Lijiang Climate

Lijiang Weather & Climate describes information with temperature & precipitation. Find out the best time to visit Lijiang and see the season highlights in Lijiang Yunnan. It also tells you what to wear in different seasons and clothes packing for your trip to Lijiang Yunnan.

With an altitude of 2,400 meters above sea level, Lijiang Climate belongs to the highland climate with distinct dry and rainy seasons. The average annual temperature is 12.6℃ without drastic changes. It has three different climatic zones, ranging from subtropical in the southeast, warm temperatures in the central Lijiang, and cold temperatures in the northwest. What's more, vertical climate in some highlands can also be seen in Lijiang. Without too much change from spring to winter, the weather of Lijiang allows visitors to get there at any time. As the one of the important destinations in the classical Yunnan Travel, Lijiang is a place that is suitable to visit all year around.

Lijiang Climate & Weather

Lijiang Weather Graph by Month

January is the driest month with the 3 mm of precipitation. July is the wettest month with the average precipitation of 237 mm.

Lijiang Average Temperature

July is the warmest month of the year with the average temperature of 18.8°C. January is the coldest month with the average temperature of 6.6°C.

Lijiang Weather by Month

There is a difference of 234 mm of precipitation between the driest and wettest months. The variation in temperatures throughout the year is 12.2 °C.

Lijiang Weather and Climate by Month

Characteristics of Lijiang Climate

Lijiang's rainy season begins in May and ends in October, with the heaviest and most recurrent rainfall periods occurring during July and August, meaning that this is hardly the ideal time of year to visit the Lijiang area. Like all highland areas that are bordered by mountains, the weather in Lijiang can change several times in a single day. Hence the popular saying: You may experience all four seasons within the span of a single day!" So layered clothing, at least the use of warm outer clothing in the mornings and evenings, is imperative.

Four Seasons of  Lijiang and What to Pack

Spring(March-May)

Seasonal Characteristics

Spring is a very comfortable season with blue sky, all sorts of flower blossoms, find weather and climate. It is the best time to visit Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. What's more, Jade Dragon Snow Mountain is an important garniture of Lijiang because it is so clear that can be seen from almost every corner. 

What to Pack in Lijiang

The temperatures in spring differ greatly between day and night. Therefore, the long-sleeve shirt, thick sweater and coat are necessary for your Lijiang Travel in spring. What's more, you'd better wear the clothes that are convenient for putting on and taking off.

Things to Do in Lijiang

Spring is the best time to take a cycling tour or hiking tour around Lijiang Ancient Town, Tiger Leaping Gorge, Baisha Village, Lashi Lake. What's more, it is the best time to take outdoor activities.

The Recommended Tours

Summer(June-August)

Seasonal Characteristics

In summer, it often heavily rains, which may cause the serious landslides and debris flow. It is usually cloudy and maybe so foggy that the Jade Snow Mountain can not be seen.

What to Pack in Lijiang

When you choose to come to Lijiang in summer, these things are necessary, such as shirts, skirts and shorts. What's more, a light coat or sweater is necessary for early morning and night. If you want to climb Jade Dragon Snow Mountain or visit the mountainous areas, you must bring the warmer clothes. In summer, the ultraviolet ray is very strong, so please bring the sunglasses and sun cream.

Things to Do in Lijiang

Summer is the best time to experience the Ancient Tea Horse Road. Of course, riding a horse is the best way to experience the caravan culture. For those people who want to track back the Ancient Tea Horse Road, Shuhe Ancient Town and Lashi Lake will be the best places for you to feel the Ancient Tea Horse Road.

The Recommended Tours

Autumn(September-November)

Seasonal Characteristics

Autumn is the best comfortable season with good weather, blue sky and beautiful sceneries. It hardly rains in summer and temperature between day and night differ greatly.

What to Pack in Lijiang

Temperatures between day and night differ greatly. Therefore, it is necessary to bring the long-sleeve shirts, light sweater, coat, etc. It is cold in the early morning and night.

Things to Do in Lijiang

It is the best time to hike Tiger Leaping Gorge and climb Jade Dragon Snow Mountain due to the fine weather, blue sky. What's more, it is very clear that Jade Dragon Snow Mountain can be seen from almost every corner of Lijiang.

The Recommended Tours

Winter(December-February)

Seasonal Characteristics

Winter is the good season to visit the Tiger Leaping Gorge with fine weather. The temperatures between the day and night differ greatly. It is warm during the day and it is cold at night. 

What to Pack in Lijiang

Due to the large temperature difference, the warm clothes, such as coat, thick sweater and down jacket, are necessary for your Lijiang Travel in winter.

Things to Do in Lijiang

Winter is the best time to watch birds. The Lugu Lake and Lashi Lake are the best places for bird-watching.

The Recommended Tours

Best Time to Visit Lijiang

Lijiang is a place that is suitable to visit at any time. What's more, The best time to visit Lijiang  is summer and autumn, which are the most favorable seasons. The temperatures in spring and winter differ greatly.

Travel Tips for Visiting Lijiang

  • In China, please had better not travel in peak seasons, such as Chinese New YearInternational Labor Day and National Day. If you want to experience the traditional festival culture, Taking a tour during the traditional festivals of China can get the opportunity to experience the festivals culture.
  • Be careful of the changeable temperature. A few chilly days could be followed by relatively hot weather. So it is better to take some early winter clothes to protect you away from the sudden low temperature.
  • Lijiang is more than 2,418 meters above sea level. Some people may have a little altitude sickness, but it's usually not serious. If you want to go to the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, which is more than 4,000 meters above sea level, it is better to take more preventive measures. Before going to the plateau, you can take some medicines to alleviate the altitude reaction, such as rhodiola rosea, American ginseng tablet and so on.