Written by Veronica |
Yunnan is dominated by a subtropical highland climate, featuring mild temperatures, abundant sunshine, and comfortable humidity levels throughout the year. Its average annual temperature hovers around 15°C (59°F), but the diverse altitudes and complex topography contribute to significant temperature and climate differences in different areas. From the south part to the snowy highlands in the north, it ranges from a tropical and subtropical climate to a milder and more temperate one. June to August is the period when Yunnan sees the most frequent rainfall, while November to April is the time when the region is drier and enjoys more sunny days.
Yunnan’s Geographic Location and Climate
Yunnan is located at the southwestern frontier of China, bordering Laos and Vietnam to the south and southeast, and Myanmar to the south. It is on the Yunnan-Guizhou Plateau and near to the Tropic of Cancer, and with its climate being influenced by both the Pacific and Indian Oceans. Most parts of the province enjoys a subtropical highland climate, with temperate summers and mild and warm winters. But, thanks to the large differences in different areas and the complex and diverse topography, the climate in different regions of Yunnan have a considerable variation.
The southern part of Yunnan, with lower elevations and altitudes, tends to has a tropical and subtropical climate. During summer months, temperatures can exceed 30°C in some southern places, such as Xishuangbanna. In the northern areas, with the higher elevations and latitude, the climate tends to be milder and more temperate. For example, in Dali and Lijiang, it has a warm and humid climate, while in Shangri-La and Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, the climate can be cold and snowy.
Dry Season (November–April)
The crystal sky and little rain between November and April attract travelers the most. Winter (December–February) brings cool, refreshing days, ideal for strolling through cities like Dali or hiking trails. Come spring (March–April), temperatures will climb gently, with Kunming bursts into floral displays, and cultural festivals like Xishuangbanna’s Water-Splashing Festival. Visitors who have experienced these moments often find themselves long for it again.
Rainy Season (June–August)
Heavy rains are common, particularly in the southern rainforests. Downpours might slow plans, temperatures stay mild (18–25°C / 64–77°F), and landscapes turn lush. Pack rain gear for trekking in Shangri-La or visiting Yuanyang’s terraced fields.
Shoulder Seasons (May, September–October)
May offers warmer weather and fewer crowds. Autumn (September–October) is cool and dry, with golden landscapes perfect for photography in Lijiang or hiking near Meili Snow Mountain.
Regional Tips
- Southern Yunnan (Xishuangbanna): Tropical and humid. Visit November–April to avoid heavy summer rains.
- Northwest (Shangri-La): Cold winters; summers are cool with occasional rain. Wildflowers bloom in July–August.
- Central Areas (Kunming, Dali): Mild and sunny most of the year, ideal for lakeside visits and city tours.
- Choose the dry season for reliable weather, the rainy months for greenery, or autumn for comfortable temperatures and fewer tourists. Yunnan’s climate ensures diverse experiences no matter when you go.
Average Temperatures in Yunnan by Month
Month |
Average Temperature (°C) |
Highest Temperature (°C) |
Lowest Temperature (°C) |
Jan. |
8 |
15 |
1 |
Feb. |
10 |
18 |
3 |
Mar. |
13 |
21 |
5 |
Apr. |
16 |
24 |
9 |
May |
19 |
26 |
12 |
Jun. |
21 |
25 |
16 |
Jul. |
20 |
24 |
16 |
Aug. |
20 |
24 |
16 |
Sep. |
19 |
24 |
14 |
Oct. |
16 |
22 |
10 |
Nov. |
13 |
19 |
6 |
Dec. |
9 |
16 |
2 |
Yunnan Weather in Different Seasons
Spring Weather in Yunnan (March – May)
Yunnan’s spring is exceptionally enchanting and pleasant, with mild temperatures between 15–25°C (59–77°F). During this time, flowers burst into color, landscapes turn vibrant green, and nature awakens fully. It is the perfect time for enjoying flowers, don’t miss Luoping’s endless golden rapeseed fields, the delicate cherry blossoms around Kunming’s, a city also called as “spring city”, Green Lake Park, and the Cangshan Mountain in Dali.
Spring Festivals:
- Water-Splashing Festival (mid-April): Join Dai ethnic celebrations in Xishuangbanna for lively water fights and traditional dances.
- Third Moon Fair (March, lunar calendar):Experience Bai culture at Dali’s ancient trade fair with horse races and folk performances.
Summer Weather in Yunnan (June to August)
It rains heavily in summer. Over 60% of the yearly downpours arrive from June to August. But staying here, you will have no need to worry about fierce temperatures. Even at the peak of summer, temperatures would be 15–30°C (59–86°F). Because of that, in a lot of Chinese people’s heart, Yunnan has long become one of the most best destinations to escape from summer’s violent heat. For more refreshing air and breathtaking views, head straight to regions like Shangri-La and Lijiang, these places offer best Yunnan tour experience with cool temperature and striking landscape.
