China's Silk Road weather in September becomes cooler after the heat of August. It is pleasantly warm with an average daily maximum temperature of 24°C (75°F). Generally speaking, the farther west you go, the less precipitation there is (about 4 days of light rain in the month on average).
The comfortable weather makes September one of the best times to travel on the Silk Road.
Average September Weather for Top Silk Road Tourism Cities
September Weather in Xi'an and Things to Do
In September, temperatures in Xi'an drop significantly from hot August, averaging from 16°C to 25°C (61–77°F). September sees the tail-end high point of Xi'an's rainy season, but the rainfall is still low and doesn't affect travel. The mild/warm weather is ideal for outdoor activities.
Xi'an is definitely one of the first choices for first-timers. Xi'an offers an authentic experience of ancient Chinese culture. Marvel at the Terracotta Army. Bike around the medieval city wall. Enjoy a nighttime walk in Datang Everbright City. Try on some Hanfu attire. Nature lovers may opt to climb precipitous Mount Hua.
Han Chinese Clothing and Customs Experience for CouplesSeptember Weather in Lanzhou and Things to Do
In September, Lanzhou is mildly humid and warm with temperatures ranging from 13°C to 24°C (55–75°F). It is one of Lanzhou's wetter months (though still dry in relative terms), with a 35% chance of light drizzle on a typical September day.
The pleasant September weather in Lanzhou makes it a great time to go out and explore more. Exploring Gansu Provincial Museum offers insights into the region's history and culture. You could also sample local snacks at Lanzhou Old Street and take a cruise to admire the picturesque views along the Yellow River.
Yellow River Mother StatueSeptember Weather in Zhangye and Things to Do
In Zhangye, September typically has a daytime maximum temperature of 23°C (73°F) with virtually no rainfall, averaging about 21 mm (1 inch) for the whole month. It's a great time for outdoor activities with pleasant temperatures and clear skies.
Zhangye's Rainbow Mountains are a paradise for photographers. In the sunny weather of September, the colors of the Danxia rock formations are more brilliant and the layers are more distinct, providing excellent photographic conditions.
Zhangye is also a good place to experience ethnic culture. You could visit a Yugur (traditionally Yellow Uyghur) family, who are followers of Buddhism, have fun chatting with them, and enjoy dinner with them to experience authentic local life.
Rainbow MountainSeptember Weather in Dunhuang and Things to Do
September weather in Dunhuang is usually ideal, with daily highs of about 26°C (79°F) and minimal rainfall, making it one of the best months for sightseeing in this area.
Explore the rich cultural heritage of the Silk Road at the Mogao Grottoes and create your own mural as a unique souvenir. In the Singing Sand Dunes, adventure enthusiasts could enjoy a desert safari on a camel or in an SUV/jeep, or camp under the stars for a night in the wilderness.
September Weather in Urumqi and Things to Do
In September, Urumqi enjoys cool daily temperatures of about 23°C (73°F) with little rainfall. The good weather offers more possibilities for exploring the city.
To delve into the Silk Road culture in Urumqi, visit Xinjiang Regional Museum, which houses a well-preserved collection of 4,000-year-old corpses from the Silk Road. Stroll through the bustling Erdaoqiao Bazaar and discover unique and captivating items. Tianshan Tianchi ('Heavenly Mountains' Heaven Lake') is also a great place to enjoy with snowcapped mountains reflecting in a cruise-able lake.
Heaven LakeSeptember Weather in Turpan and Things to Do
Turpan still experiences hot weather with little rain in September. The average daily high temperature is about 30°C (86°F). In early September, it often reaches 35°C (95°F). To beat the heat, we recommend touring in the early morning or late afternoon.
Explore the ancient Jiaohe Ruins and Gaochang Ruins, offering insights into China's Silk Road history. Venturing underground to see and appreciate the ingenious Karez Well System is a good choice to escape the heat. Visit the iconic Flaming Mountains, known as 'the City of Fire'.
September Weather in Kashgar and Things to Do
September weather in Kashgar is pleasant with warm daily highs of about 26°C (79°F) and almost no rainfall. The conducive autumn climate makes it the perfect time for exploring the city.
Kashgar Old City is the best place to experience the essence of the traditional culture in Kashgar, where you could discover a variety of handicrafts and immerse yourself in the local life. Nature lovers could head to the Pamir Plateau for plateau lake scenery. Clear skies improve the chances of spotting snowcapped Muztagata (second highest peak north of the Tibetan Plateau). Or venture into the Taklimakan Desert to experience exciting desert activities.
What Should I Wear in September?
In September, the weather transitions from hot to warm/mild. Therefore, you could take summer clothes for daytime activities, especially in early September. Layers, such as a jacket and fleece, would be necessary for the chilly mornings and evenings or if you plan to visit cooler places, such as Burqin and Ejina.
Moisturizers are essential for the dry climates. Sun protection and sand protection, such as sunglasses and veils, may be needed in desert regions.
Costs and Crowding
In general, the September Silk Road private tour travel cost, based on 4- or 5-star hotels, is US$300–400 per person per day. To save money, inviting more family members or friends would result in a better price.
After the summer vacation ends in August, September tends to be a quieter month with relatively lower costs and fewer crowds. During the Mid-Autumn Festival holiday (October 6th to 7th in 2025), however, there are expected to be large crowds of tourists. Early bookings for transport and accommodation would increase your journey options and savings. Contact us for a tailor-made private tour that makes the best of your travel opportunities.
Recommended Silk Road Tours for Your Inspiration
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10-Day Lanzhou–Xiahe–Zhangye–Dunhuang–Turpan–Urumqi Tour
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21-Day China Classic Wonders and Silk Road Tour