Xi'an, China: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2022]
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Traveling to Xi'an, China? If you're planning to go to Xi'an, here is some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack.
Contents
- When to go to Xi'an
- Important essentials for Xi'an
- Activities for Xi'an
- Xi'an in January: weather and what to pack
- Xi'an in February: weather and what to pack
- Xi'an in March: weather and what to pack
- Xi'an in April: weather and what to pack
- Xi'an in May: weather and what to pack
- Xi'an in June: weather and what to pack
- Xi'an in July: weather and what to pack
- Xi'an in August: weather and what to pack
- Xi'an in September: weather and what to pack
- Xi'an in October: weather and what to pack
- Xi'an in November: weather and what to pack
- Xi'an 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 Xi'an, China
Based on the climate and weather in Xi'an, the best time to go is May. See below for details.
Important essentials for Xi'an, China
Here are some general tips on what to wear in Xi'an, as well as several items to remember to pack when traveling there.
COVID-19 ESSENTIALS FOR 2022
Travel insurance that includes COVID-19 coverage
Cases are climbing again, and areas are returning to lockdown. If you or a companion get COVID-19, you may be stuck with no way home -- but travel insurance can protect you. Learn more about COVID-19 and travel insurance
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Hand sanitizer
This hand sanitizer is a good TSA-friendly choice.
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Kids' KN95 masks
N95 masks are not available for kids. These are a good alternative (and can also be used by adults if N95 masks are not available).
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(U.S. Residents) Telehealth COVID-19 test for entry to U.S.
U.S. residents still need a certified COVID-19 test to return home, but it can now be via Zoom. Learn more
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Touchless thermometer
A touchless thermometer is important to have.
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N95 masks
These N95 masks provide the best level of protection you can have.
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A vaccine card protector
Vaccine cards frequently wear out. An unreadable vaccination card can cause severe consequences. This vaccine card protector helps stop that.
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Travel disinfecting wipes
Use these to sanitize plane and hotel surfaces.
General health necessities
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Emergency water purifier
Some areas may have potentially unsafe tap water, so it's useful to take an emergency water purifier like this one.
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Travel first aid kit
This one is a superb choice.
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Emergency motion sickness relief
Don't forget these
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For families with young children
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Plug adapter
A plug adapter that supports outlet types A, C and I. This one should be appropriate for most locations, but check with your hotel.
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Money/passport pouch
Pickpocketing is an issue here, so wear a money pouch.
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Airplane or car necessities
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Voice and data SIM card
A SIM card that works in Xi'an. 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.
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Power bank for devices
A portable power bank, like this one
What to wear/what to pack for Xi'an, China by month
Already know when you're traveling?
January
Traveling to Xi'an in January, you will notice that it is brisk. Daytime temperatures are in the high 30s F (single digits C).
What to wear/what to pack:
February
If you visit Xi'an during February, you may notice that it is cold. Temperatures tend to hover around the 40s F (single digits C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the low 30s F (single digits below 0 C). Humidity is generally between 40 and 50% during the day.
What to wear/what to pack:
March
If you vacation in Xi'an during March, you are likely to find that it is pretty cool. Temperatures tend to hover around the 50s F (low 10s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the high 30s F (single digits C). Humidity is generally between 40 and 50% during the day.
What to wear/what to pack:
April
April in Xi'an is balmy. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the low 50s F (single digits C). With the colder weather comes lower humidity, which is in the 50% to 60% range on average.
What to wear/what to pack:
May
May in Xi'an is a perfect temperature. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the high 60s F (low 20s C) to high 70s F (mid 20s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
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Bug repellent
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Light skirts
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Short pants or heavy shorts
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Breathable footwear or sandals
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Long and short sleeve shirts
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Sunscreen lotion
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Sandals
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Extra socks
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Light dresses
You can find some great options here
June
June in Xi'an is really hot. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the 80s F (low 30s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
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Sunglasses
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Skirts
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Bug repellent
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Loose-fit shorts
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Waterproof sandals
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Insulated water bottle
Our favorite:
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Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
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Breatheable shirts
A breatheable shirt can keep you cool and guard against the sun:
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Cool and dry dresses
These dresses offer UV protection and keep you cool.
July
July in Xi'an is extremely hot. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the 80s F (low 30s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
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Skirts
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Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
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Waterproof sandals
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Breatheable shirts
A breatheable shirt can cool you down quickly and guard against UV rays:
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Loose-fit shorts
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Insulated water bottle
Our fave:
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Bug repellent
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Cool and dry dresses
These dresses include UV protection and keep you cool.
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Sunglasses
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Rain poncho
A good rain poncho to wear over your jacket will help avoid loads of aggrevation by protecting your coat. We like this one.
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The stormy weather makes rubber rain boots a necessity. These boots are great for stormy weather:
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An umbrella
This excellent one is built for stormy weather.
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Waterproof luggage cover
So your stuff stay dry. Even the finest suitcases can let rain in. We recommend:
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Rain pants
These pants are essential in heavy rain.
August
August in Xi'an is hot. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the high 70s F (mid 20s C) to 80s F (high 20s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
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Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Breatheable shirts
A good breatheable shirt can make you comfortable and guard against the sun:
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Cool and dry dresses
These dresses include UV protection and cool you.
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Loose-fit shorts
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Waterproof sandals
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Bug repellent
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Skirts
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Sunglasses
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Insulated water bottle
Our first choice:
September
If you visit Xi'an during September, you are likely to see that it is warm. Temperatures tend to hover around the 70s F (mid 20s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the low 60s F (mid 10s C). Humidity is generally between 60 and 70% during the day.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Extra socks
-
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
-
Bug repellent
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
-
Sandals
-
Short pants or heavy shorts
-
Sunscreen lotion
-
Breathable footwear or sandals
-
Light skirts
October
Traveling to Xi'an in October, you will notice that it is chilly. Daytime temperatures are in the 60s F (high 10s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
November
If you go to Xi'an in November, you will notice that it is brisk. Daytime temperatures are in the low 50s F (low 10s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
Activities for Xi'an, China
Here are some activity recommendations and activity-specific packing tips for Xi'an.
Mosques often require certain dress, so if you are planning to visit the must-see Grand Mosque, take the following:
Note that there may be restrictions on who may enter this mosque; it is best to check with the Xi'an tourism authority.
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Dressy pants/trousers
Your pants should cover your knees:
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Scarf for women
You may need to wear something to cover your head. This is a good option.
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Long sleeve shirts/blouses
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Socks
You will need to take your shoes off.
If you go to Forest of Steles, you're likely to do a lot of walking. These are a must:
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Small portable cooler
Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.
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Ultralight day pack
Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.
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Good hiking shoes
These are designed for this kind of walking, and can breathe and can get wet
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Binoculars
If you check out a temple, such as Wolong Temple, wear:
If you go to the Shaanxi Historic Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:
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Comfy walking shoes
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Ultralight day pack
Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.
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Small portable cooler
Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.
Castle hopping? For DaMing Palace and Park, take:
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Ultralight day pack
Like this, so you can carry your stuff.
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