Lijiang Weather: the Best Time/Seasons to Visit/Travel Lijiang and Surrounding Areas

Why the Lijiang Weather

Lijiang City is located at the junction of the Yungui(Yunnan and Guizhou) Plateau and the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. The terrain is higher in the northwest and lower in the southeast, with the highest point being the main peak of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. It has a plateau mountain monsoon climate in the low latitude warm temperate zone, with relatively low temperatures and large diurnal temperature variations.

Travelers in Lijiang

The annual average temperature ranges from 12.6°C to 19.8°C. The average temperature in the hottest month ranges from 18.1°C to 25.7°C, while the average temperature in the coldest month ranges from 4°C to 11.7°C. The annual temperature difference is small, but the daily temperature difference is large.

The Best Time and Seasons to Visit Lijiang

Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, Lijiang

When is the most suitable time to travel to Lijiang?

The answer is the best/most suitable time to visit Lijiang is from March to May and September to November.

In Spring (March to May), the average temperature ranges from 5°C to 17°C. The weather in Lijiang during spring is clear and sunny, the season of blooming flowers, including camellias and rhododendrons. Especially from mid-April to early May, cherry blossoms and peach blossoms flourish, creating picturesque scenery.

In Autumn (September to November), the average temperature ranges from 12°C to 21°C. The weather in Lijiang during autumn is mostly sunny, with crisp and colorful air. The leaves of trees turn golden and vibrant red.

The worst Time to Visit Lijiang

The Busiest Holidays in China

The worst times to travel to Lijiang 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 Season in Lijiang

The rainfall 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.

Ljiang Weather in Four Seasons

The average daytime temperature in Lijiang is around 20°C throughout the year, with nighttime temperatures averaging around 7°C. The rainy season in Lijiang is from June to August. It is advisable to bring rain gear during this time, but Lijiang is suitable for travel all year round.

Spring (March to May)

Spring in Lijiang boasts pleasant temperatures, ranging from 10°C to 20°C on average. During this time, the weather is typically clear and sunny.

Spring is the season of flowers in Lijiang, especially from mid-April to early May when cherry blossoms and peach blossoms are in full bloom, creating picturesque scenery. Additionally, Lijiang's spring features various flowers such as camellias and rhododendrons blooming one after another.

Recommended activities: flower appreciation, hiking, cycling tours around Lijiang/Shuhe Ancient Town, participating in ethnic minority festivals such as the Water Splashing Festival.

Summer (June to August)

During the summer, temperatures are relatively high, ranging from 15°C to 25°C on average. June to July is the rainy season in Lijiang, so it's important to be mindful of weather changes and bring rain gear.

In summer, Lijiang is lush with greenery and murmuring streams. It's a great time to admire the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, as the snow on the mountain melts, revealing its beautiful peaks.

Recommended activities: Visiting attractions such as Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, Lugu Lake, and Tiger Leaping Gorge (not suitable for hiking). Experience the bonfire party of the Naxi ethnic group and participate in the walking marriage ceremony of the Mosuo ethnic group.

Autumn (September to November)

Autumn in Lijiang features pleasant temperatures, with averages ranging between 10°C and 20°C. During this time, the weather in Lijiang is mostly sunny and refreshing.

The colors of autumn in Lijiang are vibrant, with the leaves of trees turning golden and red. September to October marks the harvest season in Lijiang, offering a variety of fresh fruits and crops to taste.

Recommended activities include admiring the red leaves, hiking, participating in ethnic minority celebrations of the harvest such as the Autumn Harvest Festival, and visiting historical towns like Shuhe Ancient Town and Lijiang Ancient Town.

Winter (December to February)

During winter, the temperature is relatively low, ranging from 0°C to 10°C on average. During this time, Lijiang's weather is often overcast or snowy, so it's necessary to wear warm clothing.

In winter, Lijiang transforms into a kingdom of silver-wrapped snow, especially places like Jade Dragon Snow Mountain and Tiger Leaping Gorge, where the snow scenery is spectacular. Snowy landscapes in places like Shuhe Ancient Town also have their own unique charm.

Recommended activities: Visit scenic spots such as Jade Dragon Snow Mountain and Tiger Leaping Gorge to admire the snow scenery. Experience Naxi hot pot and participate in skiing activities with the Mosuo people.

