Xi’an has a warm temperate continental monsoon climate with four distinct seasons. The city sits in the Guanzhong Plain at 400 meters elevation, shielded by the Qinling Mountains to the south. Summers are hot and humid with most of the annual rainfall. Winters are cold and dry with occasional dust storms from the Gobi Desert. The city receives about 550mm of rain annually, most of it falling between July and September.
Xi’an Weather by Month: Temperature and Rainfall
The table below presents average high and low temperatures, rainfall, humidity, and sunshine hours for each month in Xi’an. Data is based on 30-year averages from the Xi’an Meteorological Bureau.
| Month | Avg High (°C/°F) | Avg Low (°C/°F) | Rainfall (mm) | Humidity (%) | Sun Hours |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 5 / 41 | -4 / 25 | 6 | 63 | 4 |
| February | 9 / 48 | -1 / 30 | 10 | 62 | 5 |
| March | 14 / 57 | 4 / 39 | 26 | 63 | 5 |
| April | 21 / 70 | 10 / 50 | 43 | 65 | 6 |
| May | 26 / 79 | 15 / 59 | 60 | 67 | 7 |
| June | 31 / 88 | 20 / 68 | 65 | 62 | 7 |
| July | 32 / 90 | 23 / 73 | 99 | 74 | 7 |
| August | 31 / 88 | 22 / 72 | 80 | 78 | 6 |
| September | 25 / 77 | 17 / 63 | 107 | 79 | 5 |
| October | 19 / 66 | 10 / 50 | 60 | 77 | 5 |
| November | 12 / 54 | 3 / 37 | 24 | 73 | 4 |
| December | 6 / 43 | -2 / 28 | 6 | 66 | 4 |
January and February Weather in Xi’an
January is Xi’an’s coldest month with highs of 5°C (41°F) and lows dropping to -4°C (25°F). Snow falls occasionally but rarely accumulates beyond a light dusting. Both months receive only 6-10mm of rain, making this the driest period. The Terracotta Warriors museum is heated indoors, and crowds are at their annual minimum. Pack thermal layers, a heavy coat, and gloves. Air quality can be poor due to winter coal heating and temperature inversions.
March and April Weather in Xi’an
March brings the first signs of spring with temperatures reaching 14°C (57°F). April warms to 21°C (70°F) with cherry blossoms appearing at Qinglong Temple. Rainfall increases to 43mm. These are transitional months; pack layers for temperature swings of 10°C (18°F) between morning and afternoon. The best time to visit Xi’an guide explains why April and October are the optimal months.
May and June Weather in Xi’an
May delivers pleasant 26°C (79°F) highs with moderate 60mm rain. June heats up to 31°C (88°F) but humidity drops to 62%, making the heat more tolerable than July-August. Both months average 7 hours of daily sunshine. Chinese domestic tourism ramps up in May around Labor Day (May 1-5), when hotel prices spike and attractions fill to capacity.
July and August Weather in Xi’an
July and August are Xi’an’s hottest and most humid months. July peaks at 32°C (90°F) with 23°C (73°F) lows and 99mm of rain. August stays nearly as hot at 31°C (88°F) with humidity reaching 78%, making temperatures feel 3-5°C warmer. These are the worst months for visiting the Terracotta Warriors: the Pit 1 hall lacks air conditioning and the indoor temperatures can exceed 35°C (95°F). If you must visit in summer, arrive at the 08:30 opening time and check the Xi’an weather by month data for precise planning.
September and October Weather in Xi’an
September brings 107mm of rain, Xi’an’s wettest month, as the summer monsoon retreats. Temperatures ease to 25°C (77°F). October is Xi’an’s best weather month: 19°C (66°F) highs, 10°C (50°F) lows, and 60mm of rain with golden autumn foliage. The first week of October is Chinese National Day Golden Week when domestic tourism floods the city. Book everything 2-3 months ahead if visiting during Golden Week.
November and December Weather in Xi’an
November temperatures drop to 12°C (54°F) with only 24mm of rain. December brings winter proper: 6°C (43°F) highs, -2°C (28°F) lows, and just 4 hours of daily sun. The Terracotta Warriors museum stays quiet with minimal queues. The Muslim Quarter’s street food stalls operate year-round. Pack the same gear you’d bring to a northern European winter city.
