Xinjiang Weather in November

Season: Winter

 

What is the Weather Like in Xinjiang in November?

Cold Overall

November brings a significant drop in temperature across most regions of Xinjiang.

In northern Xinjiang areas, temperature transitions from cool or slightly cold to very cold this month. Take Urumqi as an example: during the first ten days, daily highs are around 10 degrees Celsius (50 degrees Fahrenheit) and lows are about 5°C (41°F); by middle and late month, high and low temperature fluctuates between -5 - 5°C (23 - 41°F) and -10 - 0°C (14 - 32°F) respectively. 
Cold Xinjiang in November
Cold Xinjiang in November
View of Northern Xinjiang in November
View of Northern Xinjiang in November
 
Altay experiences even colder conditions. The daily lows hover around 0°C (32°F) early in the month; by late month, it is often around -10°C (14°F). Occasionally, it may even plunge to -20°C (-4°F). As for daily highs, they fluctuate considerably from -10°C (14°F) to 10°C (50°F). 

Is Turpan also cold in November? In fact, Turpan in early November is even somewhat warm, with the temperature of 5-18°C (41-64°F). However, it gradually turns cold: by late month, the temperature drops to -5 - 5°C (23 - 41°F). 

The temperature in most areas of southern Xinjiang follows a similar pattern to that of Turpan.

Low Precipitation and Humidity

Precipitation in southern Xinjiang during November is actually quite low. During your stay, it’s entirely possible that every day is sunny. Should precipitation occur, it will most likely be light rain or snow. Aside from potentially bringing lower temperature, it won’t significantly impact your trip.

Precipitation in northern Xinjiang exceeds that in southern Xinjiang, and, due to the relatively low temperature, it mostly falls as snow: on average, most areas outside Turpan experience about 6-7 snowy days. Higher-elevation regions like Altay may see moderate and heavy snow, while other areas generally receive light snow.

Note that the weather of Xinjiang is very dry, caused by low precipitation.
Xinjiang Covered by Snow in November
Northern Xinjiang after Snow
 

Short Daylight Hours

On average, the daylight hours in November are about 10, relatively short. So, you are recommended to get up early per day and make proper travel plans in advance to include more attractions of Xinjiang, which covers a large area.

Most areas enjoy about 6 hours of sunshine per day on average. But high-altitude areas like Altay may only have about 5 daily sunshine hours on average due to their higher precipitation.
 

Weather Facts of Major Cities

  • Temp: -7 to 2°C / 19-36°F
  • Rainfall: 16 mm in 6 days
  • Sunrise: 08:46 - 09:22
  • Sunset: 18:36 - 19:02
Altay November Weather
  • Temp: -12 to -2°C / 10-28°F
  • Rainfall: 16 mm in 7 days
  • Sunrise: 08:47 - 09:29
  • Sunset: 18:17 - 18:48

Turpan November Weather
  • Temp: -3 to 9°C / 27-48°F
  • Rainfall: 1 mm in 1 day
  • Sunrise: 08:34 - 09:09
  • Sunset: 18:29 - 18:53
Kashgar November Weather
  • Temp: -2 to 10°C / 28-50°F
  • Rainfall: 3 mm in 1 day
  • Sunrise: 09:24 - 09:56
  • Sunset: 19:33 - 19:54

Korla November Weather
  • Temp: -3 to 9°C / 27-48°F
  • Rainfall: 1 mm in 1 day
  • Sunrise: 08:47 - 09:21
  • Sunset: 18:45 - 19:09
Hotan November Weather
  • Temp: -2 to 11°C / 28-52°F
  • Rainfall: 1 mm in 1 day
  • Sunrise: 09:04 - 09:34
  • Sunset: 19:23 - 19:42
 

Is November a Good Time to Visit Xinjiang?

In terms of weather conditions and for those who love lush greenery or colorful autumn scenery, November is not an ideal visiting time.

However, November sees only a few tourists and is not particularly cold yet, making it an OK traveling time for those who prefer tranquility and expect to save on expenses. 

In the first half of the month, when southern Xinjiang is still a bit warm, you can explore the cultural heritages of ethnic minorities in Kashgar Old Town, or head to the Pamir Plateau to admire the natural landscapes like glaciers, blue lakes, and golden grasslands. By the second half of the month, areas like Hemu Village and Kanas in northern Xinjiang will be dusted with snow. While the snow cover may not yet achieve its thickest state, it can offer you beautiful enough snowy landscapes.
Beautiful Snowy Landscape
Beautiful Snowy Landscape
 

What to Wear to Visit Xinjiang in November?


 Clothes for Most Southern Xinjiang Areas and Turpan:
If your itinerary is scheduled in the beginning of the month, you are recommended to pack autumn clothing primarily. For example, a thin long-sleeved T-shirt and jeans plus a windbreaker, or a thick hoodie with sweatpants, are both excellent choices. However, you also need to pack 3-in-1 jackets and thermal pants, as areas like the Pamir Plateau can get quite cold at this time. For trips in the latter half of the month, winter clothing is essential. 
 
 Clothes for Most Northern Xinjiang Areas:
No matter when you visit northern Xinjiang in November, you need to pack thick winter clothing. For the upper body, you are advised to pack multiple layers so you can adjust freely based on temperature. For instance, bring long-sleeved T-shirts, wool sweaters, a three-in-one jacket, and a thick down coat. For the lower body, windproof outdoor pants paired with long johns or thermal pants can keep you warm.
 
 Shoes: For northern Xinjiang, thick, waterproof, and slip-resistant boots are highly recommended, especially if you plan a visit during the second half of the month, as some areas begin to see snow cover at this time. In terms of southern Xinjiang, casual shoes or regular hiking boots are all OK. 
 
 Others:
1. As mentioned above, the air is really dry this month, so don’t forget to bring moisturizing skincare products.
2. If you are heading to northern Xinjiang, definitely pack hats, gloves, and scarves to keep warm. Besides, sunglasses are necessary to protect you from the sunlight reflected by the snow.
Xinjiang November Clothes
Xinjiang November Clothes
 

Advice for Xinjiang Trip in November

1. During the first a few days of the month, golden poplar forests may still be visible in some places of southern Xinjiang. However, the real-time situation varies each year depending on the weather conditions. For a better experience, late October is more recommended.
2. Roads to destinations like Hemu Village may be temporarily closed if heavy snow occurs. If you plan to visit these areas during your 2025 trip, be sure to pay close attention to the local weather forecast and relevant information at all times.
3. According to Xinjiang climate in November, the temperature difference between day and night is significant. If you go out just after sunrise or after sunset, be sure to wear enough clothes.
 

Xinjiang Weather by Month:

- Last updated on Sep. 30, 2025 by Demi Li -