Cotton: the weather data in Xinjiang by end Jun, 2025

As of the end of June, cotton crops in most growing areas across Xinjiang was in the squaring and flowering stages, with overall growth progress slightly ahead of the same period last year. In early to mid-June, average temperatures in both northern and southern Xinjiang were slightly higher year-on-year, and persistent high temperatures during certain periods had a mild adverse impact on cotton bud development. In early July, hailstorms hit parts of northern and southern Xinjiang, causing a slight impact on cotton yields-though the overall effect remains limited for now. Below is a breakdown of specific weather conditions in major cotton-growing areas in Xinjiang:

The table above shows the growth progress of representative major cotton-producing regions in Xinjiang. Compared with the same period last year, most growing areas saw faster growth in June, with only a few lagging slightly. Overall, the new cotton crop is progressing smoothly.

In terms of average temperatures across Xinjiang, the temperatures in mid-to-early June were slightly higher than those in the same period of 2024 and roughly on par with 2023 levels. Favorable accumulated temperatures have helped accelerate the cotton growth cycle. However, regional heatwaves from June 1–10, coupled with widespread, persistent high temperatures across Xinjiang during June 11–14, 17–20, and 24–30, exerted significant impacts on cotton bud development. Close monitoring of high-temperature conditions in Xinjiang's cotton-growing areas in July is advised.

Regarding average precipitation, rainfall in both northern and southern Xinjiang remained scarce in June, with no significant impact on cotton growth. Nevertheless, hailstorms in early July across parts of northern and southern Xinjiang caused substantial damage to small quantities of cotton.

In terms of average sunshine hours, Xinjiang's June totals were slightly lower than those recorded in the same period last year.

Overall, cotton growth in most of Xinjiang's growing regions remains ahead of the same period last year. Since the start of the 2025 planting season: localized heavy rainfall hit parts of northern Xinjiang in early to mid-May, and strong winds and sandstorms caused varying degrees of damage to cotton crops in areas including Bayingol, Aksu, and Kashgar in early May and late May. Regional heatwaves from June 1–10, along with widespread, persistent high temperatures across Xinjiang during June 11–14, 17–20, and 24–30, significantly impacted cotton bud development. Localized hailstorms in early July in parts of northern and southern Xinjiang affected cotton yields. That said, the overall impact of weather on cotton production remains limited for now. Close attention should still be paid to whether localized high temperatures in Xinjiang in July could affect yields. With Xinjiang's cotton planting area continuing to see a steady, modest increase, the likelihood of a bumper 2025/26 Xinjiang cotton crop remains high.