Xining Weather in April

April: crisp spring days

April feels like spring in the sun, but winter hasn't fully let go. Daytime highs reach 18°C, while nights can fall to 1°C. Rain is still fairly limited, so you'll often have good conditions for exploring Xining's streets and sights.

Visit Dongguan Mosque or spend a few hours at Qinghai Provincial Museum. A trip to Ta'er Monastery in nearby Huangzhong also works well on a clear day. Evenings turn cold, and the high elevation can make steep walks feel harder than you expect. Save long mountain hikes for a warmer, more settled spell.

Qingming and quieter streets

Qingming, the Tomb-Sweeping holiday, falls in early April. Families visit ancestral graves, and some people take short trips. Holiday dates change each year, so the busiest days vary. Xining is generally quieter than during the summer high season, and April is one of the best months to visit. Prices are often gentler than in peak summer, though holiday travel can bring a brief rise in demand.

If you hate crowds, visit Ta'er Monastery outside the Qingming holiday.

Make the most of the weather

April brings more rain than March, but less than May. Expect occasional showers, not a washout: the month averages 26 mm across six days. Cloud can roll in, so keep indoor options like the museum for grey afternoons. The Qinghai Lake area is still chilly, and it's not the best time to plan a lakeside cycling trip.

For Ta'er Monastery, check the bus departure point in Xining before setting out; services can differ by route. The monastery is in Huangzhong, so allow time for the journey and for exploring its halls. Back in town, a bowl of local lamb soup is a warming end to a cold evening.