Best Time to Visit Qinghai: Qinghai Weather Guide

Qinghai Weather & Climate to Know for Picking the Best Time to Visit

Qinghai weather is shaped by its high altitude, with much of the province sitting above 3,000 meters (9,842 feet). It has a continental climate characterized by cool, dry air and sharp temperature differences between day and night. Winters are long and harsh, while summers are mild and pleasant.

• Temperature: The average winter temperature in Qinghai in 2023 was as low as 8.1°C and the average summer temperature in 2024 was 9°C. The cool weather in summer makes Qinghai a summer resort in China.
• Rainfall: Qinghai is relatively dry, receiving around 250-500 mm of rainfall annually, with most precipitation (mostly shower) occurring in the summer months. Winters are cold and dry, while summers are cool and wet.
• Wind: Qinghai can be quite windy, especially in its high-altitude regions and open plains. The winds are more pronounced during the spring months, with gusts that can make temperatures feel much colder than they are.

Here's a table of Qinghai's average monthly temperature for your reference:

Best Time to Visit Qinghai: May-October

The best time to visit Qinghai is from May to October. Qinghai experiences mild and cool weather, with temperatures ranging from 2°C to 22°C. Summers (June-August) are particularly pleasant, with daytime highs around 15°C to 25°C, while nights can still be chilly. That earns Qinghai China’s summer resort.

July and August see peak tourist activity in Qinghai, making popular sites (such as Qinghai Lake and Chaka Salt Lake) more crowded. Additionally, early May coincides with Chinese Labor Day, leading to a smaller surge in tourism.

Qinghai Lake around Xining

Qinghai Chaka Salt Lake

Tips: To avoid the heavy tourist flow, you can opt for mid-May to June or September to October. During these times, Qinghai still offers beautiful scenery, though temperatures might be cooler.

Best Time to Visit Qinghai Lake: May-October

The best time to visit Qinghai Lake and the surrounding Chaka Salk Lake is from May to October. However, Qinghaihu Lake offers different landscapes and things to do in different seasons.

• Qinghai Lake in Spring (Mar-May): With temperatures ranging from -0.5°C to 15°C, this is the best time for birdwatching at the lake.
• Qinghai Lake in Summer (Jun-Aug): This is the prime time for visiting, especially in July and August, when rapeseed flowers bloom and temperatures range from 15 to 20°C. It's perfect for outdoor activities like cycling and witnessing stunning sunrises.
• Qinghai Lake in Autumn (Sept-Nov): With average temperatures around 3°C to 10°C, the lake's landscape becomes colorful as vegetation turns yellow, creating a beautiful contrast with the blue sky.
• Qinghai Lake in Winter (Dec-Feb): Winter turns the lake into a snowy wonderland (-8°C to 5°C), ideal for ice skating and skiing at budget-friendly

Best Time to Visit Xining City: All Year Round

Xining has a mid-drought continental climate with ample sunshine and an annual average temperature of 3.2°C. Summers are pleasantly cool, averaging under 17°C, making Xining a great escape from summer heat.

Each season in Xining offers unique charm: blooming flowers in spring, cool weather in summer, golden autumn trees, and winter snow. While you can visit Xining year-round, May to September is ideal for mild weather and beautiful landscapes—though expect higher prices and more visitors during this peak season.

Xining City

Visit Ta'er Monastery in Xining

Qinghai in Spring (Mar-May): Best Time for Birdwatching at Qinghai Lake

In spring, Qinghai begins to thaw after a harsh winter, but not all of spring is ideal for travel.

March is particularly cold, windy, and dry, with temperatures ranging from -5°C to -10°C, making it unsuitable for visiting.

By mid-April, temperatures rise to 5°C to 15°C, making downtown Xining comfortable. However, Qinghai Lake, though thawed, remains cold and windy, so packing a down jacket or windproof clothing is essential.

May brings mild temperatures of 5°C to 18°C, though cooler nights require warm clothing. Birdwatching at Qinghai Lake becomes a highlight, especially around Erlangjian Scenic Area.

