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).
March to May
This season finds Xian recovers from the just passed cold and dry winter season, and gradually moves into the green and flowering spring.
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.
September to October
The autumn season sees Xian slide into a colorful and comfy travel zone for all visitors. Weather, cloudless days; temperature, comfortable. Bust just try to avoid October 1-7, the week-long holiday for China’s National Day to beat the crowd.
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:
New Year’ Day ( 1st Jan, three-day holiday )
Chinese New Year ( later Jan and early Feb )
Tomb Sweeping Day ( Early April, 3-day holiday )
Mid-Autumn festival ( Aug-Sept, 3-day holiday )
May Day ( 1st May, three-day holiday)
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:
Xian Tour
Xian Day Tour
Xian Tour Packages
Beijing Xian Tour
Further Readings
Beijing Xian High Speed Train Experience
Best Time to Visit Xian
How to Visit Xian in Two Days?
Xian Airport Transportation
Xian Railway Station Transportation
Xian Taxi: Xian Taxi Fares, Tips and Phones
Xian City Layout
Xian’s Top 7 Iconic Landmarks
Where to Stay in Xian
Top 10 Attractions in Xian
Top Things to Do for Kids in Xian
How Visit Terracotta Army
How to Visit Xian on a Budget
The Starbucks in Xian
Top Markets in Xian
Top 10 Shopping Malls in Xian
Top 10 Best Restaurants in Xian
Top 10 Souvenirs in Xian
Xian Tourist Traps, Xian Tourist Scams
Tips for Visiting Muslim Quarter in Xian
Tips for Visiting Xian City Wall
The Ramparts of Quebec City and Xian City
Tips for Visiting Shaanxi History Museum
Tips for Visiting Xian Bell Tower
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
Yaodong Cave Dwellings in Xian
Tips for Visiting Huaqing Hot Springs in Xian
How to Visit Mount Huashan
Mt.Huashan Snow Scenes Photos
How to visit Xiyue Temple
Top 10 Hostels in Xian
Top 10 Xian Luxury & Boutique Hotels
Xi’an: An Exotic City with an Undeniable Historical Depth
Best Places to See Autumn Leaves around Xian
Muslim Streets in Muslim Quarter in Xian
Hua Jue Xiang, Huajue Lane at Xian Muslim Quarter
The Night View of Great Tang All Day Mall
Xian City Wall Night View
What to do in Xian after dark
Xian’s Best Street Food
Xian Muslim Quarter Exotic Food
Xian Bar Street
Spring Festival Lantern Exhibit in Xian
Xian Terracotta Army Pictures
How to Visit Maijishan Grottoes from Xian by Train
How to Visit Hukou Waterfall
How to Visit Huangdi Mausoleum
Xian Lhasa Flight Experience (Tips, Photos & Map)
Beijing Xian Flight Experience
Datong Xian High Speed Train
Reviews on Beijing Xian Luoyang Tour
Visit Xian in January (Weather, Wear, & Tips)
Visit Xian in February
How to Visit Xian in March
Visit Xian in October
How to Visit Xian in November
Visit Xian in December
Any questions, just drop a line.
My name is Rose, i come from Malaysia. I would like to ask you where i can rent a car and guide for my group. Can you please give me any agent number, email. And also a hostel or guesthouse that you know which is in town area.
Rose
Hello Rose,
You may check the link below for more travel and tour information”:
http://www.tour-beijing.com/xian_tours/
Have a nice time in Xian!
Hi!
I am from malaysia. will be visiting xian next year in march (still a long way though but i am keen to make proper arrangement for my group) Is there any recommended trusted travel agency which i can communicate to organize a 8D7N group tour for us?
Regards
Hi lau aih ngiik,
Thanks for your enquiry!
You may check the page below and send your enquiry, one of our staff members will contact you by email within 24 hours.
http://www.tour-beijing.com/xian_tours/
Hello,
May I know when do the autumn foliage maple leaves turn yellow / gold / red in Xi’an?
I plan to travel there in mid September, would that be a beautiful time to witness the leaves in colour?
Thanks!
Hi Syima，
Autumn is still a bit too early for fall foliage in Xian. I think mid-october is the best time for autumn hues.
Hi,
I would like to know if i visits Xi’an on late December, am i able to go to Terracotta museum and Mt. Huashan?
Hi Iz osman，
Yes，both Xian and Mt.Huashan are open all year round.
Hello, just wish to find out how to get to Inner Mongolia from Xian.
Hi Ehdonchong，
Inner Mongolia is a province. Which city are you going to visit first in Inner Mongolia? If you want to go from Xian to Hohhot, the capital city of Inner Mongolian, you may take flight from Xian to Hohhot ( one and half hours ) or take train ( about 14 hours ).
Is March a good time to go to Xian
Dear Lindt,
Thanks for your inquiry! Please check out the following link ( How to visit Xian in March ) for more information:
https://www.tour-beijing.com/blog/shaanxi-travel/xian-travel/how-to-visit-xian-in-march
Hi
I plan to visit Xian next month from 5 February till 11 February, actually is Chinesse New year holiday . Is it a good time to visit xian
Thank you
Dear Rania,
It is all right to visit Xian during the Spring festival. A bit cold and wear warmly. Have a nice time!
Dear Rania
I was thinking of visiting Xian from the 3-5 May, do you think it will still be crowded with visitors owing to it being the end of the Labour Day Holiday?
Dear Louise,
This year’ Labor Day Holiday lasts 4 days from May 01 to May 04. It will be very crowded. But May 5 will be a little bit better. Have a good time!