Plan your Xian tour in December? For various reasons, you are going to visit Xian in December. Well, December is not a glorious month to visit Xian since the temperature is low ( average lowest -3℃ during the month) often coupled with gusty wind blowing hard on your face.
But the things are not so bad due to the historical nature of the ancient city of Xian. The cold weather doesn’t t affect your visit to the historical sites indoor or outdoor. In addition, you’ve got a big bonus in terms of discounts on your hotel, entrance fees and transportation.
The Weather in December in Xian
December puts Xian deep into winter season with the temperature going much lower than the previous November. Xian’s average temperature in December falls between 6 ℃ during the day and -3 ℃ at night, very often accompanied with blustery weather.
The city has good heating system allows indoor rooms and facilities warm and comfortable.
Historical Weather Data for December in Xian
We’d like to provide you the historical weather data listed below that you need to plan your trip to Xian well in advance. You may use the data to decide how to dress, what to pack for your coming trip to Xian.
| Date | Average High | Average Low | Extreme High | Extreme Low | |
| Dec 01 | 8℃ | -1℃ | 18℃(2008) | -7℃(1990) | |
| Dec 02 | 8℃ | -1℃ | 18℃(1989) | -9℃(1952) | |
| Dec 03 | 9℃ | -1℃ | 22℃(1989) | -10℃(1952) | |
| Dec 04 | 8℃ | -1℃ | 16℃(1955) | -9℃(1952) | |
| Dec 05 | 7℃ | -1℃ | 16℃(1983) | -7℃(1952) | |
| Dec 06 | 7℃ | -1℃ | 16℃(1989) | -5℃(1952) | |
| Dec 07 | 7℃ | -1℃ | 15℃(1959) | -5℃(1951) | |
| Dec 08 | 7℃ | -2℃ | 18℃(2008) | -7℃(1967) | |
| Dec 09 | 8℃ | -2℃ | 19℃(2008) | -10℃(1954) | |
| Dec 10 | 8℃ | -2℃ | 17℃(2008) | -8℃(1954) | |
| Dec 11 | 7℃ | -2℃ | 17℃(1951) | -9℃(1954) | |
| Dec 12 | 6℃ | -2℃ | 15℃(1988) | -9℃(1975) | |
| Dec 13 | 7℃ | -2℃ | 14℃(1951) | -8℃(1954) | |
| Dec 14 | 6℃ | -2℃ | 15℃(1955) | -9℃(1975) | |
| Dec 15 | 6℃ | -3℃ | 16℃(1998) | -9℃(1975) | |
| Dec 16 | 6℃ | -3℃ | 14℃(1978) | -9℃(1975) | |
| Dec 17 | 6℃ | -3℃ | 16℃(1971) | -10℃(1975) | |
| Dec 18 | 5℃ | -3℃ | 13℃(1998) | -10℃(1984) | |
| Dec 19 | 5℃ | -3℃ | 14℃(1964) | -10℃(1956) | |
| Dec 20 | 6℃ | -3℃ | 13℃(1996) | -9℃(1999) | |
| Dec 21 | 6℃ | -3℃ | 14℃(1964) | -8℃(1960) | |
| Dec 22 | 6℃ | -4℃ | 15℃(2000) | -9℃(2008) | |
| Dec 23 | 5℃ | -3℃ | 18℃(1962) | -9℃(1953) | |
| Dec 24 | 5℃ | -3℃ | 16℃(1996) | -9℃(1953) | |
| Dec 25 | 5℃ | -3℃ | 17℃(1993) | -9℃(1956) | |
| Dec 26 | 5℃ | -4℃ | 14℃(1998) | -11℃(2002) | |
| Dec 27 | 5℃ | -3℃ | 17℃(1987) | -10℃(1991) | |
| Dec 28 | 4℃ | -4℃ | 12℃(1987) | -15℃(1991) | |
| Dec 29 | 4℃ | -4℃ | 11℃(1987) | -14℃(1991) | |
| Dec 30 | 5℃ | -4℃ | 14℃(2000) | -19℃(1954) | |
| Dec 31 | 4℃ | -4℃ | 14℃(2001) | 19℃(1954) |
What to Wear
Outdoor daytime wear ( average 6℃ ): Winter clothes, layers （knitwear, or thermal wear).
