Xinjiang, this vast land located in the northwest border of China, occupies one – sixth of China’s land area. With its magnificent natural scenery, diverse ethnic cultures, and unique geographical features, it attracts tourists from Hong Kong, Macau, Taiwan, and all over the world. In October, Xinjiang shows a unique charm, and the weather conditions at this time are particularly important for those planning to travel.
Geographical and Climatic Overview of Xinjiang
Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region is deep in the hinterland of Eurasia. There are the Altai Mountains in the north, the Kunlun Mountains in the south, and the Tianshan Mountains running across the middle, dividing it into southern and northern Xinjiang. With a total area of 1.66 million square kilometers, the terrain is mainly composed of high mountains, basins, deserts, and grasslands, forming a geomorphic pattern of “three mountains flank two basins”. Xinjiang has a typical temperate continental climate, with cold winters, hot summers, large diurnal temperature differences, scarce precipitation, and abundant sunshine. Such climatic characteristics make the temperature differences in Xinjiang extremely significant in different seasons and regions.
Temperature Distribution in Different Regions of Xinjiang in October
Northern Xinjiang Region
Northern Xinjiang mainly includes Urumqi, Yili, Altay, Tacheng and other places. At the beginning of October, the daily average temperature in Urumqi is between 8°C and 15°C. It is sunny during the day and the body feels relatively comfortable, but the temperature difference between day and night is extremely large. The night – time temperature can drop to about 0°C, and it already has the feeling of early winter. If it rains, the body – felt temperature will be even lower. In Yili Valley, it is the golden autumn season in October. The grasslands gradually turn yellow and the forests are dyed with various colors. The daytime temperature is about 10°C to 18°C, but in the early morning and at night, it can drop below 5°C, and a thick coat or a thin down jacket is needed. Kanas (Altay region) is one of the most popular tourist destinations in October. At this time, the lakeside of Kanas is covered with colorful forests and the snow – capped peaks are reflected, which is extremely beautiful. However, due to the high altitude (about 1300 meters above sea level), the night – time temperature in early October is often below 0°C, and the daytime temperature is only about 10°C. Snow has even fallen in some areas. Tourists going to Kanas must prepare warm clothes, especially wind – proof and cold – proof wind jackets and fleece jackets. Generally speaking, northern Xinjiang has entered late autumn in October. It is cold in the morning and evening, and some areas are close to winter. Sufficient warm – keeping preparations need to be made.
Southern Xinjiang Region
Southern Xinjiang includes Kashgar, Hotan, Korla, Aksu and other places. It is located in the Tarim Basin, with a dry climate and scarce precipitation. But in autumn, the sun is bright and the temperature is relatively mild. In Kashgar, the daily average temperature in October is between 12°C and 22°C. It is warm and comfortable during the day, with sufficient sunshine, which is suitable for outdoor activities. The night – time temperature drops to about 10°C, feeling a bit cool, but not cold. The old city of Kashgar is decorated with lanterns and streamers in October, with rich ethnic customs, and it is an excellent place to experience Uyghur culture. Hotan and Minfeng are close to the Taklamakan Desert, with a large temperature difference between day and night. The daytime temperature can reach 25°C, and the night – time temperature may drop to about 8°C. Although it is not cold overall, clothes still need to be added in the morning and evening. Korla and Luntai are famous for their poplar forests. Especially, the poplar forests in the Tarim River Basin enter the best viewing period in mid – October. In early October, the leaves of the poplar trees gradually turn yellow, and the scenery is charming. The temperature is between 10°C and 24°C, and the body feels comfortable, which is suitable for photography and hiking. Southern Xinjiang has a pleasant climate in October, and it is an ideal choice for cold – avoiding travel, especially suitable for tourists who don’t like cold weather.
Autumn scenery in southern Xinjiang
(III) Eastern Xinjiang Region
Turpan and Hami in eastern Xinjiang are located in the east of Xinjiang, with a more dry and hot climate. Even in autumn, it is still warm during the day. Turpan is known as the “Fire Continent”. In early October, the highest daytime temperature can reach 28°C, with strong sunlight and a hot body – felt temperature. But the night – time temperature drops rapidly to about 15°C, with a temperature difference of more than 10°C. Although it is not as hot as in summer, sun protection and water replenishment still need to be paid attention to. The temperature in Hami is slightly lower than that in Turpan, with a daily average temperature between 10°C and 25°C. The autumn is clear and refreshing, which is suitable for visiting attractions such as the Hami Devil City and the Huaiwangling. The climate in eastern Xinjiang is warm in October, and it is a good choice for tourists who like sunshine and a dry climate.
