December in Xi’an is cold and dry. Daytime highs average around 6°C (43°F), while nights drop to about –3°C (27°F), so expect a big swing between day and night.
Despite the cold, December can still be a good time to visit Xi’an. Historic attractions are far less crowded, and there are plenty of winter activities to enjoy in and around the city, from skiing to hot-spring bathing. If you prefer to avoid the cold, you can plan some indoor sightseeing and activities instead.
Note: The weather information in this guide is based on the climate patterns and weather conditions over the past few decades. It isn’t a day-by-day forecast for December 2026. For better planning, it’s a good idea to check the weather forecast 7–10 days before your trip, especially if you plan to visit Mount Hua or go skiing.
Content Preview
- How Cold Is Xi’an in December?
- Does It Snow in Xi’an in December?
- Is December a Good Time to Visit Xi’an?
- Best Times to Visit Xi’an in December
- Best Things to Do in Xi’an in December
- 3–4 Day Xi’an Itineraries for December
- What to Wear in Xi’an in December
- Xi’an December Packing List
- FAQs
How Cold Is Xi’an in December?
Winter arrives in Xi’an in December, so the city is generally cold during this month, especially in the morning and after sunset.
Early in the month, a sunny day can still hit around 10°C (50°F). By mid-December, daytime highs are down to around 5°C (41°F), while nights fall below 0°C (32°F). It gets colder towards the end of the month.
Xi’an gets less than 10 hours of daylight in December. Expect sunrise around 7:30–7:50 and sunset around 17:30–17:45. Don’t follow the same sightseeing pace as you would in spring or summer. In December, start outdoor activities, such as visiting the Xi’an City Wall or Mount Hua, earlier to make the most of the shorter daylight hours.
Does It Snow in Xi’an in December?
Yes. It can snow in Xi’an in December, but snowfall is relatively rare.
December is one of the driest months in Xi’an. When snow does fall, it’s usually light or doesn’t last long, so you may not see much snow on the ground during your visit.
Can You See Snow in the City Center?
Whether you can see snow in Xi’an’s city center depends largely on the weather, timing, and a bit of luck. If you happen to visit Xi’an during a snowfall, the best places to see snow are:
- Xi’an City Wall
- Big Wild Goose Pagoda complex
- The Bell Tower and Drum Tower in the old city area
Insider tip: Check the weather forecast the night before. If snow is expected, head out early the next morning. Light snow in the city can melt quickly once the sun comes out, so the early morning is usually your best chance to see the city center covered in snow, especially if you want to see the beautiful snowy scenery on the Xi’an City Wall.
Hit Xi'an's holy trinity in one perfect day — the awe-inspiring Terracotta Warriors, a bicycle ride atop the ancient City Wall, and a food crawl through the Muslim Quarter.
Mount Hua: A Better Place to See Snow
If seeing snow is high on your list during your winter trip, you’ll have a better chance on Mount Hua than in downtown Xi’an.
With a higher elevation and colder temperatures, Mount Hua is more likely to be covered with snow and ice in December, making it a great place to see snow near Xi’an.
After it snows, however, the trails on Mount Hua can be slippery, and the cable car or some routes may be temporarily closed or suspended due to strong winds or icy conditions. Check the weather forecast and the latest operating status the day before you head there.
Combine Xi'an's ancient wonders with Mount Huashan's breathtaking trails — stand before the Terracotta Army, cycle the City Wall, and hike the world's most precipitous sacred mountain.
Is December a Good Time to Visit Xi’an?
December can be a great time to visit Xi’an. Major historic attractions are quieter, and there are plenty of winter activities to enjoy. But if you prefer warmer weather around 20°C (68°F), December may feel too cold for you.
Benefits of Visiting Xi’an in December
- Popular attractions like the Terracotta Army and the Xi’an City Wall are less crowded than in peak seasons.
- Hotel rates and travel costs are lower than during the busier spring and autumn months.
- Most of the Terracotta Army Museum is indoors, so you can explore the pits without spending much time outside in the cold.
- You may have a chance to see the snowy scenery in the city or on Mount Hua.
- Winter fun is easy to find, such as hot-spring bathing or skiing.
