The best Time to Visit Kunming

Kunming Weather, the Best Time/Seasons to Visit/Travel

Nora Zheng
4361 Words/18 Minutes, By Nora Zheng, Updated March 25, 2024

Overview

Why does Kunming have a climate like spring throughout the four seasons? The reason lies in Kunming's location in the low latitude subtropical zone and its highland mountain monsoon climate. Influenced by the warm and humid air currents from the southwest of the Indian Ocean, Kunming enjoys long sunshine hours, short frost periods, mild climate, without intense heat in summer or severe cold in winter. With all four seasons resembling spring, the climate is pleasant.

The Best Time and Seasons to Visit Kunming

best time to visit KunmingTravelers in Yunnan

When is the most suitable time to travel to Kunming? The answer is the best/most suitable time to visit Kunming is from March to October.

During this optimal period, Kunming enjoys pleasant weather with significant temperature fluctuations between mornings and evenings, ranging from 12 to 20°C. In spring and early summer, the climate is comfortable, and suitable for wearing jackets and sweaters, while temperatures around 20 degrees allow for outdoor activities in short sleeves. Moreover, from March to October, it's also the time when Yunnan's ethnic minorities celebrate various festivals, providing opportunities to experience the rich local culture, alongside the blooming of various flowers.

The worst Time to Visit Kunming

The Busiest Holiday in China

The worst times to travel to Kunming are during the following three periods: the May Day holiday (May 1st to 5th, 2024), summer vacation (July and August every year), and National Day holiday (October 1st to 7th, 2024). The main reasons are that there are many tourists, travel costs are much higher than usual, and many places require queuing, such as attractions and restaurants. The most unbearable aspect is the long queues for using the restroom, which can be very testing.

The Rainfall Seasons in Yunnan

The rainfall in Yunnan from June to August is the highest of the year, and during this period, frequent rainfall often affects normal tourism activities. Some outdoor activities, such as hiking Tiger Leaping Gorge, are quite dangerous during the rainy season.

best time to visit Kunming

Kunming Weather by Seasons

The differences between the four seasons in Kunming are not very pronounced, with an average temperature of around 20 degrees Celsius throughout the year, making it perfect for leisurely vacation travel.

March to May: The climate is relatively mild with no sandstorms. In early spring or March, you can still see snow-capped mountains and blooming flowers. The scenery is picturesque with peach blossoms and willow trees. Many fruits, flowers, and ethnic minority festivals occur during this time, making Kunming at its most beautiful.

June to November: The climate is cooler, with summer temperatures generally not exceeding 30 degrees Celsius in Kunming. It often rains, which might slightly affect travel, but it's still a good time to visit Kunming.

December to February: Winter begins, with significant temperature differences. Flocks of red-billed gulls, escaping the cold of the north, fly from the distant Lake Baikal in Siberia to settle in water bodies such as the Panlong River, Green Lake, and Dianchi Lake in Kunming. Many travelers come just to catch a glimpse of these adorable little creatures, creating a peaceful atmosphere throughout the city. However, accommodation prices tend to rise during this period.

Plan Your Kunming Trip Monthly

If you can choose when to travel to Kunming, select the most suitable months; if your timing is not flexible, then it's important to understand the advantages and disadvantages of visiting Kunming each month, allowing you to prepare in advance accordingly.

Weather by Month

For certain types of travel, the best time to visit isn't necessarily the peak tourist season, but rather choosing a month that aligns with your circumstances and interests; for example, some people prefer to travel during the Spring Festival. Despite the crowds and higher prices, the key is that they can experience the local Lunar New Year culture and atmosphere that they wouldn't typically encounter.

View your month: January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, December

1/January: Is January a Good Time to Visit?

Winter vacation in Chinese schools typically spans from late January to about half a month after the Spring Festival (around mid-February). During this period, there are fewer tourists compared to summer vacation, but slightly more than usual, and due to weather conditions, there are significantly fewer tourists than usual.

Therefore, in terms of travel costs, January (winter) is a relatively suitable time for travel, with lower travel costs than usual.

From a weather perspective, it is colder compared to previous months, so there are relatively fewer tourists during this time. However, compared to many places in China, Kunming in January is relatively mild, which also attracts some tourists to travel.

The Average Temperature in Kunming in January

Kunming's average temperature in January is 2°C at night and 16°C during the day, with the historical lowest temperature being -5°C and the historical highest temperature being 23°C.

Low High Rainfall Rainy Days
2 °C16 °C28.7 mm5.3

What Clothes to Pack Up and Wear in January?

