Last updated: August 21, 2025
In December, Xining, China experiences a chilly climate, with maximum temperatures reaching only 8°C (46°F) and an average low of -7°C (19°F), plunging to a brisk -27°C (-16°F) at times. Visitors can expect limited precipitation, with just 5 mm (0.2 in) falling over the month on approximately 1 day, contributing to a relative humidity of 71%. This weather makes December a time for bundling up and enjoying the serene landscapes of Xining, where the crisp air and stunning mountain vistas create a truly enchanting winter atmosphere.
In December, Xining, China, plunges into the heart of winter with temperatures often dipping to a minimum of -27°C (-16°F). The chill is palpable, as the average temperature hovers around -7°C (19°F), while the highs barely reach 8°C (46°F). This month marks one of the coldest periods in the year, following November’s slight reprieve from extreme lows. As winter sets in more firmly, the city transitions from the frigid grip of December into the even harsher months of January and February, signaling the importance of warm layers and cozy indoor retreats for residents and visitors alike. Despite the cold, December's frosty allure can be enchanting, offering a stark beauty that encapsulates the essence of Xining’s winter season.
In Xining, China, December marks a significant shift in the city's precipitation patterns, as rainfall dwindles to a mere 5 mm (0.2 in), occurring on just 1 day of the month. This decline follows a relatively wetter autumn, with November experiencing slightly more rain at 10 mm (0.4 in) over 3 days. The transition into winter is characterized by a stark reduction in both the volume and frequency of precipitation, contrasting sharply with the summer months when August reached a peak of 102 mm (4.0 in). As temperatures drop and landscapes become frostbitten, Xining's weather in December serves as a reminder of the region's distinct seasonal variations, paving the way for the drier months ahead.
In December, Xining, China, experiences a drop in humidity levels to 71%, marking a significant shift from the higher moisture of previous months. The year begins with relatively high humidity, peaking at 85% in October, and remaining above 79% through November. However, as winter sets in, December brings drier air, leading to a noticeable decrease that mirrors the trend of tapering humidity seen in May. This seasonal transition contributes to a crisp, refreshing winter atmosphere, offering residents a reprieve from the more humid conditions of late summer and early fall.
As December unfolds in Xining, China, the UV Index dips to 3, indicating a moderate level of exposure that calls for some caution, particularly for those with sensitive skin. This month's slightly cooler temperatures invite outdoor adventures without the burning urgency experienced in the peak summer months when values soared to a striking 13. From April to August, the UV Index in Xining reached extreme levels, necessitating minimal sun exposure of only 10 minutes to prevent skin damage. However, the gradual decline in December represents a shift toward more manageable conditions, mirroring the trend of decreasing UV intensity as the year comes to a close. For those looking to stay sun-safe while enjoying the crisp winter air, it’s reassuring to know that the burn time extends to 30 minutes at this time of year. To stay informed about sun safety throughout the year, visit the detailed guide here: Xining UV Index.
UV Risk Categories
As the year draws to a close, December in Xining, China, typically experiences a gentle waning of sunlight, with 284 hours of sunshine gracing the city. While this is a notable drop compared to the sun-drenched days of July that peak at 358 hours, it maintains a consistent glow that reflects the region's wintry charm. Following the steady decline from the summer heights, December’s sunlight mirrors the patterns of previous months, aligning closely with November's 283 hours. This slight decrease emphasizes a tranquil transition towards the colder months, yet still allows residents to bask in the crisp, sunny days even as the year ends.
In December, Xining, China, enjoys a remarkable 64% chance of sunny weather, making it one of the brighter months of the year. This trend emerges after a notably sunny November, which boasts an impressive 79% likelihood of sunshine. Looking back through the year, the sunshine probabilities generally drop from a high in January (62%) to a low in June (31%), before showing a slight resurgence in the latter half of the year. These seasonal fluctuations suggest that while winter brings cooler temperatures, December still offers a delightful opportunity for sunshine seekers to bask in the winter sun as the year closes.
