Weather in Qitai

Planning a trip to Qitai? Explore the detailed weather forecast and up-to-date meteorological reports in this section to properly plan your day.

The climate in which Qitai is situated can be characterised as sharply continental and arid. This region is distinguished by a significant annual temperature amplitude: it experiences harsh, frosty winters and sufficiently warm, comfortable summers. The weather is notable for its stability, so travellers rarely encounter sudden meteorological surprises.

The seasons are distinctly defined. Winter here is long and cold: in January, the thermometer drops to an average of -12°C, while night frosts can be even more severe. Summer, conversely, brings pleasant warmth with average temperatures around +22...+24°C, making this period the most popular for visits. Spring and autumn serve as short transitional periods when temperatures change quite rapidly.

A unique feature of the local weather is the extremely low amount of precipitation throughout the year. Rain here is a great rarity, and even in the "wettest" months, rainfall levels are minimal. The region's climatic conditions ensure that the sky almost always remains clear and the roads dry; however, travellers should be prepared for the dryness of the air.

Climate conditions in the city of Qitai are characterised by a sharp contrast between seasons, which is typical for a continental climate. Winter here is severe and frosty: the coldest month is traditionally January, when the average temperature drops to -12.2°C, and night frosts can reach -17.3°C. Sub-zero temperatures hold steady from November to March, so travellers planning a visit during this time require reliable warm clothing.

The summer period, by contrast, delights with warmth and even heat. The warmest month is considered to be July, with an average of +24.0°C and daytime highs reaching +29.9°C. June and August also offer excellent conditions for tourism: the air warms up to +28°C during the day, creating a pleasant atmosphere for long walks. Thanks to moderate humidity, the summer heat is tolerated quite easily.

A feature of the local climate is the noticeable temperature fluctuation between daylight and night-time hours, observed practically all year round. The difference often exceeds 10–12 degrees. For example, in spring during April, despite pleasant daytime warming up to +16.8°C, nights remain cold (around +3.0°C). Even at the height of summer, after a hot day, the night-time temperature drops to a refreshing +16–18°C, so a light jacket may come in handy in the evening even during the warm season.

For tourists planning to visit Qitai, welcome news will be the fact that this region is distinguished by low humidity and a very small amount of precipitation throughout the year. The climate here can be described as arid, so prolonged downpours capable of disrupting holiday plans are a great rarity for this area.

A slight increase in precipitation activity is observed during the warm season. From May to September, an average of 5 to 6 rainy days per month is recorded, yet the intensity of the rain remains extremely low. In winter, when temperatures drop significantly below zero, precipitation falls as snow, but snowfalls here are infrequent — usually just 1–3 days per month during the period from December to February.

The driest months are traditionally January and February. In general, the weather in the city favours outdoor walks at practically any time of the year, and an umbrella during a trip around China in this region may turn out to be merely a precautionary measure rather than an essential item.

When preparing for a trip to Qitai, it is important to consider the sharply continental nature of the local climate. Winters here are harsh and frosty, with temperatures often dropping below -15°C, so during this period, high-quality thermal wear, a warm windproof down jacket, a hat, a scarf, and gloves are absolutely vital. Spring arrives gradually, and for comfortable walks, it is best to use the layering principle: a combination of a t-shirt, a fleece jumper, and a jacket will allow you to easily adapt to temperature changes throughout the day.

Summer in the region is warm and pleasant, with average figures around +24°C, so for June, July, and August, light items made from breathable natural fabrics are suitable. However, even in the warm season, evenings can bring coolness, so a light cardigan or windbreaker in your suitcase will not be amiss. In autumn, it gets cold quite rapidly, and by November, tourists will require full winter clothing and insulated footwear.

A feature of the weather in this part of the country is the extremely low amount of precipitation year-round — rains here are very rare. You will likely not need an umbrella, but due to the dry air and abundance of sunny days, it is definitely worth taking moisturiser, lip balm, and sunglasses. Also, do not forget comfortable flat shoes, which are ideal for long excursions and exploring the city.