Kashgar Weather in December
Season: Winter
Average Temperature: -8 to 2°C (18-36°F)
Kashgar in December is very cold, and has the second-lowest temperature among the 12 months.
Low-altitude areas can still see several days with the daily high above freezing, but mainly in the first half of the month. Then, in the second half month, the daily high temperature of these areas usually ranges from -5 to 0 degrees Celsius (23-32 degrees Fahrenheit). The daily low is usually about -5°C (23°F) and -10°C (14°F), respectively, in the first and second half month. Besides, in one day, the temperature variation can be around 10°C (18°F).
The temperature of high-altitude areas in December has no distinct downward trend, but remains quite low nearly the whole month: The maximum temperature per day fluctuates between -10°C (14°F) and 0°C (32°F), while the minimum temperature ranges from -20°C to -10°C (-4-14°F). Note that the temperature gap between day and night is even larger in these places, reaching around 15°C (27°F).
Low-altitude areas experience quite many sunny days and have low precipitation. Taking Kashgar City as an example: In December 2024, there was only one snowy day, and in 2023 and 2022, there was not even a single day with precipitation.
High-altitude areas have a bit more snowy days with a comparison. The snow is small most of the time and not very frequent. However, keep in mind that even so, there’s still a possibility you might encounter heavy snow.
The humidity averages about 68%, and you may feel dry during your trip.
December has the shortest daylight hours throughout the year, at about 9 on average. The sun rises at 09:59-10:16 and sets at 19:32-19:42. So, you need to carefully plan your itinerary in advance to make the most of the time. The sunshine hours average around 5 per day in December.
The good news is that you don’t need to suffer from strong UV rays this month, since the UV index is only 2 at its highest.
See also: Xinjiang Weather in December
In the bitterly cold month of December, Kashgar sees only a few tourists, and its attractions are remarkably quiet, with many shops within are closed. However, at the same time, hotels are easy to book and offer affordable rates.
As for the scenery on the Pamir Plateau in December, while the grasslands and trees appear bare, you can witness the blue ice of Baisha Lake, the ice-capped Muztagata Peak, and vast stretches of snow-covered mountains. December is also a good time to see the golden sun gradually setting behind the snow-covered mountains.
Therefore, for most travelers, December is not an ideal month for visiting. However, if you seek a tranquil travel atmosphere, are not afraid of the cold, and wish to experience winter’s natural beauty, December is a viable option for visiting Kashgar.
Clothes for the upper: The clothes you are recommended to bring include thermal shirts, sweaters, 3-in-1 jackets, and down coats. For low-altitude areas, you can wear sweaters plus 3-in-1 jackets and down coats, respectively, in the daytime and nighttime of the first half month. Then, in the second half month, you need to wear sweaters plus down coats in the daytime, and add thermal shirts at nighttime. For high-altitude areas, you need to wear thermal shirts, sweaters, and down coats most of the time. On this basis, you can put on the fleece layers of the 3-in-1 jackets if you are afraid of cold.
Clothes for the bottom: Wear thermal pants plus thick sweatpants in low altitude areas, and long johns plus thermal outdoor pants in high-altitude areas.
Shoes: Considering the weather of Kashgar is cold with occasional snow, especially in high-altitude areas, you are recommended to bring not only thick enough, but also non-slip and water-resistant high-top boots.
Others:
1. Sunglasses are still recommended to pack though the sunlight is not intense this month, as the glare reflected off the snow can be quite blinding.
2. Due to dry climate of Kashgar, body lotion, moisturizing cream, and lip balm are all essential. Moreover, you need to bring a portable water bottle to help you hydrate more frequently and promptly during your trip.
3. When visiting high-altitude areas, you are advised to wear hats and scarves to keep warm.
1. This month, heating systems are working in most indoor places. On the one hand, be mindful of the significant temperature difference between indoors and outdoors to avoid catching a cold. On the other hand, it is advisable to take measures against the dry air, such as selecting a hotel equipped with humidifiers.
2. The scenery of the Pamir Plateau looks completely different on days with bright sunshine versus days without sunshine. Additionally, sites like the Panlong Ancient Road and Muztag Glacier Park may close during snowy weather. Therefore, remember to check the weather forecasts throughout your trip in Kashgar and make adjustments if needed.
