Xi'an Climate

Situated in the southern part of the Guanzhong Plain in Shaanxi province, with the Qinling Mountains to the south and the Weihe River to the north, Xi'an experiences a warm temperate zone with a continental monsoon climate and four distinct seasons. Xi'an is hot and wet in the summer, dry and seldom snowy in the winter, and is prone to extended spells of rain in the spring and autumn. All in all, spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) are the best seasons during the year for traveling here.

The temperature during spring, (March to May) increases rapidly, but is prone to fluctuation. The average temperature in March is 7.9C,rising to 14.1C in April and 19.4C in May. A quarter of the area's annual rainfall occurs in spring, however with the pleasant temperature, gentle breezes and warm sunshine it is a good time of year for outdoor activities and traveling.

Summer in Xi'an (June to August) becomes both hot and humid. Xi'an is one of the major 'stove' cities of the whole country with the hottest month of the year being July. The highest average temperature in Xi'an is 32C and the maximum temperature is often above 40C. The oppressive heat can be difficult to bear, but this is tempered by the fact that it is also the rainy season. This time of year has 8 to 11 rainy days monthly - half of Xi'an city's annual rainfall occurs during the summer. So it is advised for people visiting the city to bring rain gear.

Xi'an also experiences a fair amount of precipitation during autumn, (September to November). The early autumn period is cool and can be overcast. Late autumn Xi'an is usually quite pleasant. Though it is neither too cool not too hot in autumn, it is still advised that people carry light jackets in the evenings.

Winter (December to February) in Xi'an is dry and cold, with a little snow. The coldest month is January, with an average temperature of 0C. It is advised that people wear clothing suitable to cold temperatures and layer up as required. Jeans, long-johns, shirts, turtle necks, pull-overs, sweaters, down jacket, heavy coat, gloves, hat, scarf, wool socks, runners, and boots are appropriate.

Detailed information about the average temperatures and rainfall in Xi'an are as follows: