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Located in the depths of the northwest inland plateau, Ningxia has a continental climate of long, cold winters and short, hot summers with less rainfall and more wind and sand. Rainy season usually lasts from July to September. Since Ningxia’s average elevation is above 1,000m, it is not very hot in summers and the average temperature in January is below 8ºC but its lowest temperature can reach minus 22ºC. Annual rainfall averages from 190 - 700 millimeters,with more rain falling in the south of the region.

The climatic features of Ningxia are long sunshine time, strong sun radiation, and acute changes of daily temperature which range from 12ºC to 15ºC.

The best time to visit Ningxia
The best time to visit Ningxia is from May to October. The International Yellow River Art Festival of Yinchuan is held in September. The thing to be remembered is to pack both spring and autumn clothes at this time. Winter clothes are needed in October.  The spring weather is warm and the summer is short here. Late spring and early summer is a golden time for traveling, and the Flower Festival (May to June) is also held during this time. The rainy weather mainly occur during June and September. 

Clothing Tips
During spring and autumn in Ningxia, there is lots of fine sand blow by the wind in the air, you need to put on your wind coat and wear a mask. We suggest you bring a coat if you come to Yinchuan in chilly autumn and wear sun-block, sunglasses and a hat in the summer.  If you are female while visiting religious sites such as mosques, please wrap your heads with turbans. If you are not prepared, turbans will be provided at the entrance. Do not wear naked short skirts, shorts or clothes with too low neckline. Winter is too cold in Ningxia, you should bring your thick coat and thick sweaters.