Index · When to go

The year, without the brochure.

Yunnan has several climates, not one. The best month depends on whether you are heading to the plateau, the tropics, or the terraces. Start with the season, then choose the layer.

Dry season November–April · wet season May–October

The short version

October and November are the most reliable all-round months. March and April are nearly as good, with warmer days and spring blossom. December to February is clear and cold at altitude, warm in the south, and the best window for the Yuanyang terraces. May to October is green, wet, and quieter.

Jan10°C15 mm rain Feb12°C12 mm rain Mar15°C20 mm rain Apr18°C30 mm rain May20°C90 mm rain Jun21°C180 mm rain Jul21°C210 mm rain Aug21°C200 mm rain Sep20°C120 mm rain Oct17°C90 mm rain Nov13°C40 mm rain Dec10°C15 mm rain

01January: Clear Skies, Cold MorningsThe dry season is at its best: bright plateau light, clear mountain views, and cold nights. The south is warm and the northwest is crisp.Kunming 3–16°C15 mm 02February: Late Winter, Early BloomStill dry and clear, with the first blossoms appearing in the lowlands. Chinese New Year is the wild card for crowds and transport.Kunming 5–18°C12 mm 03March: Dry Days, Rising HeatThe dry season continues, the lowlands warm up, and the first spring blooms appear. The south can be hot and hazy by late March.Kunming 8–22°C20 mm 04April: Warm Days Before the RainOne of the most comfortable months across the province, with warm days, dry roads, and the first proper heat in the tropics.Kunming 12–24°C30 mm 05May: The Rains BeginThe monsoon starts in the south and spreads north. Landscapes turn green, waterfalls fill, and afternoon storms become a daily rhythm.Kunming 15–25°C90 mm 06June: Green, Wet, and QuietThe wet season is established. The province is lush, the crowds are thinner, and the rain is a daily companion rather than a disaster.Kunming 17–25°C180 mm 07July: Peak Rain, Peak GreenThe wettest month in much of the province, with dramatic storms and lush scenery. Travel is possible, but flexibility is essential.Kunming 17–24°C210 mm 08August: Warm Rain and Late SummerStill wet, but the rain begins to ease in some areas. The south is hot and humid; the plateau is green and cool. School holidays continue.Kunming 17–24°C200 mm 09September: The Rain Starts to BreakA transition month: still wet in places, but clearer days return. The landscape is green, the crowds are thinner, and the light improves.Kunming 16–23°C120 mm 10October: Clear Skies ReturnOne of the best months: dry, bright, and comfortable across most of the province. The classic Yunnan travel window opens.Kunming 13–21°C90 mm 11November: Dry, Crisp, and QuietThe dry season settles in. Skies are clear, the air is crisp, and the crowds are thinner after the autumn holiday.Kunming 8–18°C40 mm 12December: Cold Nights, Bright DaysDeep dry season: crisp air, clear views, and the best conditions for the terraces. The northwest is cold but beautiful.Kunming 4–16°C15 mm

Match a month to a place Journeys by season