Jade Dragon Snow Mountain Weather and Climate in October

In October, Jade Dragon Snow Mountain transitions into a cool, dry autumn with clear skies and crisp air. At the mountain base (~4,500 m), daytime highs average 25 °C, nighttime lows 18 °C, with only 5 rain‑event days and ~50 mm total precipitation; Lijiang city (丽江) at 2,400 m records highs of 20 °C, lows of 9 °C, about 12 rainy days, and 70 mm of rainfall . Humidity falls to around 73 %, and mornings are generally clear—ideal for the famed “Golden Mountain” sunrise—while afternoons may see isolated showers. Layered autumn clothing with a light rain shell is recommended. Highlights include autumnal alpine meadows, peak reflections at Blue Moon Valley (蓝月谷), and the evening outdoor performance Impression Lijiang (印象丽江) under crisp skies.

Daily Average Weather Table (October)

Date High (°C) Low (°C) Rain Chance Conditions
October 1 25 18 17 % Clear, cool mornings
October 2 25 18 17 % Sunny
October 3 25 18 17 % Partly cloudy
October 4 25 18 17 % Sunny
October 5 25 18 17 % Isolated showers
October 6 25 18 17 % Clear
October 7 25 18 17 % Sunny
October 8 25 18 17 % Partly cloudy
October 9 25 18 17 % Light rain
October 10 25 18 17 % Sunny
October 11 25 18 17 % Cloudy → showers
October 12 25 18 17 % Sunny
October 13 25 18 17 % Sunny
October 14 25 18 17 % Partly cloudy
October 15 25 18 17 % Sunny
October 16 25 18 17 % Isolated showers
October 17 25 18 17 % Clear
October 18 25 18 17 % Sunny
October 19 25 18 17 % Partly cloudy
October 20 25 18 17 % Sunny
October 21 25 18 17 % Clear
October 22 25 18 17 % Isolated showers
October 23 25 18 17 % Sunny
October 24 25 18 17 % Sunny
October 25 25 18 17 % Partly cloudy
October 26 25 18 17 % Sunny
October 27 25 18 17 % Clear
October 28 25 18 17 % Light rain
October 29 25 18 17 % Sunny
October 30 25 18 17 % Sunny
October 31 25 18 17 % Partly cloudy

Notes: These mountain‑base averages (25 °C/18 °C, ~50 mm precipitation, 5 rain days) are from WorldWeatherOnline’s “Double Dragon Mountain” data . Lijiang city data (20 °C/9 °C, 70 mm, 12 rain days) are from TravelChinaGuide.

Temperature, Precipitation & Climate Overview

Average Temperatures

At Jade Dragon Snow Mountain (玉龙雪山) base, October highs average 25 °C, lows 18 °C, reflecting cooling autumn . In Lijiang city (丽江), highs are 20 °C, lows 9 °C .

Precipitation & Humidity

Mountain base precipitation drops to ~50 mm over 5 days (~17 % daily chance) . Lijiang sees 70 mm over 12 days (~39 % chance) . Humidity averages 73 % .

Climate Characteristics

October marks the dry autumn shoulder season: mornings are crisp and clear—ideal for summit views and the “Golden Mountain” sunrise—while isolated afternoon showers remain possible. Alpine meadows begin subtle color changes, and visibility is excellent under abundant sunshine .

Simple Climate Chart

Month Avg. High Avg. Low Avg. Precip.
October 25 °C 18 °C 50 mm

(See daily table for variations.)

Representative 15‑Day Simulated Forecast (Early October)

Dates Conditions High (°C) Low (°C)
Oct 1–5 Clear mornings → showers ~25 ~18
Oct 6–10 Sunny ~25 ~18
Oct 11–15 Partly cloudy → light rain ~25 ~18
Oct 16–20 Clear ~25 ~18
Oct 21–25 Isolated showers ~25 ~18

Tip: Based on historical climatology; verify with a local 15‑day rolling forecast before departure .

What to Wear in October

  1. Outer Layer: Lightweight windbreaker or softshell jacket for crisp mornings.

  2. Mid Layer: Fleece or light insulated jacket for cooler evenings.

  3. Base Layer: Moisture‑wicking long‑sleeve shirts and base‑layer leggings.

  4. Pants: Convertible hiking pants or softshell trousers.

  5. Footwear: Sturdy hiking boots with good grip; breathable, moisture‑wicking socks.

  6. Rain Protection: Light rain shell or compact poncho for occasional showers.

  7. Accessories: Sunglasses (UV protection), broad‑spectrum sunscreen (SPF 30+), lip balm, hat.

Packing Checklist

  • Backpack: 30–40 L daypack with rain cover

  • Clothing: 1 windbreaker, 1 fleece, 2–3 base layers, 1–2 pairs of pants

  • Footwear: Hiking boots, 3–4 pairs of socks

  • Rain Gear: Light rain shell or poncho

  • Accessories: Sunglasses, hat, sunscreen, lip balm

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

  • Medications: Standard first‑aid kit, altitude sickness tablets, personal prescriptions

October Highlights

  • Autumn Colors: Alpine meadows and lower slopes begin golden and russet hues—ideal for photography.

  • Blue Moon Valley (蓝月谷): Crisp, turquoise waters with fewer crowds—perfect for serene reflections.

  • Sunrise “Golden Mountain”: Clear pre‑dawn skies maximize the golden‑light effect on snowfields via Glacier Park cable car.

  • Impression Lijiang (印象丽江): Outdoor evening performances under crisp, starry autumn skies.

  • Stargazing: Cooler, drier nights at altitude offer excellent conditions for night‑sky observation near the summit.

Traveler Tips:

  • Advance Booking: Reserve cable‑car slots early—October sees increased tourism during National Day and Mid‑Autumn Festival periods.

  • Morning Activities: Plan summit climbs and photography for early hours before any isolated afternoon showers.

  • Layering: Temperatures can swing—dress in layers for quick adjustments.

  • Hydration & Sun Protection: Altitude and UV remain significant—carry water and reapply sunscreen regularly.

Enjoy the crisp, colorful beauty of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain (玉龙雪山) this October!