In January, the weather in Xinjiang is freezing and cold, and the temperature and season feature can vary greatly depending on the region.
The southern and northern part of Xinjiang are geographically separated by the Tianshan Mountains. Because of the large land area and special geographic location, it leads to a large temperature difference between day and night in Xinjiang, but long sunshine duration.
The temperature difference in January between the northern and southern Xinjiang is significant, and the climatic characteristics are also different. Northern Xinjiang are often characterized by snowfall or rainfall with low temperature; But in the northern Xinjiang temperatures are more moderate, but there are longer periods of low temperatures.
Weather Condition in Xinjiang
North Xinjiang(Urumqi, Yili, Karamy, Altay....)
Temperature
In the northern part of Xinjiang, such as Urumqi, temperatures can be quite cold, with average daytime temperature is high as -10°C(14℉) and lows around -20°C(-4℉). Snowfall is common during January in North Xinjiang, the average precipitation is 6.6mm, so the air is quite dry and cold.
Clothing
January is the coldest time in Xinjiang, the outerwear you need to wear a thicker down jacket, the inner wear need a sweater and thermal underwear, cotton pants, and wear snow boots. In addition, don't forget to wear hat and gloves.
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South Xinjiang (Kashgar,Aksu,Khotan, Korla..)
Temperature
In contrast, the southern part of Xinjiang, such as Kashgar, generally experiences milder temperatures in January, with average highs around 10°C(50℉) and lows around -5°C(23℉).
January in South Xinjiang is not as cold as Northern, but there are long periods of low temperatures. Different from Urumqi, the average precipitation is only 2.1mm.
Clothing
The temperature in January in South Xinjiang is not very cold, but the temperature difference between day and night is still very big, so you can wear coats, cotton outerwear, sweaters, down jackets, winter jackets and other heavy warm clothes.
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Popular Destinations in January
1.Hemu
Whether it is Spring, Summer, Autumn, or Winter, Hemu has always been the must-hit place.
In January, Hemu is covered with snow, and a small wooden hut is situated in the snowy plains of the mountains, just like an ink painting scroll, full of primitive flavor with traditional features of nomadic people. In January in Hemu, you can have snowball fights, climb snow mountains, ski and experience the fun of winter.
At the same time, you can also feel the charm of folk culture and taste the hand-grasped mutton, yogurt products made by the ancient method of the Tuva people, and other delicacies, which have a unique flavor.
2.Altay
January in Altay, the temperature is down to -22.2℃(-7.96℉), but the snow and ice landscape is breathtaking. Altay region of Kanas, Hemu, and other places are white with snow, and the forest is standing still, like a white picture scroll. Birch forests in Burqin look extraordinarily quiet and beautiful against the reflection of snow. The most can not miss fairy tale town - Burqin County's ice sculptures are even more lifelike and colorful as if bringing people into a fairy tale world.
In addition to the snow and ice landscape, there are abundant snow and ice folk activities in Altay in January. You can participate in skiing, winter fishing, horse-drawn sledding, and other ice and snow activities to feel the unique ice and snow culture of Altay.
As the “last tear of the Atlantic Ocean”, the beauty of Sayram Lake is unique.
In January, you can see the unique winter scenery of Sayram Lake. The surface of the lake freezes, forming a unique blue ice landscape, a large number of broken ice is impacted by the water flow and bonded together, from a high place to look down, you can see the lake seems like a huge blue mosaic, the lake water beat on the shore of the rocks after the ice, like countless “ice mushrooms” in the lake unfolding;
There is also the ice bubble ice, under the thick ice layer, filled with different shapes of bubbles, which is a unique phenomenon formed in the icing process of the lake.
4.Kashgar
Kashgar is a magical place, a national historical and cultural city in Xinjiang, with exotic brick buildings and brick carvings. The temperature in Kashgar in January is -4.1°C -1.8°C, which is not very cold. You can stroll around the old city of Kashgar, which is significantly different from the modern city with its labyrinth of streets and alleys, and you can explore a variety of interesting attractions in The Old Town;
In addition to that, you can also explore the natural landscapes of the place. For example, the magnificent Muztagh Mountain; you can also taste the local specialties and enjoy your vacation in the very characteristic old teahouses.
5.Taxkorgan
Taxkorgan County is situated in a highland region, experiencing colder temperatures in January. Due to its remote location, the climate is dry and characterized by strong winds, requiring individuals to wear warm coats.
When you come to Taxkorgan in January, You can experience the history and culture of the Tajiks in the ancient city of Taxkorgan and admire the unique architectural style.
You can also see Qogir, the climatic conditions in January may not be suitable for hiking, but you can still enjoy the majesty of this mountain from a distance.
At the Ruins Stone City, you can learn about the history and culture of the ancient Silk Road and experience the charm of the ancient civilization.