Good to Know
- Long hours outdoors can get really cold.
- Weather conditions can be more challenging in mountain areas like Mount Hua.
- Xi’an can experience smog, which may reduce visibility.
Best Times to Visit Xi’an in December
Time |
Weather |
Snow Chances |
Crowds |
Travel Recommendation Rate |
Early December |
Cold, with more sunny days |
Uncertain |
Very few |
★★★★★ |
Mid-December |
Cold, with a distinctly wintry feel |
Uncertain |
Few |
★★★★★ |
Late December |
Usually colder |
Relatively higher |
Slightly busier |
★★★★☆ |
If your travel dates are flexible, aim for early to mid-December when the weather in Xi’an is usually milder than in late December, and the city is still in its low season.
However, early to mid-December may not be the best time to see snow. If you’re traveling specifically to see snow, check the weather forecast 7–10 days before your trip.
Early December: Mild Days and Fewer Crowds
In early December, temperatures can feel relatively mild around midday on sunny days, and Xi’an’s major attractions are at their least crowded of the month.
This period is a good choice if you:
- Are a first-time visitor
- Prefer to avoid the cold
- Are mainly interested in the Terracotta Army, Xi’an City Wall, and old city center
Mid-December: Colder Days and Winter Arrives
By mid-December, winter weather has arrived in Xi’an, with colder temperatures and relatively few crowds. It’s a good time to combine sightseeing in Xi’an with a trip to Mount Hua and a visit to a hot spring.
Late December: Freezing Nights and Winter Activities
In late December, temperatures usually get lower, and often fall below 0°C at night. The colder weather is more favorable for winter activities, such as skiing. Ski resorts generally need a sustained period of cold weather before they can open for the season, and late December is when more resorts are likely to be open.
Is Xi’an Crowded Around Christmas?
Christmas is generally not crowded in Xi’an, as it is not a public holiday in China. Yet, popular evening attractions like the Tang Dynasty Ever-Bright City can still be busy. Around Christmas, some large shopping malls, Western-style restaurants, and bars put up decorations and host Christmas events, giving you a chance to experience the festive atmosphere in Xi’an.
Best Things to Do in Xi’an in December
In December, it’s a good idea to pair historic attractions with winter experiences such as snow sightseeing, hot-spring bathing, and skiing. Mixing indoor and outdoor activities can make it easier to enjoy Xi’an without spending too much time outside in the cold.
1. Bathe in a Hot Spring in Xi’an
Bathing in a hot spring is a highly recommended winter experience in Xi’an.
The area around Mount Li is one of Xi’an’s best-known hot-spring destinations. Located in Lintong, it is close to the Terracotta Army and Huaqing Palace, so you can easily visit all three destinations in one day.
Here’s a route that works best: Terracotta Army → Huaqing Palace → a hot spring in Lintong.
After a cold day of sightseeing, soaking in a hot spring in the evening is a great way to warm up and unwind.
Combine the world-famous Terracotta Warriors with a two-hour outdoor hot spring spa at Huaqing Aegean International Resort in one day.
2. Go Skiing at Bailuyuan Ski Resort
If you’d like to try an exciting winter activity during your Xi’an trip, skiing at Bailuyuan Ski Resort is a good option.
As one of Xi’an’s better-known ski resorts, Bailuyuan Ski Resort is about a 30–40-minute drive from downtown Xi’an, and its slopes are generally well suited to beginners and intermediate skiers.
The ski season usually kicks off in mid-to-late December. The opening date of the resort depends on temperatures and snowmaking conditions. For the 2026–2027 season, check the resort’s official updates to see when it opens.
3. Admire the Ice Falls at Hukou Waterfall
Hukou Waterfall is another option if you have more time for your trip to Xi’an in December.
From December, there is a chance to see large-scale ice formations, such as ice columns and frozen sections of the waterfall. However, they only develop after a sufficiently long cold spell, so seeing them comes down to a bit of luck.
Hukou Waterfall is also quite far from downtown Xi’an. A same-day round trip usually takes about 10–12 hours, including roughly 3.5–4 hours of driving each way. If this is your first time in Xi’an and you only have three days, it’s better to skip Hukou Waterfall.