In January, the daytime average temperature in Kunming is around 16°C. It is recommended to wear convenient, easy-to-remove warm clothing. For outdoor activities such as hiking, wearing long sleeves with a jacket is suitable, while cycling activities are suitable for wearing quick-drying underwear with a windproof jacket.

The nighttime average temperature in Kunming is around 2°C. For nighttime activities, it is recommended to wear warmer clothing such as thermal underwear, a jacket, and a thin down jacket for extra warmth.

Tips: January in Kunming is the dry season with very little rainfall, so it is advisable to drink plenty of water, moisturize the skin, and pay attention to fire prevention!

Events & Festivals in January in Kunming

What When Where
China New Year28th Jan. to 3rd Feb.Kunming/China

2/February: is February a Good Time to Visit?

In February, Kunming, like other parts of China, welcomes two important solar terms of the 24 solar terms: "Lìchūn/立春 (Spring begins, 3rd - 5th Feb.)" (occasionally occurring in January) and "Yǔshuǐ/雨水 (The rains, 18th - 20th Feb.)". Lìchūn, the first of the 24 solar terms, where "Lì/立" means "beginning" and "chūn/春" represents warmth and growth. Yǔshuǐ means the weather is warming up and rainfall gradually increases. When you are in Kunming, you can deeply feel the significance of these two solar terms.

The traditional Chinese Spring Festival mostly occurs in the first half of February. During this period, there are many travelers, and the cost of tourism increases. For this reason, the first half of February is not a good time to visit Kunming.

From a cultural experience perspective, February is a good time to visit Kunming because during the Spring Festival, you can experience cultural atmospheres and activities that are not usually available.

Considering the temperature, the temperature data for February looks similar to January, but in reality, the temperature in February is much warmer. After the Lichun, the beginning of Spring(Spring Begins, the first of the 24 solar terms in China), the temperature rises as spring arrives, and the cold of January disappears. Many flowers have already begun to bloom. Therefore, February, especially after the Spring Festival, is a good time to travel.

Highlights in February:
  • Haigeng Dam: For bird enthusiasts, arrive before noon with bird-friendly food, and you'll have the chance for an intimate encounter with seagulls.
  • Dounan Flower Market: Kunming people are fortunate and romantic. Dounan Flower Market offers a variety of fresh flowers. During the Spring Festival, it's bustling with people coming and going, all eager to buy decorations for their homes.
  • Temple Fairs: Various temple fairs during the Spring Festival provide fun and delicious treats for both adults and children.

The Average Temperature in Kunming in Februrary

The average temperature in Kunming in February is 4°C at night and 17°C during the day, with the historical lowest temperature being -3°C and the historical highest temperature being 26°C.

Low High Rainfall Rainy Days
4 °C17 °C14.9 mm 1.7

What Clothes to Pack Up and Wear in February?

In February, the daytime average temperature in Kunming is around 17°C. It is recommended to wear easily removable and warm clothing. For outdoor activities such as hiking, long-sleeved or short-sleeved shirts with jackets are suitable, while for cycling, quick-drying underwear with windproof jackets are appropriate.

During February nights in Kunming, the average temperature drops to around 4°C. For nighttime activities, it's advisable to wear warmer clothing such as thermal underwear, jackets, and lightweight down jackets.

Tips: February in Kunming marks the dry season with very little precipitation. If the temperature rises above 20 degrees Celsius, it's recommended to bring sunscreen items such as sunglasses. Remember to stay hydrated, moisturize, and be cautious of fire hazards!

Events & Festivals in February in Kunming

What When Where
China New Year28th Jan. to 3rd Feb.Kunming/China
Lantern Show 
New Year TimeCuihu Park/Daguanlou Park
Swing Iron Flower
New Year TimeDongchuan Red Land
Temple FairNew Year TimeGuandu Ancient Town

3/March: is March a Good Time to Visit?

In March, Kunming, like other parts of China, welcomes two important solar terms from the 24 solar terms, "jīng zhé/惊蛰(Insects Awaken, 5th - 6th May)" and "chūn fēn/春分(Vernal Equinox, 19th - 22nd March)". "Insects Awaken" signifies the beginning of thunderstorms, awakening various hibernating insects, and the commencement of farming activities for farmers. "Vernal Equinox" denotes the splitting of something into two halves, representing the balance between day and night, as well as between cold and warmth.

In terms of climate, March is a suitable time for tourism in Kunming. It's a romantic time with rising temperatures and various flowers blooming, including tulips, poppies, rapeseed flowers, and various wildflowers.

Tourists begin to stir as they seek the essence of spring after winter. Consequently, tourist numbers gradually increase, but it remains the off-peak season. Costs for tourism don't rise much; in fact, they are considerably lower than during the Spring Festival period, making it an excellent month for travel.

