Xining Weather
China is incredibly huge that even if all places experience the four seasons, the temperatures and climate can still vary. Thus, you want to make sure that you have the appropriate clothing with you. This guide is for those who are planning to visit Xining.
Things to Remember
Before we get into what to wear, let’s determine the climate of Xining first. This city, which forms part of Qinghai Province, is located in the western side of China and in the Tibetan plateau. It is therefore more than 2,000 meters above sea level. It has its own flowing river and mountains that also have some impact on the overall climate.
Xining is typically colder than the other cities in the country, and it’s normal to see people wearing several layers or clothing or apparel that is made from thick materials such as wool. It also experiences very cold winter, but surprisingly it isn’t as harsh as in other places. In the summer, there’s sun, but the temperature still remains low; other cities, meanwhile, have long and very humid or dry summers. Because of this, many visit Xining during this season, making it one of the summer capitals.
Based on the data gathered from 1971 until 2000, the highest temperature is recorded around July to August, where it can reach up to 24 degree Celsius. The average high temperature in a year is around 14 degrees Celsius. The lowest temperature falls at December to the early months of the year. The average low temperature, meanwhile, is 0.40 degrees Celsius. Precipitation, which can include both rain and snow, is heavy around June until September, and it can reach up to 88 mm. Humidity, on the other hand, is pretty consistent. It is around 40 to 60 percent. The city is blessed with a lot of sunshine all throughout the year.
When Is the Best Time to Travel?
The truth is it all depends on your goal. For example, during the Chinese New Year, which can happen between January and February, almost all major cities become crowded. You can try your luck in joining the celebration by going up, toward Xining. The festivity is almost the same as in Beijing or Shanghai; it’s even more cultural. Nevertheless, around this time, the temperature can be very cold.
Come March to April, the weather changes to something sunnier and warmer. It’s also a great time to visit Xining when you’re into fresh things as flowers and trees are renewed after the cold and sometimes bitter winter season. One of the best times to visit Xining is on May since the weather is warm, the plants are already in full bloom and there’s color everywhere, and it’s Labor Day, one of the most important holidays in the country. However, this is also one of the peak seasons so you may have to book your tickets in advance.
If you want to travel light, wearing more shirts and shorts, then you can go to Xining during the months of June to August. Among the three, though, June is the best since it’s the least hot, and you don’t have to compete with students during their holiday breaks (this happens around July and August).
For those who want to avoid the crowd, you can go to Xining around December, as it’s one of the lowest seasons. But bear in mind that since it’s winter the temperatures can get very cold and thick sweaters and jeans may have to be worn all throughout the day (though you can remove them in your accommodations since most have heaters available). The weather conditions may be poor too.