Xinjiang has a desert climate with very little rainfall. The best time to visit this
province is in the autumn, when the days are long, the sky clear and temperatures more
bearable than in the heat of the summer. Situated in the heart of the desert and the furthest city in the world from
the ocean, temperatures here tend to be very extreme. Winters are VERY cold
and summers, extremely HOT. The average rainfall in Xinjiang is about 6 inches,
although this does vary according to the region. Generally speaking, winter
temperatures in northern Xinjiang are higher than those in the south of the
province. In the coldest month (January), the average temperature is more than
20 degrees below. The average temperature in the so called "oven" of Turpan
in the hottest month (July) is above 33 degrees. Winter here falls between November and April although there is a strong sun
all year round. Realistically, the only way to prepare for travelling in this
region is to be ready for all eventualities. Be SURE to take sunblock and always
carry plenty of drinking water, even in the cooler months. Also take warmer
clothes for the nights and winter here, when the drop in temperatures can be
quite severe. |