Xi’an Travel in Autumn - Weather in Fall & Top Things to Do

Visitors love traveling to Xi’an in the autumn because of the pleasant weather, comfortable temperatures, and the fact that it is not so crowded after the busy summer vacation months. It is no secret that autumn is one of the best times to visit Xi’an.

For most of the fall days, you’ll be treated to warm days and cool evenings. The comfortable temperatures make it perfect for outdoor sightseeing and adventures day and night. If you combine a Xian historic tour with a visit to parks, suburb temples and countryside, you’ll be rewarded with stunning autumn foliage.

Autumn typically sees fewer crowds, and you won’t have to pay for overpriced flights and accommodations (except during the National Day Golden Week).

In this article, we will help you figure out what to expect during your Xi’an travel in autumn. Our Xian autumn travel guide will help you understand Xian autumn weather, what to wear in Xi’an in the fall, places to visit, and the best things to do in Xi’an in the autumn. Some practical autumn travel tips are also included.

ginkgo tree in Xian Gu Guanyin Buddhist Temple — Ginkgo tree in Xian Gu Guanyin Buddhist Temple

Xi’an Weather in Autumn

For most visitors, the best part about traveling to Xi’an in the fall is the pleasant weather. Fall months in Xi’an run from September through November, and the weather can vary a lot from early autumn to late autumn.

Early autumn may still carry the lingering warmth of summer, but in late autumn, it starts to feel kind of close to winter.

Overall, the autumn temperatures can average from 10 to 21 ºC (50 – 69.8 ºF). And the general weather in Xi’an in autumn is characterized by pleasant coolness, large diurnal temperature differences, and lower precipitation.

The air becomes drier compared to the spring and summer months, even if brief periods of overcast or light rain may occur. The clear weather, abundant sunshine, and colorful natural scenery ensure you can fully enjoy sightseeing and outdoor activities.

Xian Weather in September

The weather starts to cool down in Xian in September, though the city is still comfortably warm. At the beginning of September, it still carries the lingering warmth of summer, with a temperature average of around 27.6℃. As the temperature slowly drops, it may average around 21-22℃ in the final few days of the month. Though the days are warm, the average temperature at night in this month usually hovers around 16℃, which is cool but still pleasant.

The Pacific subtropical high-pressure system may bring significant rainfall, making September one of the wettest months of the year in Xi’an. On average, the city may see about 11-12 rainy days, with an average of 99.5 mm of precipitation.

√What to wear in September: Dresses, shorts, and T-shirts are enough for the daytime. Bring long sleeves, jackets, or thin sweaters if you plan to explore the city in the early mornings, evenings, or rainy days. Warmer clothes are recommended when traveling to the mountainous areas.

Xian Weather in October

October is a charming and comfortable month to visit Xi’an, featuring cool weather, stunning autumn foliage, and refreshing air. With temperature highs hovering around 19.5°C, and lows ranging around 9.8°C, the city is still comfortable in October. The 59.9 mm of average rainfall over 9.7 rainy days means you’ll have plenty of clear days to explore the city, without seeing much rain.

√What to wear in October: Typically, long sleeves paired with a light jacket will be enough for the daytime. Prepare an additional thicker coat to handle temperature fluctuations in the evening.

Xian Weather in November

From the beginning of November, you will feel more of a chill in the air. Daytime average temperatures tend to be around 12℃, and late night and early morning low temperatures tend to be around 3℃ or even lower. It starts to feel kind of close to winter, and you will need to layer more even during the day.

With an average of 34mm of rainfall over 8 days, November marks a drier period of Xian. Most days are generally sunny or partly cloudy, with light rain occasionally occurring. Staying hydrated is essential in this month.

√What to wear in November: As the weather becomes chilly, it is recommended to bring a mix of autumn and some winter attire. This includes long-sleeve cotton or wool base layers, knitwear or fleece jackets for the middle layer, and a thick outer coat. For the bottom, opt for thick, long pants. Add thermal underwear underneath if you feel extra cold.

Months	September	October	November
High Temperature(°C)	25	19.5	12
Low Temperature(°C)	19	9.8	3
Average rainy /snowy days	11	10	6
Average AQI	50	73	110

Top Places to Go & Best Things to Do in the Autumn in Xi’an

Cycling or Walking atop the Xi’an City Wall

The Xi’an Ancient City Wall is one of China’s largest and best-preserved city walls, dating back to the Ming Dynasty. Enclosing the old city in a closed rectangle, this historic military defense is composed of four main gates and a series of ancient military installations.

With a height of 12 meters (39.4 feet) and a top width of 12-14 meters (13-15.3 yards), the wall offers visitors a perfect platform to enjoy a panoramic view of the ancient city. Ascending the wall for leisure walking or cycling is one of the visitors’ favorite activities in Xi’an. The comfortable autumn temperature will ensure you an enjoyable walking and cycling experience.

What’s more, in autumn, the moat encircling the wall is lined with vibrant autumn leaves, while the view of landmarks like the Bell Tower and Drum Tower, bathed in the warm autumn sunlight, creates a particularly poetic scene.

Explore Terracotta Army

As one of the most mysterious emperors in Chinese history, Emperor Qin Shi Huang not only unified China but also left behind many precious historical relics. The grand Terracotta Army is undoubtedly one of the most famous.

