Warm days and cool nights in the central plateau. The tropical south heats up. Rain is still limited, though occasional storms occur.
- Temperatures
- Kunming 8–22°C · Shangri-La −3–12°C · Xishuangbanna 16–30°C
- Rainfall
- 20 mm
- Daylight
- About 12 hours
- Crowds
- Moderate; spring is a popular domestic travel season.
Spring on the plateau
March is a transitional month. The central plateau is pleasant, with warm days and cool nights, and the first blossoms appear in the lowlands. The northwest is still cold at night but increasingly comfortable by day. It is a good month for Dali, Lijiang, and the gorge, provided you bring layers.
The tropical south heats up quickly. By late March, Jinghong can be hot and humid, and agricultural burning may make the air hazy. If you are sensitive to smoke, check air quality before heading south. The rains have not yet arrived to clear the air.
What to do
The classic northwest route is comfortable, and the trails around Tiger Leaping Gorge are usually dry. Yuanyang's terraces are still in their flooded season early in the month, though the window closes as spring advances. Jianshui and the east are mild and quiet.
If you want flowers, the lower elevations and the south are the places to look. The plateau's high meadows bloom later. Ask locally what is in season; flowering depends on altitude and weather.
Practical notes
Sun protection becomes more important as the days lengthen. Carry water on hikes. In the south, lightweight clothing and insect repellent. In the northwest, a warm layer for evenings. If you are planning a high-altitude trek, check snow conditions on passes.
Good for
- + Spring flowers
- + Dry roads
- + Comfortable plateau weather
Watch out
- − Agricultural burning can reduce air quality in the south.
- − The tropical south becomes hot by late March.
Places for this month
Journeys in season