Xinjiang, China’s largest province, lies deep inland, surrounded by towering mountain ranges that block moist oceanic currents, creating a pronounced temperate continental climate. Four distinct seasons, abundant sunshine (2,500–3,500 annual sunshine hours), strong ultraviolet radiation, low precipitation and dry air characterize the region. Day–night temperature swings often reach 10–30 °C—even in summer—so travelers must pack clothing for a wide range of conditions.
Xinjiang Weather and Clothing Guide in January
| Region | Day / Night Avg Temp (°C) | Clothing Suggestions |
|---|---|---|
| Ürümqi | –8 / –18 | Heavy down parka, thermal base layers, wool hat, insulated gloves, snow boots |
| Ili Basin | –1 / –13 | Padded winter coat, fleece sweater, thermal leggings, scarf, waterproof boots |
| Kashgar | –1 / –11 | Parka or wool coat, thick trousers, insulated gloves, fur‑lined hat, warm boots |
| Turpan | –3 / –10 | Down jacket, wool sweater, thermal innerwear, waterproof winter boots |
| Altay | –10 / –22 | Arctic‑grade parka, heavy snow pants, hand‑warmers, insulated high‑boot footwear |
Scenic Highlights
- Kanas Lake Winter Wonderland: Frozen lake, snow‑clad fir forests.
- Hemu Village: Serene snow‑draped wooden cabins, folk New Year celebrations.
- Ulong Lake Winter Fishing Festival (mid-Jan–Feb): Traditional ice‑net fishing, local fish banquet.
- Tianshan Tianchi Ski Resort: Alpine skiing, ice sculptures, hot spring baths.
Xinjiang Weather and Clothing Guide in February
| Region | Day / Night Avg Temp (°C) | Clothing Suggestions |
|---|---|---|
| Ürümqi | –6 / –15 | Insulated parka, fleece mid‑layer, thermal leggings, glacier gloves, snow‑grip boots |
| Ili Basin | +1 / –10 | Wool coat, light down vest, knit hat, warm scarf, slip‑resistant boots |
| Kashgar | +4 / –5 | Quilted coat, knit sweater, windbreaker, thick socks, warm leather boots |
| Turpan | +7 / –3 | Padded jacket, base layer, gloves, sturdy hiking boots |
| Altay | –8 / –20 | Full winter kit: parka, insulated pants, heavy‑duty gloves, thermal socks |
Scenic Highlights
- Altay Snow Festival: Frost‑flower photography, ice luge.
- Tianchi Ice Waterfall: Frozen cascade at Heaven’s Lake.
- Silk Road International Ski Resort: Skiing & snowboarding under clear skies.
- Winter Horse Rally in Bayingolin: Ethnic equestrian performances.
Xinjiang Weather and Clothing Guide in March
| Region | Day / Night Avg Temp (°C) | Clothing Suggestions |
|---|---|---|
| Ürümqi | 13 / 4 | Light down jacket, thermal top, light scarf, waterproof shoes |
| Ili Basin | 6 / –2 | Mid‑weight coat, fleece pullover, knit cap, sturdy boots |
| Kashgar | 19 / 6 | Windbreaker, long‑sleeve shirt, thin sweater, hiking shoes |
| Turpan | 20 / 8 | Breathable jacket, T‑shirt, sunglasses, sunhat, light pants |
| Altay | 4 / –7 | Warm coat, base layers, insulated gloves, winter boots |
Scenic Highlights
- Turpan Apricot Blossom Tour (Mid‑Mar–Early Apr): Endless pink orchards.
- Kanas Spring Ice Melt: Dramatic thawing landscapes.
- Yining Tulip Festival: Colorful fields near Ili.
- Altay Early‑Spring Trek: Snow‑meadow juxtaposition.
Xinjiang Weather and Clothing Guide in April
| Region | Day / Night Avg Temp (°C) | Clothing Suggestions |
|---|---|---|
| Ürümqi | 16 / 5 | Light jacket, long‑sleeve shirt, thin sweater, comfortable sneakers |
| Ili Basin | 22 / 8 | Cotton shirt, light windbreaker, scarf (for wind), hiking boots |
| Kashgar | 23 / 11 | Breathable blouse, light trousers, broad‑brimmed hat, sunglasses |
| Turpan | 29 / 15 | Loose linen shirt, sunhat, UV‑protective sleeves, sandals or light shoes |
| Altay | 17 / 4 | Mid‑weight coat, layers, gloves for early mornings, sturdy shoes |
Scenic Highlights
- Ili Apricot Valley: Worlds’ largest wild apricot forest.
