Urumqi, China: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2022]
Traveling to Urumqi, China? If you're planning to go to Urumqi, here is some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack.
Contents
- When to go to Urumqi
- Important essentials for Urumqi
- Activities for Urumqi
- Urumqi in January: weather and what to pack
- Urumqi in February: weather and what to pack
- Urumqi in March: weather and what to pack
- Urumqi in April: weather and what to pack
- Urumqi in May: weather and what to pack
- Urumqi in June: weather and what to pack
- Urumqi in July: weather and what to pack
- Urumqi in August: weather and what to pack
- Urumqi in September: weather and what to pack
- Urumqi in October: weather and what to pack
- Urumqi in November: weather and what to pack
- Urumqi in December: weather and what to pack

About your travel guide
Hi! I'm Dev. I've traveled all over the world and in my travels, I have made many packing lists. In this series, my team and I have compiled the most useful information, as well as things we couldn't live without, to help you plan your trip.
When to go to Urumqi, China
Based on the climate and weather in Urumqi, the best time to go is September. See below for details.
Important essentials for Urumqi, China
Here are some general tips on what to wear in Urumqi, as well as several items to remember to pack when traveling there.
COVID-19 ESSENTIALS FOR 2022
-
N95 masks to use in crowded airports
These N95 masks provide the best level of COVID-19 protection available.
-
Hand sanitizer
This hand sanitizer is an excellent TSA-friendly option.
-
Kids' KN95 masks
N95 masks aren't sold for kids. These are a good alternative (and can also be used by adults if N95 masks are not available).
-
A vaccine card protector
Vaccine cards may get worn. An unreadable card can cause severe consequences. This vaccine card protector helps avoid that.
Travel insurance
If you or a companion get COVID-19, your amazing trip can be ruined. Good travel insurance can help. See plans
-
Travel disinfecting wipes
Use these to sanitize plane and hotel surfaces.
General health necessities
Virus/bacteria filtering water bottle
Some rural areas may have potentially unsafe tap water, so it's important to take a contaminant filtering water bottle.
-
Travel first aid kit
This one is a great kit.
-
Emergency motion sickness relief
Don't forget these
-
For families with young children
-
Power bank for devices
A portable power bank, like this one
-
Voice and data SIM card
A SIM card that works in Urumqi. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.
-
Airplane or car necessities
-
Plug adapter
A plug adapter that supports outlet types A, C and I. This one should work in most places, but you should check with your hotel.
-
Money/passport pouch
Pickpocketing is an issue here, so wear a money pouch.
What to wear/what to pack for Urumqi, China by month
Already know when you're traveling?
January
In January, Urumqi can be dangerously cold and very snowy. Temperatures routinely are in the high 10s F (single digits below 0 C) range. At night, lows are in the single digits F (10+ below zero C). This is also a rainy time for Urumqi, with of the days of the month having rain. In January, humidity reaches as high as 80%.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Extreme weather jacket shell
These are an excellent value:
-
Thick pajamas
-
Extreme cold weather gear
-
Heated gloves
-
Lip balm
Our pick: this one
-
Thermal undergarments
We love:
-
Heated socks.
We've found
these to be the best
-
Night cap
It's vital to wear a cap at night in this climate like this
-
Coveralls
We pick:
-
Neck gaiter/ski mask
-
Fleece for under jacket
-
Insulated water bottle
Our pick:
-
Goggles for eye protection
-
Insulated boots
The best value
-
Waterproof snow boots
In addition to standard shoes, you should bring snow boots. For travel to Urumqi, a great option is these boots:
-
Waterproof jacket that can be used in snow
-
A umbrella
This is something you need here. This one is a perfect option.
If you see a temple, such as Confucian Temple, wear:
If you go to Red Mountain Park, you will do a lot of walking. These are a must:
-
Ultralight day pack
Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.
-
Good hiking shoes
These are designed for this kind of walking, and can breathe and can get wet
-
Small portable cooler
Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.
-
Binoculars
February
February in Urumqi can be dangerously cold and very snowy. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the single digits F (10+ below zero C). It snows about half of the time. But the colder weather doesn't bring low humidity, which is in the 70% to 80% range on average.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Heated gloves
-
Extreme cold weather gear
-
Lip balm
Our pick: this
-
Goggles for eye protection
-
Heated socks.
We've found
these to be the best
-
Insulated water bottle
Our pick:
-
Thermal undergarments
Our picks:
-
Neck warmer/cold weather face mask
-
Insulated boots
The best value
-
Thick pajamas
-
Coveralls
We like:
-
Extreme weather jacket shell
These are an excellent value:
-
Fleece for under jacket
-
Night cap
It's important to wear something on your head at night in this weather like this
-
Waterproof snow boots
In addition to day-to-day footwear, it's important to bring snow boots. For travel to Urumqi, a great option is these boots:
-
Waterproof jacket that can be used in snow
-
A windproof umbrella
This is essential here. This one is a perfect option.
