Weather: January is the coldest month in Xi'an. Nights can drop to around -3°C (27°F). Daytime temperatures stay around 5°C (41°F). The air is dry, and the city is often cloudy or overcast.
What to wear: Indoor heating is strong in Xi'an, so you will feel warm in museums, restaurants, and hotels.
Outdoors, the dry cold can feel sharper, especially if you come from a tropical country. We recommend a down jacket or thick winter coat, plus gloves, a hat, and a scarf.
Is January A Good Time to Travel to Xi'an?
Yes, January can be a good time to visit Xi'an if you enjoy quieter sights and good value.
The city is cold, but the low season means you could explore major attractions at a slower pace. The Terracotta Army, the Ancient City Wall, and the Muslim Quarter feel more open, making it easier to take photos and move around without crowds.
For nature lovers, January offers a different kind of scenery. The mountains around Xi'an often look more dramatic in winter, and Hukou Waterfall may have light ice along the river that you wouldn't see in warmer months.
Travel costs are usually lower too. Hotels and flights tend to be cheaper in January, giving you better value while still offering full access to key attractions.
January is a good fit if you prefer a calm atmosphere and don't mind the cold. If you prefer warmer weather, spring and autumn might suit you better.
What to Do in Xi'an in January
Here are the recommended activities for January in Xi'an.
1. For Warm Activities
Since it is quite cold outdoors in Xi'an, we recommend limiting how long you stay outside and choosing activities that keep you warm.
For history lovers, the Xi'an Museum is an easy and comfortable choice on a winter day. The galleries are calm and easy to walk through, and the Small Wild Goose Pagoda sits in the same complex, so you could look around it without adding extra travel time.
Xi'an MuseumFor culture lovers, an indoor show lets you experience local traditions while staying warm. The Empress of the Great Tang can be paired with a dumpling feast or palace-style banquet for a warm and relaxing experience.
The Empress of the Great TangFor foodies, winter is the best season for Xi'an's beef and mutton dishes. A hot bowl of beef paomo, lamb paomo, steaming lamb soup, or sour dumplings warms you up quickly, and the Muslim Quarter is a convenient place to try several classics in one short walk.
lamb paomoFor a relaxing break, you could end your Terracotta Warriors trip with a soak at Huaqing Aegean International Hot Springs Resort nearby. Soaking in the outdoor hot springs feels unexpectedly relaxing and is an easy way to end the day without rushing your schedule.
Hot springs
2. For Winter Snow and Ice Scenery
If you enjoy scenic winter walks, Xi'an's Ancient City Wall offers a memorable experience in January.
Snow gives the wall a softer, quieter look that you don't usually see in other seasons. The rooftops, battlements, and pathways take on a light white layer, making the whole walk feel more like a moment from ancient Chang'an.
You could even take photos in Hanfu for a special keepsake.
Snow Scene of the City WallTip: Snowfall in Xi'an is occasional, so a white-dusted wall is more of a lucky bonus than something guaranteed.
If you want a higher chance of seeing snow, Mount Hua is your best option. The peaks often carry snow or frost in January, creating sharp, dramatic scenery.
The white-tipped ridges and quiet trails give the whole area a peaceful winter atmosphere you don't get in other seasons.
Snow scene at Mount Hua
If you like dramatic natural scenery, Hukou Waterfall is impressive when parts of the river freeze into ice formations.
From the viewing platforms, you could get close to the frozen layers and watch the mix of flowing water and ice formations—a sight that only appears in the coldest months.
Ice formations at Hukou WaterfallFor nature and culture combined, Mount Yunqiu Ice Caves let you explore natural ice pillars, icicles, and ice curtains in a calm cave atmosphere.
Nearby, Tarpo Ancient Village offers traditional cave dwellings and preserved wedding ceremonies, giving a glimpse of local life alongside the natural wonder.
Yunqiu Mountain Ice CaveHukou Waterfall and Mount Yunqiu are each over a 4-hour drive from Xi'an. A two-day trip works best and gives you enough time to enjoy both places without feeling rushed. If you are interested, see our 7-Day Xi'an Winter Wonderland: Ice Cave and Hot Spring.
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