Situated in the middle of the Yellow River Valley, Xi'an serves as a boundary between the South and the North in geography, and also, in climate. To wit, it is wetter than the Northern cities while drier than those Southern ones. It has a warm temperate semi-humid monsoon climate, experiencing pleasant temperatures, moderate rainfall and four distinct seasons. In July, monthly average temperature reaches its peak of 26.4℃/79.5 F and in January, the coldest month of the year, it is around -0.9℃/30.4 F, making an annual average temperature of 13.3℃/55.9 F.
Spring (March to May) — When spring comes, temperature climbs quickly, though early spring cold often brings the smell of winter back. In March, the average temperature is 7.9℃/46.2 F, rising to 14.1℃/57.4 F in April, and 19.4℃/66.9 F in May. Rainy days in spring takes 7-9 days, which cannot make much of a threat for outdoor activities.
Summer (June to August)—Summer in Xi'an is characterized by torridity and moistness. There are around 22 days when it is over 35℃/95 F. According to people who have experienced summer in Xi'an, nearly every day is oppressively hot; therefore it is often selected as one of the "hot stove cities" in China. Besides, summer takes on 37% of the year's precipitation and half of the year's storms, with 8-11 rainy days every month.
Autumn (September to November)—Affected by Pacific Subtropical High, early autumn in Xi'an is also humid. Occupying 19% the year's total rainfall, wet days averagely count 12 days. In late autumn, it is mostly fine and cool. The monthly average temperatures are respectively 19.6℃/67.3 F, 13.8℃/56.8 F and 6.8℃/44.2 F, along with obvious and quick decline.
Winter (December to February)—Winter in Xi'an is comparatively warm among the northern cities in china, with the lowest monthly average temperature of -o.5℃/31.1 F, despite the might-be -10℃/14 F during the cold spell. Rainfall in these months is only 24 millimeters, measuring 4% of the total, making a dry winter.
Best time to visit Xi'an
Based on an overall consideration, autumn is the best time to visit Xi'an with its mild temperature. Spring, however, because of occasional sandstorms, has to be the second concern. Furthermore, tourists who are not put off by the coldness in winter can come around the Spring Festival, when various folk festivities are going off, usually in the forms of lantern prohibitions, shadow plays and Chinese opera shows. Adding to that, delicious snacks from different places and diversity of folk art including paper-cuts and peasant paintings will also be staged in this great folk feast.
Travel tips
--Based on the temperatures introduced above at different times, prepare proper clothes.
--Make sure to take an umbrella in case of rainy days, especially in summer.
