Generally, the weather in Xi’an in January is cold and dry, with average daytime high temperatures around 5–6°C and nighttime low temperatures about -4 to -3°C.
While the temperatures drop below 0°C in the early mornings and late nights, there is usually less snowfall. If you don’t mind Xi’an’s cold winter weather in January, then it might be a good time to visit Xi’an. Popular tourist attractions like the Terracotta Warriors and the City Wall are less crowded in January compared to spring and autumn, and the hotels become more affordable.
There might be snowfalls in Xi’an in January, though not frequent. If you come to visit Xi’an in winter for the first time, you should consider focusing on Terracotta Warriors, the City Wall, local food, and other Xi’an winter travel experiences. If you travel in Xi’an in pleasant winter weather and temperatures, you can also visit Mount Hua in January.
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- Xi’an Weather in January- Quick Travel Guide
- Is January a Good Time to Visit Xi’an?
- Does It Snow in Xi’an in January?
- What to Wear in Xi’an in January?
- What to Do in Xi’an in January?
- Can you Visit Mount Hua in January?
- How to Plan a 1-Day January Xi’an Tour Itinerary?
- Xi’an January Travel Tips
- Is Xi’an Crowded in January?
- Where to Stay in Xi’an in January?
- How Many Days to Stay in Xi’an in January?
- Xi’an January Travel FAQs
- Plan Your January Xi’an Trip with Us
Xi’an Weather in January- Quick Travel Guide
In January |
|
Average High Temperatures |
5–6°C / 41–43°F |
Average Low Temperatures |
-4 to -3°C / 25–27°F |
Weather Conditions |
cold, dry & less precipitation |
Snowfall |
highly possible but unstable |
Suitable for |
Terracotta Warriors, City Wall, Xi’an Museum & Xi’an local food |
Mount Hua |
It’s okay to visit Mount Hua in January, but it depends on the weather. |
Xi’an weather in January is mostly dry and cold, but the perceived temperatures may be lower due to the wind chill.
Is January a Good Time to Visit Xi’an?
You are more than welcome to visit Xi’an anytime, but it would not have the most comfortable weather in January.
If you prefer more pleasant temperatures, April to May or September to October is probably the best time to visit Xi’an. But if you are not easily affected by Xi’an’s cold winter weather, then January also has its outstanding strengths for a Xi’an winter tour.
Attractions like the Terracotta Warriors, the City Wall, and the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda would be less crowded in January than the spring and summer holidays. The main halls of Terracotta Warriors and Xi’an Museum can also fit well in your Xi’an winter itinerary. However, if you can stand the cold weather in January, or you wish to spend more time on walking and cycling, spring and autumn are more comfortable for those outdoor activities.
Does It Snow in Xi’an in January?
It’s highly possible, but no guarantee.
Xi’an winter weather is relatively dry. There might be snowfalls in January, but the frequency and volume vary each year. And the accumulated snow in the city usually doesn’t last long.
But snow in January can indeed make Xi’an more elegant and appealing. With the layer of white snow on the city wall, city tower, and gray rooftops, the ancient city’s winter atmosphere never fails to catch tourists’ eyes. You can also take a walk and capture the beautiful snowfall in Xi’an in January around the Giant and Small Wild Goose Pagodas.
What to Wear in Xi’an in January?
If you travel to Xi’an in January, down coats or warm winter jackets are recommended. You can wear knitwear or fleece inner layers and bring gloves, scarves and beanies in your luggage. It’s important to wear comfortable and anti-slip shoes. If you feel cold easily, remember to add another layer of thermal underwear.
Although you can’t avoid Xi’an cold winter weather in January during outdoor activities, you could always warm yourself up in the hotel, restaurant and museum as they are usually equipped with heaters. You could take off the heavy outer layers indoors anytime – that’s why dressing in layers would be the most convenient.
Travelers from the tropics or other warm regions are recommended to prepare extra thermal underwear, lip balm and moisture cream to ‘survive’ the dry Xi’an weather in January.
What to Do in Xi’an in January?
1. The Terracotta Warriors
- Recommended Time Spent: 2.5–3 hours
- Distance from Xi’an CBD: about 40km (a single-trip by car takes 1 hour)
For tourists who travel to Xi’an for the first time, the Museum of Qinshihuang Emperor Mausoleum (Terracotta Warriors) is still the most worth visiting.
The Terracotta Warriors in January has relatively fewer tourists than the spring and summer holidays. Thanks to the smaller crowds, you can observe the splendid terracotta army, terracotta cavalry horses, and other pits from different angles and perspectives. Among all the pits, the army in Pit No.1 is the most famous for its grandeur.
Since the main tour zones are indoor, you won’t be bothered by the cold January weather outside, just keep your pace slow and enjoy your tour.
If you come visit Xi’an on a chilly winter day in January, you can spend the morning with the terracotta warriors and save the City Wall for the afternoon.
