Xinjiang Weather in December

 Yes, in December, Xinjiang is very cold.

Northern Xinjiang can be described as extremely cold. For most areas, the temperature is generally below 0 degrees Celsius (32 degrees Fahrenheit), even in daytime. Specifically, daily highs of Urumqi hover around -10 to -5°C (14-23°F), while daily lows range from -15 to -10°C (5-14°F) and occasionally drop to around -20°C (-4°F). Ili and Turpan have a temperature about 5°C higher. Altay, however, is colder, with daily highs around -15 to -10°C (5-14°F) and lows usually between -20°C (-4°F) and -15°C (5°F); on the coldest days of the month, the daily lows can even drop to around -30°C (-22°F).

Cold Xinjiang in December

Compared with northern Xinjiang, southern Xinjiang experiences milder temperature, though still quite low. During the first half of the month, the daily maximum temperature is around 5°C (41°F), while the minimum generally stays around -5°C (23°F). In the latter half, the two values drop to around -5°C (23°F) and -10°C (14°F), respectively.
 Not really. 

Actually, December in Xinjiang is dry with low precipitation. On average, northern and southern Xinjiang see precipitations of no more than 15 mm and 5 mm, respectively. But mountain areas like Hemu Village, Kanas, and Tian Shan Mountain have higher precipitation and may experience heavy snow. Besides, these places begin to have relatively thick snow cover.

As a reminder, Xinjiang has extremely dry air this month. 

Hemu Village with Thick Snow Cover

 December is one of the months that have the shortest daylight hours of the year. On average, you can only enjoy the bright daytime of around 8-9 hours per day, from about 09:30-10:00 to 18:30-19:30. If you have many destinations on your list, you are recommended to get up early to maximize your available time. Sunshine hours are about 4 to 5 hours per day on average. 

 

Generally speaking, December is not a perfect month due to the cold weather of Xinjiang. However, for some travelers, this month does have its merits.

If you love snowy landscapes, northern Xinjiang in December is perfect for you. At this time, areas like Altay and Kanas are blanketed in deep snow, becoming a white fairy-tale world. Beyond enjoying the snowy scenery, you can experience unique winter activities like horseback riding on the snow and skiing.

Interesting and Unique Winter Activities

As for southern Xinjiang in December, its greatest advantages are fewer crowds and lower costs, which may attract some visitors traveling on a budget. The cultural sites like the Kashgar Old Town are equally amazing. Note that during this slack season, some shops within scenic areas may close. Southern Xinjiang also boasts remarkable natural landscapes that provide unique beauty in cold winter, such as Baisha Lake, Karakuri Lake, and the Eye of Pamir.

Then, what is the best time to visit Xinjiang? Please refer to Best Time to Visit Xinjiang.