October has some of the most travel-friendly weather in Xi’an. The average high temperature is about 19–20°C, and the average low temperature is about 9–10°C. Though it could be cold in the early morning and late at night, the weather is generally very suitable for visiting the Terracotta Warriors, cycling on the Xi’an City Wall, and arranging outdoor itineraries such as Mount Hua.
However, if you plan to visit Xi’an in October, choosing your travel dates is as important as checking the weather. October 1st to 7th, 2026 is China’s National Day holiday and Xi’an’s busiest tourism period; after the Golden Week, the tourist flow usually drops quickly, while the weather remains perfect for outdoor Xi’an tours.
If you can arrange your itinerary flexibly, we usually recommend planning a visit to Xi’an either after Golden Week or in late October. If you are interested in the ginkgo trees, it is recommended to schedule the visit around the last few days of your trip and check the golden leaf phase in advance.
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- What Is the Weather Like in Xi’an in October?
- What Is the Difference Between Early, Mid, and Late October in Xi’an?
- Is Xi’an Crowded in October? Should I Avoid Golden Week?
- What Should You Wear in Xi’an in October? Do You Need a Warm Jacket?
- Is the Autumn Scenery Good in Xi’an in October? Do Ginkgo Trees Have Golden Leaves?
- Best Things to Do in Xi’an in October
- Xi’an in October: How to Plan Your Hotel and Itinerary
What Is the Weather Like in Xi’an in October?
The most distinctive feature of Xi’an weather in October is its coolness — the temperature difference between day and night is huge, and it gets colder and colder towards the end of the month. Compared with July and August, the summer heat is gone, and jackets are usually needed in the mornings and evenings.
- Average High Temperature: around 19-20°C
- Average Low Temperature: around 9-10°C
- Average Temperature: around 15°C
- Monthly Precipitation: about 60 mm
- Rainy Days: about 10 days
- Average humidity: around 77%
Does it rain much in Xi’an in October?
Although it rains in Xi’an in October, usually the rainfall wouldn’t affect your entire trip. Having 10 rainy days in a month does not mean that the rain will last all day. In fact, most rainfall is drizzles or showers, which can be easily handled with a folding umbrella or light raincoat.
What deserves more attention is the cooling effect caused by rain. You might only need long sleeves at noon on a sunny day, while you could feel noticeably colder on a rainy day.
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.
What Is the Difference Between Early, Mid, and Late October in Xi’an?
Judging by the monthly average alone, you may underestimate how much Xi’an changes throughout October. In fact, clothing, scenery, and even sightseeing experiences are constantly changing across different periods from early to late October.
Time Periods |
Weather Conditions |
Tourist Flow |
Autumn Scenery |
Recommendation Degree |
October 1–7 |
mild temperature; warm in the daytime |
Extremely high |
Early autumn |
Not very recommended |
October 8–15 |
Comfortable weather; cool in the morning and evening |
Significantly lower |
Autumn progresses |
recommended |
October 16–23 |
Generally cool, with huge day-night temperature difference |
Moderate |
Autumn colors become more vivid |
Highly recommended |
October 24–31 |
cooler in the morning and much colder in the evening |
Relatively low |
Part of the ginkgo leaves turning golden |
Recommended for autumn scenery appreciation |
Usually in the first half of October, the highest daytime temperature may still be around 20–25°C on some sunny days. Moving on to the second half of the month, the highest temperature will drop below 20°C. The nighttime low temperature is usually around 10°C and will drop further at the end of the month. When a cold front arrives, temperature changes between two consecutive days may also be noticeable.
Best Time to Visit Xi’an in October
Considering weather, crowds, and overall comfort for outdoor tours, we recommend visiting Xi’an around October 10th to 25th.
By then, Golden Week has ended, and the pressure of crowds at popular attractions such as the Terracotta Warriors and the City Wall has eased; at the same time, the temperature is still very suitable for outdoor activities before the noticeably colder November weather sets in.
If you’re primarily looking for autumn leaf photography, you can push back the schedule slightly to late October.