Autumn scenery in eastern Xinjiang
Clothing Recommendations for Xinjiang in October
When traveling to Xinjiang, corresponding clothes need to be prepared according to different regions. In northern Xinjiang (such as Kanas, Yili), it is recommended to bring thermal underwear, fleece jackets,wnd jackets or lightweight down jackets. Especially when going out in the morning and evening, a thick coat must be worn. Hats, scarves, and gloves can also be prepared to prevent sudden temperature drops or snow and wind. In southern Xinjiang (such as Kashgar, Hotan), you can wear long – sleeved T – shirts and thin jackets during the day, and add a slightly thicker jacket at night. It is recommended to bring sun hats, sunglasses, and moisturizing creams because the air is dry and the ultraviolet rays are strong. In eastern Xinjiang (such as Turpan), mainly wear summer clothes. Short – sleeved shirts and shorts can be worn, but long – sleeved clothes need to be prepared for the morning and evening. It is strongly recommended to bring sunscreen and parasols to prevent sunburn. In addition, no matter which region you go to, it is recommended to adopt the “onion – style dressing method”, that is, multi – layer dressing, which is convenient for adding or reducing clothes at any time according to the temperature change.
Travel Experience in Xinjiang in October
Natural Scenery
In October, the natural scenery of Xinjiang reaches its peak state in a year. The autumn snow scenery in Kanas, with golden birch forests, blue lakes, and distant snow – capped mountains, forms a magnificent oil painting. The Tarim poplar forest, where the poplar trees, praised as “alive for a thousand years without dying, standing for a thousand years after death, and remaining intact for a thousand years after falling”, welcome the most brilliant golden color in mid – to late October, and it is a paradise for photography enthusiasts. The autumn water and the sky merge into one color in Sailimu Lake. The lake is like a mirror, reflecting the blue sky, white clouds, and distant snow – capped mountains, which is quiet and magnificent.
Ethnic Culture
During October, various celebration activities will be held in different parts of Xinjiang. In Kashgar, you can see grand flag – raising ceremonies and ethnic song and dance performances. In Yining, the Kazakh and Uyghur people will hold traditional festival celebrations. Tourists can participate in the Maxrep dance and taste special foods such as hand – pilaf and baked buns.
Transportation and Safety Tips
Xinjiang is vast in territory and the distances between cities are relatively far. It is recommended to plan the route in advance and arrange the time reasonably. You can choose to travel by plane, train, or chartered car. There are many tourists in October, and there may be a peak flow of people in popular scenic spots (such as Kanas, Nalati). It is recommended to book tickets and accommodation in advance. Respect the local ethnic customs. When entering religious places such as mosques, abide by the regulations, and women should avoid wearing overly revealing clothes. Pay attention to altitude sickness. Although most areas in Xinjiang are not at a high altitude, the Pamir Plateau area (such as Taxkorgan) is more than 3000 meters above sea level. Some tourists may experience mild altitude sickness and need to rest appropriately.
Traveling to Xinjiang in October
The weather in Xinjiang in October shows diverse characteristics. Some places are cold and some are warm. However, whether it is the late autumn and early winter in northern Xinjiang, the clear and refreshing autumn in southern Xinjiang, or the warm and dry climate in eastern Xinjiang, they all show the unique charm of Xinjiang.
If you want to save the tedious preparation for the trip to Xinjiang in October 2026, choosing a travel agency with excellent reputation to coordinate on your behalf is often more worry-free and cost-effective than handling transportation, formalities and other matters by yourself.
For Hong Kong, Macao, Taiwan and international tourists to plan this trip, it is necessary to pay attention to three points: first of all, it is necessary to finalize the itinerary in advance in combination with the weather characteristics of Xinjiang in October (such as cooling in some areas and large temperature difference between morning and evening); secondly, it is necessary to clarify their own needs for accommodation and transportation comfort according to the local climate; finally, it is recommended to select sufficient experience. Travel agencies, assist in handling travel procedures and tickets that meet your identity.
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