Xinjiang Weather

Like its geography, Xinjiang's climate is one of extremes. Turpan is the hottest spot in the country (it gets up to 47C - from June to August), and the Tarim and Jungar Basins aren't much better at those times. As daunting as the heat may seem, spring (April and May) is not a particularly good time to visit, with frequent sandstorms and clouds obscuring the landscape and making travel difficult. Unless you're up in the mountains or in the far north, the one thing you won't have to worry about is rain. Winters (December to February) see the mercury plummet below zero throughout the province. Late May through June and September through mid-November (especially) are the best times to visit.