Things to Do in Yunnan in November
November weather, activities, events & insider tips
November Weather in Yunnan
Is November Right for You?
Advantages
- Perfect hiking weather with clear mountain visibility - daytime temperatures of 18-24°C (64-75°F) and minimal rainfall make this ideal for Tiger Leaping Gorge and Jade Dragon Snow Mountain treks
- Peak autumn foliage season - the ginkgo trees in Tengchong turn brilliant gold, and maple forests around Dali and Lijiang display spectacular reds and oranges that locals call 'zuimei qiuse' (most beautiful autumn colors)
- Excellent air quality with crystal clear skies - PM2.5 levels drop to 15-25 due to reduced industrial activity and favorable wind patterns, offering stunning photography conditions for sunrise at Yuanyang Rice Terraces
- Comfortable temple and cultural site exploration - cool mornings (8-12°C/46-54°F) are perfect for visiting Stone Forest and Dali Old Town before afternoon warmth reaches 22-24°C (72-75°F) without summer's oppressive heat
Considerations
- Significant temperature swings require layered packing - morning temperatures can be 16°C (29°F) cooler than afternoon peaks, and altitude changes from 1,200m (3,937ft) in valleys to 4,500m+ (14,764ft+) on mountains compound this effect
- High season pricing for accommodations - November is peak tourist season with hotel rates 40-60% higher than summer months, and popular guesthouses in Lijiang and Dali book solid 3-4 weeks ahead
- Crowded viewpoints during golden week spillover - though main Golden Week ends October 7th, domestic tourism remains elevated through November with tour groups at major sites like Stone Forest and Erhai Lake creating bottlenecks 10am-3pm
Best Activities in November
Tiger Leaping Gorge Trekking Routes
November offers ideal hiking conditions with stable weather, clear mountain views, and comfortable daytime temperatures of 18-20°C (64-68°F). The monsoon has ended, so river levels are manageable and trail conditions are excellent. Sunrise views of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain are crystal clear 85% of mornings, compared to 30% visibility during summer months. The famous high trail (28km/17.4 miles) takes 2-3 days with overnight stops in Tibetan guesthouses.
Yuanyang Rice Terrace Photography Tours
November marks the water-filling season when terraces are flooded for winter preparation, creating mirror-like surfaces that reflect sunrise colors. Early morning temperatures of 8-10°C (46-50°F) create mist effects that dissipate by 8am for classic golden light photography. The Hani people begin their winter rituals, offering cultural photography opportunities not available other months. Sunrise viewpoints at Duoyishu require 5:30am starts but visibility is excellent 80% of mornings.
Dali Ancient Town and Erhai Lake Cycling
Perfect cycling weather with afternoon temperatures reaching 22-24°C (72-75°F) and minimal wind around Erhai Lake. The 120km (75 mile) lake circuit is comfortable over 2-3 days with stops in Bai minority villages. November brings clear views of Cangshan Mountain's 19 peaks, and the lake reflects autumn colors from surrounding forests. Local Bai people harvest winter vegetables, creating colorful market scenes in lakeside villages like Xizhou and Shuanglang.
Stone Forest Karst Landscape Tours
November's clear skies and low humidity make the limestone formations appear dramatically sharp against blue backgrounds - ideal for photography without summer haze. Cool morning temperatures of 10-12°C (50-54°F) make the 3-4 hour walking circuit comfortable before afternoon warmth. The Yi people's traditional Torch Festival preparations begin in November, with cultural demonstrations at the visitor center showcasing music and traditional clothing.
Tengchong Hot Springs and Ginkgo Forest Experience
November is peak ginkgo season when Tengchong's ancient ginkgo trees turn brilliant gold, creating natural tunnels of yellow leaves. The contrast between 40-42°C (104-108°F) natural hot springs and cool 15-18°C (59-64°F) air temperatures provides perfect therapeutic conditions. Rehai Geothermal area offers outdoor pools surrounded by autumn foliage, while local Dai people harvest tea and prepare winter delicacies steamed in hot springs.
Lijiang Old Town and Jade Dragon Snow Mountain
November offers the clearest mountain visibility with snow-capped peaks visible 75% of days compared to 40% in summer. Morning temperatures in Old Town start at 5-8°C (41-46°F), perfect for sunrise photography before tourist crowds arrive at 9am. The cable car to 4,680m (15,354ft) operates reliably in stable November weather, offering glacier views and alpine hiking. Naxi people begin winter festival preparations with traditional music performances in courtyards.
November Events & Festivals
Tengchong Ginkgo Festival
Local celebration of the ancient ginkgo forest's peak golden foliage season. Villages organize traditional performances, photography competitions, and guided walks through 800-year-old ginkgo groves. Local families open courtyard restaurants serving seasonal dishes cooked using geothermal springs.
Dali Bai Minority Raosanling Pilgrimage
Traditional Bai people's three-temple pilgrimage around Erhai Lake involving Chongsheng, Jingui, and Putuo temples. Participants wear traditional white clothing and carry prayer flags while walking segments of the 120km route. Cultural performances and traditional markets operate at each temple.