Urumqi in December
In December, Urumqi averages -5°C (22°F) during the day and -13°C (8°F) at night, with only about 3 rainy days.
Off-peakConditions are deeply cold — proper winter gear is essential. Skies are generally dry and clear.
December in Urumqi is outside the typical sweet spot for sightseeing weather. It can still be a great time to visit if you have specific reasons (festivals, off-season pricing, etc.).
How December compares to the rest of the year in Urumqi
December is one of the coolest months in Urumqi (11th of 12) and one of the driest months (11th of 12). Daytime temperature runs 19°C below the annual average (13°C). December runs 9°C cooler than November (3°C) and cools 2°C in January (-7°C).
December sunrise & sunset in Urumqi
Times shown for Urumqi local time (Asia/Shanghai), calculated for the 15th of December. They shift by a few minutes day to day across the month.
Photography light in Urumqi — December
Golden-hour and blue-hour windows for the 15th of December, in Urumqi's local time. Use these for soft warm light (golden) or cool architectural twilight (blue).
📅 When to book — Urumqi in December
Travel writers usually only tell you when to go. Here's when to book flights and lodging for the best mix of price and availability, based on December's tier (Off-peak) and Urumqi's popularity.
Crowds & pricing — December in Urumqi
This is off-peak for Urumqi — the lowest prices of the year and the fewest crowds, but with real trade-offs: some restaurants, hotels, and beach businesses may close for the season; weather conditions can make outdoor activities unpredictable; and a handful of seasonal sights run reduced hours or close entirely. Great if you prefer a quiet local rhythm and don't mind the climate giving you reasons to choose indoor activities.
Why this tier: challenging tourism weather Christmas / New Year travel surge
Sun & mosquito risk — December in Urumqi
UV is a clear-sky sea-level estimate — clouds, altitude, and reflective surfaces (snow, water) shift it ±30%. Mosquito risk is climate-derived only; for current disease advisories (dengue, malaria, zika) check the CDC or WHO travel pages before your trip.
🥶 Bitter cold — Urumqi in December
Gear: Snow rare but air is freezing. Insulated coat, hat, and gloves still required — wind chill is the real enemy.
Urumqi in other months
| Month | Avg high | Avg low | Rainfall | Rain days | Snow days |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | -7°C / 19°F | -16°C / 4°F | 7 mm | 2 | — |
| February | -4°C / 25°F | -12°C / 10°F | 10 mm | 3 | — |
| March | 8°C / 46°F | -3°C / 27°F | 20 mm | 4 | — |
| April | 18°C / 64°F | 5°C / 41°F | 31 mm | 6 | — |
| May | 23°C / 74°F | 12°C / 53°F | 30 mm | 7 | — |
| June | 28°C / 83°F | 17°C / 62°F | 29 mm | 5 | — |
| July | 31°C / 88°F | 19°C / 67°F | 22 mm | 4 | — |
| August | 28°C / 83°F | 17°C / 63°F | 28 mm | 6 | — |
| September | 23°C / 73°F | 11°C / 52°F | 24 mm | 6 | — |
| October | 14°C / 57°F | 3°C / 38°F | 28 mm | 5 | — |
| November | 3°C / 38°F | -6°C / 22°F | 26 mm | 5 | — |
| December | -5°C / 22°F | -13°C / 8°F | 12 mm | 3 | — |
Other cities with similar December weather
🌍 See the full ranked list of climate twins for Urumqi in December →
Frequently asked questions
How hot is Urumqi in December?
In December, Urumqi averages a high of -5°C (22°F) and a low of -13°C (8°F) — generally cold.
Does it rain a lot in Urumqi in December?
December is generally dry in Urumqi, with about 3 rainy days on average.
Is December a good time to visit Urumqi?
December is cold and mostly dry. It suits travelers who are comfortable with cold weather; check the month-by-month ranking to compare it against the rest of the year.
What should I pack for Urumqi in December?
Pack heavy winter layers, a coat, hat and gloves. See the full December packing list for Urumqi for a complete, climate-based checklist.
Check the live 10-day forecast and sunrise/sunset.