Things to Do

• Explore Qinghai Lake in May and enjoy birdwatching at the lakeside.
• Visit Ta'er Monastery, Dongguan Mosque, Qinghai Tibetan Culture Museum, and Tibetan Medicine Museum of China in downtown Xining.

Qinghai Lake Wildlife

Chaka Salt Lake Birds

What to Wear

• Warm layers: A fleece or down jacket for the chilly mornings and evenings.
• Long-sleeved shirts or sweaters for daytime.
• Windproof jacket for occasional strong winds.
• Hat and sunglasses for sun protection, especially if you're visiting higher altitudes.
• Comfortable hiking shoes or sneakers for long walks.

Qinghai in Summer (Jun-Aug): Best Time for Rapeseed Flowers and Summer Heat Escape

Summer is the perfect time to visit Qinghai, with pleasant temperatures ranging from 15°C to 25°C, dry weather, and a light breeze. While mornings and evenings may be cool, midday brings warmth, making it essential to dress in layers to adapt to the changing temperatures.

July and August showcase the magnificent fields of rapeseed flowers around Qinghai Lake, creating one of Qinghai’s most beautiful landscapes.

The sunny weather during this time is perfect for visiting Chaka Salt Lake, where the lake’s mirror-like surface reflects the sky, offering a breathtaking experience. If lucky, you may even witness a mirage on the lake’s surface during the day!

Things to Do

• Tour Xining’s Ta'er Monastery, Dongguan Mosque, Qinghai Tibetan Culture Museum, and Tibetan Medicine Museum.
• Hike or cycle around Qinghai Lake and soak in the vibrant fields of golden rapeseed flowers.
• Visit Chaka Salt Lake for its stunning mirror-like reflections.
• Admire the golden rapeseed fields at Menyuan Rape Flower Scenic Spot and enjoy distant views of the 5,254-meter-high Gangshika Peak in Tongren County.
• Learn to make Tibetan incense or snacks in a Tibetan household, or savor authentic lamb dishes in Hui (Muslim) restaurants.
• Attend the Naadam Festival in July and August, featuring martial arts, polo, horseback archery, horse racing, and motorbike performances.

Visit Qinghai Lake in August

Qinghai Lake Blooming Season (August)

What to Wear

• Light, breathable clothing such as t-shirts, lightweight trousers, or hiking pants.
• A windbreaker or light jacket for cooler evenings or windy days.
• Sunglasses, sunscreen, and a hat to protect from strong UV rays.
• Comfortable shoes for walking, hiking, or cycling.
• Rain gear: Light raincoat or waterproof jacket for summer showers.

Qinghai in Autumn (Sept-Nov): Best Time for Cycling or Hiking

Autumn in Qinghai is short. Early autumn from September to mid-October remains comfortable (10°C to 18°C), with cool days and chilly nights. After mid-October, temperatures drop rapidly, making it too cold to visit.

Clear skies and mild weather make autumn one of the best times to visit for outdoor activities and scenic drives if time allows.

Things to Do

• Take a city tour in Xining, visiting Ta'er Monastery, Xining Dongguan Mosque, Qinghai Tibetan Culture Museum, and Tibetan Medicine Museum.
• Explore Qinghai Lake in autumn on a long walk or bike ride for breathtaking scenery, where golden meadows contrast beautifully with the deep blue waters. The distant mountains fade in and out of view, creating a landscape that feels like a living oil painting.
• Hike and explore Kanbula National Park, known for its dramatic Danxia landforms, lush forests, and the stunning Lijiaxia Reservoir.

What to Wear

• Layered clothing: Sweaters or long-sleeved shirts paired with a jacket or coat.
• A warm coat or thermal jacket for cooler mornings and nights.
• Scarf, hat, and gloves, especially for higher elevations.
• Sturdy shoes or boots for hiking or walking in cooler weather.