In March, Kunming already hosts some local cultural events. Notably, there are flower appreciation festivals such as the Sakura Festival at Yuantong Temple, which also features folk activities like performances by ethnic minorities and local cuisines.

Highlights in March:
  • Yuantong Temple: Sakura blossoms
  • Green Lake (Cuihu): Tulips, poppies
  • Laoyuhe Wetland Park: Tulips
  • Shati Village/Jiangwei Village (40 minutes from Kunming): Rapeseed flowers

The Average Temperature in Kunming in March

The average temperature in Kunming in March is 7°C at night and 21°C during the day, with the historical lowest temperature being -5°C and the historical highest temperature being 28°C.

Low High Rainfall Rainy Days
7 °C21 °C2.3 mm 2.3

What Clothes to Pack Up and Wear in March?

In March, the daytime average temperature in Kunming is around 21°C. It is recommended to wear short sleeves, T-shirts, or long sleeves with a thin jacket. For outdoor activities such as hiking, long or short sleeves with a spare thin jacket are suitable, while cycling activities are suitable for wearing quick-drying short or long sleeves.

The average nighttime temperature in Kunming in March is around 7°C. For nighttime activities, it is suggested to wear slightly warmer clothes such as long sleeves with a slightly thicker jacket.

Tips: March in Kunming is the dry season, with very little precipitation compared to January and February, but slightly more than those months. It is recommended to bring sun protection items such as sunglasses, sunscreen, and to stay hydrated and moisturized. Also, be cautious of fire prevention!

Events & Festivals in March in Kunming

What When Where
Yuantong Mountain Cherry Blossom Festival: Enjoy a spring outing, admiring flowers, and tasting delicious foodThe entire month of MarchKunming Zoo on Yuantong Mountain
Black Dragon Pool Azalea Festival: 350,000 azaleas blooming in competition 
The entire month of MarchCuihu Black Dragon Pool

4/April: is April a Good Time to Visit?

In April, Kunming, like other parts of China, welcomes two important solar terms from the 24 solar terms: qīng míng/清明 (Clear and Bright, 4th to 6th April) and gǔyǔ/谷雨 (Grain Rain, 19th to 22nd April). "qīng míng" means clear skies and bright earth, when the earth is lush with greenery and flowers are in full bloom, symbolizing vigorous growth. "gǔyǔ" refers to increased rainfall, greatly benefiting the growth of cereal crops.

April is already one of the great months for travel. Kunming's climate is even more suitable for traveling, with temperatures around 24 degrees Celsius, ideal for various outdoor activities!

The Qingming Festival usually falls in early April each year. In 2024, it runs from the 4th to the 6th, during which many people go out for tomb sweeping and spring outings. Some routes to cemeteries may become congested. The number of travelers also increases, leading to higher hotel prices. Therefore, avoiding these days might be a wise choice.

If you want to learn about Chinese Qingming culture, this is a good time to visit and observe how Chinese people honor their ancestors outdoors.

The Average Temperature in Kunming in April

The average temperature in Kunming in April is 10°C at night and 24°C during the day, with the historical lowest temperature being 1°C and the historical highest temperature being 30°C.

Low High Rainfall Rainy Days
10 °C24 °C35.9 mm 5.3

What Clothes to Pack Up and Wear in April?

In April, the average daytime temperature in Kunming is 24℃. If you're heading out, you can wear skirts with light jackets for a charming look, or shirts or T-shirts for a casual style. For outdoor activities like hiking, cycling, or mountain climbing, breathable and quick-drying short sleeves are suitable. Additionally, bring a windbreaker for cycling or boating activities, and carry an extra jacket in case of sudden temperature drops.

In April, the average nighttime temperature in Kunming is 10℃. For evening activities, it's advisable to wear warmer clothes, such as short or long sleeves with a light jacket.

Tips: April in Kunming is still in the dry season, with very little precipitation, although slightly more than in March. The UV rays from the sun are becoming stronger, so it's recommended to bring sun protection items such as sunglasses and sunscreen. Make sure to stay hydrated, keep your skin moisturized, and be cautious about fire prevention.

Events & Festivals in April in Kunming

What When Where
San Yue San: Dancing, Dragon Play, Intangible Heritages, Long-table Banquet, etc.22-30th, AprilWest Hill

5/May: is May a Good Time to Visit?

