Xinjiang Weather in September

 In September, most areas of northern Xinjiang embrace autumn’s cool temperature: During the daytime, temperature in most cases stay between 20-25°C (68-77°F), though it may hover around 30°C (86°F) in the first a few days. By month’s end, it may drop below 20°C (68°F). As for the nighttime temperature, it is approximately 15-20°C (59-68°F) at the beginning of the month and around 10°C (50°F) for the rest of the month. Regions like Altay experience more pronounced cooling. While the temperature is about 10-25°C (50-77°F) early in the month, it may drop to 0-10°C (32-50°F) by the final days. Turpan presents another scene: though the temperature is also declining, it remains hot with highs decreasing from around 35°C (95°F) to 25°C (77°F). Throughout northern Xinjiang, the daily temperature variation ranges around 10-15 degrees Celsius (18-27 degrees Fahrenheit).

As for southern Xinjiang weather, the warmth of late summer lingers. During the first half of the month, days with high temperature around 30°C (86°F) remain the norm. In the latter half, daytime highs typically range between 20°C (68°F) and 25°C (77°F). Nighttime temperature drops from approximately 20°C (68°F) to 10°C (50°F), creating a significant difference from daytime conditions. It is important to dress warmly to avoid catching a cold.

Warm Southern Xinjiang in September

 Rain rarely falls in southern Xinjiang in September, making the climate extremely dry. As a comparison, northern Xinjiang receives more precipitation, but the rain is also not frequent and usually light. So, the overall climate of Xinjiang is stable, and you don’t need to worry at all about rain interrupting your trip. But on rainy days, the weather tends to be cool or even cold.

As a reminder, mountain areas in both southern and northern regions see more frequent precipitation than plain areas. Besides, since high altitude leads to low temperature, in late September, some mountain areas like Altay and Tian Shan Mountain may even see snow. 

Sunny Xinjiang in September

 The end of summer also marks the end of the long daylight hours. In September, the daytime lasts about 12-13 hours on average. For a trip to Xinjiang, which covers a large area, it means that you need to make proper arrangements to include more attractions. 

Sunny days are many, and the sunshine hours are ample at around 9 on average per day. This, together with thin cloud cover, leads to relatively strong UV rays, making sun protection measures necessary.

 

 Yes, for both northern and southern Xinjiang, September is a good month for traveling.

September is one of the months with the most comfortable temperature in southern Xinjiang. You will not feel hot when visiting Kashgar Old Town, nor too cold when traveling to the Pamir Plateau. Additionally, September marks the slack season here, and you can enjoy tranquil trips and lower prices on hotels and airfare. By the second half of the month, southern Xinjiang gradually reveals its autumn scenery.

Early Autumn View of Xinjiang

As for northern Xinjiang, autumn scenery is available as early as in the first half of the month. Moreover, this period is also the slack season for the north. By the latter half of September, northern Xinjiang’s autumn scenery reaches its peak, with places like Kanas and Hemu Village in Altay becoming exceptionally beautiful. However, the stunning views draw large crowds, causing hotel prices to rise significantly compared with the first half of the month.