Written by Clementine |
What’s weather like in Xian China today? Read on to find the answer.
With a sub-humid warm temperate continental monsoon climate and the location on the Northern Plains of China, Xi’an weather features four distinct seasons, including the mild and changeful spring, the scorching and stuffy summer, the cool and breezy autumn, and the frosty and dry winter.
Content Preview
- Overview of Xian Weather
- When is the Best Time to Visit Xian?
- Average Temperatures & Rainfalls with Graphs
- Xi’an Seasons – Temperature, Clothing Guide, and Best Things to Do
- What Times to Avoid to Visit Xian
- FAQs about Xian Weather
- Travel Xian with China Xian Tour
Overview of Xian Weather
The annual average temperature of Xi’an weather ranges from 13 ºC (55.4 ºF) to 13.7 ºC (56.7 ºF). Generally, January keeps the coldest weather in Xi’an, with the mean minimum temperature of -5 ºC (23 ºF); while the highest Xi’an temperature can reach around 40 ºC (104 ºF) in July.
The annual precipitation in Xi’an fluctuates between 522.4 and 719.5 mm, increasing from north to south. July and September are two obvious peak months of rainfall. The annual average humidity is 69.6%.
The annual sunshine duration is 1679.9~2062.6 hours.
Redirect to our Xi’an Tours to Terracotta Army Site, Giant Wild Goose Pagoda, Ancient City Wall… Or contact us for a customize private Xian trip.
The Hottest and the Coldest Months in Xian
Though the average temperature is about 26℃ – 28℃ in July, the extreme high temperature appears more than other months. It even usually exceeds 40℃, making it the hottest month in Xian. The weather is not pure hot, however, muggy is the most obvious feature. The city itself is like a steamer.
The coldest month should be January. This is due to the attack of strong cold air. The lowest temperature is often about -5℃. It is basically dry and cold with occasional snow.
When is the Best Time to Visit Xian?
The best time of year to travel to Xian for good weather is from March to May in spring when the Xi’an climate is mild and pleasant. September and October in Xi’an’s autumn are also good months to visit Xi’an. The temperature of both spring and autumn in Xian is about 20℃, without much rain. The natural scenery is also at its most beautiful in these two seasons.
In the spring, everything is renewed, and flowers bloom everywhere. In the autumn, the sky is clear, and the countryside is beautiful. Whether you bike on the historic city wall of XIan or walk under the Big Wild Goose Pagoda, you will sense the distinct appeal of this ancient capital.
Big surprise! Xi’an is one of the most popular tourist destinations in China in summer. Compared to Guilin, Shanghai, and Chongqing in southern China, the summer in Xi’an is not too hot. And, there is less rain. It makes the top choice for educational tours for families and students.
Xi’an in winter is also favored by many. Just picture: the ancient city walls, Bell and Drum Towers, and the Big Wild Goose Pagoda are covered with snow. Moreover, the travel costs of attractions, hotels and transport are cheaper. You will also love that there are fewer tourists.
Best Times to Visit Major Attractions in Xian
- Terracotta Warriors, Huaping Palace, Bell and Drum Tower: Spring and Autumn; at opening hours or in late afternoon
- City Wall, Giant Wild Goose Pagoda: Spring and Autumn; at dawn or at dusk
- Shaanxi History Museum: all year round; all day
- Datang Everbright City: Spring and Autumn; in the evening
Peak and Off-season of Travel in Xi’an
The peak season: From March to October. Most domestic and international tourists visit Xi’an during this period. The National Day (October 1st – 7th), Labor Day (May 1st – 5th), and Chinese New Year (Lunar New Year from the eve to the 6th) are the periods with the highest number of tourists. Chinaxiantour’s insider tips: book hotels, flights, trains and tour guides 1-3 months in advance.
The off-season: From November to February of the following year, except for Chinese New Year. There are relatively fewer tourists, which might give you a better experience in Xi’an. Moreover, you will find that although it’s cold, it is cost-effective.
Average Temperatures & Rainfalls with Graphs
Average Xian Temperature by Month
The extreme maximum temperature in Xi ‘an was 42.9℃ on June 17, 2006. The extreme minimum temperature from April to October was -1.9 ° C on October 29, 1978.
