Xining, China: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2022]
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Traveling to Xining, China? If you're planning to go to Xining, we've got some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack.
Contents
- When to go to Xining
- Important essentials for Xining
- Activities for Xining
- Xining in January: weather and what to pack
- Xining in February: weather and what to pack
- Xining in March: weather and what to pack
- Xining in April: weather and what to pack
- Xining in May: weather and what to pack
- Xining in June: weather and what to pack
- Xining in July: weather and what to pack
- Xining in August: weather and what to pack
- Xining in September: weather and what to pack
- Xining in October: weather and what to pack
- Xining in November: weather and what to pack
- Xining 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 Xining, China
Based on the climate and weather in Xining, the best time to go is July. See below for details.
Important essentials for Xining, China
Here are some general tips on what to wear in Xining, 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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Touchless thermometer
A touchless thermometer is important to have.
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A vaccine card protector
Vaccine cards frequently get worn. An unreadable vaccine card can cause severe consequences. This vaccine card protector helps avoid that.
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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).
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Hand sanitizer
This hand sanitizer is a good plane-friendly product.
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N95 masks
These N95 masks provide the best level of COVID protection you can have.
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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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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 bring an emergency water purifier like this one.
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Travel first aid kit
This one is a good choice.
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Emergency motion sickness relief
Don't forget these
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Plug adapter
A plug adapter that supports outlet types A, C and I. This one works in most locations, but check with your hotel.
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Airplane or car necessities
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For families with young children
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Power bank for devices
A portable power bank, like this one
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Money/passport pouch
A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.
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Voice and data SIM card
A SIM card that works in Xining. 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.
What to wear/what to pack for Xining, China by month
Already know when you're traveling?
January
January in this region can be extremely cold. Temperatures average in the low 30s F (single digits C) during the day.
What to wear/what to pack:
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Extreme cold weather gloves
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Coveralls/snow pants
Here are some of the best choices:
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Extreme weather jacket shell
These are a great value:
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Scarf/neck warmer
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Insulated ice boots
We use:
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Thermal undergarments
Our favorites:
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Heavy sweaters
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Fleece inner layer
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Pajamas
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Lip balm
The best choice: here
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Very heavy heated socks
Like these
February
If you are traveling to Xining in February, you will notice that it is pretty cool. Daytime temperatures are in the high 30s F (single digits C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Coveralls/snow pants
Here are some of the best choices:
-
Fleece inner layer
-
Insulated ice boots
We use:
-
Lip balm
The best option: this
-
Extreme cold weather gloves
-
Extreme weather jacket shell
These are a great value:
-
Pajamas
-
Scarf/neck warmer
-
Thermal undergarments
We chose:
-
Heavy sweaters
-
Very heavy heated socks
Like these
March
If you are traveling to Xining in March, you will notice that it is cold. Daytime temperatures are in the 40s F (single digits C).
What to wear/what to pack:
April
If you vacation in Xining during April, you are likely to notice that it is crisp. Temperatures tend to hover around the high 50s F (mid 10s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the 30s F (single digits C). Humidity is generally between 20 and 30% during the day.
What to wear/what to pack:
May
May in Xining is crisp. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the 40s F (single digits C). With the colder weather comes lower humidity, which is in the 30% to 40% range on average.
What to wear/what to pack:
June
June in Xining is mild. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the low 60s F (mid 10s C) to low 60s F (low 20s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
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Dresses
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Standard footwear
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Light and heavy skirts
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Light jacket or fleece
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Extra socks
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Pants or jeans
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Long sleeve shirts or blouses
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Rain poncho
A good rain poncho to wear over your jacket can be a lifesaver by protecting your main jacket. We like this one.
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The stormy weather makes rubber rain boots essential. These boots are well-suited 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 things remain dry. The finest luggage can let rain in. We recommend:
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Rain pants
Rain pants are essential in heavy rain.
July
If you visit Xining during July, you may find that it is balmy. Temperatures tend to hover around the low 70s F (low 20s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the 50s F (low 10s C). Humidity is generally between 40 and 50% during the day.
What to wear/what to pack:
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Sandals
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Sunscreen lotion
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Light dresses
You can find some great options here
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Breathable footwear or sandals
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Extra socks
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Long and short sleeve shirts
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Short pants or heavy shorts
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Bug repellent
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Light skirts
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Rain poncho
A quality rain poncho to wear over your jacket will avoid travel headaches by protecting your nice 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:
-
An umbrella
This excellent one is designed for storms.
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Waterproof luggage cover
So your stuff stay dry. Even the finest luggage can let water in. We suggest:
-
Rain pants
These pants will be essential in heavy rain.
August
August in Xining is mild. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the low 70s F (low 20s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Sandals
-
Extra socks
-
Short pants or heavy shorts
-
Sunscreen lotion
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
-
Light skirts
-
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
-
Breathable footwear or sandals
-
Bug repellent
-
Rain poncho
A weatherproof rain poncho to wear over your jacket can be a lifesaver by protecting your main jacket. We like this one.
-
Stormy weather makes rubber rain boots a necessity. These boots are great for stormy weather:
-
An umbrella
This excellent one is designed for storms.
-
Waterproof luggage cover
So your things stay dry. The finest suitcases can let water in. We like:
-
Rain pants
These will be vital in a rainstorm.
September
If you go to Xining in September, you will notice that it is crisp. Daytime temperatures are in the low 60s F (high 10s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
October
Traveling to Xining in October, you will notice that it is relatively cool. Daytime temperatures are in the 50s F (low 10s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
November
November in Xining is pretty cool. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the low 20s F (single digits below 0 C). With the colder weather comes lower humidity, which is in the 30% to 40% range on average.
What to wear/what to pack:
December
December in Xining is very cold. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the low 10s F (10+ below zero C). With the colder weather comes lower humidity, which is in the 30% to 40% range on average.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Coveralls/snow pants
Here are some of the best choices:
-
Fleece inner layer
-
Insulated ice boots
We use:
-
Extreme weather jacket shell
These are a great value:
-
Lip balm
The best is: here
-
Thermal undergarments
Our choice is:
-
Pajamas
-
Scarf/neck warmer
-
Extreme cold weather gloves
-
Very heavy heated socks
Like these
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Heavy sweaters
Activities for Xining, China
Here are some activity recommendations and activity-specific packing tips for Xining.
Mosques often require certain dress, so if you intend to visit the must-see Dongguan Mosque, take the following:
Note that there may be restrictions on who can enter the mosque; you should check with the Xining tourism authority.
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Socks
You will need to take your shoes off.
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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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Dressy pants/trousers
Your pants should cover your knees:
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Long sleeve shirts/blouses
If you visit a temple, such as North Mountain Temple, wear:
If you go to the Tibetan Medicine Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:
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Small portable cooler
Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.
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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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