Jade Dragon Snow Mountain Weather and Climate in March

Located in the heart of Yunnan Province, Lijiang（丽江） is a beautiful blend of ancient architecture, snow-capped mountains, and vibrant Naxi culture. In March, the town is transitioning into spring, offering cooler temperatures, clear skies, and a peaceful atmosphere. With the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain still covered in snow, lush gardens blooming in the Ancient Town, and ethnic festivals celebrating the change of season, March in Lijiang is a perfect time to explore the region’s cultural richness and natural beauty.

Average Temperatures: Daytime highs around 20 °C, nighttime lows around 11 °C, with a diurnal range of about 9 °C.

Precipitation & Humidity: About 8 precipitation days (rain or snow), totaling roughly 13 mm at the mountain base and 9 days/13 mm in nearby Lijiang city.

Climate: Transitioning into spring—more clouds, occasional showers/snow, strong UV when sunny; visibility remains high.

15‑Day Typical Weather: Early March mostly sunny to partly cloudy, mid‑month sees isolated showers or light snow, late‑month warming with mixed sun and clouds.

Clothing & Packing: Layered spring jackets + fleeces + rain shell; comfortable hiking pants; sturdy boots + moisture‑wicking socks; sunscreen + lip balm.

March Highlights: Spring flowers emerging, Blue Moon Valley (蓝月谷) reflections, Impression Lijiang (印象丽江) under milder skies, buffalo pasture blooms.

Daily Average Weather Table (March)

Date High (°C) Low (°C) Precip. Days Conditions
March 1 20 11 8 days Sunny to cloudy
March 2 20 11 8 days Sunny
March 3 20 11 8 days Sunny
March 4 20 11 8 days Cloudy
March 5 20 11 8 days Light rain/showers
March 6 20 11 8 days Cloudy
March 7 20 11 8 days Sunny
March 8 20 11 8 days Sunny
March 9 20 11 8 days Sunny
March 10 20 11 8 days Partly cloudy
March 11 20 11 8 days Sunny
March 12 20 11 8 days Sunny
March 13 20 11 8 days Showers possible
March 14 20 11 8 days Cloudy
March 15 20 11 8 days Sunny
March 16 20 11 8 days Sunny
March 17 20 11 8 days Light snow/rain
March 18 20 11 8 days Sunny
March 19 20 11 8 days Sunny
March 20 20 11 8 days Cloudy
March 21 20 11 8 days Sunny
March 22 20 11 8 days Sunny
March 23 20 11 8 days Partly cloudy
March 24 20 11 8 days Sunny
March 25 20 11 8 days Showers possible
March 26 20 11 8 days Cloudy
March 27 20 11 8 days Sunny
March 28 20 11 8 days Sunny
March 29 20 11 8 days Sunny
March 30 20 11 8 days Partly cloudy
March 31 20 11 8 days Sunny

Temperature, Precipitation & Climate Overview

Average Temperatures

Mountain Base: Highs 20 °C, lows 11 °C in March.

Lijiang City: Highs 23 °C, lows 9 °C.

Precipitation & Humidity

Mountain Base: About 8 precipitation days, total around 13 mm for March.

Lijiang City: 9 precipitation days, 13 mm total.

Relative humidity climbs to 55–65 % as spring advances.

Climate Characteristics

March marks the onset of spring: more cloud cover, occasional light showers or snow at high elevation, but also strong UV on clear days. Visibility remains excellent, and wildflowers begin to bloom lower down .

Simple Climate Chart

Month Avg. High Avg. Low Avg. Precip.
March 20 °C 11 °C 13 mm

(Daily variations are shown in the table above.)

Representative 15‑Day Simulated Forecast (Early March)

Dates Conditions High (°C) Low (°C)
Mar 1–5 Sunny to cloudy ~20 ~11
Mar 6–10 Light showers ~18 ~10
Mar 11–15 Partly cloudy ~20 ~11
Mar 16–20 Isolated snow/rain ~17 ~9
Mar 21–25 Mix of sun & clouds ~20 ~11

What to Wear in March

Outer Layer: Lightweight waterproof shell or softshell jacket.

Middle Layer: Fleece or thin insulated jacket for mornings and evenings.

Base Layer: Moisture‑wicking long‑sleeve shirts and thermal underwear.

Pants: Convertible hiking pants or softshell trousers; bring base‑layer leggings.

Footwear: Waterproof hiking boots; moisture‑wicking socks (pack extras).

Accessories: Sunglasses (UV protection), sunscreen (SPF 30+), lip balm, wide‑brim hat or cap.

Extras: Lightweight gloves, quick‑dry towel, reusable water bottle.

Packing Checklist

Backpack: 30–40 L daypack

Clothes: 1 rain shell, 1 fleece, 2 long‑sleeve base layers, 1 pair of convertible pants, 1 pair of base‑layer leggings

Footwear: Hiking boots, 3–4 pairs of socks, optional gaiters

Accessories: Sunglasses, hat, lightweight gloves, scarf

Skincare: Sunscreen, lip balm, moisturizer

Gear: Trekking poles (optional), water bottle, power bank, headlamp

Medications: First‑aid kit, personal prescriptions, altitude sickness remedy

March Highlights

Spring Blossoms: Lower slopes and buffalo pastures burst into bloom—great for photography.

Blue Moon Valley (蓝月谷): Emerald pools begin to flow strongly—ideal in late afternoon light.

Impression Lijiang (印象丽江): Cooler evenings but still pleasant for this open‑air performance.

Glacier Park Sunrise: Crisp spring mornings highlight the “Golden Mountain” effect on snowfields.

Traveler Tips:

Booking cable‑car slots in advance is recommended.

Layer up for early‑morning chill; midday can warm quickly under sun.

Watch for afternoon showers—carry your rain shell.

Wishing you a vibrant and comfortable March adventure at Jade Dragon Snow Mountain (玉龙雪山)!