Month |
Temperature |
Recommended Rate |
Check Xi’an Weather by Month |
Jan. |
2-4°C |
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Feb. |
3-8°C |
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Mar. |
8-13°C |
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Apr. |
14-21°C |
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May. |
16-26°C |
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Jun. |
24-31°C |
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Jul. |
26-32°C |
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Aug. |
25-30°C |
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Sep. |
19-25°C |
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Oct. |
13-20°C |
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Nov. |
6-12°C |
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Dec. |
1-6°C |
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Please note: The above average Xian temperature in each month is based on previous years. When planning your trip to Xian, please refer to monthly weather forecast of Xi’an for the latest information.
Average Xian Rainfall by Month
Rainfall in Xi’an varies seasonally and randomly.
Month |
Average Precipitation (mm) |
Average Days |
Jan. |
7 |
4 |
Feb. |
10 |
4 |
Mar. |
29 |
7 |
Apr. |
43 |
8 |
May. |
60 |
9 |
Jun. |
51 |
9 |
Jul. |
99 |
10 |
Aug. |
71 |
9 |
Sep. |
92 |
11 |
Oct. |
60 |
10 |
Nov. |
24 |
6 |
Dec. |
6 |
4 |
Please note: The above average Xian rainfall in each month is based on previous years. Before you travel to Xi’an, please refer to Xi’an weather forecast for the latest information.
Xian Weather Averages with Graphs
Average Temperatures of Xi’an Graph
Xi’an Seasons – Temperature, Clothing Guide, and Best Things to Do
Spring (March to May)
The weather in Xi’an in spring is warm and slightly dry, with the temperature varying greatly from morning to evening. The monthly average temperature in March is 9 ºC (48.2 ºF), which rebounds in May and can rise to 20 ºC (68 ºF) or even higher.
It should be noted that there may suddenly be strong cooling weather in the first and middle of April, and the temperature will quickly rise in the second half of the month.
Spring in Xi’an is a dry season with little precipitation. It is recommended that you consume extra water.
What to Wear
The light sweaters and thin down jackets are appropriate clothes to wear in Xi’an in early spring. In May, you can wear thin T-shirts or even short sleeves.
What to Do
The comfortable climate and blooming cherry blossoms make spring the best season for Xian tourism and outdoor activities. Top things to do include a biking tour on the Xi’an City Wall, enjoying the cherry blossoms in Qinglong Temple or Tang Paradise, watching birds at Cangerya Area, and paying a visit to the majestic Terracotta Army.
√ Recommended tours:
Summer (June to August)
Xi’an weather in summer is harsh, hot, and humid, especially in the middle of summer. The average temperature in early summer is 21.8℃, and the temperature shows a rising trend. But the temperature difference between day and night is large.
The average daily temperature in midsummer is between 24 and 28℃. The average daily temperature showed a slow decreasing trend. The temperature difference between day and night is 9 ~ 11℃. July is the hottest month of the year, with an average high temperature of 33 ºC (91.4 ºF). Extreme maximum temperature 35 ~ 40℃.
Typically, the rainy season comes to Xi’an in this period.
What to Wear
Short sleeves, vests, dresses and sandals are suitable clothes to wear in Xi’an in summer. A light long-sleeved shirt or light jacket is still recommended for early summer evenings.
When travel in Xian in summer, you are advised to bring sun-protective clothing, sunglasses and a sun hat.
What to Do
Summer in Xi’an is muggy, but there are some highly-recommended indoor activities to do. How about hunting the numerous historic treasures at the Shaanxi History Museum, Banpo Museaum, Yangling Mausoleum of Han Dynasty, and the Terracotta Warriors.
If you are an outdoor enthusiasts, there are also some summer retreat in Xian, such as the Lishan Mountain a famous Taoist holy land and imperial cemetery; Zhongnan Mountain, one of the birthplaces of Taoism in China and also one of China’s most famous mountains.
√ Recommended tours:
Autumn (September to November)
The autumn of Xian lasts from September to November, during which Xi’an weather becomes pleasantly cool. The average temperature ranges from 10 to 21 ºC (50 – 69.8 ºF). As the cold air from the north continues to move south, the daily average temperature shows a decreasing trend. with the lowest temperature of 5 ºC (41 ºF) at the end of November.
Xi ‘an autumn is a dry season with less precipitation. You are advised to drink more water when traveling.