Capture the essence of Xi'an in two days — stand before the vast Terracotta Army, cycle the ancient City Wall, explore the unique Great Mosque, and taste the Muslim Quarter's famous street food.
Is Xi’an Crowded in October? Should I Avoid Golden Week?
Xi’an has great weather in October, but Golden Week remains the biggest variable in October travel planning.
The 2026 National Day holiday in China will be from 1st to 7th October. This is one of the busiest periods for domestic tourism in China, with Xi’an being no exception.
*If you plan to come to Xi’an in October 2027, please confirm the official Chinese National Day holiday arrangements before traveling. National Day is fixed on 1st October, but the exact holiday schedule is subject to the State Council’s official announcement.
Is Xi’an Crowded in October?
To be precise: 1st to 7th October is usually the most crowded time of the month; after 8th October, the tourist flow will drop significantly, but popular attractions may still be busy on weekends.
During Golden Week, the Terracotta Warriors, Xi’an City Wall, Grand Tang Mall, Bell and Drum Towers, and Mount Hua are all popular destinations, and train tickets, flights, hotels, and attraction reservations will all be in high demand.
Should I Avoid Golden Week in Xi’an?
If this is your first time in Xi’an and your itinerary can be adjusted flexibly, our suggestion is: avoid Golden Week if you can.
The main reasons are as follows:
- Popular scenic spots are crowded;
- Increased probability of traffic jams in the city;
- High-speed rail and flights are busier;
- Hotel prices are generally higher;
- The experience of visiting attractions would be affected.
If you can only make your visit to Xi’an during Golden Week, it is recommended to visit the Terracotta Warriors at the earliest available time of the day, choose hotels near the metro stations, and book high-speed train tickets, hotels, and attraction entries as early as possible.
Another practical tip: don’t estimate travel times to distant attractions during Golden Week based on a regular working day. For example, when traveling to the Terracotta Warriors and Mount Hua, you may consider reserving more time for transportation and queuing.
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.
What Should You Wear in Xi’an in October? Do You Need a Warm Jacket?
The key to dressing for Xi’an in October comes down to one word: layering.
In October, the temperature difference between day and night is huge, and a particularly thick piece of clothing is often not as practical as two or three layers that can be put on or taken off at any time.
Daytime in the City
Usually you can wear:
- Long-sleeved T-shirt or shirt;
- Pants;
- Comfortable sneakers;
- Bring a thin coat with you.
On a sunny day in early October, a long-sleeved shirt is sometimes all you need at noon.
Morning and Evening
Suggested additional layers:
- Thin jacket;
- Hoodie;
- Thin cardigan.
If you are staying outdoors in the evening, it is recommended to bring a coat with you rather than dressing as you would in the daytime.
What should I wear when I go to Mount Hua and Qin Mountains?
Don’t rely on Xi’an city temperatures alone.
Mount Hua is at a higher altitude and has stronger winds than the urban area. Even if Xi’an city feels comfortable during the day, the weather at mountaintops may still be cold. That’s why you need an extra windproof jacket or insulation layer.
Other Packing Essentials for Xi’an in October
Also worth packing:
- Folding umbrella;
- Lightweight raincoat;
- Water bottle;
- Sunscreen;
- Body cream;
- Lip balm.
In October, most visitors to Xi’an won’t yet need a thick down coat. However, if you are going to Mount Hua at the end of October, or if you are sensitive to cold, you can prepare a thicker outer layer.
Is the Autumn Scenery Good in Xi’an in October? Do Ginkgo Trees Have Golden Leaves?
Autumn scenery in Xi’an usually starts to take shape in October and builds gradually, but if you want to see large fields of golden ginkgo trees, please be aware that not the entire month of October is the best ginkgo season.
It is still early autumn in early October, and many ginkgo trees in urban areas have not yet completely changed color; by mid-to-late October, the autumn colors of the Qin Mountains and some city parks will become brighter.
The ginkgo trees at the Ancient Guanyin Zen Temple usually look their best from the end of October. The brightest golden colors mostly appear in November, but the best time to view autumn leaves varies with the actual temperature drop and wind speed.
