Best Times to Visit Xinjiang (Travel Tips for First-Timers)

Xinjiang attracts tourists with its unique culture and landscapes. Culture enthusiasts could visit Xinjiang almost year-round, while nature lovers can choose based on the season. The best time for you to visit depends on your focus:

• If you want to see the lush greenery of northern Xinjiang, the best time is from June to August.
• If you prefer colorful forests, September and October are the best times.
• If you like romantic snowy landscapes or skiing, the best time is from November to April.
• For families with school-age children, who only have limited time, the best time to visit Xinjiang is in June.
• For the most pleasant weather, May and September are recommended.

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• Best Times for Good Weather
• Best Times for Green Grassland Scenery (Ili)
• Best Times for Colorful Fairy-Tale Forests (Kanas)
• Worst Times to Visit Xinjiang
• Monthly Climate Averages for Xinjiang

Best Times to Visit Xinjiang

Xinjiang's climate is dry. Even in the wettest months, there are no more than 10 light-rain days. Northern Xinjiang (Urumqi, Burqin, the Ili region...) receives more precipitation than southern Xinjiang (Turpan, Kashgar, Aksu...), while southern Xinjiang is typically warmer than the north.

Considering the climate conditions, May to October is the recommended time to explore Xinjiang, when the weather is mild to hot with daytime temperatures ranging from 15°C to 30°C (59–86°F).

Best Times to Visit Xinjiang for Best Weather: May and September

May is the height of spring and September heralds autumn in Xinjiang, offering delightful weather with average daytime temperatures ranging from 24–26°C (75–79°F) in May and 22–27°C (72–81°F) in September.

There is scarce rainfall in these two months, typically fewer than 7 rainy days in May and fewer than 5 rainy days in September. The comfortable weather is perfect for traveling throughout Xinjiang. See more Xinjiang weather information and travel tips for May and September.

7-Day Xinjiang Highlights Tour Urumqi-Turpan-Kashgar

Best Times to Visit Xinjiang for Green Grassland Scenery: June to August

From June to August, the river valleys, especially the Ili River Valley, showcase their most stunning green scenery.

The stunning natural beauty includes valley mountains, lush forests, romantic lavender at Huocheng, crystal-clear Sayram Lake, and three-dimensional green grasslands, such as Nalati Grassland and Kalajun Grassland. The picturesque scenes under a blue sky and fluffy clouds resemble a breathtaking panoramic scroll.

Due to the summer vacation period (July to August), summer is the peak season for tourism in Xinjiang.

Best Times to Visit Xinjiang for Colorful Fairy-Tale Forests: Late September and October

Cool/mild September and October are the best times to admire autumn scenery in Xinjiang.

In late September, areas in northern Xinjiang, such as Kanas, Hemu, and Baihaba, reach their peak beauty. From mid-October, the desert poplar forest at the edge of the Taklimakan Desert displays its most enchanting scenery. See more Xinjiang weather information and travel tips in October.

8-Day North Xinjiang Tour with Kanas

Worst Times to Visit Xinjiang

Strictly speaking, there is no worst time to travel to Xinjiang.

If you don't like very cold weather, avoid the frigid and dry winter months (November to April). Or consider a relatively warmer location in southern Xinjiang, including cities like Kashgar, Turpan, and Hotan. However, if you don't mind the chill, embrace the romantic snowscapes and affordable winter activities, such as skiing and ice skating.

If you don't like crowds, you'd better avoid the summer vacation (July to August), Labor Day holiday (May 1st to 5th), and National Day holiday (October 1st to 7th).

Planning a Xinjiang trip during these times could be challenging. To secure your flights and accommodation, please contact us to customize your trip at least 3 months in advance.

12-Day South Xinjiang Adventure Tour

Monthly Climate Averages for Xinjiang