How's the Weather? in The Silk Road

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

In spring, wildflowers make 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 siesta. If you plan to explore mountain areas, summer gives the most access and fluctuates between chilly nights and warm, bright days.

Clear skies last 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, comes quickly and unannounced

Winter brings sub-freezing temperatures and a dearth of travelers. Although solitude may have its charms, a few sights close for the off-season.