When to Visit Yunnan
Climate guide & best times to travel
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Year-Round Essentials
Spring (Mar-May)
Summer (Jun-Aug)
Autumn (Sep-Nov)
Winter (Dec-Feb)
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Month-by-Month Guide
January
January brings the coolest weather of the year, though "cool" is relative—daytime highs around 18°C are quite comfortable for sightseeing. Mornings can be genuinely chilly at 6°C, especially at higher elevations. Bone-dry conditions with zero rainfall and clear skies make it excellent for photography, though you'll notice fewer tourists than peak season.
February
Things start warming up noticeably in February, with highs reaching 22°C and slightly milder mornings around 8°C. The dry season continues with zero precipitation, and you'll find the weather increasingly pleasant for outdoor activities. This month marks the tail end of the quieter tourist period before spring crowds arrive.
March
March is genuinely lovely—temperatures climb to 26°C during the day while nights remain comfortable at 12°C. Still completely dry, this is when Yunnan's famous flowers start blooming and tourist numbers pick up considerably. The weather is nearly perfect for any outdoor activity, from hiking to cycling through the countryside.
April
April brings peak spring warmth with highs around 29°C and pleasant 15°C evenings—probably the most comfortable temperature range of the year. The dry season holds strong with no rainfall, though you might notice the air getting slightly less crisp. This is prime tourist season, so popular spots like Lijiang and Dali will be noticeably busy.
May
May marks the warmest month at 30°C and the transition into rainy season, though with only 2.5mm of rainfall, it's barely noticeable. Nights warm up to 18°C, which is actually quite pleasant. You'll get mostly sunny days with the occasional afternoon shower starting to appear, and tourist crowds begin to thin slightly as summer approaches.
June
The monsoon season arrives properly in June with 7.6mm of rain, though temperatures actually moderate slightly to 29°C—a welcome relief from May's heat. Mornings stay warm at 19°C, and you'll want to carry an umbrella for afternoon showers. The rain tends to come in bursts rather than all-day drizzle, so it doesn't really disrupt travel plans too much.
July
July continues the rainy pattern with similar rainfall to June and temperatures cooling slightly to 28°C—quite pleasant considering it's peak summer. The 19°C overnight lows mean you'll sleep comfortably. Expect afternoon thunderstorms that clear up by evening, and you'll find this is genuinely low season for international tourists despite the decent weather.
August
August maintains the summer monsoon pattern with continued rainfall around 7.6mm and temperatures settling at 27°C. It's actually one of the more moderate months temperature-wise, with warm 19°C nights. The rain keeps everything lush and green, though it does mean more cloudy days—not ideal for photography but fine for general sightseeing.
September
September sees the monsoon starting to wind down with rainfall dropping to 5mm, while temperatures remain pleasant at 26°C. The 18°C evenings are comfortable, and you'll get more sunny days mixed with occasional showers. This marks the beginning of the shoulder season as weather improves and some tourists start returning.
October
October is genuinely excellent—temperatures drop to a comfortable 24°C, rainfall tapers off to just 2.5mm, and the air becomes crisp and clear. Cooler 15°C mornings mean you'll want a light jacket, but days are perfect for any activity. This is arguably the best month for visiting, with great weather and manageable tourist numbers.
November
November continues the pleasant autumn pattern with 22°C days and minimal rainfall around 2.5mm. Mornings cool down to 11°C, so you'll definitely need layers. The dry season is well established, skies are typically clear, and you'll find tourist crowds thinning out as winter approaches—making it a solid choice for budget-conscious travelers.
December
December brings cooler weather with 19°C highs and genuinely chilly 8°C mornings—you'll want proper layers, especially at higher elevations. Rainfall drops to zero as the dry season settles in completely. Despite the cooler temperatures, daytime conditions are still quite pleasant for sightseeing, and you'll benefit from low tourist numbers and off-season pricing.