Xining Weather in February

Cold, clear days

February feels like a proper winter month in Xining. Afternoons can reach 7°C, but nights drop to -8°C, so the cold catches up with you once the sun fades. There's little rain, and you'll get some sunny spells, though cloudy skies are common too.

It's a good time for city sights, warm bowls of beef noodles and a visit to Dongguan Mosque. The high altitude can make long walks feel harder, especially in the cold. Save strenuous hikes for another season, and don't expect a comfortable day at Qinghai Lake.

Holiday changes

Chinese New Year sometimes falls in February, and the Lantern Festival follows about two weeks later. Dates change each year. You may see festive decorations and family gatherings, but some shops and restaurants close during the holiday.

If you hate crowds, avoid travelling on the busiest Spring Festival dates. Xining is generally quieter in winter than in April and May, but holiday travel can still fill trains and make services less regular.

A quieter visit

Outside the holiday period, February is low season. You'll usually find fewer visitors at major sights than in spring, and accommodation often costs less. The trade-off is shorter days and a colder feel than spring, when Xining's weather becomes milder.

Travelling with kids? Keep outdoor visits short, then warm up over a bowl of Xining-style hand-pulled noodles. For Kumbum Monastery, outside the city, check that transport and visitor services are running during Spring Festival before setting out. Don't leave the return journey to chance when winter evenings get cold.