Weather in Kashgar

Planning your visit to Kashgar? Check out the most up-to-date weather information, including detailed forecasts and clear graphs, to ensure your journey is as comfortable as possible.

Kashgar, located in western China, is characterized by a distinct continental arid climate. This region is known for very dry weather with minimal precipitation throughout the year. Tourists should be prepared for noticeable contrasts: significant temperature fluctuations are observed here both between seasons and during the day, which is typical for cities located near desert zones.

The seasons are quite distinct here. Summer in Kashgar is long, hot, and sunny: in the warmest months, July and August, daytime temperatures often exceed +30°C. Winter, on the other hand, is cold, with average temperatures below zero, dropping to -10°C in January; however, due to low humidity, the frost is somewhat easier to bear, and snow falls extremely rarely.

The main feature of the weather is its stability and abundance of sunny days — rain happens here exceptionally rarely, regardless of the month. The most comfortable time for walks and excursions is considered to be spring (April-May) and early autumn (September-October), when mild and pleasant air temperatures are established in the range from +15°C to +20°C.

The climate of Kashgar is characterized by distinct seasonality with a wide range of temperatures throughout the year. The coldest month is traditionally January, when the average temperature drops to -5.3°C, and night frosts can reach -10.1°C. Conversely, at the height of summer, especially in July, the city is immersed in intense heat: the thermometer during the day confidently surpasses the 32°C mark, making this month the hottest period to visit.

The summer season is hot here, but thanks to extremely low humidity and the virtually complete absence of precipitation, high temperatures are easier to bear than in the humid tropics. This is typical dry heat. Spring and autumn serve as pleasant transitional periods: already in April, the air warms up during the day to a comfortable 21.8°C, and in October, moderate weather remains with highs around 18.7°C, although nights become noticeably cooler.

It is important for travellers to consider the significant daily temperature fluctuations inherent in this arid region. The difference between the daily maximum and the nightly minimum often exceeds 10–12 degrees. For example, in September, after a warm day (about 26.5°C), the night can bring a sharp coolness down to 14°C. Therefore, when planning long walks, it is worth dressing in layers to feel comfortable both in the midday heat and after sunset.

Kashgar is located in a zone of sharply continental arid climate, so precipitation here is a rare and, as a rule, insignificant phenomenon. Travellers are unlikely to have to worry about prolonged downpours capable of ruining plans: for most of the year, clear weather prevails over the city. Even in those months when statistics record the presence of precipitation, the volume is often close to zero millimetres, indicating extreme dryness of the air.

In the winter period, from December to February, when temperatures consistently stay below zero, light snow is possible. However, snowfall in this region is scarce and happens infrequently — usually, only 1–2 days with precipitation are recorded per month. Due to low humidity, snow cover, if it forms at all, is very thin and unstable.

With the arrival of warmth, the probability of precipitation increases slightly, although it remains low by global standards. The conditional "rainy season" falls on the period from May to August. The most active month in this regard is August, when up to 5 rainy days can be observed. Nevertheless, summer rains in Kashgar usually take the form of short and light drizzling precipitation, which dries quickly under the hot sun.

A trip to Kashgar requires a careful approach to packing due to the sharp continental and arid climate. In summer (from June to August), when temperatures often exceed +30°C, give preference to light, breathable clothing made from natural fabrics such as cotton or linen. Given the bright sun and proximity to the desert, be sure to take a wide-brimmed hat, high-quality sunglasses, and cream with a high SPF level. Since rain is a rarity here (there is practically no precipitation all year round), you are unlikely to need an umbrella, but moisturizing cream and lip balm will be indispensable for protection against dry air.

Winter in the region is cold, with freezing temperatures, especially in January, when the thermometer can drop to -10°C. If your trip is planned for the period from November to March, be sure to bring a warm windproof jacket or down jacket, thermal underwear, a hat, a scarf, and gloves. In spring and autumn, the weather is changeable: it can be comfortably warm during the day, but evenings and nights remain cold, so the best solution will be the principle of layering. Combine T-shirts, fleece sweaters, and light windbreakers to easily adapt to temperature changes throughout the day.

Regardless of the season, to explore the ancient streets and attractions, you will need maximally comfortable flat-soled shoes, as you will have to walk a lot. Reliable trainers or broken-in boots will be your best choice. It is also recommended to have a light scarf or shawl with you: it will not only keep you warm on a cool evening but also protect your face from dust and wind, which sometimes rise in this region.