Northwest China—covering Xinjiang, Gansu, Qinghai, and parts of Ningxia—has some of the most dramatic landscapes in Asia: deserts, high-altitude grasslands, rainbow mountains, glaciers, ancient Silk Road ruins, and vast national parks. But because the region is huge and climate differences are extreme, choosing the right month can make or break your trip.

This guide breaks down the best travel months, what the weather is like, and how to avoid crowds, so you can plan a smooth, comfortable journey.

March–May: Spring Awakening (Great for Southern Xinjiang & Qinghai)

Weather & Temperature

• Xinjiang (Kashgar, Hotan, Kuqa): 10–25°C, dry and sunny

• Urumqi & Northern Xinjiang: still cold—5–15°C

• Qinghai Lake / Gansu: cool at 5–18°C

Spring arrives first in southern Xinjiang. Apricot blossoms bloom in Turpan and Kashgar, while deserts warm up to pleasant temperatures.

Qinghai Lake – Heimahe

Best For

• Peach & apricot blossoms in Xinjiang

• Silk Road cultural tours

• Desert landscapes without extreme heat

Crowd Tips

• Avoid early May (Labor Day holiday).

• Northern Xinjiang is still off-season, meaning low prices and few tourists.

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June–August: Peak Summer (Best for Northern Xinjiang & High-Altitude Regions)

Weather & Temperature

• Northern Xinjiang (Kanas, Hemu, Sayram Lake): 15–28°C

• Gansu (Zhangye, Dunhuang): Hot—25–35°C

• Qinghai Lake & Amdo region: 10–22°C

Summer is the only time northern Xinjiang’s grasslands, forests, and alpine lakes are fully open and green.

Hemu Village

Dunhuang

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Best For

• Kanas & Hemu Village

• Sayram Lake & Duku Highway

• Grasslands, nomadic culture, and alpine scenery

Crowd Tips

• July–August is peak season in northern Xinjiang; expect crowds at Kanas & Hemu.

• Visit early June or late August to avoid peak tourist volume.

• Buy Kanas shuttle tickets online in advance.

September–October: Golden Autumn (The Best Month of the Entire Year)

Weather & Temperature

• Northern Xinjiang: 5–20°C, crisp and clear

• Kashgar & Turpan: 15–28°C

• Qinghai & Gansu: 10–18°C

Autumn is widely considered the best time to travel in Northwest China. The weather is stable, skies are clear, and the landscapes turn vibrant gold, red, and orange.

Kanas Lake

Turpan

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Best For

• Kanas & Hemu’s golden forests

• Desert sunsets in Dunhuang

• Harvest season in Turpan

• Photographers

Crowd Tips

• Late September (National Day pre-holiday) begins to swell with crowds.

• Avoid October 1–7, the Golden Week holiday (extremely crowded).

• Mid–October is quieter and still beautiful.

November–February: Winter Landscapes (Quiet, Budget-Friendly & Harsh Weather)

Weather & Temperature

• Xinjiang (north): –10°C to –35°C

• Southern Xinjiang (Kashgar): –5°C to 10°C

• Gansu & Qinghai: –5°C to –20°C

Winter is freezing but beautiful—frozen lakes, snow-covered mountains, and almost no crowds.

Kanas Lake

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Best For

• Ice photography at Kanas & Hemu

• Local culture in Kashgar’s bazaars

• Dunhuang desert in quiet winter light

Crowd Tips

• Many high-altitude roads may close in winter.

• Choose southern Xinjiang for safer, warmer conditions (Kashgar, Hotan, Kuqa).

• Winter is for adventurous travelers—prices are extremely low.

Summary: Best Months by Travel Theme

When Not to Visit Northwest China

• July–August: Hot in Gansu & southern Xinjiang, and extremely crowded in northern Xinjiang

• October 1–7: China National Day holiday—expect long lines everywhere

• January–February: Heavy snow may block roads in Altay, Kanas, and the Duku Highway

Conclusion

Northwest China is spectacular in every season, but for most travelers, September–October and June offer the best combination of comfortable temperatures, clear skies, and manageable crowds. Whether you prefer desert sunsets, golden forests, or ancient Silk Road history, choosing the right month ensures an unforgettable journey across one of China’s most diverse regions.

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