Xining Weather in December
December in Xining averages 1°C (34°F) during the day and -16°C (3°F) at night. With just 5.2 mm (0.2 in) of snow/rainfall on average, it doesn't get much drier than this.
Rainfall in Xining in December
This month is a reliable choice for exploring, with the driest conditions of the year, even if you'll need to dress for cooler weather. Snow/rain is expected on roughly 2 days, totalling around 5.2 mm (0.2 in) for the month. The occasional light shower is possible, but rain is rarely an issue this month.
Temperature in Xining in December
In December, expect very low temperatures in Xining, with highs of 1°C (34°F) and lows of -16°C (3°F) at night. December is part of winter. Staying warm is the main priority this month, especially during mornings and evenings. With lows of -16°C (3°F), nights are freezing. Packing a spare blanket is worth considering if you're staying somewhere that might not be fully heated. It's a notably cold month; make sure to wear layers to stay warm. It's wiser to gear up in advance than to be caught off-guard, trembling in the cold.
Sunshine in Xining in December
With approximately 228 hours of sunshine, the days are filled with clear skies. Despite it being a cool month, it makes for pleasant days outside.
Wind Speed in Xining in December
December has wind speeds averaging 1 m/s (2 knots). You can expect very gentle conditions with light air movement on typical days. Since this is an average, daily weather varies from perfectly still moments to some breezier days.If you prefer dry days with pleasant temperatures, December may not be the ideal month to visit Xining. Our weather planner can help you explore destinations with more pleasant weather conditions.
Check the conditions for any month of the year.
For a detailed overview over the year and the best time to visit China, check out our Xining's climate page.
Xining Temperature in December
Min Temperature
-16°C (3°F)
Max Temperature
1°C (34°F)
Chance of Rain
7%
Precipitation
5.2 mm (0.2 in)
Rainy days
2 days
Humidity
54%
Windspeed
1 m/s (2 knots)
Sunshine
228 hours
Percentage Sunshine
Daily Historical Temperatures
50-year average (1976-2025)
Based on our historical records, temperatures in Xining typically stay consistent throughout December, with daily highs averaging around 1°C (34°F). Nights are very cold, with lows typically ranging from -15°C (5°F) to -11°C (12°F).
Average temperatures in December
Daily Historical Precipitation
50-year average (1976-2025)
Average daily rainfall for each day of the month based on long-term records.
Average precipitation in December
Historical weather for Xining in December
Browse day-by-day weather records for Xining spanning 51 years. Select any month and year to see actual temperatures, rainfall, and conditions recorded on each day.
Xining historical weather extremes in December
Our historical data for Xining spans 1976 to 2025, revealing these weather extremes.
- The hottest December day on record in Xining reached 14°C (57°F) (December 8, 2016).
- The lowest daytime temperature in December was -14°C (7°F), recorded on December 15, 2010.
- The coldest night in December in Xining was on December 30, 2012, with a minimum of -28°C (-18°F).
Best Places in China in December
Find out more about the weather in China and which places have the best travel conditions in this month. See all of China in December →
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What to Wear in Xining in December
Dress warmly and in layers for your trip to Xining in December. A good base layer system works wonders. Start with good thermal underwear, add something warm like a fleece sweater, then finish with a waterproof jacket on top. Dry conditions mean you won't need to worry about rain protection. Don't forget sun protection, sunglasses, sunscreen, and a hat. These are all good ideas with this much sunshine.What To Do in Xining in December
We rated the following activities from 1 (least suitable) to 10 (best) to do.
Check the conditions for any month of the year.
For a detailed overview over the year and the best time to visit China, check out our Xining's climate page.
Temperature Rainfall Sunshine Humidity Wind Speed
See the full Xining climate overview or explore weather in China.
