Urumqi Weather in July

Weather: July in Urumqi is typically hot in the day, and mild in the evening. Summer is at its hottest in Urumqi, but the heat does not bring much rain, unlike further east in China.

The average daily high is 31°C (88°F), and the average low is 19°C (66°F). There is 24mm (1 inch) of rain that falls lightly on about 8 days of the month.

Clothing: Dresses, T-shirts, and shorts are adequate for the daytime. But bring light layers to adapt to changes in temperature. Note, it's cooler and more rainy in the mountains. Bring sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses.

Pollution: The Air Quality Index can be expected to be 50–100, so it is only a "lightly polluted" month. Only if you have a sensitivity to pollution should you need to reduce your exposure and outdoor activity in the city or take any precautions.

Things to Do in Urumqi in July

July may be uncomfortably hot in the city of Urumqi, but summer offers the best conditions for exploring the remoter and more mountainous areas, which are usually cooler.

Appreciate Summer in the Mountains

Heavenly Lake

In July, the mountain pastures will be blooming and full of lambs and calfs.

• Experience the warm summer air, and crowds of animals on Southern Mountain (Nanshan) Pasture.
• You can also enjoy fresh air, fine mountain views, and Kazakh culture in the Heavenly Mountains around Heavenly Lake.
• Butterfly Valley, on the Heavenly Mountain slopes, is even more convenient from Urumqi.

Journey out to the Remoter Parts of China's Northwest

Huocheng County, 650 km (400 miles) west of Urumqi, has a small Silk Road town and an ancient city. Huocheng is China's Lavender Town: the best time for purple blooms is June, but there will stil be lavendar to see in July.

Qiemu'er Qieke, 500 km (300 miles) north of Urumqi, by the Altay Mountains, has Bronze Age remains that evidence Eurasian-Chinese interaction. A journey there may also prove rewarding for the different scenery and minority culture.

Discover Urumqi Culture at Markets and Museums

'White Sheep Valley' near Urumqi

Urumqi has a fascinating culture and history to discover, quite different to in the east of China. In the hot summer weather, the markets offer shade while leisurely sampling the local produce, and the interesting museums have welcoming air-conditioning!

• The Urumqi Grand Bazaar is a great place to buy souvenirs in the Uyghur ethnic district. It has products like dried fruit from all over Xinjiang, but Erdaoqiao Market offers the largest array of Xinjiang minority goods anywhere.
• The city's top three museums showcase the Silk Road, ancient mummies, and geological wonders. See Urumqi Weather in February.

Touring Urumqi in July

Urumqi, the largest city in Western China, has lots of mosques and Muslim architecture.

July marks the busiest travel season, with students on summer holiday. Crowding is possible at popular places like Heavenly Lake. Be sure to pre-book your hotel.

High Travel Season

In the peak tourist season, greater demand exists for hotel and other tickets. Booking a hotel room in advance is wise. Expect higher prices for Urumqi flights or train tickets, and hotel rooms.

We can help you arrange these, not to mention expert local guides for your China journey of discovery.

Recommended Urumqi Tours

• 17-Day The Tracks of Marco Polo Tour
• 11-Day Xi'an Silk Road Adventure - Journey to Urumqi and Kashgar
• More Silk Road Tours