What to Wear
Long-sleeved shirts and light coats are enough in September, but you need sweaters and trench coats after late October.
What to Do
Autumn is another good time to visit Xi’an, and tourists may appreciate a unique nature painting formed of layers of yellow ginkgo leaves at the Hanyangling Museum or Ancient Guanyin Temple. During the comfortable night, walk the Bell Tower and Drum Tower square, or sample a variety of local foods in the bustling Muslim Quarter. For adventure seekers, don’t miss the thrilling Huashan Mountain.
√ Recommended tours:
- 4 Days Xian Classic Tour with Mt. Huashan
- 2 Days Xian Highlights Tour
- 3 Days Best of Xian Tour Package
It should be remembered that the busiest travel period in China is during the National Day Holiday, which runs from October 1 to 7. You should avoid visiting Xi’an when there are a lot of tourists.
Winter (December to February)
Xi’an weather in winter starts to get chilly, dry and foggy, and there would be several snowfalls. January is the coldest month of the year, with the mean temperature of 0 ºC (32 ºF) and the lowest temperature sometimes dropping below -4 ºC 24.8 ºF).
What to Wear
Warm clothes including padded jackets, down coats, and woolen sweaters are recommended.
What to Do
Winter is a low-travel season in Xian. However, visiting Xi’an in the winter is a fantastic option for budget tourists due to the lower cost of entrance fees and accommodations. Moreover, there will be less tourists.
Here are some popular places in winter to explore like the Cuihua Mountain Ski Resort, Tangyu Hot Springs, and Stele Forest. Chinese New Year and Lantern Festival often fall in late January or early February when you can enjoy special events such as shadow plays and spectacular fireworks. In addition, The Tang Dynasty Show with dumpling banquet is also highly recommended.
What Times to Avoid to Visit Xian
July and August are the two months that should be avoided first. The hot weather is hard to bear for all people. During a visit to the outdoor attractions, it is very easy to cause heatstroke. August is also the rainy season, your itinerary may be disrupted suddenly.
January and February are also not recommended. The cold and dry weather will make you feel uncomfortable. Besides, plenty of heavy clothes need to be taken, resulting in difficulty travelling around.
Public holidays, like National Day and Spring Festival, are not good time due to higher costs and a shortage of service resources.
FAQs about Xian Weather
Is Xian cold in November?
November in Xi’an is generally characterized by dry and cold weather. The average temperature at daytime and night are 12℃ and 3℃, respectively and the average precipitation is about 24 mm. So warm clothing like sweater, overcoat, jacket and lightweight down jacket are needed for tourists.
What is the best time of year to visit Xi’an for good weather?
Spring and autumn are the best time with pleasant weather, when the temperature is about 20℃ and the humidity is moderate. The natural scenery is also at its most beautiful in these two seasons .
How long does summer last in Xi’an and How hot does it get?
Summer is long and hot in Xian. Usually it lasts for about 5 months from May to September with July and August being the two hottest months. During summer, the average temperature can reach 30 – 39℃. 10:00 – 16:00 is in peak heat in one day, most areas are exposed to the scorching sun.
When is the rainy season in Xi’an?
The rainy season in Xi’an is mainly in summer, when thunderstorms or short-term rainstorms are frequent. The precipitation in summer accounts about 90% of the rainfall in the whole year. And July and September have the most rainfall.
How is the air quality in Xi’an throughout the year?
In most days of the year, the air quality is good. Clear skies can be seen on about two thirds of the year. But in different season, the air condition varies a little. Dust weather is common in spring. While the air quality in the majority of summer days are good. And in autumn and winter, haze occurs sometimes.
Does Xi’an have sandstorms or dusty weather?
Yes, sandstorms are frequent in spring. In winter, due to the influence of clod air and haze, the dusty weather may occur.
Travel Xian with China Xian Tour
During a Xian tour, if you want to enjoy an impressive tour, the most important thing is to learn about the history behind each attraction. So it is highly recommended to join a tour group with a knowledgeable local guide. China Xian Tour also offers the service. What’s more, our trip is tailored for each traveler specially. All the scenic spots you prefer will be included and all the requirements for hotels and foods will be met. Travelling with us, you will also enjoy a satisfying trip. Just contact us now to start your perfect Xian trip.
