Xi'an, China: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2023]

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Traveling to Xi'an, China? If you're planning to go to Xi'an, this article contains some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack.

Contents

When to go to Xi'an, China

Based on the climate and weather in Xi'an, China, the best time to go is May. See below for details.

What to wear/what to pack for Xi'an, China

Already know when you're traveling?

Here are some general tips on what to wear in Xi'an, as well as several items to remember to pack when traveling there.

What to wear/what to pack for Xi'an, China by month

January

If you go 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:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • Money/passport pouch

    Pickpocketing is an issue here, so wear a money pouch.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit more peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • 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.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A, C and I. Take care to choose the correct type. A lot of adapters available online are simply plugs and expect your devices to change the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could burn up. This one is sufficent for most locations.

  • Travel neck support pillow

    Our fave is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Ultraportable travel stroller

    This stroller is only 10 pounds and folds to the size of a big book.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

Mosques often require certain dress, so if you are planning to check out the majestic Grand Mosque, take the following:

Note that there may be restrictions on who may enter this mosque; you should check with the Xi'an tourism authority.

If you go to Forest of Steles, you're likely to do a lot of walking. These are a must:

February

Traveling to Xi'an in February, you will notice that it is pretty cool. Daytime temperatures are in the 40s F (single digits C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • Money/passport pouch

    Pickpocketing is an issue here, so wear a money pouch.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit more protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • 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.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel pillow

    A good option is this one

  • Ultralightweight travel stroller

    This stroller is only 10 pounds and folds to the size of a big book.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A, C and I. Be sure to find the right kind. A lot of adapters on sale are just plug changers and require your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get destroyed. This one is sufficent for most places.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

Mosques often require certain dress, so if you are planning to check out the majestic Grand Mosque, take the following:

Note that there may be restrictions on who may enter this mosque; you should check with the Xi'an tourism authority.

If you go to Forest of Steles, you're likely to do a lot of walking. These are a must:

March

March is cold. Temperatures average in the 50s F (low 10s C) during the day.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit more protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • Money/passport pouch

    Pickpocketing is an issue here, so wear a money pouch.

  • 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.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Ultralightweight travel stroller

    This stroller weighs almost 10 pounds and folds to the size of a big book.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A, C and I. Make sure to choose the necessary type. Most adapters available are simply plugs and require your devices to change the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should be sufficient for most locations.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel neck pillow

    An excellent option is this one

Mosques often require certain dress, so if you are planning to check out the majestic Grand Mosque, take the following:

Note that there may be restrictions on who may enter this mosque; you should check with the Xi'an tourism authority.

If you go to Forest of Steles, you're likely to do a lot of walking. These are a must:

April

Traveling to Xi'an in April, you will notice that it is mild. Daytime temperatures are in the high 60s F (low 20s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • Money/passport pouch

    Pickpocketing is an issue here, so wear a money pouch.

  • 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.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For additional protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A, C and I. Be careful to pick the correct kind. Many adapters on sale are just plugs and require your devices to change the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could burn up. This one should be appropriate for most countries.

  • Folding travel stroller

    This stroller weighs just 10 pounds and folds to the size of a big book.

  • Travel pillow

    A great choice is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

Mosques often require certain dress, so if you are planning to check out the majestic Grand Mosque, take the following:

Note that there may be restrictions on who may enter this mosque; you should check with the Xi'an tourism authority.

If you go to Forest of Steles, you're likely to do a lot of walking. These are a must:

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 70s F (mid 20s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • Money/passport pouch

    Pickpocketing is an issue here, so wear a money pouch.

  • 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.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit more peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Folding travel stroller

    This stroller weighs almost 10 pounds and folds to the size of a big book.

  • Travel neck pillow

    A top rated pillow is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A, C and I. Make sure to get the necessary type. Most adapters on sale are just plugs and expect your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should be sufficient for most locations.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

Mosques often require certain dress, so if you are planning to check out the majestic Grand Mosque, take the following:

Note that there may be restrictions on who may enter this mosque; you should check with the Xi'an tourism authority.

If you go to Forest of Steles, you're likely to do a lot of walking. These are a must:

June

If you go to Xi'an in June, you will notice that it is extremely hot. Daytime temperatures are in the 80s F (low 30s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For some more peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • 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.

  • Money/passport pouch

    Pickpocketing is an issue here, so wear a money pouch.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A great choice is this one

  • Folding travel stroller

    This stroller weighs almost 10 lbs and folds to the size of a big book.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A, C and I. Check that you find the necessary type. The vast majority of adapters currently sold are simply plug changers and require your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one is sufficent for most locations.

Mosques often require certain dress, so if you are planning to check out the majestic Grand Mosque, take the following:

Note that there may be restrictions on who may enter this mosque; you should check with the Xi'an tourism authority.