In May, Kunming, like other parts of China, welcomes two important solar terms: "Lì xià" (立夏) (Start of Summer, 5th to 7th May) and "Xiǎo mǎn" (小满) (Grain Buds, 20th to 22nd May). "Lì" signifies establishment or beginning, while "xià" historically refers to something large; "Lì xià" indicates that all things have grown up to this point. In northern China, "Xiǎo mǎn" refers to the fullness of wheat; in the south, it signifies abundant rainwater as rivers and lakes start to fill up.

In May, rainfall gradually increases in southern regions, primarily in the form of showers. Kunming experiences more rain compared to previous months, yet the climate becomes more suitable for travel, with daytime temperatures around 25 degrees Celsius, ideal for various outdoor activities. Nights are also pleasant, with temperatures around 15 degrees Celsius, neither too cold nor too hot!

May also hosts a nationwide festival, Labor Day, from May 1st to 5th, when many people travel, causing an increase in travel costs such as hotel expenses, transportation fares, and other associated expenses. Kunming is no exception, so avoiding this period is a wise choice!

The Tang Dynasty poet Bai Juyi wrote: "In the lunar fourth month(May), when the fragrance of flowers fades, the peach blossoms in the mountain temples begin to bloom." This refers to the plains in April, where flowers have withered, but they gradually bloom in higher-altitude areas. So, traveling to higher-altitude places during this time will offer beautiful scenery.

The Average Temperature in Kunming in May

The average temperature in Kunming in May is 14°C at night and 25°C during the day, with the historical lowest temperature being 6°C and the historical highest temperature being 32°C.

Low High Rainfall Rainy Days
14 °C25 °C33.5mm 10

What Clothes to Pack Up and Wear in May?

In May, the daytime average temperature in Kunming is 25°C, with historical temperatures reaching up to 32°C! For those who love beauty, you almost don't need to worry about catching a cold. During this time, you can wear skirts, shorts, short-sleeved shirts, or breathable clothes. If you're a fan of sports, you can opt for T-shirts, tank tops, or summer sportswear. For outdoor activities like hiking, cycling, or mountain climbing, it's advisable to wear breathable and quick-drying short sleeves. Windbreakers are unnecessary for cycling or boating activities in May.

In May, the nighttime average temperature in Kunming is 14°C. It's recommended to bring a thin jacket for evening activities.

Tips: May in Kunming remains in the dry season, but it's much warmer than April. The sun's ultraviolet rays become stronger, so it's advisable to bring sun protection items such as sunglasses and sunscreen. It's recommended to stay hydrated, moisturize your skin, and be cautious about fire prevention.

Events & Festivals in May in Kunming

What When Where
Ashima Cultural Tourism Festival1st to 7th MayStone Forest

June: is June a Good Time to Visit?

In June, Kunming, like other parts of China, welcomes two important solar terms among the 24 solar terms: máng zhǒng/芒种(Grain in Ear, 5th to 7th June) and xià zhì/夏至(Summer Solstice, 20th to 22nd June). Grain in Ear refers to the matured seeds of crops such as barley and wheat, signaling the urgent need for harvesting. It's also the busiest season for planting summer crops like rice, millet, and Job's tears. The Summer Solstice indicates the arrival of hot summer days.

In June, the southern regions experience more rainfall, mainly in the form of showers. Kunming also sees increased rainfall compared to previous months. The climate remains suitable for travel, with daytime temperatures ranging from 21 to 30 degrees Celsius, ideal for various outdoor activities. Nighttime temperatures hover around 13 to 15 degrees Celsius, neither too cold nor too hot.

Except for the Dragon Boat Festival (June 8-10) when there might be a higher number of tourists, traveling is normal during other times of the month.

Average Temperature, What to Wear/Bring in June

Low High Rainfall Rainy Days
15 °C25 °C121mm 17

The average daytime temperature in Kunming in June is 15-25°C, while the nighttime temperature averages 13-18°C. There's a significant temperature difference between day and night!

The historical lowest temperature recorded is 8°C, and the highest is 31°C.

What to Wear: During the day, it's recommended to wear shirts, thin skirts, thin T-shirts, and other cool and breathable clothes made of cotton or linen fabric. At night, it's advisable to add some extra clothing layers, such as a jacket or a thin sweater.

What to Bring: In June, rainfall in Kunming begins to increase. It is advisable to bring an umbrella or raincoat. With rising temperatures, it is recommended to bring sun protection items such as sunglasses and sunscreen.

Events & Festivals in June in Kunming

What When Where
Dragon Boat Festival8th-10th JuneGuandu Old Town/West Hill
Perfumed Lily Festival
19th to 28th JuneLaoyu River Wetland Park

July: is July a Good Time to Visit?

