Yunnan Weather: Best Times to Visit Yunnan

Generally speaking, Yunnan enjoys a mild climate with pleasant weather but, due to its varied terrain, the weather is also diverse in different regions.

Main Features of Yunnan's Climate

Yunnan has high mountains bordering Tibet in the west, a hilly 1,000-m-altitude plateau in the east, and a tropical zone in the south.

Spring-Like Climate

Owing to its 1,000-meter-altitude with abundant heat and light, the east of Yunnan (around Kunming) has a year-round spring-like climate. The average temperature annually is 17°C. The coldest month is January with average temperatures ranging from 8°C to 17°C. The hottest month is July with average temperatures ranging from 21°C to 27°C.

Distinct Dry and Rainy Seasons

Yunnan has distinct dry and rainy seasons. November to the following April is the dry season, when there is abundant sunshine and solar radiation is quite strong. Do not forget to take skin care products, such as sunblock and sunglasses if traveling during this period.

The rainy season runs from May to October. Most of the rainfall is between June and August. During this season, the temperature may drop quickly along with the rain. So, apart from an umbrella or other protective rain gear, you are recommended to take a thin overcoat and long pants.

Large Day/Night Temperature Difference

East Yunnan has little temperature difference between seasons but a large temperature difference between daytime and nighttime, especially from November to the following February. Therefore, you are recommended to take a coat or some thicker clothing whenever you travel to Yunnan.

The weather in most areas of Yunnan is mild in winter and cool in summer. It is suitable to visit Yunnan all year round.
As previously mentioned, Yunnan's varied terrain results in diverse landscapes and weather conditions. The best time to visit depends largely on what you want to see and which part you want to go to.
if you do not want to experience the large temperature difference between daytime and nighttime in spring and winter.

Spring
Normally, Spring is from March to May, which is one of the best time to visit Yunnan. The temperature is from 8˚C - 20˚C and changes largely from day to night, so you should take sweater, light coat to keep warm.
Seasonal Activities
Kunming as the spring city can be top destination to go and visit the Stone Forest and join the local folk by visiting the Green Lake and experience the leisure life.
During Spring, the white buckwheat flowers and potato flowers covering the whole Dongchuan Red Land change this area into red, white and green, which is amazing under the blue sky. Also, Dali Ancient City shows fantastic look in Spring with refreshing vigorous sightseeing, azure sky, soft clouds, multiple flowers, warm orange sunshine…, so you will surely feel life is really wonderful.

Summer
From June to late September is the Summer time when the temperature reaches highest over 30 ˚C among the year, but not stiflingly hot with so much rain in this season. Tourists should better take sunscreen, umbrella and dresses or long-sleeve shirt.
Seasonal Activities
There are kinds of places for you to avoid the summer heat, such as visit the Lashi Lake and Lugu Lake if you visit Lijiang. Or join the local ethnic festivals hold in Kunming or other cities. If you go to Lijiang Ancient City during this season, you will feel her especially romantic flavor, because rain makes the old city more appealing with much Chinese antique feel, and more, the night view of many lights under the sparkling stars is of more charm.

Autumn
Autumn is one of the peak seasons for Yunnan travel, not only for the weather is becoming cool, but also to appreciate the golden nature. The average temperature in daytime is around 20 ˚C so you can wear some casual clothing is suitable.
Seasonal Activities
Visit Dongchuan Red Land in northeast of Kunming and enjoy the colorful palettes with different plants coming out in shapes of red land. Or you can go hike along the Tiger Leaping Gorge and experience the deepest gorge in the world and the roaring water wave.
Shangri-La shows the most beautiful sightseeing in Autumn. Songzanling Monastery usually looks more golden and shining in the prosperous scenery of the whole spread of yellow trees and plants. And don’t miss the colorful wonderland in Pudacuo National Park, since it is covered with various kinds of blossoms.

Winter
Winter in Yunnan is not too cold and some regions still have temperature of over 20˚C. To well-prepared, you should bring some warm coat, light jacket and take sunglass as well.
Seasonal Activities
If you love photography, Yuanyang Rice Terrace is never missed out after been irrigated during the January and February. With nice weather, you can catch the wonderful scene when the pellucid water surface makes a reverberating reflection in the early morning mixed with thin fog before the sun rising, which is definitely worth visiting.
Moreover, winter is a great season to visit the snow places, like Jade Dragon Snow Mountain and Cangshan Mountain, when you will enjoy the really breathtaking scenery of the silver snow world on the peak.

Kunming Weather

Shangri La Weather

Dali Weather

Lijiang Weather