winter skiing |
Turpan |
Extremely dry and hot, annual precipitation of only 16.4 mm, long and scorching summer with the surface temperature exceeding 70℃, cold but short winter |
Unique landforms and historical sites: scorching Flame Mountain, cool Grape Valley, Karez Wells, Kumtag Desert, Jiaohe Ancient City |
Kanas |
No summer all year round, winter is as long as 7 months, snow period lasts for 8 months, the wettest area in Xinjiang with an annual precipitation of 1,000 mm |
The best natural scenery in northern Xinjiang: Kanas Lake, Three Bays, Fish Viewing Platform, Tuva villages like Hemu and Baihaba |
Travel with China Xian Tour for a Worry-free Kashgar Tour
For most foreign tourists who plan to visit Kashgar, we highly recommend you to travel with a tour group. Because foreign tourists are required to live in a qualified hotel that allows to receive foreigners and you may need to apply for the Xinjiang Travel Permit visit certain surrounding areas, such as Karakul Lake & Tashkurgan. Besides, the attractions are far from the city area and the local language and culture are quite different. China Xian Tour can help you solve these problems to ensure a smooth, save and in-depth tour. We can also tailor a trip based on your interests and plans. Just contact us now.