If you go to Forest of Steles, you're likely to do a lot of walking. These are a must:

July

July in Xi'an is consistently 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:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • 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.

  • Money/passport pouch

    Pickpocketing is an issue here, so wear a money pouch.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit more protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Ultraportable travel stroller

    This stroller weighs just 10 lbs and folds to the size of a big book.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A versatile choice is this one

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A, C and I. Take care to find the correct type. The majority of adapters available are just plugs and expect your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should be sufficient for most areas.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

Mosques often require certain dress, so if you are planning to check out the majestic Grand Mosque, take the following:

Note that there may be restrictions on who may enter this mosque; you should check with the Xi'an tourism authority.

If you go to Forest of Steles, you're likely to do a lot of walking. These are a must:

August

If you vacation in Xi'an during August, you are likely to notice that it is hot. Temperatures tend to hover around the 80s F (high 20s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the low 60s F (low 20s C). Humidity is generally around 60 during the day.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • 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.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For additional protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • Money/passport pouch

    Pickpocketing is an issue here, so wear a money pouch.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Easy folding travel stroller

    This stroller weighs only 10 pounds and folds to the size of a big book.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel pillow

    A good option is this one

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A, C and I. It's important that you pick the correct type. A lot of adapters on sale are simply plug changers and expect your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one is sufficent for most places.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

Mosques often require certain dress, so if you are planning to check out the majestic Grand Mosque, take the following:

Note that there may be restrictions on who may enter this mosque; you should check with the Xi'an tourism authority.

If you go to Forest of Steles, you're likely to do a lot of walking. These are a must:

September

If you are traveling to Xi'an in September, you will notice that it is a perfect temperature. Daytime temperatures are in the 70s F (mid 20s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • 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.

  • Money/passport pouch

    Pickpocketing is an issue here, so wear a money pouch.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For additional peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A, C and I. Check that you choose the correct kind. The vast majority of adapters on sale are just plug changers and require your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get fried. This one should be appropriate for most locations.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel neck pillow

    A great choice is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Ultralightweight travel stroller

    This stroller weighs just 10 pounds and folds to the size of a big book.

Mosques often require certain dress, so if you are planning to check out the majestic Grand Mosque, take the following:

Note that there may be restrictions on who may enter this mosque; you should check with the Xi'an tourism authority.

If you go to Forest of Steles, you're likely to do a lot of walking. These are a must:

October

October in Xi'an is relatively cool. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the high 50s F (mid 10s C) to 60s F (high 10s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • 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.

  • Money/passport pouch

    Pickpocketing is an issue here, so wear a money pouch.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit more protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Folding travel stroller

    This stroller is only 10 pounds and folds to the size of a big book.

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A, C and I. Make sure to pick the necessary type. Most adapters available are simply plugs and require your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one works in most locations.

  • Travel neck support pillow

    What we like is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

Mosques often require certain dress, so if you are planning to check out the majestic Grand Mosque, take the following:

Note that there may be restrictions on who may enter this mosque; you should check with the Xi'an tourism authority.

If you go to Forest of Steles, you're likely to do a lot of walking. These are a must:

November

November in Xi'an is pretty cool. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the high 30s F (single digits C). But the colder weather doesn't bring low humidity, which is in the 50% to 60% range on average.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For additional peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • Money/passport pouch

    Pickpocketing is an issue here, so wear a money pouch.

  • 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.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Ultralightweight travel stroller

    This stroller is only 10 pounds and folds to the size of a big book.

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A, C and I. Take care to choose the necessary type. Most adapters for sale now are just plug changers and require your devices to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one should be sufficient for most areas.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel neck pillow

    An excellent option is this one

Mosques often require certain dress, so if you are planning to check out the majestic Grand Mosque, take the following:

Note that there may be restrictions on who may enter this mosque; you should check with the Xi'an tourism authority.

If you go to Forest of Steles, you're likely to do a lot of walking. These are a must:

December

If you are traveling to Xi'an in December, you will notice that it can be brisk. Daytime temperatures are in the low 40s F (single digits C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • Money/passport pouch

    Pickpocketing is an issue here, so wear a money pouch.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For added protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • 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.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Folding travel stroller

    This stroller weighs just 10 pounds and folds to the size of a big book.

  • Travel pillow

    A top rated pillow is this one

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A, C and I. Make sure to choose the right type. Most adapters that you can buy are simply plugs and require your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should work in most locations.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

Mosques often require certain dress, so if you are planning to check out the majestic Grand Mosque, take the following:

Note that there may be restrictions on who may enter this mosque; you should check with the Xi'an tourism authority.

If you go to Forest of Steles, you're likely to do a lot of walking. These are a must:

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.

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