Urumqi in May

In May, Urumqi averages 23°C (74°F) during the day and 12°C (53°F) at night, with around 7 days of rain (30 mm total).

High season

Conditions are comfortable for sightseeing without being sweltering. Occasional showers are likely but won't dominate.

May is a great month to visit Urumqi: pleasant temperatures and relatively few wet days.

23°C
Avg high
12°C
Avg low
7
Rain days
30 mm
Rainfall

How May compares to the rest of the year in Urumqi

4th
warmest month of the 12
1st
wettest month of the 12
11%
of yearly rainfall falls in May
14 h 43 min
daylight on the 15th

May is in the middle of the year for warmth in Urumqi (4th of 12) and one of the wettest months (1st of 12). Daytime temperature runs 10°C above the annual average (13°C). May runs 6°C warmer than April (18°C) and warms a further 5°C into June (28°C).

May sunrise & sunset in Urumqi

🌅
Sunrise (15th)
6:44 AM
🌇
Sunset (15th)
9:27 PM
Day length
14 h 43 min

Times shown for Urumqi local time (Asia/Shanghai), calculated for the 15th of May. They shift by a few minutes day to day across the month.

Photography light in Urumqi — May

Golden-hour and blue-hour windows for the 15th of May, in Urumqi's local time. Use these for soft warm light (golden) or cool architectural twilight (blue).

🌅 Blue hour (AM)
5:44 AM – 6:24 AM
🌄 Golden hour (AM)
6:24 AM – 7:24 AM
🌇 Golden hour (PM)
8:47 PM – 9:47 PM
🌆 Blue hour (PM)
9:47 PM – 10:27 PM
Milky Way galactic core
Good
Galactic core is up but lower on the horizon; head well outside city limits for a clean view.

📅 When to book — Urumqi in May

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 May's tier (High season) and Urumqi's popularity.

✈ Flights — lead time
2-3 months
Prices are above off-season but not the absolute peak. Tuesday/Wednesday departures are usually cheaper than weekend ones.
🏨 Lodging — lead time
2-3 months
Wide selection still available at this lead time. Premium properties book first; consider 'last-minute deal' availability at 2-week mark if your dates are flexible.

Crowds & pricing — May in Urumqi

High season

This is a busy month in Urumqi — not the absolute peak, but tourist numbers are clearly elevated. You'll feel it at headline attractions on weekends and in the historic centre, though side streets and lesser-known sights stay manageable. Prices are above off-season but not at their summit. A good week for first-time visitors who want everything open without the worst of the crush.

Why this tier: excellent tourism weather

Sun & mosquito risk — May in Urumqi

☀️ UV Index (noon, 15th)
11.5
Extreme
Stay indoors during midday hours; SPF 50+ even briefly outside, UPF clothing, wide-brim hat, sunglasses essential.
🦟 Mosquito risk
●●●○○
Moderate
Active mosquito season. DEET 25-30% repellent recommended, especially at dawn/dusk.

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.

Urumqi in other months

MonthAvg highAvg lowRainfallRain daysSnow 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 May weather

🌍 See the full ranked list of climate twins for Urumqi in May →

Frequently asked questions

How hot is Urumqi in May?

In May, Urumqi averages a high of 23°C (74°F) and a low of 12°C (53°F) — generally mild and pleasant.

Does it rain a lot in Urumqi in May?

May sees occasional rain in Urumqi, with about 7 rainy days on average.

Is May a good time to visit Urumqi?

May is mild and pleasant. It suits travelers who are comfortable with mild and pleasant weather; check the month-by-month ranking to compare it against the rest of the year.

What should I pack for Urumqi in May?

Pack light layers for warm days and cooler evenings. See the full May packing list for Urumqi for a complete, climate-based checklist.

Open Urumqi on the interactive map

Check the live 10-day forecast and sunrise/sunset.