Best Time to Visit Xi’an
The best time to visit Xi’an is September. You get the ideal intersection of mild temperatures, clear skies, and manageable crowds. The summer heat has broken, usually hovering around 25°C (77°F), and the heavy rainy season hasn't yet disrupted outdoor activities. It is the perfect window to bike the Ancient City Wall or visit the Terracotta Warriors without the oppressive humidity of July or the freezing winds of January. While October is also pleasant, the first week of that month is a national holiday that brings extreme crowds and inflated hotel prices.
Month by Month
Xi’an in January
January is the coldest month. Temperatures range from -4°C to 5°C (25°F to 41°F). The air is dry and often hazy. You will find the lowest hotel rates of the year and no queues at major sites. The main event is the preparation for Chinese New Year. Visit the Tang Dynasty West Market to see traditional holiday lanterns and sample hot steamed persimmon cakes to stay warm.
Xi’an in February
Expect temperatures between -1°C and 8°C (30°F to 46°F). This is the peak of the Spring Festival. While it is cold, the city lights up with massive lantern festivals, particularly on the City Wall and in the Datang Everbright City. Prices spike during the week-long national holiday, and many smaller shops close. Book transport well in advance if your trip aligns with the New Year.
Xi’an in March
Spring begins to show, with temperatures rising to 4°C to 15°C (39°F to 59°F). The wind can be biting, but the winter smog begins to clear. Crowds are still thin, making this a great time for budget travelers. It is the best month to see cherry blossoms at Qinglong Temple or the early blooms in Xingqing Palace Park before the main tourist season starts.
Xi’an in April
April is high season for a reason. Temperatures are comfortable, ranging from 10°C to 21°C (50°F to 70°F). The city turns green and flowers are in full bloom. You will see more tour groups at the Terracotta Warriors, but the weather is perfect for a side trip to Mount Huashan. Be prepared for occasional "willow fluff" in the air, which can bother allergy sufferers.
Xi’an in May
The weather heats up to between 15°C and 27°C (59°F to 81°F). Avoid the first week of May (Labor Day holiday), as domestic tourism surges and prices double. Outside of that week, May is excellent for outdoor exploration. Take a night walk through the Muslim Quarter; the evening air is pleasant for eating street food without the searing summer heat.
Xi’an in June
June marks the start of summer. Temperatures jump to 20°C to 32°C (68°F to 90°F). It is often humid and hazy. This is the last month before school holidays begin in July, so skip the weekends to enjoy shorter lines. Visit the Shaanxi History Museum during the hottest part of the day to utilize the air conditioning while viewing Tang Dynasty murals.
Xi’an in July
July is hot, wet, and crowded. Expect 23°C to 35°C (73°F to 95°F) with frequent heavy rain showers. This is peak school holiday season in China. Expect long waits at the Terracotta Army and the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda. If you visit now, do your sightseeing early in the morning and retreat to the fountains at the North Square of the Wild Goose Pagoda at night.
Xi’an in August
August is the hottest month, frequently topping 36°C (97°F). Humidity is high. Prices remain elevated due to the summer travel rush. To beat the heat, head slightly out of the city to the Huaqing Hot Springs or explore the cool underground vaults of the Hanyangling Museum. Evening remains the best time for activity; the city wall stays open late for sunset bike rides.
Xi’an in September
September is the "Golden Month." Temperatures cool to a comfortable 16°C to 25°C (61°F to 77°F). Rainfall decreases and the sky clears. This is the best time for photography at the Bell Tower and Drum Tower. Students are back in school, so the mid-week crowds are significantly thinner than in August. It is the height of pomegranate season in nearby Lintong.
Xi’an in October
Early October (1st–7th) is Golden Week. Avoid it. After the 8th, the weather is crisp, between 10°C and 20°C (50°F to 68°F), and the crowds vanish. The ginkgo trees at the Guanyin Gu Temple turn a brilliant gold in late October. It is a stunning time for photography, but bring layers as the temperature drops quickly after sunset.
Xi’an in November
November is the transition to winter. Temperatures fall to 3°C to 12°C (37°F to 54°F). Deciduous trees lose their leaves, and the city takes on a more austere, historic feel. This is a "shoulder" month with high availability at luxury hotels for lower rates. It is the best time to visit the Beilin Museum (Stele Forest) without being bumped by large tour groups.
Xi’an in December
Winter arrives with temperatures between -3°C and 6°C (27°F to 43°F). The air is very dry. While the landscape is grey, the lack of crowds at the Terracotta Warriors allows for a much more intimate experience. December is the best month for foodies; the heavy, spicy Shaanxi cuisine—like Yangrou Paomo (lamb and bread soup)—is designed for this freezing weather.
Cheapest time to visit Xi’an
Travel to Xi’an is cheapest from late November through February, excluding the Chinese New Year period. Airfare to Xi’an Xianyang International Airport drops significantly during these winter months. You can often find five-star hotels at 40-50% off their peak summer rates. Most major attractions have "off-season" ticket pricing from November 1 to the end of February, saving you money on entry fees for the Terracotta Warriors and the City Wall.
When to avoid Xi’an
Avoid Xi’an during the "Golden Week" (October 1–7) and the Spring Festival (Chinese New Year, usually in late January or February). During these times, the city is overwhelmed by domestic tourists. Train tickets are impossible to book, and the Terracotta Warriors museum can reach its maximum daily capacity within hours of opening. You should also avoid the peak of summer (July and August) if you are sensitive to heat and humidity, as temperatures frequently exceed 35°C and the humidity makes walking the city streets exhausting.
Best time for good weather
For the most comfortable temperature and lowest rainfall, aim for April, May, September, and October.
- Spring (April-May): You get long daylight hours and moderate temperatures. It is ideal for hiking Mount Huashan, which can be dangerous in the ice of winter or the rain of summer.
- Autumn (September-October): The air quality is typically better than in the spring. You avoid the "dust storms" that occasionally blow in from the Gobi Desert in early spring. The humidity is low, making it the most pleasant time for extended walking tours through the old city.
Best time for fewer crowds
To have the city to yourself, visit in the "shoulder" windows: March or November.
During these months, you avoid the extreme cold of mid-winter and the massive crowds of the summer and national holidays. You will find that the Terracotta Army pits are quiet enough that you can actually stand at the railing and observe the details of the statues without being pushed. March is particularly good because the days are getting longer, giving you more time for sightseeing, but the mass of summer travelers has not yet arrived. If you must visit in the summer, choose mid-week days and reach major sites at opening time to stay ahead of the tour buses.