Most people plan Xi'an around the Terracotta Warriors and forget how far the weather swings. Winter lows drop to -3°C (27°F) and summer highs hit 34°C (93°F), and spring jumps from 18°C (64°F) to 29°C (84°F) in two months. Pack for the exact month, and pack for long days on your feet.
Xi'an weather by month
Daily high and low (°C), and days with rainSee the numbers
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High | 6°C43°F | 9°C48°F | 18°C64°F | 25°C77°F | 29°C84°F | 33°C91°F | 34°C93°F | 33°C91°F | 28°C82°F | 20°C68°F | 14°C57°F | 8°C46°F |
| Low | -3°C27°F | -1°C30°F | 5°C41°F | 12°C54°F | 16°C61°F | 20°C68°F | 24°C75°F | 23°C73°F | 19°C66°F | 12°C54°F | 5°C41°F | -2°C28°F |
| Rain days | 2 | 5 | 4 | 5 | 8 | 7 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 10 | 5 | 2 |
Season by season
Winter
December–FebruaryWinter is cold and dry. Highs are 6–9°C (43–48°F), lows run -3°C (27°F) to -1°C (30°F), and there are only 2 to 5 rain days a month. A warm coat, hat and gloves matter if you plan to cycle the City Wall, where there's no shelter from the wind.
Spring
March–MaySpring warms fast. March highs are 18°C (64°F), April reaches 25°C (77°F) and May hits 29°C (84°F), while lows climb from 5°C (41°F) to 16°C (61°F). Rain stays light at 4 to 8 days a month. Bring layers you can strip off as the afternoon heats up.
Summer
June–AugustSummer is hot and sticky, with highs of 33–34°C (91–93°F) and lows of 20–24°C (68–75°F). Rain picks up to 10 and 11 days in July and August. Wear light, breathable clothes and carry water, because a day at the Terracotta Warriors means hours on your feet plus the ride out of the city.
Autumn
September–NovemberSeptember is the wettest month of the year with 12 rain days, and it still hits 28°C (82°F). October cools to 20°C (68°F) with 10 rain days, and November drops to 14°C (57°F) highs and 5°C (41°F) lows. A rain shell covers early autumn, then switch to a warm jacket.
What to bring to Xi'an
0 of 21 packedIts US, EU and AU plugs match China's A, C and I sockets, and it isn't a voltage converter, so check your chargers handle 220V.
- Anker Nano Power Bank 5,000mAh (Built-In USB-C)Tech & Power
In Xi'an your phone handles maps, translation and payments, so a pocket battery that plugs straight in keeps it alive all day.
- Bearwind S40 Portable Handheld Turbo FanTech & Power
A handheld fan is a real relief on a 34°C (93°F) July afternoon at the Terracotta Warriors or up on the City Wall.
- Hydro Flask 24 oz Wide Mouth Bottle with Flex Straw CapWater Bottles & Hydration
It keeps water cold for 24 hours, which you'll want on a sticky summer day out at the Terracotta Warriors.
- Pacsafe GO Anti-Theft Tech CrossbodyDocuments & Security
Lockable zips and a steel-wire strap keep your phone and passport safer in the crowds of the Muslim Quarter at night.
September brings 12 rain days, and this waterproof shell packs down small, so you're never stuck without it.
A light women's waterproof shell for wet September and October days that packs small between showers.
Clothing
- Insulated jacket · 1Winter lows drop to -3°C
- Warm hat and gloves · 1 setDec–Feb
- Sweater or fleece · 2Spring and fall swings
- Breathable shirts · 4Summer highs hit 34°C
- Long trousers · 2
Footwear
- Cushioned walking shoes · 1 pairLong days on your feet
Gear
- Compact umbrella
- Sun hat and sunglassesSummer highs hit 34°C
Health and toiletries
- Sunscreen · 1
- Face masksDusty and hazy days
- Hand sanitizer and tissues
Documents and money
- Passport and China visa if required
- Card linked to Alipay or WeChat Pay
Tech
- Map and translation apps installed before arrivalGoogle services are blocked
What shoes should you pack for Xi'an?
Bring cushioned walking shoes. You'll stand and walk all day at the Terracotta Warriors site, then walk the Muslim Quarter's food streets at night, and the City Wall loop is a long way on foot or by bike. Water-resistant shoes help in September, the wettest month.
What do people wear in Xi'an?
Xi'an dresses casual. Jeans, T-shirts and sneakers are normal everywhere from the Bell Tower to the night markets. Modest clothes are a good idea at temples like the Big Wild Goose Pagoda, but there's no need to dress up.
What plugs does Xi'an use?
Mainland China uses type A, C and I plugs at 220V. Many sockets take more than one shape, so a two-pin US or EU plug or an Australian plug often finds a match. Check your chargers say 100-240V before plugging in, since adapters don't convert voltage.
Tours and things to do in Xi'an
Packed and ready? Browse guided tours, day trips and tickets for Xi'an.
What should you leave at home for Xi'an?
Leave your reliance on Google at home. Google Maps, Gmail and most Google apps are blocked in mainland China, so set up a map app and a translation app that work in China before you fly. From May to September you can skip the heavy coat too, since highs stay at 28°C (82°F) or above.
Packing for Xi'an: questions people ask
What should I wear in Xi'an in winter?
A warm coat, hat and gloves. Highs are only 6–9°C (43–48°F) and lows fall to -3°C (27°F) in January, though it rarely rains.
How hot is Xi'an in summer?
Hot and humid. July averages 34°C (93°F) highs and 24°C (75°F) lows, with rain on 10 or 11 days a month in July and August.
What shoes should I wear to the Terracotta Warriors?
Comfortable, cushioned walking shoes. You'll be standing and walking for hours, and you'll want the same pair for the City Wall and the Muslim Quarter.
Do I need a plug adapter in Xi'an?
Maybe not. China's sockets take type A, C and I plugs, so flat two-pin US plugs, round two-pin EU plugs and Australian plugs often fit. UK visitors need one, and everyone should check their chargers handle 220V.
When is the best time to visit Xi'an?
April and October are the most comfortable, with highs of 25°C (77°F) and 20°C (68°F). Summer is very hot and winter drops below freezing at night.
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