Urumqi Weather in August

Urumqi

Weather: August in Urumqi is typically hot in the day, and mild in the evening. Summer is hot in Urumqi, but the heat does not bring much rain, unlike further east in China.

The average daily high is 30°C (86°F), and the average low is 17°C (63°F). On average, there is 22mm (1 inch) of rain that falls lightly on about 8 days of the month.

Clothing: In daytime, wear T-shirts and thin summer trousers/dresses, wearing modest clothes in Muslim areas. Bring light layers to adapt to changes in temperature: it's cooler and more rainy in the mountains. Bring sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses.

Pollution: The Air Quality Index can be expected to be 50–100, so it is only a "lightly polluted" month. Only if you have a sensitivity to pollution should you need to reduce your exposure and outdoor activity in the city or take any precautions.

Things to Do in Urumqi in August

August may be uncomfortably hot in the city of Urumqi, but summer offers the best conditions for exploring the remoter and more mountainous areas, which are usually cooler.

Enjoy Summer in the Mountains

Heavenly Lake

In August, the mountain pastures will be blooming and full of lambs and calfs.

• Experience the warm summer air, and crowds of animals on Southern Mountain (Nanshan) Pasture.
• You can also enjoy fresh air, fine mountain views, and Kazakh culture in the Heavenly Mountains around Heavenly Lake.
• Butterfly Valley, on the Heavenly Mountain slopes, is even more convenient from Urumqi.

Journey out to the Remoter Parts of China's Northwest

Huocheng County, 650 km (400 miles) west of Urumqi, has a small Silk Road town and an ancient city. Huocheng is China's Lavender Town.

Qiemu'er Qieke, 500 km (300 miles) north of Urumqi, by the Altay Mountains, has Bronze Age remains that evidence Eurasian-Chinese interaction. A journey there may also prove rewarding for the different scenery and minority culture.

Discover Urumqi Culture at Markets and Museums

Urumqi has a fascinating culture and history, quite different to east China's. In the hot summer weather, the markets offer shade, and the museums have welcoming air-conditioning!

• The Urumqi Grand Bazaar is a great place to buy souvenirs. It has products from all over Xinjiang, but Erdaoqiao Market offers the largest array of Xinjiang minority goods anywhere.
• The city's top three museums showcase the Silk Road, ancient mummies, and geological wonders. See Urumqi Weather in February.

Experience a Traditional Local Festival

The traditional Islamic festival of Hari Raya (开斋节) continues for about 25 days in August, giving you three weeks to taste a variety of delicious local food.

Touring Urumqi in August

'White Sheep Valley' near Urumqi

August marks the busiest travel season, with students on summer holiday, and the religious festivities. Crowding is possible. Be sure to pre-book your hotel. 

High Travel Season

In the peak tourist season, greater demand exists for hotel and other tickets. Booking a hotel room in advance is wise. Expect higher prices for Urumqi flights or train tickets, and hotel rooms. 

We can help you arrange these, not to mention expert local guides for your China journey of discovery.

Recommended Urumqi Tours

• 17-Day The Tracks of Marco Polo Tour
• 11-Day Xi'an Silk Road Adventure - Journey to Urumqi and Kashgar
• More Silk Road Tours