Xi'an Weather in March

March weather

March feels like spring in Xi'an, but mornings and evenings are still chilly. Afternoons can reach 18°C, while overnight lows dip to 4°C. Rain is limited, though you may get a shower on some days.

It's a good month for walking the City Wall, exploring the Muslim Quarter and visiting the Terracotta Army without summer heat. The long outdoor days suit sightseeing, but save a warm layer for the cool air around the wall after sunset. April is warmer and wetter, so March is a comfortable middle ground.

Blossoms and holidays

Cherry blossoms may start appearing at Qinglong Temple in March, though the timing varies. It's a lovely place for a spring stroll if the flowers are out. The Lantern Festival can also fall in March, depending on the lunar calendar; it marks the end of Lunar New Year celebrations.

If you hate crowds, March is often calmer than April and October, two of Xi'an's best-known travel months. You'll generally find fewer visitors and better value than during those busier periods. Chinese New Year crowds usually ease by then, but dates change each year.

Make the most of your visit

Travelling with kids? March's cooler afternoons make the Terracotta Army easier to explore than during Xi'an's hot summer. Give the museum time; it's outside the city centre, so the trip takes a good part of the day.

For a practical local tip, check the forecast before walking the City Wall. Its open route offers little shelter if rain arrives, and March brings rain on several days. If the sky looks unsettled, spend that time among the indoor halls at the Shaanxi History Museum instead. The weather can shift between a chilly morning and a mild afternoon, so you'll enjoy the sights more if you plan your day around that change.