The climate of Urumqi
Positioned on the northern and central Asian territory,
Urumqi,
China, experiences a predominantly mid-latitude steppe climate, categorized as BSk under the Köppen climate classification. This weather type signifies significant variations in temperature throughout the year with dry and sunny months.
Distinct fluctuations in temperature, humidity, daylight, and precipitation characterize the climate of Urumqi. Average temperatures suggest a wide range spanning from lows of -16.6°C (2.1°F) in the midst of winter to highs reaching 30.1°C (86.2°F) during summer months. Relative humidity is generally at a peak of 78% in winter and a trough of 41% in late summer. Rainfall sees heightened levels moving from spring towards early autumn, with maximum levels of 39mm (1.54") appearing in
May. Daylight hours shift from shorter periods of 9.3 hours in
January extending up to 15.4 hours in
June, directly related to the changes in season.
Months witness unique characteristics in Urumqi, from extreme divergences in temperature to seasons with minimum or negligible rainfall. May earns the badge of being the month with the maximum precipitation, registering 39mm (1.54") of rainfall, whereas
November and January enter as the coldest months and
July emerges as the warmest with a high of 30.1°C (86.2°F).
The best time to visit Urumqi
As per the weather data for
Urumqi,
June to
September would be optimal for touring this city. During this period, average temperatures remain comfortable, spanning from 23.1°C (73.6°F) to 29°C (84.2°F), while daylight hours immerse the city in sunbeams for around 14.7 to 15.1 hours daily. Humidity stays comparatively low, and rainfall, although not absent, keeps within manageable quantities, averaging between 30mm (1.18") to 26mm (1.02"). Sunshine hours peaking at up to 9.7 hours in
August should ensure plenty of bright, sunlit days for exploration and leisure.
The worst time to visit Urumqi
For those unprepared for an intense chill, the timeframe from late
November to early
March could prove to be the least favorable to venture into
Urumqi. During this phase, temperatures dip dramatically, dropping to an average minimum of -16.6°C (2.1°F) in
January, with highs barely scaling to -7.4°C (18.7°F) in January and -4.7°C (23.5°F) in
February. Daylight hours shrink to between 9.3 hours to 10.5 hours, and sunshine hours sink as low as 2.7 in
December.
Spring weather in Urumqi
In
Urumqi, spring ascends during
March, lasting until
May, with temperatures climbing from an average low of -5.4°C (22.3°F) to a high of 23.1°C (73.6°F). This season claims the distinction of experiencing heightened precipitation levels, particularly in May, which clocks the zenith of rainfall with an average of 39mm (1.54") spread across approximately 6.8 rainy days. Daylight starts to amplify from 11.9 hours in March to 14.7 hours in May, with sunshine hours following suit, escalating from 5.8 hours to 9.1 hours.
Summer weather in Urumqi
June through
August mark the summer months in
Urumqi, accompanied by comfortable warmth and extended sunshine. Temperatures fluctuate between a pleasant 23.1°C (73.6°F) to a high of 30.1°C (86.2°F) in
July. Rainy days light up to around 8 in June and 8.4 in July, but see a decrease to 6.3 by August. Humidity ranges on the lower end, hovering between 43% and 41%, thus not fostering oppressive summer conditions. Daily sunshine measures at a steady maximum of about 9.4 to 9.7 hours.
Autumn weather in Urumqi
Autumn dawns in
Urumqi from
September till
November. The temperatures descend during this period from 23.1°C (73.6°F) to about 2°C (35.6°F). Rainfall drops further as Autumn progresses, moving from 26mm (1.02") in September to 19mm (0.75") in November. The daylight duration begins to recede from 14 hours in September, curtailing to around 9.7 hours by November. Likewise, sunshine hours also reduce, coming down from 8.8 in September to 4.2 in November.
Winter weather in Urumqi
Winter in
Urumqi sets in from
December until
February, bringing along substantial decreases in temperature, daylight, and sunshine. The city lies in the grip of frigid conditions as temperatures plummet to as low as -16.6°C (2.1°F), barely rising to -4.4°C (24.1°F). Rainfall does not contribute significantly to the winter climate, with averages ranging from 15mm (0.59") to 10mm (0.39"). Daylight hours dwindle down to 9.3 hours in
January and gradually inch up to 10.5 hours in February. Meanwhile, sunshine hours hover at a minimum between 2.7 hours and 4.6 hours, adding to the wintry ambience. The intensified humidity, peaking at 78%, may intensify the chill, making these months especially bracing.
Weather in January
January heralds the arrival of the new year with an icy breath, as the coldest time in
Urumqi when thermometers drop drastically, with the lowest temperatures recorded between -16.6°C (2.1°F) and -7.4°C (18.7°F). This chilly ambiance often continues, frozen lakes and rivers providing silent testimony to the potent winter that engulfs the city.
Weather in January » Weather in February
February marks a subtle transition from the harshness of
January, offering a slight relief as temperatures moderately increase. Still, the winter chill is dominant and
Urumqi continues to bear the brunt of the weather's icy assault.
Weather in February » Weather in March
The arrival of
March in
Urumqi marks a noticeable departure from the crisp winter chill. Days become lengthier, leading to a gradual restoration of the city's vitality after months of winter dormancy. Strands of warmth weave their way through the city, causing the surrounding snow to thaw and trickle down, signaling a sincere farewell to the winter months.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
April in
Urumqi brings a tranformation, with the city gradually shedding its winter cloak as temperatures begin to climb. The transition from winter to spring is apparent as the landscape becomes more vibrant with blossoming flora.
Weather in April » Weather in May
May sees a further warming in
Urumqi, fostering a pleasant atmosphere across the city's expanses. The rise in temperature brings renewed vitality, with the cityscape bathed in the soft, warm hues of spring transitioning into early summer.
Weather in May » Weather in June
June in
Urumqi ushers in summer, a season characterized by increased temperatures, longer days, and expanded outdoor activity. It is a perfect time for residents and tourists alike to explore the natural beauty that the city has to offer.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July stands as the peak of summer in
Urumqi, serving as an inviting beacon for sun-seekers and outdoor enthusiasts. With extended daylight hours, recreational activities overflow, from leisurely park strolls to more strenuous hikes in nearby ranges.
Weather in July » Weather in August
As
August unfolds in
Urumqi, the heat of
July ebbs slightly, making conditions more comfortable yet still warm. It is a month of mature summer, with long sunny days and minimal cloud cover, resulting in ample time for outdoor indulgences.
Weather in August »Weather in September
September marks the beginning of autumn in
Urumqi, with a noticeable change in weather. The city starts to cool down after the summer heat, offering residents and visitors a beautiful blend of comfortable temperatures and colorful fall foliage.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October brings further autumnal transformation to
Urumqi, with colder winds sweeping across the city. The change from vibrant summer greens to autumn's fiery palette becomes prominently visible around the city. It's a delightful month for walks in the park, allowing people to immerse themselves in the autumn atmosphere.
Weather in October » Weather in November
November in
Urumqi brings crisp and chilly days as the city prepares for the impending winter. The changing foliage reaches its autumnal peak, providing a breathtaking panorama of fall colors. Further reductions in temperature creates a peaceful ambiance, as people enjoy the late autumn weather.
Weather in November » Weather in December
December in
Urumqi ushers in the long, cold winter with temperatures plummeting to low averages, extending from -12.9°C (8.8°F) to -4.4°C (24.1°F). The city graces the end of the year with a traditional snowy charm, turning into a vision of white.
Weather in December »