Thinking about a fall trip to Xi’an? You’ll find mild days, cool nights, and some seriously colorful scenery. Average autumn temperatures in Xi’an run from about 10°C to 21°C (50°F to 70°F). September feels warmer, but November brings a real chill. This range makes fall one of the most comfortable times to wander the city and check out its historic sites.
You’ll notice the climate shift from late summer warmth in September to crisp, dry air by November. Rain shows up more in early fall, but later months turn drier with clearer skies.
These changes set up perfect conditions for sightseeing. Whether you’re walking the ancient city wall, seeing the Terracotta Army, or just taking in the golden ginkgo trees around the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda, fall makes it all better.
Understanding how the weather changes each month—from temperature swings to rainfall—helps you pack right and enjoy your time outside. A bit of planning goes a long way for making the most of both the city’s culture and its natural beauty during autumn.
Overview of Fall Weather in Xi’an
Fall in Xi’an means temperatures drop steadily, rainfall eases up compared to summer, and the skies clear as you move through the season. By late autumn, you’ll feel cooler, drier air and shorter days, with milder humidity levels.
Typical Weather Patterns
Xi’an shifts from summer’s humid, rainy vibe into a cooler, drier fall climate. September starts off with some leftover warmth and the odd shower, but October and November bring on the crisp, dry air.
Rainfall drops off fast. Early September gets about 3–4 inches, but by late November, you’ll see less than 0.5 inches. Skies clear up too, especially toward the end of fall.
Humidity follows the same path. About half of September days might feel muggy, but by late October, that number’s almost zero. Outdoor stuff gets more comfortable as the season moves on.
Winds stay steady, averaging 4–5 mph. Directions shift from east in early fall to west by late November. These light breezes add to the pleasant, mild feeling of autumn in Xi’an.
Seasonal Temperature Changes
Temperatures in Xi’an drop steadily through fall. September highs often hit the upper 70s to low 80s °F (25–27°C), and nights cool down to 60–65°F (15–18°C).
October narrows the range to 50–68°F (10–20°C), giving you mild days and chilly evenings. November steps it down even more, with highs between 48–55°F (9–13°C) and lows near 33–39°F (1–4°C).
The shift from warm to cold creeps up on you, but daylight hours get noticeably shorter. Early September gives you nearly 13 hours of sunlight, but by late November, it’s just over 10 hours.
You won’t deal with summer’s extreme heat, and freezing temps don’t really show up until late November. Layers are your friend if you want to stay comfortable.
Comparison to Other Seasons
Compared to summer, fall in Xi’an feels cooler, drier, and way less humid. Summer highs often blast past 85°F (29°C) and bring heavy rain, but fall calms down to comfy daytime temps and lighter precipitation.
Winter gets cold, sometimes dropping below freezing, with average lows near 25°F (-4°C) in January. Fall rarely goes under 32°F (0°C) until the very end of November.
Spring can feel a bit like fall, especially with mild temps. But spring usually brings more rain and the occasional dust from northern winds. Fall usually gives you clearer skies, so it’s a more reliable time for outdoor exploring.
For travelers, fall strikes a balance—less heat and humidity than summer, but without winter’s harsh cold. It’s really one of the best times to check out Xi’an’s historic spots.
Monthly Breakdown: September, October, and November
Fall in Xi’an cools down steadily, starting with warm days in early September and ending with chilly nights by late November. Rain falls off as the season moves along, and the air dries out, so you’ll want to think about layers and maybe a little skin care for comfort.
September Weather Highlights
September kicks off autumn in Xi’an, and the weather is usually great for being outside. Daytime highs average about 25°C (77°F), and nights cool to around 16°C (61°F).
Midday sunshine can be strong, so toss some sunscreen and light clothes in your bag, but bring a jacket for evenings too.
Rain is still around, with about 11–12 rainy days on average. This freshens the air and can improve visibility compared to the summer haze. Air quality is usually decent, with an average AQI around 50.
