Yunnan Climate & Weather

Briefing

Yunnan has the subtropical monsoon climate with large daily temperature difference and clear dry and wet seasons.

•Temperature

The average temperature, in the hottest month (July) is 19 ℃ ~ 22 ℃, in the coldest month (January) is 6 ℃ ~ 8 ℃. On the same day, it is cool in the morning and evening, but hot in noon, especially in winter and spring, daily temperature difference can reach 12 ℃ ~ 20 ℃.

•Precipitation

In most parts of Yunan, the annual precipitation is in 1000 millimeter above. 85% of it concentrates upon the rainy season from May to October. April and November are the dry seasons.

Tips for Yunnan Weather

•Best season to visit Yunnan: 

The best time to travel in Yunnan is in spring and autumn, especially March to April, and September to November. In spring (March to May), Yunnan has the large daily temperature difference changing from 12 to 20 ℃. The month of May is likely to be the rainiest month. Summer (June to August) in Yunnan will not be very hot and winter in Yunnan is never too cold. Autumn is the harvest season of most fruits and flowers. Tourists can get a lot during their trips.

•Clothes for travelling: 

August in Yunnan is generally rainy season, you’d better wear thin coat. If you want to go to Jade Dragon Snow Mountain in Lijiang, you should take thicker cotton-padded clothes.

Go to Yunnan in March, travelers need to wear cotton jersey and a thicker coat, cotton trousers and over-trousers.

Lijiang has a large temperature difference between morning and evening, it is generally to put on your thick coat or eiderdown outerwear in the morning and evening.

•Avoid Peak Holidays:

It is not a good idea to travel in China during Chinese holidays when huge numbers of Chinese people are travelling around. The busiest three national holidays in China are Chinese Spring Festival (usually in late Jan or early Feb.), International Labor Day (May 01 to 03) and National Day (Oct 01-07).. Spring Festival is an especially crowded time to travel. The advantage of being in China at this time is that you will get the opportunity to experience "first hand" the significance of these celebrations in Chinese culture. 

•Other Tips:

The sunshine in Yunnan is too strong during the day that you’d better take your sunscreen and sunglasses. Also you should drink more water, eat more fruit, and prevent dehydration.

In winter and spring, Kunming has large daily temperature difference, so travelers need to take coats and sweaters.