- Silk Road Grand Canyon: Clear streams, colorful cliffs.
- Tianshan Wildflower Trails: Alpine meadows awash in blooms.
- Turpan Grape Picking: Early vineyards awakening.
Xinjiang Weather and Clothing Guide in May
| Region | Day / Night Avg Temp (°C) | Clothing Suggestions |
|---|---|---|
| Ürümqi | 22 / 11 | Cotton shirt, light jacket, quick‑dry pants, sunhat |
| Ili Basin | 27 / 12 | Lightweight blouse, breathable trousers, sunglasses |
| Kashgar | 28 / 15 | T‑shirt, light skirt or shorts (modest length), UV‑protection |
| Turpan | 35 / 21 | Loose cotton top, wide‑leg pants, umbrella, high‑SPF sunscreen |
| Altay | 22 / 8 | Layered shirt + fleece, hiking boots, sunshade hat |
Scenic Highlights
- Bayinbuluke Swan Lake: Migrating swans amidst cool grasslands.
- Heavenly Lake Boat Tours: Snow‑capped peaks mirror‑bright water.
- Sailimu Lake: “Last Drop of the Atlantic” in full spring bloom.
- Lavender Bloom in Huo City (Late May): Early purple fields.
Xinjiang Weather and Clothing Guide in June
| Region | Day / Night Avg Temp (°C) | Clothing Suggestions |
|---|---|---|
| Ürümqi | 28 / 17 | T‑shirt, lightweight trousers, sunhat, light fleece |
| Ili Basin | 30 / 17 | Cotton dress or shirt, light pants, sandals or trainers |
| Kashgar | 32 / 19 | Linen shirt, loose trousers, UV‑protective sleeves |
| Turpan | 40 / 27 | Airy shorts, tank top, wide‑brimmed hat, water bottle |
| Altay | 29 / 15 | Short‑sleeves + midlayer, hiking boots, sun glasses |
Scenic Highlights
- Huo City Lavender Sea (Mid‑Jun–Early Jul): Endless purple waves.
- Duku Highway Road Trip: Alpine lakes, winding mountain passes.
- Nalati Grassland Festival: Horse races, folk singing, dancing.
- Kanas River Rafting: Cool water adventure.
Xinjiang Weather and Clothing Guide in July
| Region | Day / Night Avg Temp (°C) | Clothing Suggestions |
|---|---|---|
| Ürümqi | 31 / 21 | Short‑sleeve shirt, light shorts, UV hat, breathable shoes |
| Ili Basin | 33 / 19 | Sundress or T‑shirt + shorts, water‑resistant sandals |
| Kashgar | 34 / 21 | Linen top, loose pants, neck gaiter for dust, wide‑brim hat |
| Turpan | 42 / 29 | Sleeveless top, airy skirt or shorts, sun umbrella |
| Altay | 30 / 16 | Light long sleeves (evening), breathable hiking gear |
Scenic Highlights
- Midnight Sun Photography: Long golden hours in the north.
- Fruit Harvest Tours: Fresh melons, apricots at roadside stalls.
- High‑Altitude Camping: Cool nights under the stars near Kanas.
- Taklamakan Desert Edge: Sunset dunes, camel treks.
Xinjiang Weather and Clothing Guide in August
| Region | Day / Night Avg Temp (°C) | Clothing Suggestions |
|---|---|---|
| Ürümqi | 29 / 19 | T‑shirt, light trousers, foldable sunshade, trekking shoes |
| Ili Basin | 32 / 16 | Polo shirt, capri pants, quick‑dry socks, sun hat |
| Kashgar | 31 / 19 | Breathable linen blend, UV arm sleeves, water bottle |
| Turpan | 40 / 27 | Tank top, cargo shorts, cooling towel, sunscreen |
| Altay | 28 / 13 | Layered T‑shirt + light fleece, hiking boots |
Scenic Highlights
- Golden Grasslands at Bayinbuluke: Early autumn hues begin.
- Komul Desert Adventure: Sandboard, quad biking.
- Heavenly Lake Hiking Festivals: Folk music, local cuisine stalls.
- Kanas Wildflower Meadows: Last of the summer blossoms.