If you’re planning to see landmarks or bike along the city wall, September’s mild weather makes it a good bet. Just be ready for the temperature to bounce between morning and evening.
October Weather Highlights
By October, Xi’an cools off more. Highs settle around 20°C (68°F), and lows drop to about 10°C (50°F). Days stay comfortable, but mornings and nights can get crisp, so pack layers—think sweaters or a light coat.
Skies often stay clear, giving you a chance to catch the fall colors. Trees near the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda and Tang Paradise turn red and gold, and it’s a great time for photos.
Crowds pick up during China’s National Day holiday (October 1–7), when lots of people travel. If you want quieter spots, skip that week and weekends. Otherwise, October gives you some of the year’s best views.
November Weather Highlights
November brings a real drop in temperature. Average highs hit about 12°C (54°F), and lows fall near 3°C (37°F). By the end of the month, you might see the first snowfall as winter approaches.
The air dries out a lot, so you might want lotion or lip balm. Layers are a must, and you’ll want a warm coat for evenings.
Tourism slows down, so you’ll find fewer crowds and lower hotel prices. If you like quieter sights, November works well, though you’ll need to bundle up. Snow-dusted views of the city wall or nearby mountains can add a cool twist to your trip.
Temperature Trends and Variations
In Xi’an, fall brings a steady cooling pattern with shorter days and clearer skies. Temperatures drop fast from warm in early fall to much colder by late November, so you’ll notice the change both day and night.
Average Highs and Lows
At the start of September, highs average 81°F (27°C) and lows are around 67°F (19°C). By late November, highs drop to about 48°F (9°C) and lows hit 33°F (1°C).
That’s a big swing—over 30°F across the season—so you’ll feel the shift from late-summer warmth to early-winter chill. Fall rarely sees temps over 90°F (32°C), but nights in November can get close to freezing.
| Month | Avg. High | Avg. Low |
|---|---|---|
| September | 81°F (27°C) | 67°F (19°C) |
| October | 68°F (20°C) | 50°F (10°C) |
| November | 48°F (9°C) | 33°F (1°C) |
These numbers show why dressing in layers is smart, especially if you’re outdoors most of the day.
Day-Night Temperature Differences
Fall in Xi’an often brings big swings between day and night. Early in the season, nights stay pretty mild, but as weeks go by, evenings cool off a lot faster than the days.
By October, daytime highs can still feel nice in the upper 60s°F (about 20°C), but nights drop into the 40s°F (5–9°C). In November, the contrast sharpens, with chilly mornings in the mid-30s°F (1–3°C) before climbing to the upper 40s°F (8–10°C) later on.
You’ll want to be ready for brisk evenings even if afternoons are pleasant. A light jacket might do the trick in September, but by late fall, you’ll need something heavier.
Temperature Fluctuations Throughout Fall
The cooling in Xi’an doesn’t happen at a steady pace. September still feels a bit like summer, while October brings the most balanced afternoons and cooler nights.
By November, things change quickly. Temperatures can drop fast, and frost is more likely, especially near the end of the month. Some days feel mild, but sudden cold snaps aren’t unusual as winter gets closer.
This uneven pattern makes fall a true transition season, so you’ll need to adjust your plans and what you wear. If you’re visiting, expect a mix of warm, cool, and cold days—sometimes all in the same week.
Rainfall and Precipitation Patterns
Autumn rainfall in Xi’an shapes your travel experience more than you might think. September and October bring moderate to high rain, but November dries out a lot. Knowing how rainfall changes through fall helps you plan what to wear and what to do.
Average Rainfall by Month
Rain in Xi’an during fall drops off as the season goes on. September is usually the wettest month, with 80–100 mm of precipitation. October gets less, about 50–60 mm, and November falls to just 20–30 mm.
This pattern shows the lingering summer monsoon in September, which fades as moist air pulls back. By November, rain isn’t much of an issue for travelers.
| Month | Average Rainfall (mm) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| September | 80–100 | Frequent showers |
| October | 50–60 | Moderate rainfall |
| November | 20–30 | Mostly dry conditions |
You can see how rain goes from a big deal early in fall to barely a factor by late autumn.