Summer Festivals:
- Torch Festival (late July): Witness Yi ethnic bonfires lighting up the night in Chuxiong or Stone Forest.
- Raosanling Festival (May, lunar calendar): Follow Bai farmers’ processions around Erhai Lake with singing and rituals.
Autumn Weather in Yunnan (September to November)
The most recommended time to visit Yunnan is during autumn, especially if you’re someone looking for outdoor activities and beautiful landscapes. After the summer heat and rain season have left together with summer, temperatures finally return to 14–25°C (57–77°F). During this time, the weather is cooler and fresher than ever. Top recommended destinations in autumn include Dongchuan Red Land, Xiaocaoba Scenic Area, Pudacuo National Park, Baishuitai, Ginkgo Village in Tengchong, Meili Snow Mountain, etc.
Autumn Festivals:
- Hani October Harvest (November, lunar calendar): Feast at Honghe’s mile-long banquet beside terraced fields.
- Sanduo Festival (March, lunar calendar): Attend Naxi ethnic ceremonies under Jade Dragon Snow Mountain.
Winter Weather in Yunnan (December to February)
Yunnan’s winters are milder and warmer than most parts of China, and the temperatures are around 6–17°C (43–63°F). Elevation decides weather: tropical Xishuangbanna stays comfortably warm (13–25°C), while Lijiang and Dali see cooler days (3–16°C) dotted with frequent sunshine. In Shangri-La and some mountain areas, the weather is colder and drier, sometimes with snow.
Winter Festivals:
- Kuoshi Festival (December): Brave the “Ladder of Knives” ritual with Lisu ethnic groups in Nujiang Valley.
- Wa New Rice Festival (September–Oct, lunar calendar):Taste freshly harvested grains and dance to wooden drum beats in Lincang.
Best Time to Visit Yunnan
With no cold winter and hot summer, and enjoying a warm climate all year round, Kunming is suitable to travel all year round. The spring time from March to May is the best time for enjoying flowers, such as the seas of yellow rape flowers in Luoping, the cherry blossoms around Cangshan Mountain and Erhai Lake. It is also a good time to join in the Water-Sprinkling Festival of the Dai people in Xishuangbanna, which usually takes place in April.
The autumn season from September to November is the best time for outdoor activities and spectacular scenery thanks to the less rainfall and comfortable. Recommended places include Tiger Leaping Gorge, Stone Forest, Meili Snow Mountain, Yuanyang Rice Terraces.
The rest months are the shoulder season when you can enjoy the scenery and cultural gems with less crowds and lower price.
Weather Variations Across Yunnan’s Cities
Covering a large area from tropical rainforests to snow-capped mountains, Yunnan is endowed with complex terrain and varied weather in different regions and cities. Below are weather and climate in some popular cities in Yunnan:
Kunming
Known as the “Spring City”, Kunming enjoys a pleasant climate all year round, with the average temperature ranges around 16°C. The temperature difference between the four seasons is not significant, but there is still a noticeable temperature gap between day and night. The city enjoys abundant sunshine and moderate rainfall, with the rainy season from May to October. March to November is the best time to visit Kunming for both pleasant weather and colorful scenery.
Lijiang
Located in the northwest of Yunnan, Lijiang sits at an altitude of about 2,400 meters, and enjoys a subtropical highland climate. The average annual temperature is around 13°C, with big temperature difference between day and night which can reach as high as 20°C. March to June and September to November are the best times to visit Lijiang for comfortable weather and clear views.
Dali
Located in the central park of Yunnan, Dali is the place to look into Bai ethnic group’s life and culture. It enjoys a continental monsoon climate, with the average annual temperature being around 15°C. The city sees plenty of sunshine and little rainfall, and the best time to visit it is from March to May and from September to November when the weather is mild and the flowers are in blooming.
Shangri-La
A mythical paradise in the north of Yunnan, Shangri-La is on the edge of the Tibetan Plateau, enjoying a plateau sub-frigid monsoon climate. It has an average annual temperature of 6°C and experiences an extreme temperature difference between day and night. Its spring and autumn are usually windy and dry, summer is usually cool and short, and winter is long and cold. The best time to visit Shangri-La is from May to October when the weather is comfortable and the scenery is lush.
Xishuangbanna
Xishuangbanna is located in the south of Yunnan, enjoying a tropical monsoon climate. It receives abundant sunshine and rainfall, causing its warm and humid weather all year round. The average annual temperature here is around 21°C, with small temperature differences in different seasons. It is best to be visited from October to June when the weather is not too hot and the scenery is spectacular.
