May is one of the best times to visit China's Silk Road because of its pleasant average daily temperature range of 9–24°C (48–75°F), which applies to most areas, and there are relatively few visitors.
There is little rainfall in May (and throughout the year) and the further west you go, the drier it gets. Occasionally, you may encounter dusty weather when visiting the desert areas.
Climate averages for the Silk Road in China:
- Temperature range: 9–24°C (48–75°F)
- Rainfall: 15 mm (0.6 in)
- Sunny days: 24
- Rainy days: 5
- Dusty days: 2
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Average May Weather for 8 Major Silk Road Cities
The temperature in most cities on the Silk Road in May is warm, except for Turpan, which is very hot and one of the hottest places in China. May is mostly sunny with little rain, but the daily temperature ranges are big so both summery and warm clothes are needed.
Xi'an: Warm but Likely to Rain
Xi'an is the starting point of the Silk Road. It is warm in Xi'an in May, but it rains on 1 in 3 days in May. Light rain gear is advisable for possible rainfall, which is mostly light.
Lanzhou: Cool and Pleasant
The weather in Lanzhou is comfortable in May. As an old Silk Road city, Lanzhou is a window into the history of the Silk Road. Besides, Lanzhou is an important transportation hub on the way to Lhasa, Tibet.
Zhangye/Jiayuguan/Dunhuang: Dry, Windy, and Sandy
The further you travel west along the Silk Road, the weather becomes drier and drier, so be sure to take moisturizing products and drink more water. You may encounter dusty weather there, as such, taking your sunglasses, preparing a face mask, and wearing a hat is wise.
Urumqi: Warm and Comfortable
May is a good month to travel to Urumqi weather-wise. It is neither cold, as it is from November to April, nor hot, as it is from June to August. The weather in Urumqi in May is very suitable for outdoor travel because of the comfortable weather.
Turpan: Hot with Strong Sunlight
The temperature in Turpan in May is very hot, especially in the Flaming Mountains tourism area. The highest temperature could reach well over 34°C (93°F) there, but it is mild at night.
Kashgar: Warm and Dry
Kashgar is comfortable warm and hardly ever rains in May. Kashgar is one of the most important cities on China's Silk Road. It is suitable for tourism all year round, but May is the best time, for the pleasant weather with few tourists in May.
3 Special Experiences for You in May
Every year from May to October, many travelers choose to take a cultural family trip or couple's trip along the Silk Road for their big celebrations, such as big birthdays, 30-year anniversaries, or the start of retirement.
In addition to the popular attractions, here are three special experiences we recommend for you:
1. Xi'an: Immersive Han and Tang Cultural Experience
Hanfu experience in Xi'anAs well as visiting the Terracotta Army, a Han and Tang cultural experience is recommended. There are not as many people around and the weather is warm in May. So, it's a great month to wear a colorful hanfu or Tang costume, dressing up as a person from ancient/medieval China, to immerse yourself in the Han Dynasty (206 BC – 220 AD) and Tang Dynasty (618–907) cultures.
2. Zhangye Danxia National Geopark: a Paradise for Photographers
Spring and autumn are wise times to visit the Danxia landforms because summer there is very hot and winter is cold. This is one of the places that photography enthusiasts like. The Danxia landforms are colorfully-layered rock formations, a.k.a. the Rainbow Mountains of China.
You could take stunning photos of them in May, while avoiding the crowds. The best time to shoot is in the afternoon when the Danxia landforms are at their most gorgeous and colorful.
There are many viewing platforms in the scenic area. Platform 4 is the best place for shooting a sunset or sunrise, and platform 2 is the most suitable for shooting panoramic views. Be sure to leave enough time to visit all the amazing Danxia landforms viewpoints that you are interested in.
Tip: Take care to protect your camera as the wind may blow sand into it.
3. Dunhuang's Mogao Caves: a Glittering Pearl Adorning the Silk Road
May is an off-season time to visit the Mogao Caves (apart from around Labor Day), so you could admire the Buddhist murals and carvings without being disturbed by crowds. Spending 3 hours immersing yourself in these great works of art, you may be amazed by the exquisite details and the history they reveal.
Festival: The Bathing the Buddha Festival falls on the eighth day of the fourth lunar month every year (May 15 in 2024 and May 5 in 2025). This is Sakyamuni's birthday and locals gather at the Mogao Caves, praying for peace and good things. There is a special temple fair and you could see special folk performances. Inevitably, you would encounter large festival crowds, so it is highly recommended that you prepare in advance.
Contact us for your own tailor-made private tour with experiences that are as hassle-free as possible.
Buddhas in the Mogao GrottoesWhat Should I Wear in May?
Short sleeves and warm jackets are needed. Because of the temperature difference between morning and evening, you would need to wear short sleeves during the day and a warm jacket, such as a fleece, would be necessary for the chilly mornings and evenings.
Hats, sunglasses, and face masks are a must. The sunshine is very strong in May, so remember to protect yourself from the sun's rays. You may encounter sand blowing around in the desert areas so remember to protect yourself and your camera from it.
Don't forget some comfortable walking shoes. Most scenic spots are outdoors, such as Zhangye's Danxia landscape and Jiayu Pass, so be sure to wear lightweight, comfortable shoes.
The climate in the northwest is very dry so be sure to prepare moisturizing products and water bottles.
Dress tips for photos: It is recommended to wear loose clothing with solid colors (white, black, blue, etc.). For example, women could wear pure white long skirts for a picturesque couple's photo in Danxia. But if you visit a place with ethnic customs, bright national costumes are recommended for local-style photos.
Is It Expensive to Visit the Silk Road in May?
The travel cost in May is US$350–400 per person per day for a private tour with 4-star hotels. May is not yet the peak season on the Silk Road compared to the summer vacation, so prices would be much cheaper, except for Labor Day. Generally speaking, you would need to spend more than 1 week there to explore the Silk Road in depth, so a private trip would be from around US$2,500 each.
During the Labor Day holiday (May 1st to 5th in 2024), costs are about 30% more expensive and there are a lot of tourists. In order to increase your comfort levels and value-for-money when traveling, it is recommended that you avoid this time.
Contact us for a tailor-made private tour that makes the best of travel opportunities in May.