Xinjiang is a land of climatic extremes — from the furnace of the Taklamakan to the frozen heights of the Tianshan, and from the humid west to the dry interior. Here's what to expect.
Xinjiang has an extreme continental climate — hot summers, cold winters, and very little rain. The region is among the driest in China, with the Taklamakan at its heart.
The north is cooler and wetter than the south; the mountains are cold year-round; the oases and deserts are hot in summer. Each region has its own climate.
Spring and autumn are short but pleasant. Summer brings heat and the green of the oases. Winter is cold and dry, with the mountain passes closed by snow.
The Tianshan and Pamir regions are high and cold — even in summer, the passes require warm clothing. Altitude adds to the challenge of the mountains.
Xinjiang holds China's temperature records — both the hottest and coldest temperatures recorded in the country. The extremes are part of the region's character.
Check the forecast for each region of your itinerary — conditions vary enormously. Pack for extremes: sun protection and layers, warm clothes for the mountains, and plenty of water.