Yunnan Weather

Climate varies dramatically across Yunnan — from tropical rainforests to alpine highlands.

Yunnan spans a 3,000m altitude range, so there is no single 'Yunnan weather.' Kunming is mild year-round. Shangri-La freezes in winter. Xishuangbanna is tropical. Pack accordingly, and always bring layers.

Kunming

1,890m

Jan

8-17C

Apr

13-24C

Jul

17-25C

Oct

13-21C

The 'Spring City' lives up to its name. Temperatures stay pleasant year-round, rarely dropping below 5C or exceeding 28C. Rainy season is June-August.

Dali

2,000m

Jan

5-16C

Apr

11-23C

Jul

16-25C

Oct

11-21C

Mild and comfortable. Strong UV at this altitude — wear sunscreen. Afternoon winds are common by Erhai Lake (known locally as 'Xiaguan Wind'). Rain peaks in July-August.

Lijiang

2,400m

Jan

2-14C

Apr

9-22C

Jul

14-24C

Oct

8-20C

Cooler than Dali due to higher altitude. Nights are chilly even in summer — pack layers. The rainy season (June-September) can obscure mountain views.

Shangri-La

3,400m

Jan

-8-7C

Apr

2-14C

Jul

9-19C

Oct

3-15C

High-altitude climate with dramatic temperature swings. Days can be warm in the sun, nights are cold year-round. Winter brings snow. UV is intense.

Yuanyang

1,600-1,900m

Jan

8-16C

Apr

14-25C

Jul

18-27C

Oct

13-22C

Subtropical highland. Winter mornings can be foggy (perfect for terrace photography). November-March is the water-filled terrace season.

Xishuangbanna

500m

Jan

12-25C

Apr

20-35C

Jul

23-33C

Oct

18-29C

Tropical monsoon climate — feels more like Thailand than China. Hot and humid March-October. Dry season November-February is the best time to visit.