3. As mentioned above, some stores, including some restaurants and cafes, are closed this month. So, you are recommended to check the operating hours of a specific shop before visiting, and carry some snacks with you during your trip in case you find nowhere to dine.
4. Nighttime is really cold, especially in high-altitude areas, so you are advised to reduce your nighttime travel stops.
Cold, Especially in High-altitude Areas
Kashgar in December is very cold, and has the second-lowest temperature among the 12 months.
Low-altitude areas can still see several days with the daily high above freezing, but mainly in the first half of the month. Then, in the second half month, the daily high temperature of these areas usually ranges from -5 to 0 degrees Celsius (23-32 degrees Fahrenheit). The daily low is usually about -5°C (23°F) and -10°C (14°F), respectively, in the first and second half month. Besides, in one day, the temperature variation can be around 10°C (18°F).
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| Cold December |
The temperature of high-altitude areas in December has no distinct downward trend, but remains quite low nearly the whole month: The maximum temperature per day fluctuates between -10°C (14°F) and 0°C (32°F), while the minimum temperature ranges from -20°C to -10°C (-4-14°F). Note that the temperature gap between day and night is even larger in these places, reaching around 15°C (27°F).
Dry with Rare Precipitation
High-altitude areas have a bit more snowy days with a comparison. The snow is small most of the time and not very frequent. However, keep in mind that even so, there’s still a possibility you might encounter heavy snow.
The humidity averages about 68%, and you may feel dry during your trip.
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| Sunny Kashgar in December |
Short Daylight Hours & Sunshine Hours
The good news is that you don’t need to suffer from strong UV rays this month, since the UV index is only 2 at its highest.
See also: Xinjiang Weather in December
What Is Kashgar like in December?
As for the scenery on the Pamir Plateau in December, while the grasslands and trees appear bare, you can witness the blue ice of Baisha Lake, the ice-capped Muztagata Peak, and vast stretches of snow-covered mountains. December is also a good time to see the golden sun gradually setting behind the snow-covered mountains.
Therefore, for most travelers, December is not an ideal month for visiting. However, if you seek a tranquil travel atmosphere, are not afraid of the cold, and wish to experience winter’s natural beauty, December is a viable option for visiting Kashgar.
What to Bring for Kashgar Trip in October
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Clothes for the upper: The clothes you are recommended to bring include thermal shirts, sweaters, 3-in-1 jackets, and down coats. For low-altitude areas, you can wear sweaters plus 3-in-1 jackets and down coats, respectively, in the daytime and nighttime of the first half month. Then, in the second half month, you need to wear sweaters plus down coats in the daytime, and add thermal shirts at nighttime. For high-altitude areas, you need to wear thermal shirts, sweaters, and down coats most of the time. On this basis, you can put on the fleece layers of the 3-in-1 jackets if you are afraid of cold. Clothes for the bottom: Wear thermal pants plus thick sweatpants in low altitude areas, and long johns plus thermal outdoor pants in high-altitude areas. Shoes: Considering the weather of Kashgar is cold with occasional snow, especially in high-altitude areas, you are recommended to bring not only thick enough, but also non-slip and water-resistant high-top boots. Others:1. Sunglasses are still recommended to pack though the sunlight is not intense this month, as the glare reflected off the snow can be quite blinding.
2. Due to dry climate of Kashgar, body lotion, moisturizing cream, and lip balm are all essential. Moreover, you need to bring a portable water bottle to help you hydrate more frequently and promptly during your trip.
3. When visiting high-altitude areas, you are advised to wear hats and scarves to keep warm.
Tips for Kashgar Trip in December
2. The scenery of the Pamir Plateau looks completely different on days with bright sunshine versus days without sunshine. Additionally, sites like the Panlong Ancient Road and Muztag Glacier Park may close during snowy weather. Therefore, remember to check the weather forecasts throughout your trip in Kashgar and make adjustments if needed.
3. As mentioned above, some stores, including some restaurants and cafes, are closed this month. So, you are recommended to check the operating hours of a specific shop before visiting, and carry some snacks with you during your trip in case you find nowhere to dine.
4. Nighttime is really cold, especially in high-altitude areas, so you are advised to reduce your nighttime travel stops.
7-Day Kashgar Weather Forecast
Kashgar Weather by Month
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- Last updated on Oct. 28, 2025 by Demi Li -