If you see a temple, such as Confucian Temple, wear:
If you go to Red Mountain Park, you will do a lot of walking. These are a must:
-
Ultralight day pack
Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.
-
Good hiking shoes
These are designed for this kind of walking, and can breathe and can get wet
-
Small portable cooler
Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.
-
Binoculars
March
March in Urumqi is frigid and somewhat snowy. Temperatures average in the 30s F (single digits C) during the day. It snows about half of the time.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Heavy jacket
-
Lip balm
Our pick is: this one
-
Insulated water bottle
Our favorite:
-
Warm pants or jeans
-
Gloves
-
Sweaters
-
Heavy socks
Such as:
-
Cold weather footwear
-
Waterproof snow boots
In addition to standard footwear, it's important to bring snow boots. For visiting Urumqi, we suggest these boots:
-
Waterproof jacket that can be used in snow
-
A windproof umbrella
This is essential here. This one is a great option.
If you see a temple, such as Confucian Temple, wear:
If you go to Red Mountain Park, you will do a lot of walking. These are a must:
-
Ultralight day pack
Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.
-
Good hiking shoes
These are designed for this kind of walking, and can breathe and can get wet
-
Small portable cooler
Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.
-
Binoculars
April
In April, Urumqi is chilly and somewhat rainy. Temperatures routinely are in the high 50s F (mid 10s C) and about a third of the time jump into the 60s F (high 10s C) range. At night, lows are in the low 40s F (single digits C). This is also a rainy time for Urumqi, with several of the days of the month having rain. In April, humidity reaches as high as 40%.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Light and heavy skirts
-
Extra socks
-
Dresses
-
Pants or jeans
-
Light jacket or fleece
-
Standard footwear
-
Long sleeve shirts or blouses
-
A rain coat to layer with another jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We like rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These pants can be a lifesaver in a rainstorm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Windproof umbrella
This one is a perfect option.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your things don't get wet. We recommend:
If you see a temple, such as Confucian Temple, wear:
If you go to Red Mountain Park, you will do a lot of walking. These are a must:
-
Ultralight day pack
Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.
-
Good hiking shoes
These are designed for this kind of walking, and can breathe and can get wet
-
Small portable cooler
Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.
-
Binoculars
May
May in Urumqi is balmy, somewhat rainy and very dry. Temperatures average in the low 70s F (low 20s C) during the day. It rains regularly.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Short pants or heavy shorts
-
Sandals
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
-
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
-
Breathable footwear or sandals
-
Extra socks
-
Sunscreen lotion
-
Light skirts
-
Bug repellent
-
A rain poncho to layer with a coat
-
100% waterproof footwear
We suggest these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These will be vital in a storm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Windproof umbrella
This one is a great one to buy.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your bags remain dry. We recommend:
If you see a temple, such as Confucian Temple, wear:
If you go to Red Mountain Park, you will do a lot of walking. These are a must:
-
Ultralight day pack
Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.
-
Good hiking shoes
These are designed for this kind of walking, and can breathe and can get wet
-
Small portable cooler
Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.
-
Binoculars
June
If you are traveling to Urumqi in June, you will notice that it is warm, somewhat rainy and very dry. Expect it to rain about half of the time. Daytime temperatures are in the low 80s F (high 20s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Short pants or heavy shorts
-
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
-
Sandals
-
Breathable footwear or sandals
-
Sunscreen lotion
-
Extra socks
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
-
Bug repellent
-
Light skirts
-
A rain jacket to layer with a coat
-
100% waterproof footwear
We like these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants will be essential in a storm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Windproof umbrella
This one is a great one to buy.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your bags stay dry. We recommend:
If you see a temple, such as Confucian Temple, wear:
If you go to Red Mountain Park, you will do a lot of walking. These are a must:
-
Ultralight day pack
Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.
-
Good hiking shoes
These are designed for this kind of walking, and can breathe and can get wet
-
Small portable cooler
Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.
-
Binoculars
July
July is hot, somewhat rainy and very dry. Temperatures average in the 80s F (high 20s C) during the day. It rains about half of the time.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Insulated water bottle
Our first choice also removes harmful contaminants:
-
Bug repellent
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Breatheable shirts
A cooling shirt can cool you down quickly and guard against the sun:
-
Sunglasses
-
Skirts
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses offer UV protection and keep you cool.
-
A rain coat to layer with a coat
-
100% waterproof footwear
We like these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants are a lifesaver in a storm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Windproof umbrella
This one is a perfect option.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your bags don't get wet. We suggest:
If you see a temple, such as Confucian Temple, wear:
If you go to Red Mountain Park, you will do a lot of walking. These are a must:
-
Ultralight day pack
Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.
-
Good hiking shoes
These are designed for this kind of walking, and can breathe and can get wet
-
Small portable cooler
Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.