In Xining, China, daylight duration experiences a distinct rhythm throughout the year, peaking in the summer months. January kicks off the year with just 9 hours of daylight, a trend that steadily increases to a maximum of 14 hours by May and June. As summer transitions into autumn, the days gradually shorten, with daylight falling back to 13 hours in August and continuing its descent to 9 hours by the time December arrives. This cyclical pattern showcases not only the beauty of seasonal change but also the way light influences daily life in this vibrant city.
As December sweeps into Xining, the city experiences a gentle breeze, with an average wind speed of 1.6 m/s (4 mph). This marks a slight uptick from November, continuing a trend of gradually increasing wind speeds in the late autumn months. While the winds are relatively calm compared to the brisker gusts of April (2.1 m/s), they remain consistent, reflecting Xining's typical climatic pattern in the final month of the year. The cool, crisp air invites residents to bundle up, and while the winds may not whistle powerfully, they carry the promise of winter's embrace.
Weather in Xining varies notably across the year, with each month offering distinct climate conditions. This page compares December’s weather to other months in Xining, focusing on differences in temperature, rainfall, humidity, and UV levels.
In December, the weather exhibits a slightly milder average temperature of -7°C (19°F), with a maximum reaching 8°C (46°F). The month sees minimal precipitation, totaling just 5 mm over one day, and the humidity hovers around 71%. In contrast, January experiences a dip in temperatures, with an average of -8°C (18°F) and a lower minimum of -30°C (-21°F), though it can briefly warm up to a maximum of 9°C (49°F). The precipitation increases to 8 mm occurring over two days, accompanied by a slight rise in humidity to 74%. For more detailed insights on January weather, visit Xining weather in January.
In December, the weather conditions are quite frigid, with average temperatures around -7°C (19°F) and a maximum of only 8°C (46°F). The month is relatively dry, recording just 5 mm of precipitation over a single day, and the humidity hovers around 71%. In contrast, February sees a slight warming trend, with average temperatures rising to -5°C (23°F) and a maximum reaching up to 15°C (59°F). The precipitation also increases to 8 mm over two days, accompanied by higher humidity at 80%. For more detailed information, you can check out Xining weather in February.
December weather is characterized by much colder temperatures, with a minimum of -27°C (-16°F) and an average of -7°C (19°F). In contrast, March sees a significant increase in temperature, with minima around -15°C (5°F) and average highs of 2°C (36°F) to a maximum of 20°C (68°F). December experiences very little precipitation, with only 5 mm (0.2 in) falling over just 1 day, while March has considerably more precipitation at 17 mm (0.7 in) across 5 days. The humidity also rises slightly from December’s 71% to March's 81%, reflecting the transition towards spring. For more detailed information, you can check Xining weather in March.
December and April present strikingly different weather conditions. In December, temperatures are notably colder, with a minimum of -27°C (-16°F) and an average of -7°C (19°F), while highs only reach up to 8°C (46°F). The month is relatively dry with just 5 mm (0.2 in) of precipitation over one day, accompanied by a humidity level of 71%. In contrast, April sees a significant warming trend, featuring a minimum of -10°C (15°F) and an average of 7°C (44°F), with maximum temperatures soaring to 25°C (77°F). This month experiences much higher precipitation at 43 mm (1.7 in) across eight days, resulting in a slightly higher humidity of 78%. To learn more about the specific weather conditions during this month, you can visit Xining weather in April.
December and May exhibit strikingly different weather characteristics. December’s temperatures range from a chilling minimum of -27°C (-16°F) to a maximum of 8°C (46°F), with an average of -7°C (19°F). Precipitation is minimal during this month, totaling just 5 mm (0.2 in) over the course of a single day, while humidity remains consistent at 71%. In contrast, May experiences a milder climate, with temperatures varying from a low of -4°C (25°F) to a high of 28°C (82°F) and an average of 11°C (52°F). The month is considerably wetter, with precipitation reaching 62 mm (2.4 in) spread across 9 days, while humidity remains steady at 71%. For more detailed information about the weather in May, visit Xining weather in May.
