China Silk Road - Best Time to Visit & Weather Guide

Written by Catherine | Updated May 12,2025

In 2014, “Silk Roads: the Routes Network of Chang’an-Tianshan Corridor” was immortalized on UNESCO World Cultural Heritage List. The ancient Silk Road usually refers to the land route that began in China’s imperial capitals of Chang’an (Western Han Dynasty) or Luoyang (Eastern Han Dynasty), passed through Gansu and Xinjiang, reached Central Asia and West Asia, and connected various Mediterranean countries. It is the earliest and most important channel for the exchange of Eastern and Western civilizations. When is the best time to visit Silk Road?

The weather of China Silk Road shows significant regional differences and seasonal characteristics, and the optimal travel time varies by region. For example, the temperature difference between day and night in summer can reach 20 °C; the lowest temperature in winter’s Xinjiang can drop to -30 °C. The variable and extreme climate conditions make seasonal selection the key to Silk Road tours. Generally speaking, spring and autumn (April-June, September-October) are the best time to visit China Silk Road, avoiding the scorching heat of Gobi Desert in summer and the dangers of winter ice and snow blocking the road.

Time is crucial for Silk Road travel also because many natural landscapes such as desert and Danxia landform are more spectacular during specific seasons. And at different times, ethnic cultural festivals may be held in certain areas along the Silk Road. Therefore, by grasping the pulse of the seasons, we can safely and comfortably enjoy the magnificence and mystery of China Silk Road, and let history and nature shine with unique charm in the best climate.

Best Time to Visit China Silk Road

The best time to visit Silk Road is from April to October. Especially in spring and autumn (April–June, September–October), the climate is pleasant with an average temperature of about 15-25 °C, when you can encounter the ultimate picture of desert and oasis. This is also the ideal time to travel to Silk Road from Xi’an to Kashgar.

In spring (April–June), the temperature gradually rises and flowers bloom along the way. From May to June, you can enjoy the rapeseed flower sea in the Hexi Corridor and the golden sand waves in Dunhuang Mingsha Mountain.

China Silk Road in autumn (September–November) has cool and pleasant weather, and the scenery is very charming. From September to October, you can experience the golden Populus euphratica forest of Kashgar Ancient City and the splendid color of Zhangye Danxia.

Summer (July-August) is also a peak season for Silk Road trip. But in some areas, it is important to pay attention to sun protection and heatstroke prevention.

Theme of Silk Road Tour	Best Time to Visit	Core Experience
Hiking and Outdoor Activities	March-June, September-October	Gobi and oasis traversing, canyon river tracing
Desert Landscapes	September-October	Sunset silhouette, camping under starry sky
Historical Sites	April-October	Mural viewing, festival culture

Tips: During the peak tourist season, it is recommended to book tickets and accommodation in advance when planning a trip to Silk Road.

China Silk Road Weather in Different Seasons

China Silk Road weather presents dramatic temporal and spatial differences, and the four seasons outline a magnificent scene interweaving nature and culture.

For example, Xi’an has a warm temperate semi-humid continental monsoon climate, with distinct seasons of cold and warm, dry and wet. In northwest Gansu Province, such as Dunhuang, which is deeply inland and obstructed by plateau and mountainous terrain, the climate is dry, with hot summer and large temperature differences between day and night, and piercing cold winter.

The climate characteristics in Xinjiang are more extreme. Northern Xinjiang belongs to a temperate continental climate, with long and severe winter and short and hot summer. Southern Xinjiang belongs to a warm temperate continental arid climate, with scarce precipitation and dry weather. Besides, Xinjiang region is often affected by sandstorms.

In Spring (March-May)

The eastern section of China Silk Road (Hexi Corridor and Ningxia Plain) experiences a warm rainy season, with daytime temperatures rising to 10-20 °C, but the temperature difference between day and night still reaches 15 °C, with frequent sudden “late spring cold” attacks.

Silk Road Destinations Recommended: the Gansu section (Lanzhou, Wuwei, Zhangye, and Dunhuang)
What to Wear: unlined coat + windproof jacket in daytime, add velvet shawl at night, paired with beautiful bag and retro sunglasses

In Summer (June-August)

The extreme heat in Xinjiang is unbearable. The surface temperature in Turpan usually exceeds 70 °C, while the temperature in oases nourished by Tianshan snow water, such as Kashi and Kuqa, has remained at 25-30 °C.

Silk Road Destinations Recommended: Lanzhou, Yili Grasslands, or Turpan for extreme experience
What to Wear: quick drying T-shirts and sun protection shirts, paired with wide leg pants and sun hats. Add a thin down vest to cope with the temperature difference between day and night

Jiayuguan Pass on the Silk Road — Jiayuguan Pass

In Autumn (September-November)

The daytime average temperature is 15-25 °C, and the sky is clear and blue. At night, the temperature drops below 10 °C. Silk Road welcomes its most poetic season, with Populus euphratica forest being gilded, and the Milky Way being clearly visible. So autumn is the best time to visit China Silk Road for photography.