In July, Kunming, like other parts of China, welcomes two important solar terms, "xiǎo shǔ" (Minor Heat, July 6th to 8th) and "dà shǔ" (Major Heat, July 22nd to 24th). "Shǔ" means heat, "xiǎo shǔ" translates to minor heat, indicating that it's not very hot yet. "Dà shǔ" refers to extreme heat.

Since ancient times, there has been a tradition during the Major Heat solar term of drinking cooling tea known as "fú chá" (伏茶) for the three hottest days of the year, which is literally translated as "tea for the three Fu days". This tea, brewed from Chinese herbal medicine, has a cooling and heat-dispelling effect. In addition, there are customs such as burning "fú xiāng" (伏香, a plant of the Lamiaceae family) and drying "fú jiāng" (伏姜, a common Chinese medicinal herb). "Dà shǔ" marks the hottest and most humid period of the year, and during this time, the focus of health preservation is on preventing heatstroke and dispelling dampness.

From a climatic perspective: July is the rainy season in Kunming, with as many as 20 rainy days, but it's mostly brief afternoon showers that won't last long. The temperatures are very suitable for travel, with daytime temperatures around 21-27°C, perfect for various outdoor activities. Nighttime temperatures are around 14-18°C, neither too cold nor too hot!

From a cost perspective: Early July to late August is the summer vacation time for Chinese students. During this period, many hotels, restaurants, and transportation fares may increase as many parents take their children on trips, and college students and teachers also travel. Therefore, travel costs may be 20-50% higher than usual, and many places can be crowded. If your travel time is flexible, you may consider choosing another time to visit Kunming.

Average Temperature, What to Wear/Bring in June

Lowest Highest Rainfall Rainy Days
17 °C26 °C131mm 20

In July, the average daytime temperature in Kunming is 21-27°C, while the nighttime average temperature is 14-18°C. There's a significant temperature difference between daytime and nighttime! The historical lowest temperature recorded is 13°C, and the historical highest temperature is 30°C.

What to wear: During the day, it is advisable to wear lightweight and breathable clothes such as thin long skirts, short skirts, T-shirts, thin short sleeves, quick-drying clothing, etc. For the night, add appropriate clothing such as windbreakers, thin jackets, and wear sandals or waterproof shoes.

What to bring: July and August are the rainy season in Kunming (Yunnan), with as many as about 20 rainy days. It is recommended to bring umbrellas and raincoats. As the temperature rises, it's also advisable to bring sun protection items such as sunglasses, sunscreen, etc.

Events and Festivals in July in Kunming

What When Where
The Torch Festival21st JulyYunnan Ethnic Village

August: is August a Good Time to Visit?

In August, Kunming, like other parts of China, welcomes two important solar terms from the 24 solar terms: "lì qiū" /立秋(Start of Autumn, sometime between August 7th and 9th) and "chù shǔ" /处暑(Limit of Heat, sometime between August 22nd and 24th).

"Lì"/立 means the beginning, and "qiū"/秋 means the ripening of crops. "Lì qiū" signifies the start of autumn when crops begin to mature.

The original meaning of "chù" /处 is to stop or pause, while "shǔ"/属 refers to heat. "Chù shǔ" indicates the end of scorching hot weather, with the heat beginning to dissipate.

Average Temperature, What to Wear/Bring in August

Average Temperature

In August, the average daytime temperature in Kunming is 19-28°C, and the average nighttime temperature is 13-19°C. The historical lowest temperature is 13°C, and the historical highest temperature is 29°C.

Lowest Highest Rainfall Rainy Days
17 °C25 °C119mm 23
What to wear

After the beginning of autumn, the weather in the morning and evening will become cooler, with a large temperature difference between day and night!

During the day, it's recommended to wear thin long skirts, short skirts, T-shirts, thin short-sleeved shirts, quick-drying clothes, etc., which are cool and breathable. You may need to bring a jacket when going out in the morning.

In the evening, add appropriate clothing such as windbreakers, thin jackets, etc.

For outdoor travel, it's suggested to wear slippers or rainproof shoes.

What to bring

July and August are the rainy season in Kunming (Yunnan), with as many as 20-23 rainy days, mainly in the form of showers. It is recommended to bring umbrellas, raincoats, or rainproof clothes; it's also advised to bring sun protection items such as sunglasses, sunscreen, etc.

Events and Festivals in July in Kunming

What When Where
The Torch Festival10th - 13rd Stone Forest/Dongchuan Red Land

September: is September a Good Time to Visit?

October: is October a Good Time to Visit?

November: is November Good Time to Visit?

December: is December a Good Time to visit?

Suggested Travel Length and Itinerary

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Helpful Kunming/Yunnan Travel Information

Nora Zheng

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