Outdoor evening wear ( Average -3℃): Thick winter clothes, layers （knitwear, or thermal wear), gloves, and winter hats & caps.
Where to Stay
Xian is a very compact and walkable city, so no matter where you are going to stay you will easily get to the major attractions and shopping areas in Xian. Some hotels start to offer discounted room rates from mid-November. Domestic tourist volume is getting thinner.
The city layout within Xian City Wall is based on a grid pattern centrally denoted by the grand Bell Tower (钟楼), which levels out four main avenues clockwise: East avenue (Dong Dajie 东大街), South Avenue ( Nan Dajie 南大街), West Avenue (Xi Dajie 西大街) and North Avenue (Bei Dajie 北大街).
Xian Railway Station is just located on the northeast corner of Xian city wall while Xian Airport is located 40km northwest of Xian.
The areas near Bell Tower, East Avenue, South Avenue, West Avenue and North Avenue are considered ideal places to stay in Xian. Check out the link for more information – Where to Stay in Xian.
What to See
Xian is well known for its historical relics, both above ground and underneath. Season or weather changes make no big difference for sightseeing in Xian.
So if you travel Xian in December as a first-time visitor, you may cover the major attractions like Terracotta Warriors, Xian City Wall, Xian Muslim Quarter, the Great Mosque Bell & Drum Towers and the list could be longer if you stay in Xian for quite a few days. Check out the Top 10 Attractions in Xian for more information.
What to Eat
Xian is a haven for eaters. Hitting the food streets of Muslim Quarter is a must for first-time visitors. It is said there are over 300 Muslim local snacks on the streets in Xian Muslim Quarter that attract a consistent flow of visitors everyday coming here to savour or just have a glimpse.
Have a bite of some of the local food: the famous Xi’an Liangpi (cold skin noodles) , the lamb skewers, the cuttlefish, the yogurt, pomegranate juice and the list could be much longer.
Check out Tips for Visiting Muslim Quarter in Xian for more information.
December Events, Holidays & Festivals
Annual Events and Festivals
1. National Legal Publicity Day 全国法制宣传日
The National Legal Publicity Day falls on 4 December which was inaugurated in 2001. It is aimed at promoting the constitution sprite as well as building a harmonious society in China.
2. Ski Resorts in Xian 西安滑雪场
Visiting a ski resort is a bonus added to make a perfect winter holiday in Xian. No matter you are a keen skier or non-skier, you can rewind and entertain yourself in a ski resort around Xian, skiing and participating in snow activities, or just sitting in a cozy snack bar and appreciating the white ski area over a cup of coffee or tea.
3. Christmas Eve 圣诞之夜
If you happen to spend your Christmas eve in Beijing during your Xian tour, you may take some adventure going on to the streets to explore and spend a local Christmas eve.
4. New Year Eve Ceremony 新年之夜欢庆
Each year Xian local tourism bureau will hold a fantastic “New Year Celebration” on the eve of the coming new year in a unique way. Turn to a local travel agency or visit Xian tourism bureau’s official website for the new year celebration.
Tip 15: Hassle-free Xian Guided Tours
If you don’t want to do a self-guided tour and prefer the hassle-free escorted tours, here are some options for Xian guided tours:
Xian Tour
Xian Day Tour
Xian Tour Packages
Beijing Xian Tour
Further Readings
Beijing Xian High Speed Train Experience
Top 10 Attractions in Xian
Tips for Visiting Muslim Quarter in Xian
Tips for Visiting Xian City Wall
Tips for Visiting Shaanxi History Museum
Tips for Visiting Xian Bell Tower
How Visit Terracotta Army
How to Visit Daming Palace National Heritage Park
Top 10 Photography Spots in Xian
The Night View of Great Tang All Day Mall
Tips for Visiting Hanyang Tombs Xian
The Song of Everlasting Sorrow Show in Xian
Tips for Visiting Big Wild Goose Pagoda
Tips for Visiting Huaqing Hot Springs in Xian
How to Visit Mount Huashan
Top 10 Hostels in Xian
Best Time to Visit Xian
Any questions, just drop a line.