Xinjiang Weather in March

Season: Winter

What is the weather like in Xinjiang in March: turning warm gradually; heavy snow or torrential rain occurs occasionally, mainly in northern Xinjiang
 

Shift from Cold to Warm but Not Stable 

In March, the temperature of Xinjiang gradually rises from cold to warm. This change is particularly noticeable in southern Xinjiang: from the beginning to the end of the month, the temperature in most regions there rises from around 0-10 degrees Celsius (32-50 degrees Fahrenheit) to approximately 10-20°C (50-68°F). Occasionally, the daily high may even exceed 25°C (77°F). Northern Xinjiang also sees gradually increasing temperature, though most areas remain somewhat cold, especially in the early mornings and evenings. For instance, it’s capital Urumqi’s daily low hovers around -10-5°C (14-41°F), while the high ranges from around 0°C (32°F) to 15°C (59°F). You may also find that the snow in Altay begins to melt gradually. Notably, Turpan and Hami in northern Xinjiang have a significant temperature surge this month, becoming warmer even than some southern regions.
Gradually Melt Snow in March
Gradually Melt Snow in March

Although the temperature shows an overall upward trend, be aware that: 
1. The temperature fluctuation this month is vast, and both sudden rises and drops are possible. For example, in 2025, over a 10-day period from March 17 to 26, Urumqi’s daily high temperature rose from 8°C (46°F) to 20°C (68°F) before rapidly dropping to -2°C (28°F). 
2. The temperature difference between day and night is significant, meaning that even though the daytime is pretty warm, the nighttime may be very cold. In March 2025, the daily temperature variation in Kashgar once reached as high as 20°C (36°F).
 

Both Rain and Snow Exist but Not Frequent

In March, precipitation in Xinjiang is generally low, and thus has a small impact on your travel. However, as the month marks the transition period between winter and spring, precipitation patterns become a bit complex. Specifically, both rain and snow are possible across Xinjiang. Comparatively, northern Xinjiang may see slightly higher precipitation and more unstable weather, with quite occasional intense precipitation events such as heavy snow or torrential rain.
 

Frequent Strong winds

Frequent alternations between cold and warm air masses lead to strong winds across Xinjiang this month. In northern Xinjiang, the primary impact of these strong winds is a drop in apparent temperature. In southern Xinjiang, an area with lower precipitation, strong winds often bring dusty weather and even sandstorms, reducing visibility and air quality, thereby affecting outdoor activities.
Dusty Weather of Southern Xinjiang
Dusty Weather of Southern Xinjiang
 

Daylight Hours/ Sunshine Hours

Daylight hours reach approximately 12, lasting from around 08:00-09:00 until about 20:00-21:00. Generally, you have enough day time for outdoor exploration. Although this month does not have many rainy or snowy days, thick cloud cover and occasional dusty weather result in limited sunshine hours across Xinjiang, which average 6-8 per day. 

As sunlight grows increasingly intense, take precautions to avoid sunburn.
 

Weather Facts of Major Cities

  • Temp: -6 to 4°C / 21-39°F
  • Rainfall: 18 mm in 7 days
  • Sunrise: 07:54 - 08:47
  • Sunset: 19:59 - 20:36
Altay March Weather
  • Temp: -13 to -1°C / 9-30°F
  • Rainfall: 8 mm in 6 days
  • Sunrise: 07:46 - 08:45
  • Sunset: 19:50 - 20:32

Turpan March Weather
  • Temp: 3 to 16°C / 37-61°F
  • Rainfall: 1 mm in 1 day
  • Sunrise: 07:45 - 08:36
  • Sunset: 19:50 - 20:25
Kashgar March Weather
  • Temp: 2 to 14°C / 36-57°F
  • Rainfall: 8 mm in 2 days
  • Sunrise: 08:42 - 09:29
  • Sunset: 20:48 - 21:18

Korla March Weather
  • Temp: 1 to 14°C / 34-57°F
  • Rainfall: 2 mm in 1 day
  • Sunrise: 08:00 - 08:50
  • Sunset: 20:05 - 20:39
Hotan March Weather
  • Temp: 3 to 16°C / 37-61°F
  • Rainfall: 1 mm in 1 day
  • Sunrise: 08:27 - 09:11
  • Sunset: 20:34 - 21:01

 

What to Wear in Xinjiang in March, 2026

Xinjiang March Clothes

  Clothes & Shoes for Northern Xinjiang: To keep warm, you are recommended to wear two layers under the overcoat, like a wool sweater plus a hoodie or a long-sleeved shirt plus a sweater. As for the overcoat, a thick down jacket is needed. For the bottoms, you can wear thick windproof pants plus thermal leggings. Considering the possibility of melted snow on the roads, ensure your footwear is waterproof in addition to being thick.

  Clothes & Shoes for Southern Xinjiang: At the beginning of the month and during overcast, rainy, or snowy days, the temperature may be low. You are recommended to wear a thin down jacket over a sweater or hoodie, with a long-sleeved T-shirt underneath. By mid-month, sunny days become warm, so a windbreaker plus a hoodie and long-sleeved shirt will suffice. However, a down jacket remains essential for early morning and evening outings and for high altitude areas. Opt for thick pants, and consider adding thermal leggings underneath depending on the temperature. For footwear, comfortable and thick boots are highly recommended.

  Others:
1. March features strong winds and dry climate in Xinjiang, making lip balm and moisturizing cream essential.
2. Bring sunglasses to protect your eyes on sunny days.
3. If traveling to northern Xinjiang, it’s still advisable to pack hats, scarves, and gloves.
4. Southern Xinjiang experiences relatively frequent sandstorms, so you need to pack masks or dust-proof scarves.
 

Advice and Tips for Xinjiang Trip in March

1. In March, grasslands are just starting to turn green, and the landscapes still appear mostly yellow at first glance, which will disappoint you if you go to Xinjiang specifically for them.
Not Very Green Grassland in March
Not Very Green Grassland in March

2. For the first half of the month, the snow in northernmost Xinjiang and high altitude areas is just beginning to melt, and you can still admire nice snow views. Sayram Lake, Kanas, and Heavenly Lake are all excellent destinations. In the second half month, however, you may not only miss the thick snow cover but also find muddy conditions everywhere. 
3. For the second half month, visiting Turpan, the Pamir Plateau, or Ili to see the apricot blossoms is a good choice.
4. In late March each year, ethnic groups like the Kazakhs and Uyghurs celebrate the Nowruz Festival, and you can enjoy their traditional song and dance performances and thrilling competitions, and sample local delicacies.
Uyghur Musical Instrument Performance
Uyghur Musical Instrument Performance
Traditional Dance Performance
Traditional Dance Performance
 
5. Weather is unpredictable, so check the forecast frequently. Adjust the itinerary promptly like canceling outdoor visits if encountering severe weather conditions like sandstorms.
6. If Heavenly Lake is on your traveling list, pay close attention to its official announcements. Heavy snowfall may trigger its temporary closure
 

Xinjiang Weather by Month:

- Last updated on Sep. 24, 2025 by Demi Li -