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Best time to visit Xian: month by month
Short answer
April-May and September-October are the best months, with highs of roughly 20-27°C and comfortable sightseeing weather. Summers are hot and humid at around 33-37°C, with July to September the wettest. Winters are cold and dry, with highs around 5°C and sometimes hazy air. Figures are approximate averages; check a forecast before travelling.
Month by month
| Month | High | Low | Rainy days | Crowds |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 7°C | -3°C | 3 | low |
| Feb | 11°C | 0°C | 5 | high |
| Mar | 18°C | 6°C | 6 | medium |
| Apr | 22°C | 10°C | 9 | high |
| May | 27°C | 15°C | 8 | very high |
| Jun | 33°C | 21°C | 8 | medium |
| Jul | 33°C | 23°C | 10 | high |
| Aug | 32°C | 22°C | 10 | high |
| Sep | 26°C | 18°C | 12 | medium |
| Oct | 19°C | 10°C | 10 | very high |
| Nov | 13°C | 3°C | 6 | medium |
| Dec | 7°C | -3°C | 3 | low |
Temperatures and rainy days: Copernicus ERA5 averages, 2021–2023. Crowd levels are our estimate.
Season by season
Spring (Mar-May)
Warming from cool March to warm May, roughly 15-27°C by day. April and May are among the best months.
Summer (Jun-Aug)
Hot and humid, roughly 33-37°C, with thunderstorms and the most rain from July. Start sightseeing early.
Autumn (Sep-Nov)
Rainy early September, then clear and mild in October at roughly 20°C, cooling in November.
Winter (Dec-Feb)
Cold and dry, highs around 5°C and frosty nights, sometimes with haze. Few visitors except at Chinese New Year.
Events worth planning around
- Chinese New Year and the Lantern Festival, January or February, with lanterns on the City Wall
- Labour Day holiday, 1-5 May
- Golden Week (National Day), 1-7 October
- Mid-Autumn Festival, September or October
When to avoid
Golden Week (1-7 October), the May Day holiday and Chinese New Year bring tens of thousands of visitors a day to the Terracotta Army. July and August are hot and humid.
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Common questions
What is the best time to visit Xi'an?
April-May and September-October, avoiding public holidays.
How hot is Xi'an in summer?
Hot and humid, often 33-37°C in July and August.
When should I avoid Xi'an?
Golden Week (1-7 October) and Chinese New Year, when sites are extremely crowded.