The climate of Xining
Located in the eastern part of Qinghai Province,
Xining presents a Dwb climate classification, referring to a Humid continental, severe dry winter, warm summer type of weather. This varying climate is steered significantly by the geographical positioning of the city, being influenced on the east by the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau and on the west by the Hexi Corridor.
Through the lens of climatological information, Xining expresses a distinctive seasonal pattern. The monthly average highest temperature occurs in
July at 24.6°C (76.3°F), while the lowest averages are witnessed in
January with -13.6°C (7.5°F). This wide temperature range portrays the city's year-round cool to cold weather with significant winter lows. Similarly, the relative humidity level sees modest fluctuations, with the highest average of 68% from
September, descending to a 44% low level in
February.
Xining's rainfall gradient outlines a robust pattern, showcasing significant moisture during the summer months of July and
August with 88mm (3.46") and 74mm (2.91") respectively, and entirely dry winters, displaying as low as 1mm (0.04") in both January and
December. The extent of the rainy season aligns with the rise in daylight duration and UV Index. It is important to note, daylight hours increase from a low of 9.7 hours in December to a peak of 14.6 hours in
June, where the UV Index also reaches its highest at 12.
The best time to visit Xining
The most inviting period to explore
Xining could be considered to be the late spring to early summer months of
May to
June. In this timeframe, visitors can enjoy pleasant weather conditions with average high temperatures ranging from 19.8°C (67.6°F) in May to 22.6°C (72.7°F) in June, and a manageable UV Index of 11. This period also has relative low rainfall, with May receiving only 43mm (1.69"), rising to 59mm (2.32") in June, significantly lower than the peak rainy months, ensuring a comfortable visiting experience.
The worst time to visit Xining
Less favorable time for visitation might be the deep winter months of
January and
February due to extreme cold and limited daylight hours. January exhibits the lowest temperature average, plunging down to -13.6°C (7.5°F), coupled with brief daylight availability of only 10 hours. The cold persists in February, although relatively less severe, with temperatures rising slightly to -10°C (14°F).
Spring weather in Xining
Spring in
Xining is observed from
March to
May, characterized by a steady ascend in temperature and increased daylight hours. March ushers the season in with an average temperature climbing to 9.5°C (49.1°F) after the harsh winter, while the daylight duration extends to 12 hours. Progressing to May, both the temperature and daylight continue to rise, extending up to 19.8°C (67.6°F) and 14.1 hours respectively, marking the end of spring.
Summer weather in Xining
Xining's summer, from
June to
August, manifests both the warmest and wettest months of the year. The average high temperature escalates to 22.6°C (72.7°F) in June, hitting the peak for the year at 24.6°C (76.3°F) in
July. The rainfall increases substantially as well, from 59mm (2.32") in June to the inclusive maximum of 88mm (3.46") in July, tapering slightly to 74mm (2.91") in August.
Autumn weather in Xining
Autumn in
Xining begins in
September and lasts until
November. This season perceives a gradual decline towards cold weather. September starts with a comfortable 19°C (66.2°F) which drops to 13.9°C (57°F) by November. The precipitation patterns redefine, substantially ebbing away from the heavy summer rains. September observes a drop to 54mm (2.13"), followed by a more pronounced descent in November to an average rainfall of only 4mm (0.16").
Winter weather in Xining
The winter season in
Xining, spanning
December to
February, is marked by significantly low temperatures and minimal rainfall. The average temperatures rest below freezing point, with December and
January recording -11.6°C (11.1°F) and -13.6°C (7.5°F). The city sees nearly dry conditions, with December and January presenting the lowest rainfall averages of the year at only 1mm (0.04"), displaying an extreme dry wintry pattern characteristic of its Dwb climate classification.
Weather in January
Commencing the year,
January in
Xining,
China, sets forth a robust and frosty tone, showcasing an array of wintry virtues as it secures its position as the chilliest. The temperature range sets a record with a high of 1.4°C (34.5°F) and drops to an extreme low of -13.6°C (7.5°F), relegating the city to the cozy indoors.
Weather in January »Weather in February
As
Xining transitions from
January to
February, the city experiences a slight loosening in the icy grasp of winter. The mercury climbs to a high of 4.3°C (39.7°F) but still slips to a chilling -10°C (14°F) at night. A marginally intensifying rainfall signifies the imminent arrival of the wetter months ahead.
Weather in February »Weather in March
March serves as the harbinger of spring in
Xining, commencing the transition from cold to warmth. A significant leap is observed with the highest temperature growing to reach 9.5°C (49.1°F), battling the remains of winter as it still sinks to -3.7°C (25.3°F) during the nighttime.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
As
April makes its advent,
Xining witnesses apparent strides towards warmer weather, closening its ties with the glow of spring. A notable characteristic of this month is the significant rise in the high temperature to 15.9°C (60.6°F), enabling Xining residents to bid farewell to sub-zero nights.
Weather in April »Weather in May
As
May begins in
Xining, the transition to summer becomes palpable, adding a balmy hue to the spring's fading colors. The highest temperature now touches 19.8°C (67.6°F), supporting the trend of warming up. The total rainfall for this month escalates to a hefty 43mm (1.69"), signaling May's arrival into the city's monsoon regime.
Weather in May »Weather in June
June, in
Xining, marks the advent of summer, with a distinct hike in temperature and humidity. June boasts of the longest days of the year with 14.6 hours of daylight, accompanied by a high temperature of 22.6°C (72.7°F). Rainfall escalates marginally, adding to the city's lush summer greenery.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July in
Xining presents its warmest avatar, crowned by the highest temperatures of the year peaking at 24.6°C (76.3°F), rendering the nights comfortably warm at 11.5°C (52.7°F). Rainfall outdoes the previous months, reaching its pinnacle, authored primarily by the monsoon showers.
Weather in July » Weather in August
August in
Xining moderates the intensity of summer, taking the edge off the heat but still keeping it significantly warm. The highest temperature registers a minor dip to 23.9°C (75°F), suggesting the approach of autumn. Rainfall begins to retreat while still maintaining a major presence with 74mm (2.91") precipitation.
Weather in August » Weather in September
September inaugurates the onset of autumn in
Xining with a conspicuous drop in temperature and dwindling rainfall. Marking this transition, the average high temperature plunges to 19°C (66.2°F) from last month's 23.9°C (75°F).
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October sees
Xining firmly in the grip of autumn, with a distinctive shift towards cooler and drier conditions. The city undergoes a noticeable cooldown with the high temperature dropping to 13.9°C (57°F), paving the path for an incoming winter.
Weather in October » Weather in November
The penultimate month of the year,
November, sees
Xining slipping into winter’s reins, with temperatures continuing their downward trajectory. A significant chill swathes the city as the highest temperature shrinks to 7.8°C (46°F) while the lowest plummets to a freezing -5.6°C (21.9°F).
Weather in November »Weather in December
December, standing as the curtain-closer to the year in
Xining, features the weather at its coldest, revisiting the icing winter conditions of
January. The range remains within a high of 2.8°C (37°F) and a low of -11.6°C (11.1°F), enforcing a chilly end to the year.
Weather in December »