The weather in Xinjiang in May is warm and pleasant with an average daily temperature range of 12–24°C (54–75°F). There is little chance of rain and most of Xinjiang experiences less than 7 rainy days in May.
May is a wise time for you to enjoy Xinjiang's remarkable landscapes and pleasant weather. You would see the wonderful combination of spring and summer. As the weather gets warmer, grasslands become greener and more flowery. More snow melts on the high mountains, and the natural world is full of life in May.
Without the large crowds experienced in summer and autumn (July to October), you could visit the sites with comparatively fewer travelers and the best value for money (in general, a summer vacation trip to Xinjiang is 50% more expensive).
Find out about temperatures, rainfall, and tips on where to go and what to wear below.
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Weather in Xinjiang's Major Cities in May
Most tourist cities enjoy similar weather in May: warm with large temperature differences between day and night. However, Turpan is an exception, with highest daily temperatures reaching 34°C (93°F) on average.
On sunny days, ultraviolet rays are strong, especially in desert areas such as Turpan and Kashgar. Be sure to protect yourself from the sun. Occasionally, May sees rain or even hail. This is more common on the mountains.
2 Top Customizable Itineraries for May
Itinerary 1) 7-Day Ili River Valley Trip with Safflowers in Bloom
The itinerary at a glance:
- Day 1: Urumqi arrival
- Day 2: Sayram Lake
- Days 3–4: Tekes (Tekes Town, Guozi Valley, Kalajun Grassland, and Kuokesu Grand Canyon)
- Day 5: Tangbula Grassland with Tianshan safflowers in bloom
- Day 6: Kazanqi Folk-custom Village
- Day 7: Yining departure
This itinerary would allow you to visit Xinjiang when it has its most beautiful scenery. May is the best month for visiting the Ili River Valley. The wildflowers on the grassland begin to open, especially in mid and late May, which is the season for Tianshan safflowers to be in full bloom. At this time, you would see the stunning safflowers all over the mountains, as if you were in a sea of red and orange.
Kalajun GrasslandMay is one of the most beautiful months to see Kalajun Grassland. Snowy peaks, green grasslands, forests, and blooming flowers surround you. Immersing yourself in the beauty of Xinjiang's spring is a dreamy experience for nature lovers.
Sayram LakeSayram Lake is also highly recommended. In early May, Sayram Lake is comprised of half blue ice and half blue water. The stunning ice waves would amaze you. In late May, the ice on the lake melts away completely and the whole blue lake wakes up, just in time to feel the "last tears from the Atlantic Ocean".
This well-planned itinerary is just for your inspiration, let us know your interests to tailor-make a tour uniquely suited to you.
Itinerary 2) 12-Day Deep Experience of Southern and Northern Xinjiang
The itinerary at a glance:
- Day 1: Urumqi arrival
- Day 2: Sayram Lake
- Days 3–5: Tekes (Guozi Valley, Kalajun Grassland, and Kuokesu Grand Canyon)
- Day 6: Zhaosu (Xiata ancient path hiking)
- Days 7–8: Yining city discovery
- Days 9–11: Kashgar (Kashgar Old Town, the great Pamirs, and a hidden wonder — Shipton's Arch)
- Day 12: Kashgar departure
If you have more than 10 days, this itinerary including both northern and southern Xinjiang would be a good choice. Northern Xinjiang features stunning natural scenery while southern Xinjiang provides unique and exotic Uyghur charm.
All months except for the cold winter (December to February) are suitable for this itinerary. We particularly recommend May because the climate is most comfortable.
Tips: Kanas or Hemu are not recommended in May. This is because the snow there has not completely melted in May. Autumn is their best season, when you could see their fairy-tale yellow forests. In addition, if you are a foodie and want to enjoy the locally-grown delights of Xinjiang, summer is the best time.
What Should I Wear in May?
Short sleeves and warm jackets are both needed because of the diurnal temperature difference. You would might need to wear a long coat in the early mornings, short sleeves or a dress during the day, and a warm jacket during the cool evenings. You would need to take a sweater or jacket even if you visit Xinjiang during its hottest month!
Sunblock, a hat, and sunglasses are necessary. Remember to protect yourself from the strong ultraviolet rays. It's wise to prepare a veil or neck scarf in case you encounter wind-blown sand/dust in desert areas.
Don't forget comfortable shoes. Be sure to wear lightweight walking shoes because most scenic spots are outdoors. Shoes that are water-resistant are recommended when you visit the grasslands.
Dress tips for photos: Fairytale scenery and exotic charm could give you wonderful photos that would amaze your friends. Dress with solid colors (such as a long white dress) to contrast with the blue sky and lake when in nature, and clothes with an ethnic style are recommended when visiting Kashgar. In the desert, Western cowboy style could be a good choice.
Is It Expensive to Visit Xinjiang in May?
The travel cost in May is US$350–400 per person per day for a private tour with 4/5-star hotels based on a group of 2–5 travelers. We recommend that you spend at least 1 week in Xinjiang to fully experience it, so trip prices would start at 2,450–2,800 USD.
May is in the off-season in Xinjiang, so prices are up to 50% cheaper compared to the summer vacation and autumn, except for during holiday periods.
During the Labor Day holiday (May 1st to 5th), costs are more expensive and there are more tourists. In order to increase the comfort level of your trip, it's recommended that you avoid this time. Or you can contact us for a hassle-free tailor-made private tour with authentic experiences.