How's the Weather?

How's the Weather?

The best time to visit the region is from early May to late October, when the weather is warm. This is also the high tourist season, when many festivals take place and the land is in bloom with grasses and flowers.

Spring is a double-edged sword. At no other time of the year (and in no other part of China) do wildflowers make such a colorful, riotous appearance on the mountain meadows, rolling grasslands, and lush valleys. That said, much of northwest China is desert and spring is when warm winds whip across the land causing dust devils and sandstorms. By May most of the fury has died down.

Dry, sunny summers provide blue skies and long days, optimal for exploring and photographing the region. Lunchtime, however, can be insufferably hot and most tourists follow the locals' lead in taking a midday break. If you plan to explore mountain areas, summer gives the most access and fluctuates between chilly nights and warm, bright days.

Clear skies last well into fall, usually through October. The changing leaves explode into a symphony of yellow, orange, and red, once again creating ideal opportunities for the shutterbug. Cold weather, however, can come quickly and unannounced. If you visit in fall, bring an extra set of warm clothes.

Winter brings sub-freezing temperatures, and a noticeable dearth of tourists and travelers. Although solitude may have its own charms, many interesting sights close for the off-season, making it the least desirable time to visit.