Best time to visit Xian (Tips, Photos & Map)

When you are planning your Xian tour, one of the frequently asked questions likely to tantalize you is "When is the best time to visit Xian?". 

Xian is one of the Four Great Ancient Capitals of China. So Unlike other scenic cities in China, Xian is well known for its historical sites and relics and the visit itself is little influence by seasons.

As a matter of fact, Xian is a place which you can visit on all seasons to appreciate its ancient culture and splendid history. Xian enjoys four distinct seasons with warm spring, hot summer, cool and rainy autumn and dry winter.

Best Time: March to May and September to October

But speaking of comfortable weather conditions and the effects of crowdedness, the best time to visit Xian falls on the two seasons: Spring ( March to May ) and Autumn ( September to October).

But the spring in Xian sometimes occasionally brings down the annoying sandstorms. Just keep an eye on the daily weatherman report against possible natural hazards.

Use this travel guide to help you make a smart decision about when to visit Xian. Check out below to have some information on each season:

Xian in Spring ( March - May )

Spring or autumn is considered as the best season to visit Xian, which is neither too hot nor to cold. But the sporadic sandstorm in spring has kept people on alert when they plan their spring trip to Xian.

In spring, you can visit the historical relics, such as Terracotta Warriors or Horses Big Wild Goose Pagoda; you can also go to climb Mount Hua.

With gentle breezes and warm sunshine, spring in Xian is really a good time of year for outdoor activities and travelling.

Xian in Summer ( June – August )

Summer in Xian, which usually lasts from June to August, becomes both hot and humid. The blooming flowers and colored leaves dot the mountains. You have to make full preparation from sunburn.

There is always rainstorm in summer, be sure to take the umbrella with you. Of course, if you are interested in Xian Snacks, go there in summer is a good choice for you. The night markets come alive as the sun went down in summer.

So summer in Xian is both hot and humid, plus the crowdedness caused by the domestic travel generated by the summer vacation in schools and colleges. If possible, choose another season to visit Xian.

Xian in Autumn (September – November)

Xian is suffused with colors as several species of trees change the color of their leaves. Autumn is the high season for people to visit Xian.

Xian's Fall includes the months of September, October and November, and the weather is fine and pleasant.

You are kindly advised to skip over China National Holiday in October when you plan your Xian Tours, since there are so many people during that time.

Xian in Winter ( November – February )

Winter is an off-season for traveling in Xian. If you are more of a person who loves winter and would like to go skiing down some of the most breath-taking sites in Xian, Xian still welcomes you during the winter months.

Winter lasts from December to February, dry and cold with a little snow. The coldest month is January, with an average temperature of 0 C.

The most advantage to visit Xian in winter is that you can save money and see fewer visitors, thus avoiding tourist crowds. Winter in Xian is cold, make sure to take enough thick clothes with you.

Crowd Information

Xian gets very crowded and busy during school vacations and public holidays. You are kindly advised to skip over the Official Chinese Holidays when you plan your Xian Tours.

Please jot down the following public holidays:

Tip: Hassle-free Xian Guided Tours

If you don’t want to go the do-it-yourself route and prefer the hassle-free escorted tours,  here are some options for Xian guided tours:

Further Readings