Warm and wet, with heavy showers and occasional clear spells. The northwest is cool; the south is hot and humid.
- Temperatures
- Kunming 17–24°C · Shangri-La 7–19°C · Xishuangbanna 22–31°C
- Rainfall
- 200 mm
- Daylight
- About 13 hours
- Crowds
- Domestic school holidays keep family destinations busy.
The late wet season
August is similar to July but slightly less intense in some areas. The rain is still frequent, and the landscape remains lush. The south is hot and humid, with heavy afternoon showers. The plateau is cool and green, with cloud often covering the high peaks.
School holidays continue, so family-friendly destinations are busy. If you want quiet, choose smaller towns and avoid weekends. The mushroom season is still strong, and markets are full of wild fungi.
Where to go
The tropical south is at its most humid, but the rainforest and rivers are dramatic. The northwest is green and cool, with unreliable mountain views. Dali and Lijiang are manageable between showers, though the old towns are busy. The east is warm and wet, with fewer visitors.
If you are hiking, check conditions carefully. The gorge and high trails can be slippery. Consider lower-altitude walks and village stays instead of exposed mountain routes.
Practical notes
Pack light, quick-dry clothing and a rain shell. Bring insect repellent for the south. Keep a flexible schedule and a backup plan for rainy days. Book accommodation ahead in popular family destinations.
Good for
- + Green scenery
- + Mushroom season
- + Fewer foreign tourists
Watch out
- − Rain can still close roads and cancel outdoor plans.
- − The south is at its most humid.
Places for this month
Journeys in season