Xi’an Travel in Winter – Weather, Top Things to Do & More

As one of China’s four great ancient capitals, Xi’an offers countless opportunities to explore historic sites, ancient landmarks, and rich culture in any season. You can travel to Xi’an all year round, but you can expect something extra special about Xi’an in winter

The occasional snowscape, the festive atmosphere in January and February, and the fewer crowds and lower travel expenses as compared to the rest of the year, all work together to create an incredible experience in Xi’an.

From the warm indoor attractions, like the Terracotta Army and Shaanxi History Museum, to ski resorts, hot spring resorts, spring festival illuminations, diverse cultural performances, and popular winter dishes, whatever experience you have come to expect from Xi’an, this ancient capital just might surprise you.

Still, please prepare for the cold and dry weather while enjoying the many wonderful experiences. You may need to bundle up with many layers to stay comfortable while you enjoy your winter vacation.

Considering a trip to Xian in winter? Then don’t hesitate. It’s so worth it. This article tells you why. Winter weather in Xian, the best things to do, and our tips for making the most of your winter trip are all included.

Xi’an Weather in Winter

Xi’an has a temperate monsoon climate with strong continental influences. Due to its distance from the sea and surrounding topography, Xi’an in winter, typically from December to February, experiences cold, dry, and foggy weather, with temperatures ranging from around -1.2°C to 10°C. Rain or snow is relatively scarce in winter months, and the temperature difference between day and night is also significant.

Geographically, Xi’an is located just north of the Qinling Mountains, which block the flow of warm, and moist air from the south, resulting in cold air accumulation in winter. What’s more, the northerly and northwesterly winds further accelerate the dry and cold feeling in the air. Thus, it is essential to stay hydrated and take care in choosing clothes in these months.

The indoor venues all offer heating systems. And it is advisable to wear layers so you can stay warm outdoors and easily adjust to indoor temperatures by removing layers.

Xian Weather in December

In December, Xi’an has an average temperature of 1°C, with daily highs ranging from 8°C to 15°C and lows varying between -3°C and 0°C. This month typically sees about 3-4 rainy days, with an average of about 7 millimeters of rainfall. The overall weather is predominantly sunny or cloudy, with occasional sleet. Also, it experiences a gradual increase in the cold in the morning and evening, which will last until the end of January.

What clothes to bring for Xian in December:

Wearing layers is the key to staying warm during winter in Xi’an. It is advisable to wear heavy overcoats, winter coats, woolen jackets, weather-resistant jackets, or down jackets for tops. Consider wearing fleece-lined tops, thermal underwear, or a warm sweater for inner layers. Wool pants or fleece-lined leggings are good choices for bottoms. Remember to bring scarves and gloves when staying outside for long periods.

Xian Weather in January

January is the peak of winter and the coldest month of the year in Xian. The average temperature in this month is around 0°C, with daily highs hovering around 5°C, and daily lows dropping to around -4°C. The low temperatures along with the potential wind chill may make you feel colder than the recorded temperatures. Fortunately, January has few rainy days and more sunny days, providing ample opportunities to enjoy outdoor activities and winter sports. On average, it has about 7 mm of rainfall over 4 snowy days.

What clothes to bring for Xian in January:

To stay warm outside, it is best to wear a wool sweater paired with a padded coat or a thick down jacket.

• Tops: Down jackets, padded coats, woolen overcoatsfor outerwear. Thermal underwear with a sweater for inner layers.
• Bottoms: Cotton-lined trousers or warm skirts, paired with thermal leggings underneath.
• Accessories: Scarf, gloves, disposable warmers

Xian Weather in February

As spring approaches, February in Xi’an sees gradually warming temperatures, though it is still relatively cold. Temperatures average around -1°C to 8°C in this month, with daytime highs ranging from 6°C to 11°C and nighttime lows from -2°C to 2°C.

The average rainfall in February is about 10 millimeters. Though slightly higher than in January, it is still the dry season. The weather is dominated by cloudy or overcast days interspersed with some sunshine, with occasional light rain or light snow.