December and June present striking contrasts in weather. In December, temperatures often plunge to a minimum of -27°C (-16°F), with an average of -7°C (19°F) and a maximum of 8°C (46°F), while humidity hovers around 71%. Precipitation is minimal with only 5 mm (0.2 in) over just 1 day, creating a frigid atmosphere. In contrast, June welcomes a much milder climate, featuring a minimum temperature of 3°C (37°F) and an average of 15°C (58°F), peaking at 26°C (79°F). The month sees a significant increase in precipitation, totaling 77 mm (3.0 in) across 12 days, alongside a modest rise in humidity to 77%. For a closer look at the weather specifics during this delightful month, check out Xining weather in June.
In December, Xining experiences frigid temperatures, with an average low of -27°C (-16°F) and a maximum of just 8°C (46°F), creating a stark contrast to the warmth of July, where temperatures range from a minimum of 6°C (44°F) to a scorching maximum of 31°C (88°F). December sees minimal precipitation, with only about 5 mm (0.2 in) falling over a single day, while July is much wetter, receiving 76 mm (3.0 in) across 11 days. Despite the higher humidity in both months—71% in December compared to 77% in July—the overall weather experience differs significantly, with December's chill juxtaposing July's warmth and summer thunderstorms. For more details on July weather patterns, check Xining weather in July.
When comparing the weather in December and August, the stark contrast is evident. December temperatures in Xining can drop to a chilling minimum of -27°C (-16°F), with an average temperature of -7°C (19°F) and a maximum reaching only 8°C (46°F). Precipitation is minimal, averaging just 5 mm (0.2 in) across 1 day, and humidity stands at 71%. In sharp contrast, August brings much warmer weather, featuring a minimum temperature of 5°C (41°F), an average of 16°C (61°F), and a maximum of 28°C (83°F). The month is characterized by significantly higher precipitation, with 102 mm (4.0 in) occurring over 14 days and humidity levels climbing to 82%. For more details on weather conditions in August, you can visit Xining weather in August.
December and September present stark contrasts in weather conditions. In December, temperatures can plummet to a minimum of -27°C (-16°F), with an average of -7°C (19°F) and a maximum of 8°C (46°F), making it one of the coldest months of the year. The precipitation is minimal, totaling only 5 mm (0.2 in) over just 1 day, and the humidity hovers at 71%.
In contrast, September offers much milder temperatures, with a minimum of 2°C (36°F), average temperatures around 12°C (54°F), and highs peaking at 26°C (78°F). The month is also significantly wetter, receiving 96 mm (3.8 in) of rain over 16 days, and the humidity is slightly higher at 82%. For more detailed insights, check out the specifics of Xining weather in September.
In December, temperatures plunge significantly, with average highs around -7°C (19°F) and lows dipping to a frigid -27°C (-16°F), while precipitation is minimal at just 5 mm (0.2 in) over a single day, leading to a humidity level of 71%. In stark contrast, October enjoys much milder weather, featuring maximum temperatures reaching 22°C (72°F), and an average of 6°C (42°F), accompanied by an average precipitation of 49 mm (1.9 in) spread across 11 days, resulting in higher humidity at 85%. For more detailed information on October weather, visit Xining weather in October.
In December, the weather shows a significant drop in average temperatures compared to November, with a minimum reaching -27°C (-16°F) and an average of -7°C (19°F), while November's temperatures range from a minimum of -25°C (-14°F) to an average of -2°C (29°F). December experiences milder maximum temperatures of 8°C (46°F), but overall, it is much colder than November, which sees a maximum of 15°C (60°F). Precipitation also decreases in December, with only 5 mm reported over just one day, compared to November's 10 mm over three days. Additionally, humidity is slightly lower in December at 71%, while it stands at 79% in November. For a deeper look into November's weather, visit Xining weather in November.
As December settles in, Xining showcases a chilly transformation compared to the milder months earlier in the year. With maximum temperatures lingering around a brisk 8°C and minimums plunging to a frosty -27°C, visitors will feel the winter's grip as the average temperature drops to a sharp -7°C. The month remains relatively dry, boasting just a single day of precipitation, which adds to the crisp atmosphere characterized by a humidity level of 71%. For those preparing for a visit, it's essential to embrace the cold and appreciate the unique beauty of Xining in winter. To learn more about how December weather fits into the broader climate trends, be sure to check out Xining Climate.