Warm and wet across most of Yunnan. The south is hot and humid; the plateau is cool and green. Storms are frequent.
- Temperatures
- Kunming 17–25°C · Shangri-La 7–19°C · Xishuangbanna 22–31°C
- Rainfall
- 180 mm
- Daylight
- About 13.5 hours
- Crowds
- Low outside weekends and school holidays.
The wet-season rhythm
June is one of the wettest months, especially in the south and southeast. Rain often falls in intense afternoon bursts, with sunny mornings before and after. The landscape is at its greenest, and the air is clear between storms. If you can adapt your schedule to the weather, this is a rewarding month.
The mushroom season begins, and markets fill with wild fungi. Restaurants in Kunming and the mountains serve mushroom hotpot. The rain also brings leeches and slippery trails; hikers should be prepared.
Where to go
The tropical south is hot, humid, and lush. Rainforest walks are beautiful but muddy. The northwest is green, with cloud often hiding the high peaks. Dali and Lijiang are pleasant between showers, and the crowds are thinner than in spring or autumn.
The gorge can be dangerous in heavy rain; check conditions before hiking. High passes may be closed by landslides. The east is also wet, but the old towns are atmospheric in the rain and the terraces are green.
Practical notes
Pack a rain shell, dry bag, and quick-dry clothing. Bring insect repellent and consider leech socks for forest hikes. Keep a flexible day in your itinerary for weather. If a road is closed, do not pressure a driver to continue; wait or change plans.
Good for
- + Lush scenery
- + Fewer crowds
- + Mushroom season
Watch out
- − Landslides and road closures are possible on mountain routes.
- − Leeches and slippery trails in forest areas.
Places for this month
Journeys in season