Kashgar Weather in May
Season: Spring
Average Temperature: 13-26°C (55-79°F)
In May, daily highs in low-altitude areas like Shache and Kashgar City reach around 25-30 degrees Celsius (77-86 degrees Fahrenheit), with peaks hitting approximately 35°C (95°F). So, you will feel quite warm most of the time, and a little hot occasionally. The temperature difference between day and night is significant. Even so, evenings remain mild, with the temperature hovering around 20°C (68°F). Note that the temperature typically drops on rainy days, with daytime highs potentially falling to around 20°C (68°F).
Daytime temperature in the high-altitude Pamir Plateau is also quite comfortable this month, ranging at about 15-20°C (59-68°F). Nevertheless, the morning and evening temperature is relatively low, at around only 5-10°C (41-50°F).
May is one of the months with higher precipitation in Kashgar. However, there is no need to worry- in a place as dry as Kashgar throughout the year. Even during these rainiest months, the average monthly rainfall generally doesn’t exceed 20 mm.
In May, Kashgar City and other low-altitude areas may experience a few rainy days, but not very frequently at all. Light rain is the predominant form, though moderate rain may occasionally occur. Therefore, when visiting these places in May, you needn’t worry about encountering many rainy days and get your travel experience spoiled. Higher-altitude areas experience more rainy days, and may see snowfall. For instance, on May 30th and 31st, 2025, Tashkurgan saw sleet accompanied by a sudden drop in temperature. Therefore, if you plan to visit scenic spots in these regions, it’s essential to keep a close eye on the weather forecast.
Due to low precipitation, dry air, and relatively high wind speeds, May is one of the months prone to dusty weather. This weather condition not only reduces visibility, shrouding landscapes in earthy yellow color, but also degrades air quality, filling the air with dust particles. Fortunately, dusty weather is not frequent this month.
Traveling to Kashgar this month, you enjoy quite a long available daytime of about 14-15 hours, from 07:31-07:57 to 21:49-22:16. The sunshine hours are about 8 per day on average, contributing to the high UV index of 10. Sun protection measures are important to protect yourself from the intense sunshine.
See also: Xinjiang Weather in May
Yes, you are highly recommended to travel to Kashgar in May, one of the best visiting months.
1. Except for occasional sandstorms, the weather of Kashgar in May in terms of temperature, rainfall, and daylight hours is all favorable for outdoor visiting.
2. Except for the May Day holiday at the beginning of the month, Kashgar won’t see many tourists, allowing you to enjoy a relatively quiet and budget-friendly trip.
3. The cultural attractions here, such as the Kashgar Old Town, Abakh Khoja Tomb, and the Gaotai Ancient Homes, are certainly worth visiting at any time. Beyond these, the natural landscapes of the Pamir Plateau in May also reveal unique charms: the grasslands begin to turn green; snow and ice melt, contributing to full rivers and lakes; under bright sunshine, lakes are blue and crystal clear, perfectly mirroring the snow-capped mountains...
Also want to know Is May a good time to visit Xinjiang? Refer to Xinjiang Weather in May.
Clothes: In places like Kashgar City and Shache, you can wear short sleeves during the daytime. If you are concerned about sun exposure, lightweight long-sleeve T-shirts are highly recommended. To stay warm in the mornings and evenings, remember to pack light jackets. For bottoms, jeans and sweatpants are suitable. Females can also opt for long skirts. If visiting plateau regions like Taxkorgan with more variable weather, a 3-in-1 jacket is recommended, which can protect you from both the wind and the cold.
Shoes: Lightweight hiking shoes and sneakers are suitable for all attractions. For places like Kashgar Old Town, it’s also OK to wear sandals in the warm daytime.
Other items:
1. Be sure to bring sunscreen with high SPF, sun hats, and sunglasses.
2. Bring a face mask to protect against wind and sand.
3. Considering the dry climate of Kashgar, you are recommended to bring moisturizing face masks and lip balms.
4. Mosquitoes are rampant this month, so bring insect repellent.
1. Kashgar will be a bit crowded during the May Day holiday from May 1st to 5th, 2026, so remember to book your hotel as early as possible. Also, during your trip, it is advised to pack some snacks in your bag, because you may experience traffic congestion in some sections of the roads.