Xinjiang Weather and Clothing Guide in September
| Region | Day / Night Avg Temp (°C) | Clothing Suggestions |
|---|---|---|
| Ürümqi | 23 / 13 | Long‑sleeve shirt, mid‑weight jacket, jeans, hiking boots |
| Ili Basin | 27 / 11 | Light sweater, trousers, ankle boots, scarf |
| Kashgar | 28 / 15 | Layered T‑shirt + light jacket, closed‑toe shoes |
| Turpan | 34 / 20 | Breathable blouse, long skirt, sunhat, sunglasses |
| Altay | 21 / 7 | Warm cardigan, base layer, insulated gloves for dew |
Scenic Highlights
- Korla Populus Euphratica Forest: Golden desert groves.
- Red‑Leaf Canyons at Kanas: Fiery autumn colors.
- Harvest Fest in Turpan: Vineyards, melon tastings.
- Silk Road Cultural Fair in Kashgar Old City.
Xinjiang Weather and Clothing Guide in October
| Region | Day / Night Avg Temp (°C) | Clothing Suggestions |
|---|---|---|
| Ürümqi | 14 / 3 | Light down vest, flannel shirt, thermal leggings, boots |
| Ili Basin | 18 / 3 | Puffy midlayer, woolen hat, sturdy hiking shoes |
| Kashgar | 21 / 7 | Windbreaker, knit sweater, long trousers, ankle boots |
| Turpan | 23 / 10 | Layered tops, warm scarf, closed shoes |
| Altay | 12 / 1 | Quilted coat, heavy sweater, gloves, insulated boots |
Scenic Highlights
- Autumn Leaves at Bosten Lake: Lakeside color spectacle.
- Golden Poplar Trails in Korla.
- White Mountain Photography at Heavenly Lake.
- Harvest Markets: Nuts, fruits and local crafts.
Xinjiang Weather and Clothing Guide in November
| Region | Day / Night Avg Temp (°C) | Clothing Suggestions |
|---|---|---|
| Ürümqi | 3 / –5 | Heavy coat, fleece midlayer, gloves, wool socks, boots |
| Ili Basin | 8 / –3 | Parka, thermal underlayer, knit cap, waterproof boots |
| Kashgar | 10 / –1 | Trench coat, warm layers, thick scarf, leather boots |
| Turpan | 10 / 0 | Padded jacket, warm sweater, gloves, sturdy shoes |
| Altay | 1 / –9 | Arctic parka, silk thermal underwear, insulated boots |
Scenic Highlights
- Early Snow at Heavenly Lake: Crisp reflections on ice.
- Desert Sunrise Tours near Taklamakan’s edge.
- Cultural Homestays in Kashgar’s old quarter.
- Poplar Grove Strolls off‑season solitude.
Xinjiang Weather and Clothing Guide in December
| Region | Day / Night Avg Temp (°C) | Clothing Suggestions |
|---|---|---|
| Ürümqi | –5 / –13 | Arctic‑grade parka, insulated pants, thermal boots, heavy gloves |
| Ili Basin | 2 / –9 | Wool coat, base layer, earmuffs, fleece‑lined boots |
| Kashgar | 2 / –7 | Down jacket, knit sweater, winter hat, thick scarf |
| Turpan | 0 / –8 | Puffer jacket, warm fleece, snow‑grip footwear |
| Altay | –7 / –18 | Full winter gear: parka, ski pants, gloves, insulated boots |
Scenic Highlights
- Snow‑Covered Poplar Avenue near Korla.
- Frozen Lakes at Kanas and Sailimu—icing patterns to behold.
- Winter Eagle Festival in Altay.
- Hot Spring Retreats at Tianshan mountains.
Why Choose China Dragon Travel?
With Xinjiang’s dramatic temperature swings and cultural diversity, expert local guidance makes all the difference. China Dragon Travel provides:
- Full charter: free switching between northern Xinjiang and southern Xinjiang
- Experienced tour guide: bilingual in Chinese and English, in-depth cultural interpretation
- Tailored: planning flower sea, snow scenery, humanities, ecological routes according to interests
- Butler service: airport pick-up, special dining, homestay/hotel reservations
Contact China Dragon Travel to design your perfect Xinjiang journey—one where every layer you pack and every site you visit is seamlessly aligned with the season, the terrain, and the local way of life.
Xinjiang Group Tours Recommendation:
8-Day Xinjiang Pamir Plateau Tour: Urumqi, Pamir Plateau, Kashgar, Tashkurgan & More
9-Day Xinjiang Duku Highway Tour: Urumqi, Kanas, Hemu, Sailimu Lake & More
10-Day Silk Road Tour: Dunhuang, Mogao Caves, Urumqi & More
16-Day Xinjiang Panorama Tour: Urumqi, Heavenly Lake, Altay, Nalati, Tashkurgan, Kashgar & More
Xinjiang Huocheng Lavender Fields