-
Binoculars
August
In August, Urumqi is hot, somewhat rainy and very dry. Temperatures routinely are in the low 80s F (high 20s C) and occasionally jump into the low 90s F (low 30s C) range. At night, lows are in the low 60s F (high 10s C). This is also a rainy time for Urumqi, with several of the days of the month having rain. In August, humidity reaches as high as 30%.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Light skirts
-
Extra socks
-
Sunscreen lotion
-
Breathable footwear or sandals
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
-
Short pants or heavy shorts
-
Bug repellent
-
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
-
Sandals
-
A rain poncho to layer with a coat
-
100% waterproof footwear
We recommend these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These pants are essential in heavy rain.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Umbrella
This one is a great choice.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your suitcases stay dry. We like:
If you see a temple, such as Confucian Temple, wear:
If you go to Red Mountain Park, you will do a lot of walking. These are a must:
-
Ultralight day pack
Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.
-
Good hiking shoes
These are designed for this kind of walking, and can breathe and can get wet
-
Small portable cooler
Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.
-
Binoculars
September
If you go to Urumqi in September, you will notice that it is mild, somewhat rainy and very dry. Expect it to rain about a third of the time. Daytime temperatures are in the low 70s F (low 20s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
-
Bug repellent
-
Extra socks
-
Sandals
-
Short pants or heavy shorts
-
Sunscreen lotion
-
Breathable footwear or sandals
-
Light skirts
-
A rain jacket to layer with a coat
-
100% waterproof footwear
We like rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These are essential in a rainstorm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is an excellent one to buy.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your bags remain dry. We suggest:
If you see a temple, such as Confucian Temple, wear:
If you go to Red Mountain Park, you will do a lot of walking. These are a must:
-
Ultralight day pack
Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.
-
Good hiking shoes
These are designed for this kind of walking, and can breathe and can get wet
-
Small portable cooler
Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.
-
Binoculars
October
October in Urumqi can be brisk. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the high 30s F (single digits C). It tends to rain about a third of the time. It also snows once in a while. With the colder weather comes lower humidity, which is in the 40% to 50% range on average.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Light gloves or mittens
-
Fleece
-
Lip balm
In our opinion, the best is: this one
-
Jacket or coat
-
Warm pants or jeans
-
Extra socks
-
Standard footwear
-
A rain jacket to layer with another jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We like these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These pants are essential in a rainstorm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is an excellent one to buy.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your belongings don't get wet. We like:
If you see a temple, such as Confucian Temple, wear:
If you go to Red Mountain Park, you will do a lot of walking. These are a must:
-
Ultralight day pack
Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.
-
Good hiking shoes
These are designed for this kind of walking, and can breathe and can get wet
-
Small portable cooler
Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.
-
Binoculars
November
November in Urumqi can be extremely cold and somewhat snowy. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the low 20s F (single digits below 0 C), with a few days below 5 F (10+ below zero C). It snows about half of the time. But the colder weather doesn't bring low humidity, which is in the 60% to 70% range on average.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Heavy jacket
-
Insulated water bottle
Our pick:
-
Warm pants or jeans
-
Sweaters
-
Gloves
-
Lip balm
Our pick is: here
-
Heavy socks
Such as:
-
Cold weather footwear
-
Waterproof snow boots
In addition to day-to-day shoes, you should bring snow boots. For travel to Urumqi, we suggest these boots:
-
Waterproof jacket that can be used in snow
-
A windproof umbrella
This is vital here. This one is an excellent choice.
If you see a temple, such as Confucian Temple, wear:
If you go to Red Mountain Park, you will do a lot of walking. These are a must:
-
Ultralight day pack
Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.
-
Good hiking shoes
These are designed for this kind of walking, and can breathe and can get wet
-
Small portable cooler
Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.
-
Binoculars
December
December in Urumqi can be bitter cold and very snowy. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the single digits F (10+ below zero C). It snows about two thirds of the time. But the colder weather doesn't bring low humidity, which is in the 70% to 80% range on average.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Insulated boots
The best value
-
Thick pajamas
-
Extreme cold weather gear
-
Heated gloves
-
Night cap
It's important to wear a head warmer at night in this climate like this
-
Thermal undergarments
Our favorites:
-
Extreme weather jacket shell
These are an excellent value:
-
Coveralls
We pick:
-
Heated socks.
We've found
these to be the best
-
Fleece for under jacket
-
Insulated water bottle
Our first choice:
-
Neck gaiter/cold weather mask
-
Goggles for eye protection
-
Lip balm
Our pick: this one
-
Waterproof snow boots
In addition to regular shoes, it's important to bring snow boots. For traveling to Urumqi, we suggest these boots:
-
Waterproof jacket that can be used in snow
-
A windproof umbrella
This is essential here. This one is a great choice.
If you see a temple, such as Confucian Temple, wear:
If you go to Red Mountain Park, you will do a lot of walking. These are a must:
-
Ultralight day pack
Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.
-
Good hiking shoes
These are designed for this kind of walking, and can breathe and can get wet
-
Small portable cooler
Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.
-
Binoculars
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