Start your day with a morning pick-up from your hotel as our driver takes you on a scenic journey to explore the unique terrain of the Loess Plateau in northern Shanxi Province.
4. Explore Mount Hua in the Snow
Mount Hua can be a rewarding winter day trip from Xi’an when the mountain is covered in snow. The snowy scenery is striking, but trails may be icy and slippery.
If you’re visiting Mount Hua for the first time, consider taking the cable car rather than attempting a long hike on potentially icy trails. Start early, and allow plenty of time to make your way back down before dark.
Spend four days exploring Xi'an's greatest treasures — the Terracotta Warriors, ancient pagodas, and City Wall — plus a thrilling day on Mount Huashan's precipitous peaks.
5. Cycle Along the Xi’an City Wall in the Midday Sun
If you’d like to cycle along the Xi’an City Wall during your December trip, go around midday, when temperatures feel more comfortable than in the early morning. The most comfortable time is usually between 11:00 and 15:30.
After sunset, the wind picks up on top of the city wall, and your hands and face can get cold quickly while cycling.
If it happens to snow, make the Xi’an City Wall a priority that day to enjoy the beautiful snowy scenery.
3–4 Day Xi’an Itineraries for December
When travel to Xi’an in December, the key is to avoid spending long stretches of time outdoors.
3-Day Xi’an Itinerary for First-Time Visitors
Day 1: Terracotta Army + Huaqing Palace + hot spring
Day 2: City Wall + Bell Tower & Drum Tower + Muslim Quarter + Big Wild Goose Pagoda & Tang Dynasty Ever-Bright City
Day 3: Mount Hua (a day trip from Xi’an)
4-Day Xi’an Winter Itinerary
This 4-day Xi’an itinerary is an extension of the above 3-day itinerary and adds a winter activity on Day 4.
Option 1: Bailuyuan Ski Resort
Go skiing at Bailuyuan Ski Resort if you want to add a winter activity without spending too much time traveling.
Option 2: Hukou Waterfall
Take a day trip to Hukou Waterfall if you don’t mind a long journey and are particularly interested in seeing the Yellow River in winter.
On particularly cold or windy days, consider mixing outdoor activities with indoor sightseeing. In December, it’s best to avoid spending 6–8 hours outdoors in a row.
What to Wear in Xi’an in December
The key to dressing for Xi’an in December is layering. December falls within Xi’an’s central heating season, so indoor spaces, such as hotels, restaurants, shopping malls, and museums, can feel much warmer than outdoors. Dressing in layers makes it easy to add or shed a layer as you move between indoors and outdoors.
In the City Center
- Thermal base layer
- Sweater or fleece
- Down jacket
- Thick trousers
- Comfortable, waterproof walking shoes
- Hat
- Scarf
- Gloves
On sunny days, you might not need all these layers around midday. Yet, mornings and evenings can feel far colder than you’d expect.
At Mount Hua
- Warm, windproof down jacket
- Warm hat
- Windproof gloves
- Shoes with good grip
- Thick socks
- Hand warmers
Good grip matters most on Mount Hua. Snow, ice, and strong winds can make the mountain far tougher than in downtown Xi’an.
Xi’an December Packing List
- Lip balm and moisturizer (dry air both indoors and outdoors)
- Hand cream
- Insulated water bottle
- Power bank (cold drains your phone battery faster)
- Sunglasses
- Face masks (optional, in case of poor air quality)
FAQs
What are the best indoor things to do in Xi’an in December?
When it’s too cold or windy for outdoor sightseeing, here are some good indoor options:
- Terracotta Army, where all three pits are housed indoors
- Local museums like the Shaanxi History Museum
- Indoor cultural experiences
- Tang Dynasty performances
What are some top tips for visiting Xi’an in December?
- Keep your itinerary a little less packed than you would in spring or summer.
- Try to visit major outdoor attractions between 11:00 and 15:00, when temperatures are generally more comfortable.
- If Mount Hua, skiing, or any other snow-related activity is on your list, check the latest forecast before you head out, and adjust your plan if necessary.