Qinghai in Winter (Dec-Feb): Best Time for a Budget Qinghai Tour

Winter is extremely cold in Qinghai, with temperatures often falling below -10°C, especially in higher altitudes. However, the snow-covered landscapes offer a unique beauty. It’s the best time for a budget-friendly Qinghai tour.

Things to Do

• Explore Xining’s attractions such as Ta'er Monastery, Xining Dongguan Mosque, Qinghai Tibetan Culture Museum, and Tibetan Medicine Museum of China, and enjoy the peacefulness of the region with fewer tourists around.
• Capture photos of frozen Qinghai Lake and snow-capped mountains.

Visit Museum of China Tibetan Medicine Culture in Xining

Visit Kumbum Stupa at Ta'er Monastery

What to Wear

• Heavy winter coat or insulated down jacket.
• Thermal underwear and layers to keep warm in freezing temperatures.
• Woolen hats, gloves, and a scarf to protect against the cold.
• Waterproof, insulated boots for snow-covered areas.
• Sunglasses and sunscreen for high-altitude sun exposure, as UV rays are strong even in winter.

Packing List for Qinghai Tour

Due to Qinghai's high altitude and variable climate, it’s essential to pack accordingly. Here's a helpful list:

• Clothing: Layers are key. Pack warm clothes, even in summer, as temperatures drop at night. A windproof jacket and thermal wear for colder months are necessary.
• Sunscreen Products: Due to the strong UV radiation at high altitudes, pack sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat to protect yourself from sunburn.
• Altitude Sickness Medication: If you’re not accustomed to high altitudes, bring altitude sickness medication. It’s also a good idea to stay hydrated and move slowly as you adjust.
• Anti-motion Sickness Medication: Qinghai’s roads can be winding, especially on mountain passes, so bring anti-motion sickness pills if needed.
• Comfort Essentials: Moisturizer and lip balm are recommended for the dry climate, and you should also pack snacks and a reusable water bottle for long drives or hikes.

How to Plan Your Qinghai Tour

A 3-4 day itinerary is ideal for visiting Qinghai's attractions, including Qinghai Lake (1 day), Chaka Salt Lake (0.5-1 day) and Ta'er Monastery in Xining (1 day). Here's a suggested itinerary:

Arrive in Xining and explore Ta'er Monastery, rich in Tibetan Buddhist heritage. In the evening, enjoy local snacks at the night market.

Drive 2-3 hours to Qinghai Lake, stopping at Erlangjian Scenic Area. Enjoy optional activities like a boat cruise, horseback riding, or cycling. In the afternoon, continue for about 2.5 hours to Chaka Town for an overnight stay.

Visit the famous Chaka Salt Lake and the "Mirror of the Sky" Scenic Area, known for its stunning reflections. Take a sightseeing train to explore the salt flats. Afterward, drive back to Xining, covering approximately 300 km in 3.5 to 4 hours.

Recommended Tours:

3 Days Qinghai Tour: Qinghai Lake, Chaka Salt Lake & Ta’er Monastery

Tips: Qinghai is an ideal starting point for exploring China's Silk Road. Spend 3 days visiting Qinghai's top sights, then extend your journey to Gansu (3-8 days) and Xinjiang (5-10 days) for a complete Silk Road experience.

Recommended Tours:

12 Days Silk Road Tour from Xining to Kashgar (Qinghai Gansu Xinjiang)

Visit Qinghai with Asia Odyssey Travel (AOT)

For a hassle-free experience, consider booking your Qinghai tour with Asia Odyssey Travel (AOT). AOT offers tailored itineraries that combine the region's stunning natural scenery, cultural landmarks, and unique experiences like the Sky Train to Tibet. With expert local guides, comfortable accommodations, and a focus on creating unforgettable memories, AOT ensures your journey through Qinghai is smooth and enriching.

Explore the diverse beauty of Qinghai with the right information on weather, best travel seasons, and packing essentials. Whether you're drawn to the blooming rapeseed flowers in summer or the snowy landscapes of winter, Qinghai promises an incredible adventure for all types of travelers.