Weather in Xining

Planning a trip to Xining or just want to know what the weather is like there? In this section, you will find the most up-to-date information on weather conditions, as well as detailed forecasts and useful charts.

The climate in Xining can be characterized as continental and quite arid. The city is located in a region that experiences significant annual and daily temperature fluctuations, which is typical for this type of climate. Overall, the weather here is distinguished by a low amount of precipitation throughout most of the year.

Xining has four clearly defined seasons. Winters (from December to February) are cold and very dry, with average temperatures significantly below freezing and minimal precipitation. Spring (from March to May) brings gradual warming but remains relatively dry. Summer (from June to August) is the warmest time of the year, when daytime temperatures become comfortable, and a slight increase in precipitation is observed, although it still remains low. Autumn (from September to November) is characterized by gradual cooling and decreasing rainfall.

One of the key features of Xining's climate is the low humidity level and small total amount of precipitation. Even in the "wettest" summer months, such as August and September, the amount of rainfall is not significant. This makes Xining attractive for those who prefer dry weather, but one should be prepared for cool nights even in summer due to the high altitude and continental influence.

Xining experiences a significant annual temperature range, which is characteristic of its continental climate. The coldest month is traditionally January, when the average temperature drops to -7.1°C. During this period, nightly lows can reach -14.1°C, while daily highs rarely exceed -0.1°C. Conversely, the warmest month is July, with an average temperature of 17.0°C, when the air warms up to an average of 22.5°C during the day and cools down to 11.5°C at night.

The summer months, from June to August, in Xining are distinguished by pleasantly warm weather during the day and noticeably cool nights. Average daytime temperatures in June are around 19.7°C, in July – 22.5°C, and in August – 21.2°C. Nighttime temperatures during the summer period fluctuate in the range of 9-12°C. One of the characteristic features of Xining's climate is substantial daily temperature fluctuations. The difference between the daily maximum and nightly minimum often exceeds 10-14°C, which is particularly noticeable not only in summer but also during the transition seasons.

Winter in Xining, covering the period from December to February, is characterized as cold and frosty. Monthly average temperatures at this time vary from -7.1°C in January to -4.4°C in February. Nighttime temperatures consistently stay at marks from -11°C to -14°C, while daily highs usually hover around zero or slightly exceed it (for example, 2.6°C in February). The spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November) months are transitional, with a gradual rise or fall in temperatures, but they also retain pronounced daily fluctuations. For instance, in April, the average temperature is 6.5°C, while nighttime values can drop to -0.2°C, and daytime highs can reach 13.2°C.

Xining is characterized by a very low level of precipitation throughout the year, highlighting the aridity of its climate. A distinct dry season stands out, occurring during the winter months – from November to February. During this period, precipitation is minimal, often amounting to 0 mm in January, February, November, and December. The number of days with precipitation is also extremely low, varying from 1 day in December to 4 days in February. Given the low winter temperatures, any precipitation at this time is likely to fall as very light snow or frost, without leading to significant accumulation.

Starting from spring and continuing through summer until early autumn, some increase in both the amount and frequency of precipitation is observed, although the overall figures remain low. The greatest amount of rainfall occurs in August and September – 4 mm in each of these months. These months, along with June and July, can be considered a relatively "wet" period for Xining when compared to the rest of the year. September stands out with the highest number of days with precipitation – on average 19 days, followed by August with 17 days.

Despite the increase in the number of "wet days" in the summer-autumn period (from June to September ranging from 14 to 19 days), the total millimeters of precipitation remains very modest (2-4 mm per month). This suggests that precipitation, even when it happens, is typically very light and short-lived – possibly in the form of drizzle or brief, weak showers. Thus, even in the "wettest" months, Xining does not experience heavy rains, and the overall picture remains arid.

When planning a trip to Xining, it is important to consider its continental climate with pronounced seasonal and daily temperature fluctuations, as well as low precipitation levels. In winter (December-February), it is very cold here, with average temperatures dropping significantly below freezing. You will need very warm clothes: a down jacket or warm winter coat, a hat, a scarf, gloves, thermal underwear, and insulated footwear. Despite the small amount of precipitation, the cold wind can be piercing, so windproof clothing will be very useful.

In spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November), the weather is changeable. It can be relatively warm during the day, but evenings and nights remain cool. The ideal solution would be layered clothing: t-shirts, sweaters or fleece jackets, and a mid-season jacket. In summer (June-August), comfortable warm weather sets in during the day, but evenings can be fresh. Bring light clothing for the day (t-shirts, long-sleeved shirts for sun protection, light trousers or shorts) and something warmer for the evening, such as a light jacket or cardigan. Although there is little rainfall, the number of days with precipitation increases in the summer and autumn months, so a light folding umbrella or a waterproof windbreaker might come in handy.

Regardless of the season, the following items are relevant for Xining: comfortable walking shoes, as you will surely want to explore the city and its surroundings. Given the altitude and frequent sunny weather, do not forget sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat, especially in the summer months. The dry air can cause discomfort, so lip balm and moisturizing cream may also be useful. The principle of layering in clothing is your best friend in Xining, allowing you to easily adapt to temperature changes throughout the day.