Weather: May in Urumqi is typically warm in the day, but cool in the evening. Temperatures warm rapidly in May, with the end of the month more pleasant than the start.
The average daily high is 24°C (75°F), and the average low is 12°C (54°F). There is 33 mm (1 inch) of rain that falls lightly on about 7 days of the month.
Clothing: In May, Urumqi is typically warm in the day, but cool in the evening. Bring light layers to adapt to changes in temperature. NB it's cooler in the mountains. Bring sunscreen and sunglasses.
Pollution: The Air Quality Index has been recorded as 67 in May, so it is only a "lightly polluted" month. Only if you have a sensitivity to pollution should you reduce your exposure and outdoor activity in the city or take any precautions.
Things to Do in Urumqi in May
May has comfortable temperatures for outdoor activities in the city, and in the pastoral mountain areas.
Enjoy Climbing Red Hill for a Bird's Eye View of Urumqi
Red Hill is a steep red rock in the middle of Urumqi. There are amusement rides in the leafy park, and it is a popular place for photography.
Appreciate Spring in the Mountains
In May, the mountain pastures will be blooming and full of lambs and calfs.
- Experience the fresh spring 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.
Discover Urumqi Culture at Markets and Museums
Heavenly LakeUrumqi also has a fascinating culture and history to discover, quite different to in the east of China.
- The Urumqi Grand Bazaar is a great place to buy souvenirs in the Uyghur ethnic district. It has products like dried fruit 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.
Touring Urumqi in May
Urumqi, the largest city in Western China, has lots of mosques and Muslim architecture.The May Day holiday (usually May 1–3) brings more tourists to the area for the three-day public holiday, but in Urumqi this still should not produce overcrowding. Nevertheless, book early to guarantee hotels rooms etc. on these dates.
High Travel Season
May also begins the peak tourist season in Urumqi. 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