Kunming Weather in April

April is one of the best times to visit Kunming, often called the “Spring City” for its year-round mild climate. In April, the weather is pleasant and dry, with daytime temperatures typically between 19–26°C (66–79°F) and cooler nights dropping to 5–12°C (41–54°F). The skies are mostly sunny or partly cloudy, and rainfall is rare apart from occasional light showers. Sunshine is abundant, and UV radiation can be strong, so sun protection is essential.

When packing, think layers: breathable shirts and light jackets for daytime, plus warmer coats or sweaters for mornings and evenings. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended for exploring the city and surrounding areas.

April is also a festive month in Kunming. Visitors can join the vibrant Water Splashing Festival in Yunnan Ethnic Village, where locals celebrate the Dai New Year by splashing water to bring blessings and good fortune. In early April, Qingming Festival activities at Kunming Lake combine traditional crafts, kite flying, and poetry with modern experiences. At the end of the month, the Mizhi Festival in Xundian County showcases the Yi people’s unique rituals honoring nature and praying for a good harvest.

Whether you’re interested in local culture, photography, or simply enjoying the spring blossoms, April offers an ideal blend of comfortable weather and colorful events that bring Kunming’s rich heritage to life.

When you travel to Kunming, the month of April like March has a big rise in temperature, with an average daily maximum temperature of 24 °C (75 °F) and an average daily minimum temperature of 10 °C (50 °F). Spring is warm and dry with less rain and vigorous evaporation. Daily temperature varies greatly, and the average monthly temperature is mostly below 20℃.

Temperature and Precipitation

Temperature Range: During the daytime in April, Kunming’s highest temperatures can reach 19–26°C, while at night the lowest temperatures drop to 5–12°C. The average temperature ranges from 10–24°C, with a large day-night temperature difference of over 10°C.
Precipitation: April is the dry season in Kunming, with very little rainfall, only occasional showers or light rain. The forecast for April 5th, 2025, predicts light rain, while the rest of the time is mainly cloudy or sunny.
Climate Features: There is abundant sunshine and strong UV radiation. The air is dry, with relative humidity fluctuating between 47–77%. Winds are mostly from the north or southwest at level 1–3.

Historical Kunming Average Daily Temperatures in April

What to Wear for an April Kunming Trip

It is still long-sleevels shirts, jackets, thin coats weather most of the time. During the day, dress in a light sweater or jacket, and in the evening, wear more layers. There is a big temperature difference between day and night.

Basic Dressing Principles:

Layered Dressing: Use the “onion style” approach so you can add or remove layers easily. Wear single layers during the day, but add jackets or sweaters in the early morning and evening.

Fabric Choices: During the day, wear breathable cotton or linen shirts, thin dresses, or lightweight T-shirts. In the evenings, opt for suits, jackets, trench coats, or casual wear for warmth.

Sun Protection: UV index is strong. Be sure to bring a sun hat, sunglasses, and high-SPF sunscreen (SPF 50+).

Rain Preparedness: Although rain is rare, bring a folding umbrella or lightweight raincoat just in case.

Specific Clothing Suggestions:

Festivals in April in Kunming

Kunming in April offers a rich blend of traditional customs and modern cultural experiences. The city celebrates Qingming Festival (April 4–6) with memorial ceremonies, spring outings, and creative activities like green rice ball making and kite crafting across districts.

Throughout the month, Water Splashing Festival celebrations bring vibrant Dai cultural experiences to Kunming, though these are cultural showcases rather than official public holidays. From April 10–14, venues such as Yunnan Ethnic Village, Laoyu River Wetland Park, and World Horticultural Expo Garden host large-scale carnivals featuring water rituals, Dai dances, EDM parties, parades, and themed performances.

1. Official Public Holidays – Qingming Festival

Dates: April 4–6 (Fri–Sun), 3-day holiday citywide

Activities:

Nie Er Memorial Ceremony (Nie Er Tomb, 聂耳墓), Xishan District (April 3)

“Spring Breeze Nourishes Qingming” event (Wuhua District, April 3) – green rice ball making, kite crafting

Martyrs’ Memorial & Spring Outing (Heilongtan Park, Panlong District)

“Gentle Breeze Carries Wishes” event (Santai Mountain Park, Chenggong District, April 2)

2. Folk Festival Events

Water Splashing Festival Series (Cultural Experiences, No Extra Public Holiday):

Yunnan Ethnic Village (云南民族村): April 10–14 – Dai New Year, Water Ritual Amusement Park Carnival

Laoyu River National Wetland Park (捞渔河国家湿地公园): April 11–14 – Leyeh Water Splashing Carnival, EDM, intangible heritage performances

World Horticultural Expo Garden (世博园): April 11–13 – Floral Water Splashing Festival, pickup truck parade, anime shows

Sunac Dianchi Backsea (融创滇池后海): April 12–13 – Six Nations Parade, Dai Disco Party

South Asia Style First City (南亚风情第壹城): April 12–13 – Swimsuit Parade, K-Pop Random Dance

China Hanfu Week · Cloud Garments Festival (中国华服周·云上霓裳):

Around April 15 – Hanfu parades, intangible heritage workshops, main venue in Shanshui Ancient Town

County-Level Events:

Anning City (安宁市): Yong’an Old Street, April 12–13 – Exclusive water splashing event (ages 14–45)

Xishuangbanna Prefecture Linked Activities: Themed water splashing in Kunming shopping areas (e.g., Southeast Asia EDM Festival at New Luosiwan, April 12–13)

3. Other Cultural Events:

Nanqiang Alley (南强街巷), Wuhua: Qingming Holiday Creative Market & Food Festival (over 110,000 visitors)

Wanda Plaza Xishan: Non-heritage Folk Culture Festival (starts April 25 – fireworks, Sichuan Opera)

Xingyao Gymnasium: April 5, Laidian Comic Carnival

Note:
Official water-splashing public holidays only apply in:

Xishuangbanna Dai Autonomous Prefecture (April 14–16)

Dehong Dai and Jingpo Autonomous Prefecture (April 10–13)
In Kunming, events are mainly commercial and cultural with no extra statutory leave.

Data Reminder:
The Zhushan Town (竹山镇) temple fair in Yiliang County (宜良县) falls on May 5 (lunar April 8), beyond the April scope.

Places to visit in April Kunming

Green Lake Park:
Enjoy the beautiful and charming scenery around the lake.

The Stone Forest:
Admire the magical landscapes and experience local life.

Yunnan Ethnic Villages:
Enjoying the ceremony of ethnic minorities.(Water Splashing Festival of Dai- falls in mid-April and lasts for 3-7 days)

Jiaozi Snow mountain:
Flowers and grasses comes back in this month, you may find you are in a fairy tale world.

Yunnan Provincial Museum :
It is the best place to learn about minority cultures and Yunnan cultures.

Yuantong Mountain:
Full of Cherry blossoms.

Golden Temple:
The largest copper temple in China. As part of Taosit Taihe Palace (道家的太和殿), it’s located on top of Mingfeng Hill.

Kunming Weather and Climate by Month

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