As part of the Mausoleum Complex of Qin Shi Huang, The Terracotta Army houses nearly 8,000 life-sized clay figures intended to protect him in the afterlife. Featuring different facial expressions, hairstyles, and armor, the underground army offers a glimpse into military power and the remarkable artistry of the time.

In autumn, the refreshing weather makes it comfortable to take in the magnificent details of this ancient wonder. In particular, October, the harvest time for local persimmons and pomegranates, is a great time to purchase some fresh fruits after the exploration.

Related reading: Best Time to Visit Terracotta Warriors

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Relax Yourself around the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda

A captivating destination in autumn, the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda should be the best place to experience the ancient charm and autumn beauty of Xi’an in one location.

The pagoda itself stands as a landmark of Xi’an. Built during the Tang Dynasty, the pagoda once was an important site to house sacred Buddhist scriptures brought back from India. Now, it serves as a masterpiece to look into the architectural and religious artistry of the Tang Dynasty.

The squares surrounding the pagoda feature music fountains, sculptures, and rich cultural performances and activities. Strolling around the square is not only totally free but also a great way to get a feel for the overall “vibe” of Xian.

In autumn, the scenery becomes particularly captivating, with the many golden ginkgo trees creating a stunning visual contrast with the ancient pagoda.

Visit Tang Paradise

Featuring exquisite buildings, beautifully designed gardens, and a variety of cultural exhibits, the Tang Paradise attracts numerous visitors to wear traditional Hanfu and take photos.

The autumn weather is just right for wearing Hanfu. Adding to the captivating experience are the vibrant red and golden hues in autumn, making it even more photogenic.

Just don’t leave without experiencing the many cultural activities here. The large-scale live performance “Dreams of the Tang Dynasty”, exhibitions of intangible cultural heritage, traditional folk performances, shadow puppetry, and tea ceremonies are just part of its cultural activities.

Climb Mount Huashan

Gaze out at beautiful Huashan Mountain while being surrounded by vibrant autumn scenery. As one of China’s Five Great Mountains, Huashan Mountain is famous for its steep and majestic cliffs and breathtaking natural beauty. During the autumn season, the summit of its peaks becomes the perfect place for admiring fall foliage and seas of clouds.

In autumn, its pristine white granite peaks stand in sharp contrast to the surrounding red and orange leaves and a dazzling array of wildflowers. The crisp air, comfortable temperatures, and blue skies create an ideal environment for enjoying the mountains’s beauty on foot.

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Appreciate the Fall Foliage

Xi’an’s autumn scenery is not only showcased in the vibrant, colorful forests of the Qinling Mountains but also reflected in the serene beauty of its urban parks. When nature is at its finest moments, it is hard to be immune to the charms of leaf-peeping. Below are some recommended places to take in the beauty of this season in and near Xi’an.

Qujiang Pool Park

Once a royal garden during the Tang Dynasty, Qujiang Pool Park is a harmonious blend of Tang-style buildings, cultural sculptures, and vibrant autumn colors. In addition to sightseeing, the park also offers many leisurely activities.

Taiping National Forest Park

The Qinling Mountains are a must to experience the essence of fall in Xi’an. Taiping National Forest Park is just one of the most representative areas of the Qingling Mountain Range, featuring towering mountains, impressive waterfalls, and scenic valleys. The lush vegetation makes it an ideal place for leaf-peeping.

Lishan Mountain

If time permits, you can enjoy Lishan Mountain hiking after visiting Huaqing Palace at its foot. The foliage here is dominated by the red maples, similar to the colors in the Qinling Mountains. In late autumn, the red leaves interspersed among the deep green cypress groves, creating a striking contrast.

Xingqinggong Park

The park is built on the historical site of the Xingqing Palace from the Tang Dynasty, hence its name. It is popular among Xi’an residents not only because it is free to enter, but also because it offers a peaceful spot within the city to enjoy the fall colors. The mix of ginkgo, maple, and other colorful trees, alongside the ancient buildings and tranquil lake, forms a surreal picture

Gu Guanyin Buddhist Temple

The temple is located in Zhongnan Mountains, and most known for its over 1400-year old ginkgo tree. It is believed that the tree is planted by Emperor Taizong during the Tang Dynasty. Every autumn, the tree stands like a golden warrior, donning a shimmering coat of gold to protect this ancient temple.

Warm up with Delicious Xi’an Food

No visit to Xi’an is complete without indulging in its iconic foods. Delicious food is also one of the symbols of Xi’an. And you can’t miss warming up yourself with its diverse foods on your vacation to this ancient capital, especially if you travel in the cooler autumn months. It is a pleasure to enjoy the famous roujiamo, yangrou paomo, on Muslim Street, Sajin Bridge and countless other alleys. All of them are lined with numerous halal restaurants and street food stalls. The vibrant tapestry of sights, sounds, and mouthwatering aromas will captivate every passerby.

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Xi’an Autumn Travel Tips

Xian cuisine features a variety of noodle dishes and snacks, often with bold and spicy flavors. When savoring local food, be mindful of your tolerance for spice.
The city may experience some rainfall from September to early October, so it’s best to pack a folding umbrella or rain gear.
The temperature in Xi’an can vary significantly between day and night in autumn. So bring a thick outer coat and layer more. Layering more is essential in November.
If you plan to hike, especially to Mount Huashan, comfortable sportswear and sturdy hiking shoes are recommended to ensure your safety and convenience.
Considering hiring a local guide or book a Xi’an tour with a local guide and driver included for a deeper understanding of the city’s rich history and culture.