Weather: February marks the end of winter in Xi'an, and it's generally warmer than January. The average temperature ranges from -1 to 7°C (30–45°F), so it feels quite cold outdoors, especially in the mornings and evenings. The skies are mostly cloudy, with minimal rainfall.
The surrounding mountains, such as Mount Hua and Mount Cuihua, are often covered in snow in February, creating picturesque winter scenery that's perfect for photos. In the city itself, snowfall is uncommon, so streets are usually dry, making it easy to explore on foot.
What to pack: Xi'an has indoor heating, so you'll be comfortable inside. For outdoor activities, dress warmly—bring a down coat, gloves, a hat, and layered clothing to stay comfortable while exploring the city or nearby sites.
Is February A Good Time to Go to Xi'an?
Yes, February can be a good time to visit Xi'an, depending on what you want.
It is cold, but all major sights remain fully accessible, so the weather won't restrict your plans. February is the last quiet month before the peak season begins, offering fewer lines, lower costs, and a calmer pace overall.
If your trip overlaps with Chinese New Year (in 2026, February 15–23), you could enjoy the festive atmosphere. Lantern displays and holiday decorations brighten the city, offering a cultural experience unique to this season.
Since Chinese New Year is one of China's busiest travel periods, airfare and hotel prices tend to rise. We suggest booking your trip 2-3 months in advance to secure reasonable prices, especially if you need a private car and guide, as availability is limited during the holiday.
Recommended Special Scenery and Activities in Xi'an in February
1. See Snow Scenery
“When it snows, Xi'an transforms back into ancient Chang'an.” Snow softens the city's historic skyline, highlighting a calm, timeless beauty. The mix of ancient architecture and winter snow is something you won't find in most Chinese cities.
Snow Scene of the Big Wild Goose PagodaIf you head into the mountains, the winter scenery becomes even more dramatic, with peaks and mist contrasting against fresh white snow.
Where to experience: City Wall, Big Wild Goose Pagoda, Tang Paradise, Mount Hua, Mount Cuihua
2. Celebrate Chinese New Year and the Lantern Festival
From the Spring Festival to the Lantern Festival, Xi'an is at its most festive. Lantern shows and temple fairs light up the city, creating a lively atmosphere you won't find in other months.
Xi'an's lantern displays feature Tang-style themes, inspired by local history and poetry, casting a colorful, cultural glow over the streets for evening strolls.
Lantern Festival at City WallYou could also enjoy traditional folk performances like dragon and lion dances, Shehuo parades (traditional folk parades), and Qinqiang opera, all bringing a strong New Year spirit.
Chinese knots are also part of the New Year tradition. They symbolize good luck for the coming year, and you could try weaving one with a local artisan to take home a meaningful keepsake.
Chinese knotsWhere to experience:
- Lantern shows: City Wall, Grand Tang Dynasty Ever Bright City, Tang Paradise
- Folk performances: Duchenghuang Temple Fair, Royal City Folk Art Area, Yuan Family Village
- Chinese knot weaving: Shuyuanmen Culture Street
3. Admire Winter Sweet Blossoms at Daxingshan Temple
Winter sweet blossoms at Daxingshan TempleThe winter sweet blossoms at Daxingshan Temple, a historic Buddhist temple in Xi'an, provide a special winter highlight. Their bright yellow petals and gentle fragrance add an elegant touch to the ancient blue bricks and gray tiles.
Winter sweet blooms only in winter, with early February offering peak viewing for people coming that month.
How to Plan a Winter Trip in Xi'an
Generally, you'll need 3–4 days to see Xi'an's essential attractions. You could refer to our 3-Day Essence of Xi'an Tour.
During winter, Xi'an's attractions take on a distinctive seasonal charm. Below are our recommended winter highlights:
- Mount Li Hot Springs: Ideal for unwinding after your Terracotta Warriors visit.