2. Xi’an Museum + Small Wild Goose Pagoda
- Recommended Time Spent: 2 hours
If you happen to encounter chilly, cloudy, or windy weather in January during your Xi’an tour, Xi’an Museum + Small Wild Goose Pagoda is a handy route.
The two sites are in the same tourist area, so you can take a tour in Xi’an Museum first, then take a walk around Small Wild Goose Pagoda without extra time for traffic.
3. Visit Xi’an City Wall in the Afternoon
Xi’an City Wall is an outdoor attraction. If you come to Xi’an in January, it’s better to visit the City Wall in the afternoon.
When the weather is sunny and clear, you can climb up the wall from the Yongning Gate (south gate), then spend 1 to 2 hours on walking or short-distance cycling.
The City Wall measures 13.7km in length – no need to cover a full loop for “perfection”. If you visit on a windy day or you spot ice and snow on the surface, you may consider staying for a shorter time and taking a tour on foot.
4. Xi’an Local Food Makes Your Winter Tour Warmer
The steaming hot Xi’an local food like the shredded pancake in mutton or beef soup and sour soup dumplings are locals’ secret weapons to cope with the cold weather in January. They would warm you up quickly when your body has been frozen after a tour around the City Wall or other outdoor attractions.
If you want to try the shredded pancake, Yi Zhenlou in Dapiyuan, the Muslim Quarter is one of the locals’ favorites. If you like sour and spicy flavors, give Mafeng Sour Soup Dumpling a try. The sour soup is appetizing and may ward off the cold in January.
If you have sufficient time for a slow-paced walk, just take your time exploring Dapiyuan and Sajinqiao and try one or two local cuisines that make your mouth water.
5. Giant Wild Goose Pagoda + The Grand Tang Mall
If you spend the whole afternoon in the Daci’en Temple and Giant Wild Goose Pagoda, you can walk to the Grand Tang Mall nearby after dark.
The sky gets dark early in January in Xi’an, which means you don’t need to wait long for the amazing Xi’an night view at the Grand Tang Mall.
The views become more striking after the lights are turned on. You may see Tang-style buildings and street performances along the way. You don’t have to be in a rush for a particular show, just enjoy the surprises Xi’an prepares for you.
Usually there would be fewer tourists in the winter nights, so you don’t have to deal with a large crowd. But the temperatures drop drastically after sunset – it’s time to wear your beanie, gloves, and scarves if you plan to stay one to two hours outdoors.
6. Stay Indoors When the Weather Is Bad
If the low temperature or strong wind in the evening disrupts your plan for outdoor activities, consider Tang dynasty song and dance performances and the dumpling banquet–try dumplings with different fillings while appreciating Tang-style music and dance.
The Joy City Mall is right next to Giant Wild Goose Pagoda. It’s convenient for tourists to have a quick meal or a cup of coffee and take a break after the tour, before walking to the Grand Tang Mall after dark.
This itinerary would be more relaxed for the elders or children who may catch a cold easily.
7. Skiing or Hot Spring Bathing
If you stay in Xi’an for more than three days, spending half a day or a full day on skiing or hot spring bathing is one of the best things to do in Xi’an in winter.
There are many ski resorts open around Xi’an in winter, which are suitable for recreational skiing and first-time experience. But the opening hours will be adjusted according to the temperature and snow conditions of the year.
If you want to set the pace slow, you can go to Lintong for hot spring bathing after a tour of the Terracotta Warriors. The two places are in the same direction, so it’s convenient to visit them on the same day.
China Xian Tour can also tailor your itinerary around the day’s snow conditions and your schedule, combining skiing, the Terracotta Warriors, and hot spring along the same route, so you spend less time travelling back and forth.
If you stay in Xi’an for only 2 days, it’s recommended to prioritize the Terracotta Warriors, the City Wall, and Giant Wild Goose Pagoda.
Can you Visit Mount Hua in January?
Yes, Mount Hua is very worth visiting in January, but the weather matters.
On a clear day, the peaks and cliffs are covered with snow or frost, and the distant ridges unfold in your view layer by layer, which is very different from what you may see in spring and autumn. With fewer tourists, you can fully immerse in the tranquil natural environment.
However, the weather on the mountaintop would be much colder than downtown Xi’an in January. Heavy snow, ice and strong winds may affect mountain roads, cable cars or opening of some of the area.
It is recommended to reserve one day for your Xi’an itinerary, and confirm the visit one to two days before departure based on the weather and the operation of the scenic area. When going to Mount Hua for the first time in winter, a long-distance hiking should not be your goal. Using the cable car reasonably and saving more time for the scenery along the way would upgrade your travel experience.
How to Plan a 1-Day January Xi’an Tour Itinerary?
For those visiting Xi’an for the first time, you can plan your 1-Day Xi’an itinerary in the order of Terracotta Warriors → City Wall → Bell Tower and Drum Tower→ Muslim Quarter.