What to wear in Xian in February

• Tops: Down jackets, padded coats, woolen overcoats, or winter overcoats. Thermal underwear or a thick sweater for inner layers.
• Bottoms: Cotton-lined trousers or warm skirts, paired with thermal leggings underneath.
• Accessories: Scarf, gloves, disposable warmers.

Averages of Xi’an from December to February

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

Follow a Guide to Visit the Terracotta Army Museum

The Terracotta Army is often referred to as the “Eighth Wonder of the World,” located about 1.5 kilometers east of the Mausoleum of Emperor Qin Shi Huang. This extraordinary archaeological wonder is composed of nearly 8,000 life-sized figures of soldiers, each with unique facial expressions and hairstyles.

The heights of these figures generally range from 1.72 meters to 1.96 meters and were originally painted in vibrant colors. After being buried underground for over 2,000 years, the figures we see today are weathered and gray. You can follow a professional guide to explore stories behind the army and the first emperor in China.

In winter, the site sees relatively fewer crowds, allowing visitors an immersive exploration of the details of the warriors, horses, and chariots.

Recommended Xian Terracotta Warriors Tours:

• Terra-cotta Army and Hanyangling Museum Tour
• Half-Day Xian Terracotta Warriors Tour with Airport Transfer

Explore the Many Museums in Xi’an

Xi’an is absolutely rich when it comes to museums. Want to explore the history of several important dynasties in Chinese history? Xi’an, as the ancient capital of 13 dynasties in ancient China, boasts many museums for that. Get ready to be amazed by countless artifacts, ancient collections, and exciting exhibitions at some of the best museums in the city. This is, also, a great way to escape the winter cold.

• Shaanxi History Museum: The museum displays artifacts spanning from the prehistoric era to the Ming and Qing dynasties. It is the most popular museum in Xi’an, boasting the largest collection of valuable artifacts.
• Xi’an Museum: Xi’an Museum is situated next to the iconic Small Wild Goose Pagoda, in an ancient Chinese-style garden. The museum collects 130 thousand historical relics from the Zhou era to Ming Dynasties, with a special focus on Buddhist relics and stone carvings.
• The Qin Han Museum of Shaanxi History Museum: The museum is dedicated to the remarkable relics and achievements of the Qin and Han Dynasties, which are two of China’s most influential dynasties.
• Hanyangling Museum: Hanyangling is the tomb of Emperor Jing of the Western Han Dynasty and his queen. The museum preserves the layout of the tomb complex and displays numerous exquisite funerary objects.
• Banpo Museum: A pioneering museum dedicated to the prehistoric period in China.
• Forest of Stone Steles Museum: A treasure trove of Chinese calligraphy, the Forest of Stone Steles Museum houses a large collection of steles, epitaphs, and stone inscriptions from the Han to Tang Dynasties.

Go Ice Skating at Cuihua Mountain Ski Resort

For those adventurous souls, no winter vacation is complete without experiencing snow skiing or snowboarding. And this dream is possible to be fulfilled during a winter trip to Xi’an, at the Cuihua Mountain Ski Resort.

As the only natural ski resort in Xi’an, the Cuihua Mountain Ski Resort is located at an altitude of 1,400 meters, offering a beautiful natural setting along with excellent facilities. Beginner, intermediate, and advanced slopes are all well-maintained and appropriately wide, making  them suitable for skiers of all levels.

For families with kids, here are fun activities like snow tubing, tobogganing, snow banana boats to provide you and your kids an extra layer of excitement.

Experience Spring Festival Celebrations in Xi’an

Winter months are the time of the year when there are fewer tourists and prices are cheaper in Xi’an, except during the Chinese New Year holiday. Though, in this period, the city is full of visitors and prices are more expensive, in return, you’ll enjoy a truly vibrant festive atmosphere.

Spring Festival in Xian stands out for the illuminations of its historic landmarks, and a variety of festive celebrations. Some must-visit events and attractions in Xian during the Spring Festival include:

• Lantern Festival on Xian City Wall: Every year, the ancient City Wall in Xian will be beautifully illuminated with thousands of lanterns. The festival usually starts one week before the Spring Festival and lasts over 30 days. Visitors can ascend the wall and enjoy the intricate lantern displays. What’s more, you can also expect many cultural performances at the South Gate of the Wall during the Spring Festival.
• Lantern Festival at Tang Paradise: The Lantern Festival at Tang Paradise also lasts over 30 days each year. The festival will light up the royal garden with spectacular lantern displays. The over 45 lantern sets in the five themed lantern zones, together with the many cultural performances will transport visitors back to the flourishing Tang Dynasty.

