The Li River: A Journey Through China’s Most Breathtaking Landscape
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Urumqi Weather & Climate: Best Time to Visit
Average temperatures, rainfall, sunshine and the best time to visit Urumqi.
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Climate overview of Urumqi
The climate in Urumqi, Xinjiang, China, is marked by large temperature swings across the seasons, ranging from 31°C (88°F) in July to -7°C (19°F) in January.
The city tends toward dry conditions, with around 317 mm (12 in) of rain/snowfall per year. It does, however, have very little rainfall for most of the year, with very warm summers and very cold winters. The most sunshine falls in May, with an average of 9.9 hours of daily sunshine.
Urumqi Weather by Month
Pick a month to see the average temperature, rainfall and sunshine in Urumqi - and find the best time to visit.
Monthly Temperature in Urumqi
In Urumqi, temperatures differ significantly between summer and winter months. Typically, average maximum daytime temperatures range from a very warm 31°C (88°F) in July to a very cold -7°C (19°F) in the coolest month, January.
Nights vary from 19°C (66°F) in July to around -16°C (3°F) during the colder months.
Check out our detailed temperature page for more information.
Temperature ranges by month
Rainfall in Urumqi
Urumqi's climate is marked by below-average rain/snowfall, accumulating 317 mm (12 in) of precipitation yearly. The climate in Urumqi shows significant variation throughout the year. Expect moderate rainfall in May, the wettest month, with an average of 41 mm (1.6 in) of precipitation over 5 rainy days.
In contrast, the driest month January offers drier and sunnier days, with around 8.8 mm (0.3 in) of snowfall over 8 snowy days. For more details, please visit our Urumqi Precipitation page.
The mean monthly precipitation over the year, including rain, hail, and snow
The average number of days each month with precipitation
Sunshine Hours in Urumqi
For those who appreciate different seasons, Urumqi serves as an ideal destination. Expect longer, more sun-filled days in May with an average of 9.9 hours of sunshine daily, and embrace the darker days in November, offering only 4.8 hours of daily sunlight.
Visit our detailed sunshine hours page for more information.
Monthly hours of sunshine
Daily hours of sunshine
Humidity in Urumqi by Month
The relative humidity is high throughout the year in Urumqi.
The city experiences its highest humidity in December, reaching 82%. In August, the humidity drops to its lowest level at 42%. What does this mean? Read our detailed page on humidity levels for further details.
Relative humidity over the year
Wind Speed in Urumqi
The mean wind speed varies between 1 m/s (2 knots) and 3 m/s (6 knots) throughout the year. It is lowest in January, February and December and highest during April, May, June, July, August and September. What does this mean?
The mean monthly wind speed over the year (meters per second)
Best Time to Visit Urumqi
Conditions in Urumqi are generally most comfortable in May, June and September. They are typically least comfortable in January, February and December.
Monthly ratings reflect general weather comfort, based on daytime temperature and rainfall. Swimming and winter conditions are highlighted separately where relevant.
Jan
very cold
Feb
very cold
Mar
mixed
Apr
very good
May
excellent
Jun
excellent
Jul
good
Aug
good
Sep
excellent
Oct
very good
Nov
mixed
Dec
very cold
- Best overall: May, June and September
- Warmest weather: July and August
- Most sunshine: May
- Seasonal pattern: Very little rainfall for most of the year, with very warm summers and very cold winters
- Coldest conditions: January, with freezing nights around -16°C (3°F).
Frequently asked questions about the climate in Urumqi
What is the best time to visit Urumqi?
May, June and September typically offer the most optimal weather in Urumqi. In contrast, January, February and December tend to have less optimal conditions. Urumqi has very little rainfall for most of the year, with very warm summers and very cold winters.
What temperatures can I expect in Urumqi?
Daytime highs range from -7°C (19°F) in January to 31°C (88°F) in July. Nighttime lows range from -16°C (3°F) to 19°C (66°F). Temperatures vary considerably through the year.
How much rain does Urumqi get?
Annual rainfall is around 317 mm (12 in). May is the wettest month with 41 mm (1.6 in), while January is the driest with 8.8 mm (0.3 in).
How sunny is Urumqi?
Urumqi receives around 2,613 hours of sunshine per year. May is the sunniest month with 297 hours, while November is the cloudiest with just 144 hours. Overall, Urumqi enjoys abundant sunshine.
Urumqi 3-Day Forecast
Urumqi on the map
Urumqi is highlighted - select any city to see its climate.
Popular in October
Where to go in October - average daytime high across popular destinations.
Guangzhou
30°C (86°F) Shenzhen29°C (84°F) Hangzhou25°C (77°F) Shanghai24°C (75°F) Chengdu
22°C (72°F) Xi'an21°C (70°F) Beijing
21°C (70°F) Qingdao21°C (70°F) 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.