The itinerary allows you to appreciate the huge terracotta army formation up close and learn about the history of the Qin Dynasty in the morning, climb the Xi’an City Wall in the sunlight of warm afternoon after lunch, go to the Bell Tower and Drum Tower in the evening, and treat yourself with local food such as shredded pancake and barbecue at the Muslim Quarter nearby to wrap up a day.
If you meet a chilly or windy day, just replace the City Wall with Xi’an Museum + Small Wild Goose Pagoda so you are less exposed to the cold.
Discover the awe-inspiring Terracotta Warriors and cycle along China's best-preserved ancient City Wall, then explore the hidden Great Mosque tucked within the bustling Muslim Quarter.
Xi’an January Travel Tips
1. Try to Avoid the Spring Festival Travel Rush at the End of January
The 2027 Spring Festival is February 6th. The cross-city travel before the Spring Festival will gradually increase from the end of January, and high-speed rail, domestic flights and major railway stations will also become more crowded.
If your travel schedules are flexible, it’s recommended that you avoid this peak traffic period; if your itinerary has been confirmed, it’s recommended to book high-speed rail or domestic flights from Xi’an to major cities such as Beijing, Shanghai, and Chengdu in advance. Try to book tickets for popular train services before the departure time is close.
2. The Snow Scenery is Unpredictable
It may snow in Xi’an in January, but it’s difficult to predict. If you happen to encounter snowfall, you can flexibly adjust your itinerary. The snow scenes of the City Wall, the Small Wild Goose Pagoda and the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda are all worth expecting.
3. Try to Visit Outdoor Attractions in the Afternoon
It’s usually colder in the early morning and after sunset. Outdoor attractions such as the City Wall and the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda can be left to the afternoon.
4. Always Carry Your Passport with You
International tourists should carry their original passports when visiting the Terracotta Warriors and other scenic spots that require real-name reservations.
5. Don’t Overpack Your Itinerary
Walking in cold temperatures for a long time in winter consumes your energy quickly. If you are traveling with the elderly and children, it’s recommended to shift flexibly between indoor and outdoor attractions.
Is Xi’an Crowded in January?
Generally speaking, January is mostly an off-season. Popular scenic spots are usually less crowded than in April to May, summer vacation, and September to October.
However, domestic tourist and passenger flows may significantly increase around New Year’s Day and when it’s close to the Spring Festival public holidays.
Where to Stay in Xi’an in January?
Below are the recommended areas to stay during your Xi’an trip:
For first-time travelers to Xi’an, consider staying near the Bell Tower or Yongning Gate area in winter.
These areas are close to attractions in the city center, such as the City Wall, Bell and Drum Towers, and the Muslim Quarter. When the weather is cold, it will be much more comfortable to walk less and spend less time on transfers.
If you prefer modern hotels, restaurants, and night views, consider the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda or the Qujiang River area.
For most first-time tourists visiting Xi’an, it’s not recommended to stay in Lintong just for the Terracotta Warriors.
How Many Days to Stay in Xi’an in January?
If this is your first Xi’an tour, 2 to 3 days is sufficient to cover the highlights.
If you want to include Mount Hua in your itinerary, a 3-to-4-day Xi’an tour is helpful for leaving some room for adjustment caused by the changing weather conditions.
Xi’an January Travel FAQs
How Cold is Xi’an in January?
The average high temperatures are about 5–6°C (41–43°F), and the average low temperatures are about -4 to -3°C (25–27°F). When the cold wave arrives, nighttime temperatures may be even lower.
Can I Visit the Terracotta Warriors in January?
Yes. The main visitor area is located inside the large exhibition hall, so the cold Xi’an weather in January won’t bother your tour.
Can I Ride a Bicycle on the City Wall in January?
Yes, you can if the weather is clear with only a gentle wind. But it’s recommended to just walk for a short distance if the surface has been covered by ice and snow.
Are Hotels Cheaper in Xi’an in January?
As mentioned above, January is very likely to be an off-season, which means the cost of the hotel stays is more affordable compared to spring and autumn. Again, the prices may surge on the New Year’s Day, and when close to the Spring Festival and the travel rush.
Plan Your January Xi’an Trip with Us
Although Xi’an weather turns cold in January, fewer tourists make the winter in Xi’an more peaceful and elegant. You can visit the Terracotta Warriors in the morning, walk along the City Wall in the afternoon, and eat a bowl of hot shredded pancake in the evening. If it happens to snow, the ancient city will have a different view to offer.
In winter, overpacking your Xi’an itinerary is not a wise choice, as you may have to travel outdoors when the temperature drops or the wind blows. Get in touch with China Xian Tour for a personalized Xi’an winter itinerary today! Our professional consultation team will make sure to leave some room in your travel plan for adjusting flexibly according to the weather. There’s no need to rush in a Xi’an winter tour – just take your time and enjoy the beautiful winter scenes of Xi’an in January.
