Monthly weather averages & travel planning

Asia › 🇨🇳 China › Xian
Updated: March 2026
February is a good time to visit Xian (6/10). With 8 daily sunshine hours and only 4 rain days, this month delivers genuinely reliable outdoor conditions, ranking it 8th sunniest of the year in Xian. Culture-focused travellers and those who prefer lighter crowds will find February a practical choice, with prices running lower than peak June without sacrificing all the good weather. March offers a similar profile at lower hotel rates if dates are flexible. The main practical note: Xian's popular sites are busiest between 10am and 3pm regardless of season. Arriving at opening time or after 4pm makes a significant difference to the experience. Planning tips: accommodation is generally available without long lead times, and flight prices are typically lower than peak season. Flexible travellers will find the best deals by booking 2-4 weeks ahead. Mid-week arrivals consistently unlock lower hotel rates than weekend check-ins.
February weather in Xian is defined by a daily temperature swing from -1°C at night to 10°C during the afternoon. Humidity averages 70%, and you can count on around 8 sunshine hours each day. That combination makes February warm and lush, though dressing in breathable fabrics keeps things manageable.
10°C
50°F
Avg High
-1°C
30°F
Avg Low
4 days
18 mm total
Rain Days
8h
per day avg
Sunshine
70%
Moderate
Humidity
The 11°C day-night temperature range is typical for continental climates: a light jacket in the morning that you shed by midday and need again after sunset. Humidity averages 70%, which is comfortable for most visitors. On warmer days, lighter fabrics help with the mild stickiness in the afternoon. The UV index of 2 is low, meaning sun exposure is minimal concern and sunscreen is largely optional. Winds are calm at an average 10 km/h, so wind-chill is not a factor in planning your clothing. In Fahrenheit: 50°F average high, 30°F overnight low. Data sourced from Open-Meteo ERA5 climate reanalysis (1991–2020 normals).
Packing for Xian in February means dressing for 10°C days and -1°C evenings. Layering is key: a thermal base, mid-layer fleece, and a windproof outer jacket for 10°C highs that feel colder in the wind. Evenings drop 11°C to around -1°C, a notable shift that catches underprepared visitors off guard. Pack a dedicated evening layer. Comfortable walking trainers are the versatile choice for both outdoor sightseeing and indoor venues.
Local tip: Temple and religious site visits require covered shoulders and knees in most of Xian's heritage areas. A lightweight scarf or sarong weighs almost nothing and solves the problem instantly.
February has no major festivals or public holidays in Xian, which is one of its practical advantages for independent travellers. Attractions run at lower capacity than during peak event periods, queues are shorter, and accommodation is easier to find without needing to book many months in advance. Local restaurants, markets, and transport operate at a relaxed pace, making this an ideal time for visitors who prefer a more authentic, unhurried experience of everyday city life rather than large crowds drawn in by a single major headline event.
Based on 10°C average highs and 4 rainy days
February in Xian reflects a mid-latitude climate pattern, with temperatures averaging 10°C by day and -1°C overnight. The city sits at 34 degrees north latitude, where the balance between solar radiation and heat loss drives conditions that are neither extreme nor static. Conditions occupy the comfortable middle band of the annual temperature range, where outdoor activity is feasible without the extremes of midsummer heat or midwinter cold. Day-to-night temperature variation of 11°C is moderate and manageable with a single mid-layer. Climate data: Open-Meteo ERA5 (1991–2020).
Sunshine Hours
The average number of hours per day with direct sunlight. Calculated from satellite measurements. Days with more than 7 hours of sunshine are ideal for outdoor activities. Under 3 hours means overcast conditions dominate.
UV Index
A scale from 0-11+ measuring ultraviolet radiation intensity. UV 0-2: Minimal risk. UV 3-5: Moderate, wear sunscreen. UV 6-7: High, hat and SPF 30+ essential. UV 8-10: Very High, limit midday exposure. UV 11+: Extreme, seek shade between 10am-4pm.
Rain Days
A rain day is counted when precipitation exceeds 0.1mm. This threshold captures even light drizzle. Unlike total rainfall in mm, rain days tells you how often you might need an umbrella, which is useful for planning outdoor activities.
Humidity
Relative humidity as a percentage. Below 40%: Dry, skin and throat may feel parched. 40-60%: Comfortable, ideal for most people. 60-80%: Sticky, light breathable fabrics recommended. Above 80%: Muggy, heat feels more intense; quick-dry clothing is essential.
Xian in February
February ranks 8th sunniest of the year in Xian, with an average 8 daily sunshine hours. The driest months are January, December, and February. July is the hottest month (32°C avg high); January is the coolest (6°C). From here, temperatures rise 6°C into March. Compared to last month (January: 6°C high, 3 rain days), February is warmer and wetter. February sits in the middle of the annual sunshine ranking for Xian, offering a reasonable balance of good weather and manageable crowds.
| Month | High | Low | Rain Days | Sun | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 6°C | -4°C | 3 | 8h | View |
| February | 10°C | -1°C | 4 | 8h | View |
| March | 16°C | 4°C | 6 | 9h | View |
| April | 22°C | 10°C | 7 | 9h | View |
| May | 27°C | 15°C | 8 | 9h | View |
| June | 31°C | 20°C | 8 | 10h | View |
| July | 32°C | 22°C | 11 | 10h | View |
| August | 30°C | 21°C | 11 | 10h | View |
| September | 25°C | 16°C | 12 | 7h | View |
| October | 19°C | 10°C | 10 | 7h | View |
| November | 13°C | 3°C | 7 | 7h | View |
| December | 7°C | -3°C | 3 | 8h | View |
January
3 rain days, 8h sun
February
4 rain days, 8h sun
March
6 rain days, 9h sun
April
7 rain days, 9h sun
May
8 rain days, 9h sun
June
8 rain days, 10h sun
July
11 rain days, 10h sun
August
11 rain days, 10h sun
September
12 rain days, 7h sun
October
10 rain days, 7h sun
November
7 rain days, 7h sun
December
3 rain days, 8h sun
Data Sources for Xian
Climate normals represent 30-year averages (1991-2020). Individual years may vary.