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Xining Weather in May
May in Xining brings moderate temperatures around 18°C (64°F) during the day, dropping to 4°C (39°F) at night, with quite a bit of rainfall expected, averaging around 69 mm (2.7 in) for the month.
Rainfall in Xining in May
Based on our climate data of the past 30 years, about 11 days of rain are anticipated, with 69 mm (2.7 in) on average. The rainfall pattern this month is fairly balanced. Showers tend to be moderate rather than extreme.
Temperature in Xining in May
Daytime highs in Xining in May reach 18°C (64°F), with nights around 4°C (39°F). Conditions are often most pleasant around the middle of the day. Nights fall to 4°C (39°F), which is cold enough to feel it indoors too. A good thick duvet makes all the difference for a comfortable night's sleep.
Sunshine in Xining in May
The city usually sees around 246 hours of sunlight, indicating many sunny days , a great month for sightseeing.
Wind Speed in Xining in May
Average wind conditions reach 2 m/s (4 knots) in May. This creates comfortable weather with light winds that gently move vegetation. Keep in mind this is an average. Daily conditions range from near-calm to more noticeable wind.If your ideal day consists of dry skies and pleasant temperatures, June typically offers the best circumstances for Xining.
Xining Temperature in May
Min Temperature
4°C (39°F)
Max Temperature
18°C (64°F)
Chance of Rain
38%
Precipitation
69 mm (2.7 in)
Rainy days
11 days
Humidity
55%
Windspeed
2 m/s (4 knots)
Sunshine
246 hours
Percentage Sunshine
Xining Weather by Month
Pick a month to see the average temperature, rainfall and sunshine in Xining - and find the best time to visit.
Daily Historical Temperatures
50-year average (1976-2025)
Based on our historical records, temperatures in Xining typically stay consistent throughout May, with daily highs averaging around 18°C (64°F). Nights are cold, with lows typically ranging from 4°C (39°F) to 8°C (46°F).
Average temperatures in May
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 May
Historical weather records for Xining in May
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 May
According to our 50 years of weather records for Xining, the following extremes were recorded between 1976 and 2026.
- Xining recorded its highest May temperature of 33°C (91°F) on May 7, 1981.
- The coldest night in May in Xining was on May 2, 2022, with a minimum of -10°C (14°F).
Best Places in China in May
Find out more about the weather in China and which places have the best travel conditions in this month. See all of China in May →
perfect weather
pleasant
tolerable
unpleasant
poor
Perfect weather is subjective. On this map perfect weather has been defined with temperatures between 20°C (68°F) and 29°C (84°F) and not too much precipitation (less than 90 mm (3.5 in) a month).
What to Wear in Xining in May
Pleasant temperatures in May mean you can pack light but flexibel pieces. Think cotton t-shirts, comfortable walking shorts, and one warmer layer for evenings. A light sweater or denim jacket works well. Rain gear is recommended, you can expect wet weather on multiple days. And with plenty of sunshine hours, don’t forget sunglasses, sunscreen, and maybe a sun hat.
What To Do in Xining in May
We rated the following activities from 1 (least suitable) to 10 (best) to do.
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Cycling6/10 -
Walking6/10 -
Camping4/10 -
Outdoor sports10/10
Xining 3-Day Forecast
More climate data for Xining
Temperature Rainfall Sunshine Humidity Wind Speed
See the full Xining climate overview or explore weather in China.
Popular in May
Where to go in May - average daytime high across popular destinations.
Bucket list
Need travel inspiration? Check out our bucket list articles and be inspired.
The Li River: A Journey Through China’s Most Breathtaking Landscape
Go to China's Zhangjiajie National Park with the highest, the fastest, largest-loaded outdoor elevator in the world
You won't find this unique landscape anywhere else in the world. Thousands of floating mountains overgrown with trees at the top dominate this fairy tale landscape.
Go to Xinjiang in China
In Xinjiang you get to see a mix of East and Central Asia. An experience that you might want to add to your bucket list. You can travel through the province as if you are following an ancient silk route.
Mount Kailash
The best time for a Kailash tour/trekking is from mid-May to mid-October when the temperature is most pleasant. It is warm, dry and sunny in that period.