The best travel time for Xinjiang is from May to October each year. Here is a detailed analysis:
May to June: Late spring and early summer, with moderate temperatures, is a good time to admire spring flowers and grasslands. Lavender in Yili and wildflowers at the foot of Mount Tianshan are in full bloom, creating pleasant scenery. In addition, the number of tourists in Xinjiang in spring is relatively small, allowing you to avoid the crowds during peak periods.
July to August: Although the temperature is higher, it is also the season with the most abundant fruits of the year, such as哈密瓜 (Hami melons) and grapes. At this time, you can experience the ‘fragrant fruits’ of Xinjiang. In addition, the nightlife in Xinjiang in summer is rich, with various food festivals and ethnic celebrations frequently held, allowing you to deeply experience the local culture. Meanwhile, the grasslands, lakes, and mountains are very beautiful in summer, making it the peak tourist season.
September to October: Autumn is the golden season for tourism in Xinjiang. The weather is sunny, the temperature is pleasant, and the fruits are still sweet. Moreover, the colorful autumn scenery makes it a paradise for photographers. In northern Xinjiang, places like Kanas and Hemu Village, with golden birch forests, green lakes, and distant snow-capped mountains, form beautiful pictures. In addition, the number of tourists in autumn decreases relatively, providing a better travel experience.
In addition, for specific attractions such as the Duku Highway, the best travel time is from June to September each year. During this period, the scenery along the highway is picturesque, with green grasslands and blooming flowers, offering a unique experience of ‘experiencing four seasons in one day’.
In general, Xinjiang has beautiful scenery throughout the four seasons, but the best travel time for most tourists is from May to October.