2. Although May marks the end of spring, snowfall remains possible in high-altitude areas. On days with moderate to heavy snow, locations such as Muztagata Peak and the Panlong Ancient Trail may close. Besides, if sandstorm occurs, the Muji Volcano may close. Therefore, if planning to visit these places, be sure to monitor weather forecasts closely and confirm their accessibility in advance.
What Is the Weather like in Kashgar in May?
Temperature: Quite Warm, Especially in Low-altitude Areas
In May, daily highs in low-altitude areas like Shache and Kashgar City reach around 25-30 degrees Celsius (77-86 degrees Fahrenheit), with peaks hitting approximately 35°C (95°F). So, you will feel quite warm most of the time, and a little hot occasionally. The temperature difference between day and night is significant. Even so, evenings remain mild, with the temperature hovering around 20°C (68°F). Note that the temperature typically drops on rainy days, with daytime highs potentially falling to around 20°C (68°F).
Daytime temperature in the high-altitude Pamir Plateau is also quite comfortable this month, ranging at about 15-20°C (59-68°F). Nevertheless, the morning and evening temperature is relatively low, at around only 5-10°C (41-50°F).
Precipitation: Higher than Many Other Months, but still Low
In May, Kashgar City and other low-altitude areas may experience a few rainy days, but not very frequently at all. Light rain is the predominant form, though moderate rain may occasionally occur. Therefore, when visiting these places in May, you needn’t worry about encountering many rainy days and get your travel experience spoiled. Higher-altitude areas experience more rainy days, and may see snowfall. For instance, on May 30th and 31st, 2025, Tashkurgan saw sleet accompanied by a sudden drop in temperature. Therefore, if you plan to visit scenic spots in these regions, it’s essential to keep a close eye on the weather forecast.
Dusty Weather: May Occur, but Not Frequently
Daylight Hours & Sunshine Hours: Both Long
See also: Xinjiang Weather in May
Should I Visit Kashgar in May?
1. Except for occasional sandstorms, the weather of Kashgar in May in terms of temperature, rainfall, and daylight hours is all favorable for outdoor visiting.
2. Except for the May Day holiday at the beginning of the month, Kashgar won’t see many tourists, allowing you to enjoy a relatively quiet and budget-friendly trip.
3. The cultural attractions here, such as the Kashgar Old Town, Abakh Khoja Tomb, and the Gaotai Ancient Homes, are certainly worth visiting at any time. Beyond these, the natural landscapes of the Pamir Plateau in May also reveal unique charms: the grasslands begin to turn green; snow and ice melt, contributing to full rivers and lakes; under bright sunshine, lakes are blue and crystal clear, perfectly mirroring the snow-capped mountains...
Also want to know Is May a good time to visit Xinjiang? Refer to Xinjiang Weather in May.
What to Bring when Visiting Kashgar in May
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Clothes: In places like Kashgar City and Shache, you can wear short sleeves during the daytime. If you are concerned about sun exposure, lightweight long-sleeve T-shirts are highly recommended. To stay warm in the mornings and evenings, remember to pack light jackets. For bottoms, jeans and sweatpants are suitable. Females can also opt for long skirts. If visiting plateau regions like Taxkorgan with more variable weather, a 3-in-1 jacket is recommended, which can protect you from both the wind and the cold. Shoes: Lightweight hiking shoes and sneakers are suitable for all attractions. For places like Kashgar Old Town, it’s also OK to wear sandals in the warm daytime. Other items:1. Be sure to bring sunscreen with high SPF, sun hats, and sunglasses.
2. Bring a face mask to protect against wind and sand.
3. Considering the dry climate of Kashgar, you are recommended to bring moisturizing face masks and lip balms.
4. Mosquitoes are rampant this month, so bring insect repellent.
Tips for Kashgar Trip in May
2. Although May marks the end of spring, snowfall remains possible in high-altitude areas. On days with moderate to heavy snow, locations such as Muztagata Peak and the Panlong Ancient Trail may close. Besides, if sandstorm occurs, the Muji Volcano may close. Therefore, if planning to visit these places, be sure to monitor weather forecasts closely and confirm their accessibility in advance.
7-Day Kashgar Weather Forecast
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- Last updated on Oct. 20, 2025 by Demi Li -