Weather: December marks the start of winter in Xi'an. The weather is cold and dry, with daytime temperatures around 8°C (46°F) and dropping to about 1°C (34°F) at night. Expect mostly cloudy days and little rain.
Does Xi'an snow in December? The probability of snow in the city is very low, usually occurring in the latter half of the month, with at most 2-3 snowy days. If you want to see snow, the mountains are more recommended, like Mount Hua, where there is snow throughout December.
What to wear: Indoors are heated and comfortable, so a sweater is enough. Outside, it's chilly, so you'll need a down jacket, thick pants, a scarf, and gloves. You'd better dress in layers so you could adjust easily between indoor warmth and outdoor cold.
The air is dry, so pack moisturizer and lip balm to keep your skin comfortable.
Is It Advisable to Visit Xi'an in December?
Overall, December is not the ideal tourist season for Xi'an. The weather is cold and dry, and you'll need to wear a thick coat to stay warm outdoors during the day.
However, if you value a quieter atmosphere and better value for money, December is actually a good time to visit. With significantly fewer tourists, your experience will be more comfortable, and hotel and flight prices are more affordable than in peak season.
Many people believe winter is one of the best times to experience the Terracotta Warriors, as you could truly appreciate their awe-inspiring presence. You could walk right up to the pits without long lines and take your time admiring the details of each face.
The Shaanxi History Museum is also easier to book, allowing you to explore ancient Chinese artifacts and their stories at your own pace.
If you enjoy nature, December is also a great choice, as the surrounding areas of Xi'an offer unique winter landscapes. You could climb Mount Hua to see the enchanting mix of snow and rime, or visit Hukou Waterfall to witness the spectacular ice formations. These are sights rarely seen in other seasons.
Where to Go in December in Xi'an
In December, we recommend visiting Mount Li, Mount Hua, and Hukou Waterfall to experience winter in Xi'an and its surroundings.
1. Mount Li's Hot Springs – Where the Empire Rests
Hot springsIf you plan to visit the Terracotta Warriors in winter, consider enjoying a hot spring as well.
December in Xi'an is cold, making it the perfect time for a soak. We recommend the natural hot springs at Mount Li, just a 10-25 minute drive from the Terracotta Warriors and Huaqing Palace, and about an hour's drive from downtown Xi'an. It's ideal for a one- to two-day trip.
During the day, you could explore the lifelike Terracotta Warriors and then visit Huaqing Palace to see the imperial baths built for Emperor Xuanzong of Tang and Yang Guifei.
Terracotta WarriorsIn the evening, relax in the outdoor hot spring pools at the foot of Mount Li, experiencing the wellness practices of ancient emperors and fully unwinding.
We recommend the Lintong Angsana Hot Springs. It offers a quiet environment where you could choose from various pools like flower baths, herbal baths, milk baths, and wine baths. There are also family-friendly areas, including a children's zone and family pools.
You could opt for just the hot springs or stay overnight to make your winter trip even more comfortable.
2. Mount Hua – Discover Its Crystal Frosts, Winter Snow, and Cloud Sea
Snow scene at Mount HuaIf you want to enjoy the most spectacular natural scenery around Xi'an in winter or love outdoor activities, Mount Hua is a destination worth exploring.
In December, Mount Hua is often covered in snow and surrounded by seas of clouds. You could also see unique winter sights like rime and ice formations.
With fewer tourists, it's easier to take photos and enjoy the majestic mountain views and pure snowy scenery at a leisurely pace.
RimeSince the round trip from Xi'an to Mount Hua takes about 4 hours and you typically spend 4-5 hours on the mountain, a day trip is sufficient and not rushed. The hotels on Mount Hua are quite basic, so we recommend returning the same day.
Depart from Xi'an in the morning, take the cable car to the North or West Peak, and explore the viewing platforms and trails to fully experience the winter beauty of Mount Hua in a single day.
The mountain is windy, and the temperature feels 8–10°C (46–50°F) lower than in the city, so be sure to bring warm clothes, windproof gloves, and non-slip shoes. Stay safe while hiking.
If you're interested, read about our 4-Day Xi'an and Mount Hua Mountain Tour, and we can adjust it based on your preferences.
3. Hukou's Icefall – A Winter Miracle on the Yellow River
Hukou's IcefallI recommend it for your December trip because you could see the frozen waterfall, which lasts only two months each year.
Every year from December to January, when temperatures drop to around -10°C (14°F), the waterfall begins to freeze, creating a unique "icefall" spectacle. You'll be amazed by the combination of still ice layers and rushing water—it's truly one of winter's most iconic natural wonders.
Icefall, winter flow and rainbowThe drive from Xi'an to Hukou Waterfall takes about 3–4 hours. A day trip is possible but tight on time; if you plan for two days, you could also enjoy the winter scenery of the Loess Plateau along the way and visit the Ganquan Grand Canyon or the Mausoleum of the Yellow Emperor.
If you have more time and want to experience additional winter landscapes, see our 7-Day Xi'an Winter Wonderland: Ice Cave and Hot Spring.
4. Xi'an's Christmas and New Year – Festive Lights and Local Joy
If you plan to spend Christmas or New Year's in Xi'an, you could definitely feel the festive atmosphere.
For a more local Christmas experience, visit Defu Alley or the Old Vegetable Market near the City Wall. These areas are filled with restaurants, cafes, and small bars, each uniquely decorated for Christmas. They're great places for photos and soaking up the holiday spirit.
If you prefer a modern celebration, head to the Old City Roots G Park, a comprehensive commercial area with a giant Christmas tree, festive lights, and artificial snow. The atmosphere is lively and warm.
On New Year's Eve, we recommend going to the Bell Tower. Historically a timekeeping landmark, it's now a symbol for Xi'an residents to welcome the New Year.
At midnight, the crowd releases balloons and shouts "Happy New Year," creating an impressive scene. But It gets very crowded, so you'd better to arrive by 10 PM for a good view.
Bell TowerTravel with China Highlights
Check out Xi'an tours for more trips that suit your preferences. Whether you have no idea where to go or already have a destination in mind, feel free to contact us. We are happy to customize or adjust a private, worry-free, and relaxing journey for you.
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