Weather: May marks the transition from late spring to early summer in Xi'an. The weather is generally warm and pleasant, with average temperatures between 18-30°C (64-86°F), though it can occasionally reach 39°C (102°F) on the hottest days.
There are usually around ten days with some rain, though showers tend to be brief rather than all-day events, so they rarely affect sightseeing plans.
What to wear: Light, breathable clothing works best: short-sleeved tops and comfortable trousers or skirts are ideal. A light jacket or cardigan is useful for cooler mornings and evenings.
The sun can feel quite strong toward the end of the month, so sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses are highly recommended. An umbrella is also handy for both sudden showers and shade.
Better to Travel After the May Day Holiday
May is one of the best months to visit Xi'an.
The city is alive with pomegranate blossoms, historic streets are lined with color, and the weather is pleasantly warm for long walks through ancient sites. With fewer tourists than in peak summer, you can enjoy a more relaxed pace while taking in the seasonal beauty.
However, we strongly recommend avoiding the May Day holiday (May 1-5), when popular attractions become extremely crowded. Queues at the Terracotta Warriors can be as long as 2–3 hours, and hotel prices may increase by 30-50%.
If you do need to travel during the May Day period, it's best to:
- Book your hotel and flights 2-3 months in advance.
- Visit major attractions during off-peak times. For example, explore the Terracotta Warriors around 4 PM or during night tours (which maybe offered on the May Day Holiday) when tour groups have left.
- Consider less crowded alternatives like Hanyangling Mausoleum, which offers an interesting archaeological experience with far fewer people.
- Book tickets as soon as they go on sale. If you prefer not to handle tickets yourself, we can assist in securing them, though availability cannot be guaranteed.
Working with local guides can also help you reduce waiting times and avoid the busiest periods, ensuring a smoother and more enjoyable visit. Contact us for personalized recommendations tailored to your itinerary and interests.
Recommended Activities in May in Xi'an
1. Experience Xi'an's City Flower: Pomegranate Blossoms
May is the month when pomegranate flowers come into full bloom in Xi'an. You'll see bright red blossoms in many historic sites and parks across the city.
Pomegranates were brought to China along the ancient Silk Road, so the pomegranate has become the symbolic city flower of Xi'an and a reminder of the city's role in cultural exchange.
Pomegranate flowersSome of the best places to see the blossoms are the Big Wild Goose Pagoda, Small Wild Goose Pagoda , Huaqing Palace, Daming Palace, and the City Wall Park.
The blossoms throughout May. If you are visiting these sites in May, you'll naturally enjoy this seasonal highlight as part of your trip.
2. Witness the "Peach Blossom Flood" at Hukou Waterfall
In early to mid-May, the Yellow River's Hukou Waterfall often enters what locals call the "Peach Blossom Flood".
During this period, the water turns into a powerful white cascade, quite different from the river's usual sandy-yellow color. At the same time, wild peach trees bloom along the riverbanks, adding soft pink tones to the dramatic scene.
The white water of Hukou WaterfallStanding close to the viewing platforms, you may even feel the ground gently vibrate as the water rushes past. It is an impressive natural spectacle and a real highlight if you enjoy raw landscapes and photography.
You may also see novelty photo options here, such as donkey rides and traditional Shaanbei-style costumes. These are optional add-ons and mainly for fun pictures.
Our guide was dressed in traditional Shaanbei-style clothing and posed with a donkey3. Explore Jingbian Wave Valley's Martian Landscape
If you enjoy unique geological formations or landscape photography, Jingbian Wave Valley is a striking place to explore. Here you'll find wave-patterned red sandstone that looks almost like a Martian landscape on Earth.
In May, the sunshine is usually strong and the air is clear, so the colors appear especially vivid. Layers of deep red, orange, and yellow spread across the rock surfaces, and the patterns seem to shift as the light changes throughout the day.
Jingbian Wave ValleyTemperatures are generally warm without being uncomfortable, so you can walk around and take photos at a relaxed pace.
Jingbian is much further from Xi'an than most common day-trip spots, so it is best suited for those who enjoy off-the-beaten-path scenery and don't mind a longer journey.
Jingbian Wave Valley and Hukou Waterfall are each about a 4–5-hour drive from Xi'an. Even if you plan to visit just one in a single day, the trip can feel rushed.
Planning two days allows you to comfortably explore both destinations and enjoy the scenery in the best light. See our 7-Day Xi'an, Wave Valley & Hukou Waterfall Tour.
4. Catch Hydrangeas at Small Wild Goose Pagoda
If you visit Xi'an from around May 20–30, you can usually see beautiful hydrangeas in full bloom at Small Wild Goose Pagoda.
Blue, pink, and purple hydrangeas fill the tranquil gardens beneath the ancient pagoda, creating a peaceful escape from the busier parts of the city. It's especially nice if you enjoy quiet walks and soft, natural colors rather than crowded tourist spots.
Small Wild Goose PagodaHydrangeaWhile you're there, visit the nearby Xi'an Museum to learn about the city's history through its impressive collection of artifacts. It's also a good indoor option if late-May temperatures feel a bit warm, with cool, air-conditioned galleries that make the experience even more comfortable.
Discover Xi'an with China Highlights
May is a wonderful time to experience Xi'an, with comfortable temperatures, blooming gardens, and lively cultural scenes.
If you'd like to enjoy the city at the right pace, whether that means finding quiet viewpoints, timing your visits around the best light, or exploring beyond the main sights, we can design a private trip that suits your interests and travel style. Just contact us.
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