- Mount Hua: Enjoy the winter peaks covered in snow and rime.
- Hukou Waterfall: Witness the Yellow River transformed into powerful winter icefalls.
- Mount Yunqiu Ice Cave: Explore one of the world's few natural ice cave clusters, especially immersive in winter.
If you want to combine Xi'an's classic attractions with winter scenery and seasonal activities, you'll need about a week.
Day 1: Xi'an – Arrival and Good Rest
Your private guide and driver will meet you at the airport or train station and escort you to your hotel.
Day 2: Xi'an – Brown Panda, Ancient Defenses, and Local Cuisine
Winter is a great time to see pandas, as they are more active in the cold. We will also take you to meet the world's only captive brown panda in Xi'an, an unique experience not available in Sichuan.
Qizai, a brown panda at Qinling Four Rare Animals Science ParkIn the afternoon, you could walk or bike on the City Wall and taste local flavors in the Muslim Quarter.
Our guests visited the City WallDay 3: Mount Hua – Snow and Rime
If you're looking to see snow in February, since downtown Xi'an doesn't get much snow, we recommend visiting Mount Hua, where snow is more likely. There, you could enjoy quiet winter views, rime-covered pine trees, and snowy cliffs.
Explore the most breathtaking scenery at West Peak, South Peak, and the plank walk. In winter, paths can be slippery and climbing is more challenging, so taking the cable car is recommended.
Snow scene at Mount HuaStay overnight in Huayin.
Day 4: Mount Yunqiu – Nature Ice Cave
Mount Yunqiu offers one of the few natural ice caves in China that remains frozen year-round, a rare experience still unknown to many travelers.
Mount Yunqiu Ice CaveIn the morning, visit Ta'erpo Ancient Village to explore traditional cave dwellings and enjoy folk culture activities like shadow puppetry or making flower buns.
In the afternoon, enter the three-million-year-old ice cave to marvel at ice pillars, ice flowers, and ice curtains. Experience the wonders of nature in the "Crystal Palace."
Stay overnight at the foot of the mountain.
Day 5: Hukou Waterfall – Yellow River Wonders and Icefall
Visiting Hukou Waterfall in February is uncommon because you could see the white icefalls, which are not visible in other seasons.
Winter Ice at Hukou WaterfallFor a fun local experience, you could dress in traditional Shaanbei attire and take a photo on a donkey.
Our Xi’an guides dressed in traditional Shaanbei attireDay 6: Xi'an – The Emperor's Buried Army and the Royal Hot Spring Palace
On this day, you will journey from the imperial power of the Qin Dynasty to the life and love stories of Tang Dynasty royalty.
Visit the Terracotta Warriors, the eighth wonder of the world, and learn about Emperor Qin Shi Huang's ambition to maintain the glory of the Qin Empire even after death.
Terracotta WarriorsUnlike ordinary visits, we can take you to a lab that many travelers don't know about, where you could touch real Qin Dynasty artifacts under expert supervision and try restoring miniature Terracotta Warriors yourself, experiencing the work of archaeologists.
The author was attempting to restore the miniature Terracotta WarriorsContinue to Huaqing Palace to explore the palace where history and romance come alive, and learn the stories of Emperor Xuanzong and Yang Guifei.
Huaqing PalaceIn the cold winter, we highly recommend soaking in a steaming hot spring to relax and warm up after a day of exploring ancient wonders.
Hot springsDay 7: Xi'an – Departure
Your guide and driver will take you to the airport or train station.
If you're interested in this itinerary, get more details on the 7-Day Xi'an Winter Wonderland: Ice Cave and Hot Spring. Our itinerary can be customized according to your preferences.
Enjoy a Wonderful Trip with China Highlights
We offer flexible, personalized custom services with professional consultants to provide expert advice, not just before your trip but also during it. You can make adjustments at any time, and we ensure there are no shopping trips included.
Feel free to share your thoughts!
(10,000+ reviews)