So if you visit Xi’an on 5th October, for example, it is not worth spending half a day on a ginkgo-only trip.
In late October, if the temperature drop takes place earlier than usual, and the ginkgo trees have begun to change color, you can consider:
- The ginkgo forest at Hanyangling Mausoleum;
- The giant ginkgo tree at Ancient Guanyin Zen Temple;
- Little Wild Goose Pagoda;
- Xingqing Palace Park;
If the ginkgo trees are not yet in full swing, you may prioritize autumn colors in the Qin Mountains or other historical attractions.
Our more recommended approach is to focus on Xi’an’s historical attractions before mid-October, and then add autumn scenery to your itinerary in late October.
Best Things to Do in Xi’an in October
The real advantage of October for a Xi’an tour is that many itineraries that appear to be tiring in summer will be much more comfortable during this month.
Xi’an City Wall: Great for Cycling
You might get sunburnt if cycling on the City Wall in July and August, but in October, cycling becomes a real pleasure.
If the weather is clear, you can choose to ascend the City Wall after 3 pm, ride for a while, and then wait until evening. This way, you can not only enjoy the charm of the ancient city in beautiful sunshine but also continue to take in the amazing night view.
Bell and Drum Towers & Muslim Quarters: Best Explored in the Evening
As the sky gets dark earlier in October, the Bell and Drum Towers and Muslim Quarters pair well with an evening city walk — and it frees up more of your daytime for other attractions.
Grand Tang Mall: Add an Extra Layer at Night
After the weather cools down, walking in the evening is much more comfortable than in the midsummer heat.
However, the nights in late October are already quite cold, especially when it is windy, so an extra thin coat is necessary.
Terracotta Warriors: No Need to Avoid Midday Outside Golden Week
October in Xi’an doesn’t bring punishing midday heat, so there is no need to avoid a midday tour.
However, to avoid the peak hours for travel groups, it is still recommended to arrive as early as possible, especially on weekends and during Golden Week.
Mount Hua: October Is a Good Time to Visit
The cool autumn weather makes it perfect for combining cable cars with short hikes during your Mount Hua exploration. Whether to go up on the day depends on the weather in the mountains.
The temperature at the mountain top is usually lower than that in Xi’an city. The wind is strong, which makes the cloud and fog conditions unpredictable. It’s always safer to double-check the weather and cable car operation information for Mount Hua the day before departure.
Xi’an in October: How to Plan Your Hotel and Itinerary
The dividing line between different travel costs and travel experiences in October hinges on 7th October.
During the Golden Week, demand for accommodation and transportation is extremely high, but from 8th October, the flow of tourists usually drops rapidly, while the weather and temperatures remain relatively comfortable.
3-Day Xi’an October Itinerary
Get inspiration on how to spend 3 days in Xi’an from the following itinerary.
Day 1: Xi’an City Wall + Bell and Drum Towers + Muslim Quarters
- Tour the City Wall in the afternoon;
- Enter the core area of the old city district in the evening
Day 2: Terracotta Warriors + Giant Wild Goose Pagoda + Grand Tang Mall
- Visit the Terracotta Warriors in the morning;
- Experience Tang culture at Grand Tang Mall in the evening
Day 3: Choose One Based on Your Preferences
Option A: 1-day trip to Mount Hua
- Suitable for tourists seeking natural scenery, mountain views, and light hiking
Option B: Hanyangling Mausoleum + autumn scenery in the city or the Qin Mountains
- Suitable for tourists interested in ancient Chinese history and culture, or autumn viewing in late October.
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.
If your Xi’an tour lasts for 2 days only, it is recommended to give priority to visiting the Terracotta Warriors + Xi’an Old City District rather than trading the must-see historical sights of a first visit for autumn scenery.
Another reminder for foreign tourists is: don’t overpack your itinerary for Xi’an. The weather in Xi’an in October is comfortable, and most visitors tend to take advantage of the weather and overdo it in a day. One major attraction + 1 to 2 small city attractions + evening activities can usually make up a productive day. To enjoy a more relaxed Xi’an tour, you don’t need to stuff everything into a single-day trip from 8 am to 10 pm.
