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Kashgar sits at roughly 1,290 metres (4,230 ft) in the western Tarim Basin, ringed by the Pamir Mountains to the west and the Taklamakan Desert to the east. The city has a cold desert climate (Koppen BWk): a yearly mean of 12.4°C, only about 70 mm of rain, and around 2,700 hours of sunshine a year. That combination means hot, dry summers, cold winters, and a huge day to night temperature swing in every season. If you are planning dates around the weather, the best time to visit Kashgar guide covers the best windows, and this page breaks down each month in detail. For the complete destination overview, start with our Kashgar guide.
Kashgar Weather by Month: Temperatures and Rainfall
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low | Rain (mm) |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 0°C (32°F) | -10.5°C (13°F) | 3 |
| February | 5.8°C (42°F) | -5.1°C (23°F) | 4 |
| March | 14.7°C (58°F) | 3°C (37°F) | 7 |
| April | 22.4°C (72°F) | 9.3°C (49°F) | 5 |
| May | 26.5°C (80°F) | 13.6°C (56°F) | 11 |
| June | 30.2°C (86°F) | 17.2°C (63°F) | 9 |
| July | 31.9°C (89°F) | 19°C (66°F) | 9 |
| August | 30.4°C (87°F) | 17.8°C (64°F) | 8 |
| September | 26.4°C (80°F) | 13.2°C (56°F) | 6 |
| October | 20.1°C (68°F) | 6.1°C (43°F) | 6 |
| November | 11.2°C (52°F) | -1.2°C (30°F) | 2 |
| December | 2°C (36°F) | -7.4°C (19°F) | 2 |
Kashgar Weather by Month: Winter (December to February)
Winter is cold and clear. January is the coldest month, with an average high of 0°C (32°F) and overnight lows around -10.5°C (13°F); the record low is near -24°C. Snow is rare, only 2 to 4 mm of precipitation a month, so the ground stays dry rather than snow-covered. The saving grace is sun: winter skies over the Tarim Basin are often cloudless, which makes midday sightseeing in the Old Town pleasant even when it is below freezing. Pack a thermal base layer, a down jacket, and gloves if you visit from December to February. The where to stay in Kashgar guide lists the warmest, best-located winter lodging.
Kashgar Weather by Month: Spring (March to May)
Spring warms fast but brings the one weather hazard to plan around: dust. March climbs from a mean of 8.8°C to May’s 20°C, with highs reaching 26.5°C (80°F) by late May. However, spring is when cold fronts off the Taklamakan kick up sand and dust storms, most frequent in April and early May. May is also the wettest month of the year, though that is only 11 mm over about three days. Carry a scarf or face covering and sunglasses in spring. The Kashgar events calendar lists Nowruz, which falls on March 21, in this season.
Kashgar Weather by Month: Summer (June to August)
Summer is hot but the heat is dry, not humid. July averages 25.5°C with afternoon highs of 31.9°C (89°F) and nights near 19°C (66°F); the all-time high is 41°C (106°F). Relative humidity in the afternoon can drop below 20 percent, so you will feel the sun more than the muggy air, and shade provides real relief. Rainfall stays around 8 to 9 mm a month. Because the nights cool off, evenings in the Old Town are comfortable. Most of the things to do in Kashgar are outdoors, so start early and rest in the mid-afternoon heat. Day-trip permits and transport are covered in our travel tips and FAQ guide.
Kashgar Weather by Month: Autumn (September to November)
Autumn is the standout season. September averages 19.8°C with highs of 26.4°C (80°F), and October still reaches 20.1°C (68°F) by day, though nights fall to about 6°C (43°F). Skies clear, dust drops off, and the poplar trees around town turn gold in October. November is the sharp transition: highs fall to 11.2°C (52°F) and frost returns at night. This is the season most people pair with a neighborhood guide and a longer stay, since every outdoor attraction is at its easiest.
