Weather in Kashgar

About Kashgar

This Uyghur bazaar city at the Pamir Mountains' foot represents the Silk Road's historic heart where traders from across Central Asia converged. The famous Sunday market explodes with livestock, textiles, and produce in scenes unchanged for centuries. Kashgar's cultural identity remains distinctly Central Asian within Chinese territory.

Country

China

Best months to visit

April, May, June, August, September, October

Currency

CNY

Language

Uyghur, Mandarin

Things to do in Kashgar

Explore Sunday Bazaar market chaos and goods Tour Old City's winding Uyghur quarters Visit Id Kah Mosque and Islamic culture Shop for Central Asian crafts and textiles Dine on Uyghur cuisine specialties Hike surrounding Pamir mountains nearby

Weather by month

Click any month for detailed weather information and travel tips.

January

Cold, and mostly sunny skies.

February

Cold, and mostly sunny skies.

March

16C

Cool, and mostly sunny skies.

Recommended

April

23C

Mild and comfortable, and mostly sunny skies.

Recommended

May

28C

Warm and pleasant, and mostly sunny skies.

Recommended

June

32C

Hot and humid, and mostly sunny skies.

July

34C

Hot and humid, and mostly sunny skies.

Recommended

August

30C

Hot and humid, with occasional showers.

Recommended

September

27C

Warm and pleasant, and mostly sunny skies.

Recommended

October

19C

Mild and comfortable, and mostly sunny skies.

November

10C

Cool, and mostly sunny skies.

December

Cold, and mostly sunny skies.

Kashgar is the great Silk Road oasis at the western edge of China, where camel caravans once rested before the final push over the Karakoram or Pamir passes into Central Asia. The Sunday livestock market remains one of Asia's great spectacles, the Id Kah Mosque anchors a city that still feels distinctly Uyghur despite enormous redevelopment, and the surrounding desert and mountains hint at just how far this is from anywhere else in China.

Best areas to stay in Kashgar

Id Kah Mosque Area

The historic heart of the old city, centred on China's largest mosque, surrounded by narrow lanes of teahouses and craft workshops.

Old Town (Kona Sheher)

Restored mudbrick lanes and courtyard houses showcasing traditional Uyghur architecture, now mixed with cafes and guesthouses.

Sunday Market District

The site of the famous weekly livestock and bazaar market on the city's outskirts, a working agricultural market as much as a tourist draw.

Abakh Khoja Tomb

A serene tiled mausoleum complex on the edge of the city, an important religious site with attractive gardens.

Getting to Kashgar

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Flights

Kashgar Airport has regular domestic flights from Urumqi and other major Chinese cities; there are no direct international flights.

⏱

From London

~2 hours by air from Urumqi; long-haul travellers typically connect via Urumqi or Beijing.

🚕

Getting around

Taxis and ride-hailing apps cover the city; the old town and Id Kah Mosque area are best explored on foot.

Frequently asked questions

When is the best time to visit Kashgar?

April to October avoids the bitter winter cold, with May and September offering the most comfortable temperatures. The Sunday market runs year-round but is busiest in warmer months.

Is it easy for foreign travellers to visit Kashgar?

Yes, though Xinjiang has a heavy security presence with frequent ID checks and security scans at hotels, stations and attractions. Travel is straightforward but expect extra time for checkpoints.

What is the Kashgar Sunday Market like?

A vast livestock and general goods market on the edge of the city, where farmers trade sheep, cattle and horses alongside stalls selling everything from knives to carpets — arrive early for the busiest atmosphere.

How do I get to Kashgar?

Flights connect Kashgar to Urumqi and other major Chinese cities; overland routes include the spectacular Karakoram Highway from Pakistan (seasonal) and trains from Urumqi.

What food should I try in Kashgar?

Uyghur cuisine dominates — hand-pulled laghman noodles, polo (pilaf), samsa (baked lamb pastries) and skewered kebabs, plus fresh melons and dried fruit from the Sunday market.

Traveler reviews

★★★★★

The Sunday livestock market was unlike anything I've seen — thousands of animals, traders haggling, and an incredible cross-section of Central Asian life. Security checks were frequent but never a real hassle.

Daniel W. · May 2023

★★★★★

Kashgar's old town has a completely different atmosphere from eastern China — the food, language and architecture all feel Central Asian. The Id Kah Mosque at prayer time was a powerful sight.

Fatima R. · September 2023

★★★★☆

A genuinely fascinating stop on a Silk Road trip. Lots of ID checks and scans everywhere, but staff were efficient and the markets and mosque made it all worthwhile.

Lucas M. · April 2024