Silk Road Destinations Recommended: Kanas, Kashgar + Zhangye, Jiayuguan
What to wear: long dresses and knitted cardigans paired with ethnic style headscarves, resisting the 20 °C temperature difference between day and night

In Winter (December-February)

The temperature of about -20 °C makes Northern Xinjiang covered in snow, while the blue ice and rime of Kanas Lake attract adventurers, and blizzards ravage the Pamir.

Recommended: some destinations with winter characteristics, such as the snow scenery of ancient Xi’an City Wall, Dunhuang Mogao Caves, and skiing in Urumqi
What to wear: thick down jackets, windproof outdoor jackets, and warm boots

Best Time to Visit Top Destinations on China Silk Road

Best Time to Visit Xi’an and Lanzhou

As two pearls located in eastern section of China Silk Road, Xi’an and Lanzhou interpret the rhythm of seasons with completely different temperament.

Best Travel Time for Xi’an: March–May & September–October

In spring, cherry blossoms in the Qinglong Temple flutter like snow, and willow branches gently brush by the Qujiang Pool. The forests of Zhongnan mountains are all dyed in autumn. The golden ginkgo trees pave the road under Xi’an City Wall, and the fountain on the North Square of Big Wild Goose Pagoda is good-looking. In September, the number of visitors to the Terracotta Army Museum decreased sharply.

Best Travel Time for Lanzhou: June-October

In summer, the beer festival by Zhongshan Bridge and sheepskin raft drifting on the Yellow River create a unique scenery. With daily average temperature of 20-28 °C, Lanzhou is the most “moist” summer resort in Northwest China. In autumn, the layered forests of White Pagoda Mountain are completely dyed. During the “Lanzhou China Silk Road Festival” in September, you can participate in the intangible cultural heritage night market.

Best China Silk Road Tours:

Best Time to Visit Dunhuang, Zhangye, Jiayuguan (in Central Part)

Golden season: May–October (late spring to early autumn)

The climate is pleasant (with an average daily temperature of 15-25 °C), the landscape is rich in layers, and cultural activities are intensive.

Summer (June–August) is suitable for experiencing the fun of desert exploration. But the weather is hot, so please note to avoid the noon period.

March–April & November–December can be called the “off-peak top choice” if you pursue cost-effectiveness and tranquility. In winter, the snow scenery has a unique charm, and you can feel the solemnity in the caves of Dunhuang Mogao Grottoes.

The best time to visit Zhangye Danxia Geopark is summer and autumn, with high color saturation, superior lighting conditions, and rich ecological landscapes.

Best Time to Visit Xinjiang

Xinjiang has a vast territory, with significant differences in climate and landscape between the north and south. June to October is the golden season for the whole Xinjiang tours, but each region has its own strengths:

Northern Xinjiang is mainly characterized by natural scenery. From June to September, the grasslands are lush and the Heavenly Lake are blue. From September to October, the autumn scenery of Kanas and Hemu Village is widely recognized as the most beautiful in China. You can participate in the Nadam Festival or Tianma Festival during summer; go skiing and enjoy the snow near Urumqi during winter.

Southern Xinjiang is known for cultural charm, with gorgeous apricot blossoms in Pamir from March to May, fragrant fruits and melons from September to November, and Luntai’s golden Populus euphratica forests in mid to late October. The optimal months for exploring Kashgar along the Silk Road is from August to October. Some desert areas are not suitable for traveling in summer as the temperature is too high!

Weather Guide for China Silk Road Central and Western Section

From June to August, the average daytime temperature is around 33 °C, and at night it is around 19 °C. The intensity of sunlight and the temperature difference between day and night are significant, so please adjust your clothing accordingly.
Most areas have a dry climate, please always pay attention to replenishing water.
Strong ultraviolet rays, please prepare sunscreen, sunglasses, sun hats and other items, and pay attention to mosquito prevention in summer.

Recommended China Silk Road Tours:

You’d better avoid the following extreme weather periods to visit China Silk Road:

From July to August (high summer), with extreme high temperatures and crowds of tourists. For example, the surface temperature in Dunhuang, Turpan and other places exceeding 50 °C, the hot weather in Xi’an and occasional rainstorm in Huashan Mountain, and the rainstorm in Yili and Kashgar from June to July will all degrade your Silk Road travel experience.
From January to February (severe winter), some areas along the Silk Road experience temperatures as low as minus 20-30 °C, while Xi’an experiences winter hazy smog. During the off-season, some scenic spots in Xinjiang are closed, roads are closed due to ice and snow, and hotels may have insufficient hot water and heating.

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Best Time to Visit China Silk Road