Urumqi lies in the westest direction of China, having distinctive seasons. It is hot and dry in summers with average temperatures in July at 26 ºC (78 ºF) and damp and cold in winters with average temperatures in January of -15 ºC(5 ºF). It's a good idea to pack for extremes if you plan to travel much outside of Urumqi, as temperatures can vary greatly with the change of elevation and time of day, even in summer.