Weather in Hotan

To ensure your journey is comfortable, it is important to check the weather forecast in advance. In this section, we have compiled up-to-date meteorological data for the city of Hotan along with detailed temperature charts.

The climate surrounding Hotan can be characterized as sharply continental and extremely arid, which is typical for regions bordering a desert. The weather here is distinguished by its stability and a high number of sunny days. The air in the city is dry year-round, which helps make the summer heat more bearable, though it makes the winter cold feel more piercing.

The seasons are very distinct. Summer here is hot and long: in July and August, average daytime temperatures often exceed +30°C, creating an atmosphere of true desert heat. Winter, conversely, is cold with sub-zero temperatures that can drop to -8°C and lower in January. The transitional seasons—spring and autumn—are usually short but offer the most comfortable conditions for walking.

A unique feature of the weather in this corner of the country (China) is the almost complete absence of precipitation. Regardless of the month, rain here is a great rarity, and the number of rainy days tends toward zero. This makes the city an ideal destination for those wishing to avoid dampness and overcast skies during their travels.

The climate in which Hotan is located is characterized by pronounced seasonality and aridity. Winter here is cool but generally snowless. The coldest month is January, when the average temperature drops to -3.4°C, and at night, the thermometer can fall to -8.5°C. During the day, however, the air often warms up to slightly above freezing, making winter walks quite acceptable if you have warm clothing.

Summer in the region is hot and dry, peaking in July. In the middle of summer, the average daytime temperature reaches a maximum of 33.1°C, creating truly hot conditions. Precipitation during this period, as throughout the year, falls extremely rarely—the number of rainy days is negligible, so the heat is felt quite intensely, but without the humidity typical of the wet tropics.

A characteristic feature of the weather is significant daily temperature fluctuations, especially noticeable during the transitional seasons of spring and autumn. The difference between daytime warmth and nighttime coolness can be 13–15 degrees. For example, in April, with comfortable daytime temperatures of +24°C, the air cools down to +9°C at night, so travelers should be prepared to adjust their attire throughout the day.

Hotan is distinguished by an extremely arid climate, which is not surprising for a city located near a desert. Precipitation here is a rare phenomenon and practically unnoticeable on an annual scale. According to meteorological data, rainfall levels remain minimal (around 0 mm) throughout all twelve months, making this region one of the driest places you can visit in China.

The concept of a "rainy season" virtually does not exist here. A small probability of precipitation appears only in the summer period: in June, July, and August, an average of 2 days with precipitation is recorded, but it is short-lived and sparse. In transitional seasons, such as April, May, and September, one can expect no more than one wet day for the entire month.

In winter, despite sub-zero temperatures (down to -8.5°C at night in January), heavy snowfall should not be expected due to low humidity. The months from December to March, as well as October, often pass completely without precipitation (0 wet days). Travelers should prepare for dry weather year-round: instead of a raincoat, it is better to stock up on moisturizing cream and drink plenty of water.

When planning a trip to Hotan, consider the local climate specifics: it is very dry here, and precipitation is practically non-existent at any time of year. For a summer trip, when daytime temperatures consistently stay above +30°C, choose loose clothing made of light natural fabrics that protect the skin from the sun but allow the body to breathe. Essential accessories include a wide-brimmed hat or cap, sunglasses, and high-SPF sunscreen.

In winter, the situation changes drastically: temperatures drop below freezing, so you will need a warm windproof jacket, a hat, and gloves. For spring and autumn, when the weather is changeable, it is best to stick to the principle of layering. A combination of a t-shirt, a warm sweater, and a light jacket will allow you to feel comfortable both in the cool morning and at the height of a sunny day.

Regardless of the season, pay special attention to footwear: it should be maximally comfortable and closed-toe, suitable for long walks. Given the extremely low humidity, do not forget to bring moisturizing cream and lip balm to avoid dry skin. An umbrella is unlikely to be useful for rain, but it can be an excellent means of protection against scorching rays in the summer heat.