Dry and sunny, with cold nights at altitude. The south is warm and pleasant. Excellent visibility.
- Temperatures
- Kunming 8–18°C · Shangri-La −4–12°C · Xishuangbanna 16–27°C
- Rainfall
- 40 mm
- Daylight
- About 11 hours
- Crowds
- Low outside weekends; a quiet shoulder month.
A quiet, clear month
November is one of the most pleasant months in Yunnan. The dry season is established, the skies are clear, and the crowds have thinned after the October holiday. Days are mild, nights are cold at altitude, and the light is sharp. It is a good month for hiking and photography.
The northwest is clear but cold, especially in Shangri-La. Dali can be windy. The tropical south is warm and comfortable, with less humidity. Yuanyang's terraces begin to flood, making this a good month for landscape photography.
Where to go
The classic northwest route is excellent, with clear mountain views and dry trails. Tiger Leaping Gorge is usually hikeable. Shangri-La is cold but bright. The east is quiet and mild. The south is warm and pleasant, a good escape from the cold north.
If you want a combination of culture and landscape without peak crowds, this is a strong month. Book transport a few days ahead for weekends and the run-up to winter holidays.
Practical notes
Bring warm layers for the plateau and a windproof jacket for Dali. Sun protection is still important. In the south, light clothing and insect repellent. Check road conditions if you are driving over high passes.
Good for
- + Clear views
- + Quiet trails
- + Yuanyang terraces
Watch out
- − Nights are cold, especially in the northwest.
- − Some high passes may close after early snow.
Places for this month
Journeys in season