Weather: Expect it to be cold and cloudy during the day and freezing at night. The daily high temperature is about 6 °C (42 °F) during the day, and it drops to a frigid low temperature of minus 3 °C (27 °F) at night.
Though it is cold, it is actually very dry. December is the driest month: there are only about three days of rain or snow in the entire month, and the total precipitation is about 3 mm. The average humidity level is 69 percent. Due to the cold and little precipitation, Xi'an has a big dust and smog problem.
Clothing: You'll need to bring warm winter clothing, but it's heated indoors. Many people put on dusk masks during smoggy days, and these might prove useful for you too. Take our Xi'an tours to make your trip warm and comfortable.
Xi'an December Weather Data Graphs
Top Things to Do in Xi'an in December
Big Wild Goose PagodaThere are a variety of things to do including staying warm in the great heated indoor attractions or skiing.
See the Shaanxi History Museum
Shaanxi History Museum is one of the nation's best museums. It's a national museum dedicated to the history of Xi'an, the capital city of many old dynasties and kingdoms.
The exhibits range from exhibits from the Bronze Age, to Terracotta Army pieces and artifacts of the Qin Empire, to the Tang Dynasty, and to modern times.
You'll need more than two hours to get a good look at the large array of artifacts and displays. It is a good place to learn about China. Entrance is free, so you might find it crowded. It is next to the Big Wild Goose Pagoda, and they can be visited together.
Huaqing Hot SpringGet Natural Warmth at the Huaqing Hot Springs
En route to the Terracotta Warriors from the city of Xi'an is a famous hot springs that supposedly played a part in the downfall of the whole Tang Empire (618–907).
This is a warm place to stop in for some vapory heat, and enjoy the historical 3D audio and visual presentation at the theater building.
Ski at Cuihuashan Ski Resort
It is reputed to be the best ski resort in the Xi'an area. It is a part of Cuihuashan National Park that has beautiful scenery of rocky cliffs and woodlands. The national park is somewhat reminiscent of Yosemite, but it is smaller.
There is also a cable car to ride to see the site. The ski resort is close to Xi'an. It is only 20 kilometers (12 miles) from downtown. It covers an area of 32 square kilometers (12 square miles). The highest peak is 2,600 meters tall (8,540 feet). It is a national geopark and is rated a Grade AAAA scenic spot in China.
Visiting Xi'an in December: Important Travel Tips and Popular Tours
Tour Xi'an with China HighlightsDecember is in the low season.
In December, there are few tourists in the city, and discounts on hotel rooms and flights are easy to obtain. Let our Xi'an travel experts help find these discounts and book hotel rooms, flights and train tickets.
Recommended Xi'an Tours
- 4-Day Xi'an Ancient Relics Tour — taking you to visit the highlights of Xi'an and discover the ancient history of the Tang Dynasty
- 3-Day Xi'an Discovery by High-Speed Train from Beijing — including the Terracotta Warriors, Ancient City Wall, Big Wild Goose Pagoda, and Great Mosque
- 11-Day China Classic Wonders Tour — See Xi'an with Beijing, Guilin, and Shanghai
The above are sample tours. Please feel free to let us know your interests and requirements to customize a tour for you.