Xi’an has four distinct seasons. Generally speaking, the best times to visit are from March to May and from September to November.

March to May is spring when the temperature is pleasant. You could see rich natural landscapes during this period, such as beautiful cherry blossoms in full bloom, and the ancient city looks more charming against the backdrop of numerous flowers. Moreover, it’s very comfortable to visit outdoors without having to endure the intense heat of summer.

September to November is autumn and I like the fresh air and the blue sky. The temperature is moderate. It’s also a good time to taste the delicious food in Xi’an. The abundant products in autumn make the ingredients of various snacks fresher. Meanwhile, it avoids the peak tourist season and high temperatures in July and August, as well as the cold winter from December to February.

Susan Yang

20 Years as a Local Guide in Xi’an

Personally, I like June and January best. Yes, you read that right. I like cold January. If you can stand the cold, January is the season with the fewest tourists and you may also have the chance to see the snow scenery in Xi’an. In June, students are busy preparing for exams nervously, and parents would also accompany their children to get ready for the exams. Therefore, June could be regarded as the offseason with not many tourists. However, the temperature starts to rise. It’s a bit hot, but not too hot. If you prefer the seasons with a pleasant temperature, then visit in April and October. These are the months when the perceived temperature is the most comfortable, but there are relatively more tourists.

Content Preview

• The Hottest and the Coldest Month in Xi’an
• Xi’an in Different Seasons
• The Worst Times to Visit Xi’an
• Month-by-Month Guide

The Hottest and the Coldest Month in Xi’an

The hottest month in Xi’an is usually July. The highest temperature during the day could reach about 38°C to 40°C (100–104°F) and the temperature at night is generally about 24°C to 26°C (75–79°F). It’s a big challenge to stay outdoors.

The coldest month in Xi’an is generally January. The highest temperature during the day is often about 3–5°C (37–41°F) and the temperature at night may drop to about -5°C to -3°C (23–27°F). However, these temperatures are just approximate ranges and the actual temperatures may vary depending on the year and specific weather conditions.

What’s the Weather Like in Xi’an in Different Seasons?

Spring (March–May)

Xi’an in spring

• Temperature: The temperature gradually rises, with an average temperature of about 10–20°C (50–68°F).
• Rainfall: There is relatively less rain and the air is rather dry. It rains for about 5 days in a month and the weather is basically sunny.
• Dressing guide: You could wear sweaters and windbreakers along with long trousers, etc.

Summer (June–August)

Sunset in City Wall in summer

• Temperature: It’s relatively hot. The average temperature could reach above 25–30°C (77–86°F) and sometimes there would be high-temperature weather.
• Rainfall: The precipitation is relatively high and is mostly concentrated in July and August. Usually, June to August is the rainy season in Xi’an and rainfall occurs relatively frequently. Based on rough estimates, the total number of rainy days in these 3 months is generally about 20 to 30 days.
• Dressing guide: Wear light, thin, and breathable clothes, such as short-sleeved shirts, shorts, and short skirts. Meanwhile, take sun protection measures.

Autumn (September–November)

Terracotta Warriors Museum in autumn

• Temperature: The temperature gradually drops, with an average temperature of about 15–20°C (59–68°F).
• Rainfall: The rainfall decreases. Generally speaking, the number of rainy days in Xi’an from September to November is approximately between 10 and 20 days. However, the climate conditions vary from year to year, so the specific number of rainy days may differ depending on the specific year.
• Dressing guide: It’s suitable to wear long-sleeved shirts, thin coats, and so on.

Winter (December–February)

Xi’an in winter

• Temperature: It’s cold. The average temperature is about 0–5°C (32–41°F) and sometimes it would be below 0°C (32°F).
• Rainfall: It’s relatively dry and it snows occasionally. In winter, the number of snowy days is usually about 5 to 15 days but it could vary greatly from year to year. The snow is mainly concentrated in December and January. If you want to experience the snow scenery, pay attention to the weather forecasts of these 2 months in advance and you would surely see a different ancient city.
• Dressing guide: You need to wear thick cotton-padded clothes, down jackets, scarves, gloves, and so on to keep warm.

The Worst Times to Visit Xi’an

July and August, the Spring Festival, and the National Day holiday are all times when there are the most tourists. Some tourist attractions are extremely crowded and the visiting experience is not good.

During the summer vacation, the Terracotta Army opens at 8am. However, many people queue up before 7am. Every time I go there, I need to queue two or three times. Each time takes about half an hour before I can see the Terracotta Army.

Nevertheless, if you arrive early, there would be relatively fewer tourists. You could avoid the peak by setting off early to solve the problem of overcrowding. Also, the festive atmosphere doesn’t exist every day. I really like the lantern show on the city wall during the Spring Festival.

Month-by-Month Guide for Traveling in Xi’an

Click the sign of each month to check the travel guide information.

• January
• February
• March
• April
• May
• June
• July
• August
• September
• October
• November
• December