The dominant features of Xi’an weather in November can be summed up in two key words: drastic temperature drop and huge day-night temperature gap. Then, is November a good time to visit Xi’an? It definitely is if you prefer a smaller tourist flow, shorter queueing time, relatively lower travel cost, and incomparable ginkgo autumn scenery.
The average temperature in Xi’an in November is about 7°C; the average high is about 12°C, and the average low is about 3°C. There is less rainfall, and it may be close to the freezing point in the early morning and late evening in late November.
The temperature, rainfall, and snowfall information in this guide is mainly based on Xi’an’s long-term climate data in previous years and is not an accurate daily weather forecast for November 2026. We highly recommend checking the real-time weather again 7 to 10 days before your departure.
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- What is the Weather Like in Xi’an in November?
- Is November a good time to visit Xi’an?
- Which is the Best Time to Visit Xi’an — Early, Mid, or Late November?
- What to Wear in Xi’an in November?
- Things to Do in Xi’an in November— Where to Watch Autumn Scenery and Ginkgo Leaves?
- Is Mount Hua Worth Visiting in November?
- How to Plan a 2-4 Day Itinerary in Xi’an in November?
What is the Weather Like in Xi’an in November?
Overall, Xi’an in November is in the transition stage from late autumn to early winter. The weather is noticeably cooler than in October, but usually not as cold as in December to January. The ‘extreme cold’ is usually not a severe problem; what may affect your travel experience is the huge temperature difference between morning/evening and noon.
The weather varies greatly between early and late November:
Does it rain in Xi’an in November?
Xi’an in November has relatively little rainfall, with an average rainfall of 24 mm and about 6 rainy days in a month. The rainfall often comes in drizzles, so tourists wouldn’t have to worry about heavy rain for multiple consecutive days. But cloudy and overcast weather is also not uncommon.
Does it snow in Xi’an in November?
It’s possible, but Xi’an won’t guarantee beautiful snow scenery in November.
Snowfall in Xi’an in November is actually rare. Even if the first snow occurs, it is more likely to occur at the end of the month. But places like Mount Hua, which are located at higher altitudes with lower temperatures, are more likely to experience snowfall or ice in November.
Is November a good time to visit Xi’an?
Yes, especially for tourists who don’t like crowds during peak season.
The peak National Day tourist flow has ended in November, and the overall number of tourists usually drops compared to the holiday period. You can plan visits to popular attractions such as the Terracotta Warriors, Xi’an City Wall, and Giant Wild Goose Pagoda more flexibly. Some hotels may also be more affordable than during peak spring and autumn periods in Xi’an.
If your Xi’an travel focuses on historical and cultural attractions and local foods, the low temperatures in November will have only limited impact on the itinerary overall.
Travelling in Xi’an in November also has another overlooked advantage: autumn scenery. Ginkgo trees usually offer a good view of autumn leaves from the end of October to November, so if you arrive with good timing, autumn photography will be a highlight of a historical Xi’an tour.
But if you are particularly cold-sensitive, wishing not to be bound by heavy clothing for outdoor tours, or aiming to climb Mount Hua, then late November may not be the best choice.
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.
Which is the Best Time to Visit Xi’an — Early, Mid, or Late November?
If you have the flexibility to schedule your Xi’an trip and wish to travel in optimal weather conditions, early November would be ideal. Long-term data shows that the highest daytime temperature on some days in early November may exceed 15°C, and it could even be warmer on sunny days. Cycling and walking around the City Wall in this weather would be more comfortable.
Dates |
Weather Conditions |
Reasons for Recommendation |
Suitable for |
1st-10th November |
Temperatures are mild in the daytime, but cold in the early morning and late night. |
It has the most comfortable weather for outdoor activities. |
Tourists who can’t bear cold/who want to go cycling on the City Wall; Photography enthusiasts |
11th-20th November |
Turning cold |
The cold weather would not affect autumn scenery |
Tourists who want to watch ginkgo scenery/who visit Xi’an for the first time
|
21st-30th November |
Temperatures are close to 0°C in the early morning and late night. |
off-season with fewer tourists |
Tourists who don’t mind cold weather/who are interested in a history/culture tour |
Mid-November reaches a golden state for weather, autumn scenery, and tourist flow. The temperature has dropped, but winter is not yet fully in charge. It is also the time when some ginkgo landscapes are in better condition.
Late November would usually be much colder. The lowest temperature may drop to 0–5°C, and occasionally below 0°C. But there are usually fewer tourists at this time, which means some popular historical and cultural attractions could be less busy.
What to Wear in Xi’an in November?
The most practical way to deal with the cold weather in Xi’an in November is not to wear a particularly thick piece of clothing, but to dress in layers for temperature changes — it is cold in the early morning and late night, but relatively warm at noon. Additionally, many indoor spaces, such as hotels and shopping malls, have turned on their heaters after mid-November.
In early November, you can prepare long-sleeved innerwear, light sweaters, or hoodies, and then add a medium-thick jacket.
By mid-November, we usually recommend switching to sweaters, fleece, and windproof jackets, and those who are cold-sensitive can bring light down coats.
