The Most Pleasant Season to Visit Yunnan
Generally speaking, the weather in most areas of Yunnan is mild in winter and cool in summer. Featuring in diverse climate types of north-tropical, south-subtropical central-subtropical, etc, the weather in Yunnan province varies in different regions and cities. It is suitable to visit Yunnan all year round. The time to go depends largely on what you want to see and which part you want to go to. Spring and early summer are the best times to see the flora and fauna. Fall and winter are the best times to see snow-capped mountains and peaks.
Spring(March–May)
The temperature in Spring ranges from 7–21°C (45–70°F) in Kunming, and from 5–17°C (41–63°F) in Lijiang and Shangri-La. It’s still cold in March. May is the beginning of the rainy season and temperatures begin to rise. Daily temperature difference in the spring can reach 12° C to 20° C. Warm clothes are highly recommended. Remember to bring an umbrella.
Things to Do
March is a good time to see the snowy mountains. April is the golden season for Yunnan travel. The temperature is suitable, and it is not the rainy season. The scenery in Kunming, Lijiang and Shangri-la is very beautiful. It’s also the best time to hike Tiger Leaping Gorge. March to April is also the best time to experience Bai’s festivals and ceremonies in Dali. Besides, Yunnan is the kingdom for flora and fauna. In Spring, you can enjoy the sea of flowers.
Recommended Tour Packages:
13 Days Yunnan Festival Tour in Spring
11 Days Yunnan Spring Photograph Tour With Luoping Rapeseed Flowers, Bamei Village And Yuanyang Hani Rice Terrace Field
Summer(June-September)
The temperature in summer ranges from 16–24°C (61–75°F) in Kunming, and from 13–23°C (55–73°F) in Lijiang and Shangri-La. The temperature difference is not as great as in spring, but you can still experience a 10-degree drop in temperature in a rainy day. Wear long sleeves even on the hottest days. Besides, umbrellas are useful on both sunny and rainy days.
Things to Do
From late spring to early summer, Shangri-la boasts the most beautiful flowers. This is also the best time to enjoy the plateau scenery. Summer is the best time to visit Pudacuo National Park in Shangri-la. July and August are rainy season of Yunnan and peak season of Yunnan travel. Prices at tourist attractions and hotels are rising and tourists are increasing. However, more rain increases the amount of water in the rivers and lakes, and the scenery around Kunming and Lijiang is more impressive.
Recommended Tour Packages:
6 Days Yunnan Ancient Villages Tour with Puzhehei Scenic Area and Bamei Xanadu Village
4 Days Shangri-La Alpine Pasture and Niru Village Hiking Tour
Autumn(October–November)
The temperature in autumn ranges from 14–22°C (57–72°F) in Kunming, and from 12–21°C (54–70°F) in Lijiang and Shangri-La. In autumn, rainfall is greatly reduced, the weather is drier with more sunshine. After October, the weather turned cold and the temperature changed significantly in one day. A thick sweater and jacket are recommended. Also wear protective skin care products, sunglasses or hats to protect your skin from the sun.
Things to Do
You can enjoy more sunny days in autumn. This is another golden period of Yunnan travel. In the countryside, you have the chance to see the beautiful scenery of harvest. Autumn is also the best time to enjoy the colorful scenery of Shangri-la and hike Tiger Leaping Gorge. Try to avoid the National Holiday, when there are crowded transportation and accommodation. What’s more, you will spend more time on queueing when you visit attractions.
Recommended Tour Packages:
7 Days Lijiang and Shangri-La Paradise Tour with Tiger Leaping Gorge Hiking Adventure
8 Days Yunnan Classic Tour by High Speed Bullet Train
Winter(December–February)
The temperature in winter ranges from 4–16°C (39–61°F) in Kunming, and from 1–15°C (34–59°F) in Lijiang and Shangri-La. Winter in Yunnan is not cold and there is much less rain. There may be more sunshine in this season. If you don’t mind taking more clothes, traveling to Yunnan in winter is a good choice. Bring warm clothes, such as knit hats, gloves, thick sweaters, down jackets or winter jackets. Wear sunscreen and sunglasses to protect yourself from the sun in high places.
Things to Do
If you would like to visit Haba Snow Mountain, Meili Snow Mountain, Jade Dragon Snow Mountain and other snow mountains, winter is a good time to visit. With clear air and fewer clouds, you have a greater opportunity to see their peaks. Yuanyang Hani Rice Terraces is marked by spectacular terraces that cascade down the slopes of the towering Ailao Mountains to the banks of the Honghe River. In winter, with the change of sunray, terrace presents different beautiful scenery. Sea of clouds often appears at these months.
Recommended Tour Packages:
6 Days Kunming Yuanyang Jianshui Photography Tour with Honghe Hani Rice Terraces
6 Days Northeast Yunnan Winter Birding Tour to Dianchi Lake, Nianhu Lake and Dashanbao
Keeping Reading:
Best Time for Yunnan Photography Trip
Weather in Tiger Leaping Gorge: The Best Season to Visit Tiger Leaping Gorge
Yunnan Travel Advice on Clothes to Pack in Different Seasons
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I had the opportunity to visit the scenic area of Dianchi Lake last week, and I must say it was excellent. The general tour is free of charge, and the scenery was breathtaking. The vast expanse of the lake against the backdrop of surrounding mountains was truly awe-inspiring. The ticket price for cable car ride is reasonable, allowing people to overlook the entire lake.The area also offered a glimpse into the local culture and customs, which added to the overall experience.
Transportation and parking within the scenic area was convenient, making it easy to explore. There were several smaller scenic spots and well-planned tour routes, allowing visitors to fully appreciate the beauty of the area. It was a truly memorable and worthwhile experience, and I highly recommend.