Lijiang Weather by Month/Year Round

If your travel schedule to Lijiang isn't very flexible, then you won't have many choices. However, if your travel time to Lijiang is flexible, it's advisable to choose the appropriate month. In that case, you need to know the advantages and disadvantages of traveling to Lijiang each month, which will help you prepare in advance.

• January
• February
• March
• April
• May
• June
• July
• August
• September
• October
• November
• December

January: is January a Good Time to Visit?

Climatic Perspective

From a climatic perspective, with low temperatures, it's not considered a good month for tourism.

In January, the average rainfall in Lijiang is only 4.9mm. There's a significant temperature difference between day and night, with daytime temperatures around 9-16℃, suitable for various outdoor activities. However, nighttime temperatures drop to around -3-3℃, which is quite low, so it's important to dress warmly.

Highlights and activities

• Outdoor: Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, cycling, hiking
• Indoor: Learning Dongba script, understanding Naxi ancient music, home visits, cooking

Cost Perspective

From a cost perspective, it's a good month for traveling as there are fewer people and relatively lower prices.

In January, Lijiang sees fewer tourists due to the cold weather, making it an off-peak tourist season. Consequently, hotel and restaurant prices are significantly lower compared to usual. Many attractions don't require queuing, which can reduce travel costs and save travel time.

Average Temperature, What to Wear/Bring in January

Average Temperature

In January, the average temperature in Lijiang ranges from -1 to 14°C, with a significant difference between daytime and nighttime temperatures!

During January in Lijiang, the average daytime temperature is 9-16°C, while the average nighttime temperature is -3 to 3°C. The historical lowest temperature recorded is -6°C, and the historical highest temperature is 23°C.

• Lowest: -1°C
• Highest: 14°C
• Rainfall: 4.9mm
• Rainy Days: 0.7

What to wear and bring

After the Minor Cold solar term in January, the weather begins to turn colder. In Lijiang, there is a large temperature difference between morning and evening, so it's important to stay warm.

During the day, it is recommended to wear warm clothes, thicker outerwear, and warm shoes and socks.

In the evening and at night, add an appropriate amount of clothing, a warm down jacket, scarf, and hat.

For traveling to Lijiang in January, it is advisable to bring sunscreen products such as sunglasses, hats, moisturizer, and sunscreen.

February: is February a Good Time to Visit?

March: is March a Good Time to Visit?

April: is April a Good Time to Visit?

May: is May a Good Time to Visit?

June: is June a Good Time to Visit?

July: is July a Good Time to Visit?

August: is August a Good Time to Visit?

September: is September a Good Time to Visit?

Climatic Perspective

From a climatic perspective, the temperature is suitable, making it a good time for travel, but there are many rainy days, with showers being predominant.

In September, the average rainfall in Lijiang is 181mm. There is a significant temperature difference between morning and evening, with daytime temperatures around 18-25°C, suitable for various outdoor activities, and nighttime temperatures around 7-14°C, cool enough to require warmth.

Cost Perspective

From a cost perspective, September is relatively favorable for travel. The summer vacation has just ended, and students and parents have returned home for school and work. During this time, most travelers are elderly, and the crowds from summer vacation have dissipated. Hotel and related costs have also dropped, and tourist attractions no longer have long queues.

Visiting Lijiang during this time can save some costs and time.

October: is October a Good Time to Visit?

November: is November a Good Time to Visit?

December: is December a Good Time to Visit?

Suggested Travel Length and Itinerary

How many days should I stay in Lijiang?

The answer is 3-6 days

Visiting the classic must-see attractions in Lijiang takes about 2 full days. Adding arrival and departure time, you'll need approximately 3-4 days. If you want to explore nearby places worth visiting, add 1-3 days for Tiger Leaping Gorge, 1-2 days for Shaxi Ancient Town, and 2-3 days for Lugu Lake.

• Day 1: Lijiang: Arrival, Lijiang Old Town
• Day 2: Lijiang Highlights: Jade Dragon Snow Mountain (Yak Meadow), Baisha Murals, Shuhe Ancient Town
• Day 3: Lijiang: First Bend on the Yangtze River, Tiger Leaping Gorge Upper Section
• Day 4: Lijiang: Departure

• View more Lijiang itinerary and find the one you like »

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