Weather: May can be hot, but it is a good month to travel to Xi'an if you want to beat the even hotter "Xi'an furnace city" months of summer and early fall. The average temperature in Xi'an in May is a cool 15 °C (59 °F), but it is warm enough during the day to be comfortable at outdoor attractions. Though it warms up, it actually rains only a little. Xi'an has a dry climate.
Clothing: A shirt with a thin coat is enough for the beginning of the month. The weather is usually consistently warm by the end of this month, and generally, a shirt will feel comfortable during the day.
Xi'an May Weather Data Graphs
Top Things to Do in Xi'an in May
Bell and Drum TowerIt is time to go out and enjoy yourself outdoors and at the night markets.
Walk or Ride Bicycles on the Top of the Xi'an Ancient City Wall
If it isn't raining, May is a fine month to see the sights as you go along the top of the massive brick wall that was built during the Ming Dynasty (1368–1644). You can rent bikes. Make sure to bring water, especially on hot days.
Shop and Eat at the North Gate Night Market
This night market is located near the Bell Tower and Drum Tower plaza. So you can see these major attractions, and also try a variety of regional cuisines such as Hui Muslim food and various regional foods and desserts. The Hui barbecues and Lanzhou handmade noodles are recommended.
Xi'an night marketSee and Hike the Hongshi Gorge
If you want to go on an outdoors excursion, this valley about 240 kilometers from Xi'an is known as one of China's natural wonders.
It is a group of waterfalls, rapids and falling streams, and paths wind around there that you can walk along. The gorge features red sandstone cliffs and rock formations. We can help you plan a personalized Xi'an tour including this excursion.
Visiting Xi'an in May: Important Travel Tips and Popular Tours
May is in the high season.
May is a high travel month. The Labor Day holiday is between May 1st and 3rd, and most Chinese people have three days off from work.
Visit the Terracotta Army with China HighlightsTransportation routes are busy and tourist attractions are crowded. Room rates and prices for tickets become higher than normal.
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
Contact us today to schedule a tour of Xi'an's famous sights. Ask about our custom tours to explore individualized options.