Dry and sunny, with cold nights and mild days. Snow is possible on high passes. The south is warm and dry.
- Temperatures
- Kunming 4–16°C · Shangri-La −8–8°C · Xishuangbanna 13–25°C
- Rainfall
- 15 mm
- Daylight
- About 10.5 hours
- Crowds
- Low except around Christmas and New Year, when some domestic travel increases.
The dry, cold season
December is one of the driest months, with clear skies and sharp light. Days are mild in the central plateau, but nights are cold. In Shangri-La and the high country, temperatures drop well below freezing. Bring proper winter layers if you are heading north.
The tropical south is warm and dry, a good escape from the cold. Yuanyang's terraces are flooded and at their most photogenic, though the mornings are cold and misty. The east is quiet and mild.
Where to go
The northwest is clear but cold; Lijiang and Shangri-La are quieter than in autumn. Dali is bright and windy. Xishuangbanna is warm and pleasant. Yuanyang is at its best for landscape photography. Jianshui and the east are mild and uncrowded.
If you are traveling around Christmas or New Year, book ahead. Some businesses close or reduce hours, and prices can rise in tourist areas. The week between Christmas and New Year is busier than early December.
Practical notes
Pack a warm down layer, hat, gloves, and a windproof shell for the plateau. In the south, light clothing and sun protection. Check heating in guesthouses before booking. If you are driving, check pass conditions after snow.
Good for
- + Clear views
- + Yuanyang terraces
- + Low-season prices
Watch out
- − Cold nights and limited heating in some guesthouses.
- − Snow can close high mountain passes.
Places for this month
Journeys in season