Enjoy Xi’an’s Winter Cuisine

Winter is the perfect excuse to gorge on hearty, soul-warming food, and Xi’an is where you can enjoy a variety of rich, flavorful dishes. Winter in Xi’an can be chilly, while the many hearty winter dishes, like Yangrou Paomo, Roujiamo, dumplings in sour soup, lamb stew, and spicy and peppery soup, will not only satisfy your taste buds but also keep you warm.

More than that, each traditional dish here has its fascinating history. A food tour in Xi’an is, to a great degree, a journey through local culture and history.

Popular Food Streets Among Local People in Xian: Da Pi Yuan, Yong Xing Fang, Muslim Quarter, Sajinqiao Alley, and Shun Cheng Alley.

Watch Tang Dynasty Shows 

If you’re looking for an extraordinary way to spend some quality time in Xi’an, head on over to watch a Tang Dynasty show. Watching the history, arts, culture, and social life of the Tang era come to life on stage is an undeniably magical experience.

All these performances feature magnificent costumes, exquisite dance skills, and beautiful music. Not only are they visually stunning, but will also leave you feeling filled with awe.

• Our visitors’ favorites: The Song of Everlasting Sorrowat Huaqing Palace, Dreamchase of the Great Tang Dynasty at Tang Paradise, and The Empress of the Great Tang at Tang Dynasty Palace.

Xian Tours including Tang Dynasty Show:

• Xian Tang Dynasty Show & Dumpling Dinner Tour
• 3 Days Xi’an Education Tour with Tang Dynasty Dance Show
• 4 Days Xian Tour Package with Tang Dynasty Dance Show

Immerse Yourself in the Hot Springs

Soaking in comfortable hot spring while surrounded by beautiful natural scenery or meticulously designed spa areas is an absolutely delightful experience! Around Xi’an, there are several high-quality hot springs for you to enjoy the warmth of spring even on the coldest days of winter. Check out our top recommended hot springs to see when you travel to Xi’an.

Tangyu Hot Springs:

About 40 km from downtown Xi’an, Tangyu Hot Springs can be traced back to the Han Dynasty. It served as a royal bathing and leisure retreat in many ancient dynasties. The hot spring water here is rich in over 20 minerals, which are believed have health-promoting effects on the body.

The hot springs are situated amidst the mountains, offering stunning views year-round.

Hot Springs in Huaqing Palace:

After visiting the Huaqing Palace and watching the live performance show, you can consider experiencing relaxation and healing in the scenic area. The luxurious hot spring was once reserved exclusively for emperors and nobles of ancient China, with their water temperature staying a 43°C year-round.

√Best Xian Tours:

• 2 Days Essencial Xian Tour Package
• 5 Days Xian Food Tour
• 3 Days Xian Private Trip: History Exploration & Tang Costume Experience
• 4 Days Xian Classic Tour with Mt. Huashan

Xian Winter Travel Tips

• The Shaanxi History Museum is closed on Mondays, so be mindful of that when planning your visit.
• Many popular attractions, like Terracotta Army and Shaanxi History Museum, require advance ticket reservations.
• Be sure to pack warm clothing, as the winter temperatures in Xian can average around -1.2°C to 10°C.
• If you plan to enjoy the hot springs, it is advised that each soak should not exceed 20 minutes to avoid overloading the heart.
• If get to Xian by a train, opt to arrive at Xian Railway Stationor Xian North Railway Station. Avoid Xian South Railway Station, as it is far from the city center.
• When visiting historical and cultural sites, like Terracotta Army, or Stele Forest Museum, it is highly recommended to hire a professional guide to make your experience much more enriching.
• Xian offers the 144-hour visa-free transit policy for foreign nationals under certain criteria.