Frequency of Rainy Days
The number of rainy days drops as fall moves along. September brings about 8–10 days of measurable rain. October usually has 5–7 rainy days, and November averages only 2–3 days.
Rain in September can hit in short, intense bursts. By October, showers get lighter and less of a hassle. In November, rain is rare and usually light—you might go days without any at all.
If you’re planning a trip, an umbrella or light rain jacket makes sense for September and October. In November, you probably won’t need them, but it doesn’t hurt to be prepared.
Transition from Wet to Dry Conditions
Xi’an’s fall weather clearly moves from wet to dry. September still feels the effects of the East Asian monsoon, bringing humidity and higher rainfall. By October, the monsoon backs off, and cooler, drier air takes over.
This shift stands out most in November. Rain drops off fast, skies clear up, and humidity falls. The climate feels much drier, and rain barely affects daily life.
Expect wetter days early in the season and drier weather as fall goes on. Late autumn gets easier to plan for, with fewer surprises compared to the variable conditions of September.
Cloud Cover, Sunshine, and Sky Conditions
During fall in Xi’an, skies get clearer as the weeks pass. Cloud cover fades, sunshine hours change, and daylight shrinks pretty quickly. It all adds up to days that feel brighter or, sometimes, a bit dimmer than you’d expect.
Cloudiness and Partly Cloudy Days
At the start of fall, you’ll notice more cloud cover, with skies often overcast or mostly cloudy. Early September brings about 42% of days with these conditions.
By late November, that number drops closer to 31%. Partly cloudy days start popping up more as fall goes on.
The clearest skies usually show up at the end of November, with around 69% of the time showing clear or partly cloudy conditions.
Mid-September tends to be the cloudiest stretch. After that, skies brighten up, and you get better chances to enjoy outdoor views without heavy cloud layers.
Hours of Sunshine and Daylight
Sunlight changes fast in fall. In September, days last nearly 13 hours.
By late November, daylight shrinks to just over 10 hours, so you lose almost 3 hours across the season.
Even with less daylight, you still get some good sunshine. October averages about 4 hours of sunshine per day, since clouds and lingering rain cut down on bright conditions.
UV levels drop too, so sun protection isn’t as big a deal, though it’s still a good idea.
Sunrise and sunset times shift a lot. Early September sunrises happen around 6:15 AM.
By late November, the sun doesn’t come up until after 7:30 AM. Sunsets move from about 7:10 PM down to 5:30 PM, which makes evenings feel a lot earlier.
Seasonal Sky Changes
The sky in Xi’an really changes from month to month. September feels humid and hazy, with more clouds and leftover summer rain.
By October, skies start to clear up, though you might still get some gray days.
November brings the most stable skies. Clear and partly cloudy days take over, and not much rain falls.
This shift creates crisp air and better visibility, which honestly feels perfect for sightseeing.
Landscapes look different too. Ancient sites and city views seem sharper under late-fall sunlight compared to the softer, filtered light of early autumn.
Wind Direction and Other Atmospheric Factors
During fall in Xi’an, you’ll notice steady shifts in wind patterns, moderate humidity, and changes in air quality. These things shape how comfortable the season feels and affect your day-to-day plans outside.
Prevailing Wind Patterns
In autumn, the northeasterly wind is the most common in Xi’an. Locals call it the naschi, and it really stands out in fall as temperatures cool off.
The average wind speed sits at about 1.8 m/s, so strong gusts almost never happen. The airflow stays steady and predictable, which is nice if you’re planning to be outside.
Xi’an’s spot in the Guanzhong Plain means mountains to the south and the Wei River to the north funnel winds in certain directions. The terrain cuts down on sudden shifts, but you’ll still get some variety now and then.
For travelers, this usually means calm days with light breezes, especially in the afternoons. These winds help clear the air but don’t get strong enough to make walks or sightseeing uncomfortable.