Down coats will be more useful in late November, especially in the morning and evening, as well as in places exposed to strong winds such as the City Wall and Mount Hua.
It’s recommended to choose comfortable, non-slip sneakers or hiking shoes. Xi’an can be dry in November, so you may need a lip balm and moisturizer.
If you plan to visit Mount Hua, an extra layer of warm innerwear, a windproof jacket, a beanie, gloves, and shoes with good grip would be necessary.
Things to Do in Xi’an in November— Where to Watch Autumn Scenery and Ginkgo Leaves?
In November, the most striking seasonal highlights in Xi’an are ginkgo trees and late autumn scenery, besides the Terracotta Warriors, City Wall, and the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda, which are all worth visiting year-round.
Ancient Guanyin Zen Temple
The Ancient Guanyin Zen Temple draws tourists’ attention with a famous ancient ginkgo tree. Its leaves gradually turn golden from the end of October, with the brightest golden colour presented in early November. However, the golden phase would be advanced or postponed each year due to temperature and wind force. It’s recommended to check the real-time pictures or official information in November from the attraction before departure.
It should be noted that the temple features a giant ancient ginkgo tree, rather than an extensive ginkgo grove. If you’re coming in late November, it’s not recommended to make a special trip just for the ginkgo, as the leaves may have fallen off and the golden color has faded.
Yangling Mausoleum of Han
If you are coming to Xi’an in November specifically for ginkgo leaves, we would recommend Yangling Mausoleum of Han instead. There are vast ginkgo forests here, and the main viewing period usually covers the entire November. And the golden phase is often later than that of the old ginkgo tree in the Ancient Guanyin Zen Temple. The specific optimal time for golden ginkgo scenery will depend on the temperature drop conditions of the month.
Another travel planning tip is that the Yangling Mausoleum of Han is located between Xi’an city and the airport.
If it fits your flight schedule, you can plan your Xi’an tour as follows:
Airport → Yangling Mausoleum of Han → Xi’an City
Or take the reverse route for your departure from Xi’an:
Xi’an City → Yangling Mausoleum of Han → Airport
This plan saves you the trouble of a round trip from the city center. It’s especially suitable for foreign tourists visiting Xi’an for the first time.
If you try to avoid an extra trip to the remote suburb, you can also pay attention to the ginkgo landscape around the People’s Building/Sofitel Hotel campus. The European-style buildings, fountains, and ginkgo trees would be good backgrounds for selfies. The ginkgo scenery there will be well developed in November. Although you may be able to enter the area for free and without a reservation since it’s a communal courtyard area under the regulation of the hotel, the entry may be subject to specific policy, and it is recommended to confirm with the hotel when you arrive.
In addition, you can also see good autumn scenery around Xi’an City Wall Ring Park, Little Wild Goose Pagoda, and Giant Wild Goose Pagoda, which makes it convenient to combine Xi’an autumn scenery with city sightseeing.
Delve into Xi'an across four days — witness the Terracotta Warriors, explore the City Wall and museum treasures, and enjoy a spectacular Tang Dynasty music and dance show with a dumpling feast.
Is Mount Hua Worth Visiting in November?
You may check the weather on the day of the trip or the day before deciding whether to visit Mount Hua.
In early November, when the weather is sunny with only light wind, Mount Hua is absolutely worth visiting, but please be aware that the perceived temperature at the top of the mountain will be significantly lower than that in the city. Warm layers and windproof clothing should be prepared following the standards for winter hiking in the mountains.
After mid-to-late November, there is a greater chance of icy surfaces, strong winds, or low-visibility weather. The probability of snowfall is also higher than in Xi’an city.
Travel Tips:
You can arrange your visit to Mount Hua flexibly when the weather is sunny and the wind is light;
Consider changing the date, or confirming the operation status of the cable car and footpaths in advance under the circumstances of heavy fog, rain, snow, strong winds, or ice;
For tourists staying in Xi’an for only 3 to 4 days, we usually recommend Mount Hua as an optional plan in pleasant weather.
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.
How to Plan a 2-4 Day Itinerary in Xi’an in November?
The daytime has shortened in November, and sunsets gradually shift earlier, from around 5:50 PM at the beginning of the month to around 5:35 PM at the end, so the pace of travel should be slightly faster than in summer. If you plan to ride a bike, take photos, or watch the sunset at the City Wall, it’s better to schedule your outdoor activities earlier in the afternoon.
If you visit Xi’an for the first time and will stay for 2 days, it is recommended to cover the Terracotta Warriors, Giant Wild Goose Pagoda, and the Grand Tang Mall on the first day, and walk through the Xi’an City Wall, Old City District, Bell and Drum Towers, and Muslim Quarters on the second day. This itinerary helps minimize the impact of cold weather on your trip.
For a 3-day trip in Xi’an, you can add a seasonal experience to the 2-day basic route — either ginkgo sightseeing at Ancient Guanyin Zen Temple in early November, or at Yangling Mausoleum of Han in mid-to-late November.
If you are on a 4-day trip, Mount Hua is worth a visit. But it’s recommended to schedule Mount Hua on a clear, sunny day. If the weather in the mountains is less satisfactory, you can switch your Mount Hua visit with the Xi’an city itinerary.