Effects on Local Weather
The wind direction in fall really affects how quickly temperatures drop. Northeasterly winds carry cooler, drier air into the region, so daily highs fall from about 27°C in September to 9–13°C by November.
You might notice the wind helps break up drizzle common in early autumn. When winds pick up a bit, they push moisture away, leading to clearer skies.
Humidity drops too. September still feels pretty damp with leftover summer moisture, but October and November bring drier air. Steady wind circulation keeps the air from feeling stagnant or heavy.
The way wind and temperature interact makes the seasonal transition smoother. Fall in Xi’an doesn’t feel as abrupt as in places with more unpredictable weather.
Humidity and Air Quality
Relative humidity in Xi’an averages about 70% across the year, but fall brings a gradual decrease. September still feels humid, often near 75–79%, but November drops to around 50–55%.
This drop in humidity makes things more comfortable, especially paired with the light winds. You’ll notice less stickiness, and outdoor activities get easier. October, in particular, feels great for walking tours and cultural visits.
Air quality can be hit or miss. The nearby mountains sometimes trap pollutants when winds go still, especially during temperature inversions in late fall. On calm days, haze might linger longer than in summer.
When the northeasterly wind picks up, it blows fine particles away and improves visibility. That’s why some days in October and November feel crisp and clear, while others stay a little hazy. Checking daily forecasts helps you pick the best times for outdoor sightseeing.
Travel Tips for Experiencing Xi’an in the Fall
Temperatures in Xi’an during autumn can swing a lot between day and night, and rainfall varies depending on the month. Planning ahead for clothes, outdoor activities, and timing your trip helps you enjoy the city’s history, scenery, and food with fewer hassles.
What to Pack and Wear
Daytime in early autumn feels warm, but evenings and late autumn nights get chilly. Pack layers that you can adjust as the weather changes. A light jacket or sweater works for September evenings, but by November you’ll want a thicker coat.
Bring comfortable walking shoes since you’ll probably spend a lot of time on your feet, like walking the Ancient City Wall or exploring markets. Planning to hike Mount Huashan? Go for sturdy hiking shoes.
Rain happens more in September, so a folding umbrella or light rain jacket comes in handy. By October and November, the air dries out, but lip balm and moisturizer help with the dry conditions.
Long pants are practical throughout the season. In late autumn, thermal layers will keep you comfortable during chilly mornings and evenings.
Outdoor Activities and Sightseeing
Cooler weather makes autumn one of the best times for outdoor activities in Xi’an. Cycling or walking on the Xi’an City Wall is popular, and mild temperatures make the climb manageable. The city views framed by autumn leaves are a real treat.
The Terracotta Army is easier to visit in fall than in the hot summer. You can take your time exploring without feeling uncomfortable. Visiting local fruit markets is also fun, since persimmons and pomegranates are in season.
If you love nature, the Qinling Mountains and Mount Huashan offer beautiful autumn foliage. Trails aren’t as slippery as in summer, and the crisp air makes hiking more enjoyable. Inside the city, parks like Qujiang Pool Park and Xingqinggong Park show off golden ginkgo trees and colorful maples.
Evenings are perfect for exploring Muslim Street and trying local foods like roujiamo and yangrou paomo. The cooler air makes hot dishes feel especially satisfying.
Best Times to Visit
Autumn in Xi’an stretches from September through November. Each month has its own vibe.
September usually hangs on to that lingering summer heat, and you might get a bit of rain here and there. October feels just right—days stay mild, nights cool off, and the skies usually look clear.
By November, temperatures drop, especially after sunset. The air dries out, and you’ll notice the crowds thinning.
If you’re not a fan of big crowds, you’ll want to skip early October. The National Day holiday brings tons of domestic travelers, and things get packed.
Late October often hits the sweet spot for weather, scenery, and crowd size.
Hotels and flights get cheaper in mid-to-late autumn than in peak summer. So, October and November can work well for travelers watching their budgets but still hoping for decent weather.