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Yunnan Weather in March

Season: Spring

In short: pleasant temperature overall, long daylight hours, dry

Blue Moon Valley of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain

Central and Eastern Yunnan including Kunming, Lijiang, and Dali:

Overall, the average temperature in this region in March is 9-22°C (48-72°F). Specifically, when the sun is shining, the temperature is mild and comfortable, and you may feel warm; when the sun is absent, the temperature usually drops to below 10°C (50°F), and you may feel somehow cold. In terms of the rainfall, there is not much rain this month in these places, perfect for traveling. Besides, from this month, the daylight hours become longer than 12 hours, meaning that you have more time to travel around. All of these make March one of the best months to visit these places.

Southern Yunnan including Xishuangbanna and Honghe:

In southern Yunnan, the rainfall, humidity, and daylight hours are all similar to that of most Yunnan cities mentioned above. However, the temperature is totally different. In March, the temperature of this area rises to a relatively high level: in the daytime, the temperature can reach about 30°C (86°F) and you will feel a little hot; at night, the temperature is usually above 15°C (59°F), cozy generally.

High-altitude Northwestern Yunnan including Shangri-La:

Though steeping into March, this region is still cold with the low temperature of below 0°C (32°F). Moreover, the rainfall begins to increase this month and you may encounter several rainy or snowy days, but it is still not so much.

March Weather of Popular Yunnan Travel Destinations

Kunming March Weather Averages

Temp: 6-21°C / 43-70°F
Humidity: 58%
Rainfall: 20 mm in 6 days
Sunrise: 07:02 ~ 07:32
Sunset: 19:12 ~ 19:26
See details of Kunming Weather in March

Lijiang March Weather Averages

Temp: 5-17°C / 41-63°F
Humidity: 49%
Rainfall: 17 mm in 7 days
Sunrise: 07:11 ~ 07:43
Sunset: 19:20 ~ 19:36
See details of Lijiang Weather in March

Dali March Weather Averages

Temp: 7-20°C / 45-68°F
Humidity: 51%
Rainfall: 42 mm in 9 days
Sunrise: 07:12 ~ 07:43
Sunset: 19:21 ~ 19:36
See details of Dali Weather in March

Shangri-La March Weather Averages

Temp: -3-9°C / 27-48°F
Humidity: 64%
Rainfall: 38 mm in 11 days
Sunrise: 07:11~ 07:45
Sunset: 19:20 ~ 19:37

Honghe March Weather Averages

Temp: 15-27°C / 59-81°F
Humidity: 50%
Rainfall: 26 mm in 6 days
Sunrise: 07:03 ~ 07:32
Sunset: 19:13 ~ 19:26

Xishuangbanna March Weather Averages

Temp: 14-32°C / 57-90°F
Humidity: 50%
Rainfall: 23 mm in 2 days
Sunrise: 07:10 ~ 07:37
Sunset: 19:20 ~ 19:31

Packing List to Yunnan Trip in March

Upper: First, you are recommended to bring hoodies, thin knitwear, or thick shirts as the inner layers. Then, bring thin overcoats like trench coats and thin windbreakers as the outer layers. These clothes are suitable for most places in Yunnan, like the famous Kunming and Dali. Second, to keep warm in the morning and at night, you can take a thick jacket like a 3-in-1 jacket or a downcoat, which are also needed in some high-altitude areas like Jade Dragon Snow Mountain in Lijiang. Third, you can also bring short-sleeve T-shirts in case you feel hot visiting areas such as Xishuangbanna.

Bottom: You should pack both thin and thick jeans and sweatpants because of the complex weather of Yunnan. What’s more, if you want to visit Shangri-La or other high-altitude places, you are advised to bring thermal pants.

Shoes: You should certainly bring comfortable and lightweight sneakers, walking shoes, or casual shoes. Then, according to the destinations of your Yunnan trip in March 2025, pack snow boots for cold places or sandals for warm destinations.

Accessories: UV protection and moisturizing are necessary no matter when you go to Yunnan. So always remember to bring sunglasses, sunscreen, and moisturizers. Besides, if you’re allergic to pollen, bring some masks because flowers are blooming everywhere in Yunnan this month.

What to Do & Where to Go in Yunnan in March

Tourism Rate:

This month, the climate of Yunnan is pleasant in general, and various flowers begin to bloom, so it’s a good time to go outdoors and admire the beautiful nature. Moreover, with a relatively small number of tourists in March, you can have a more enjoyable traveling experience but costing less.

1. Lijiang

March is a good time to visit Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, where you can see the beautiful view of the sunshine decorating the white snow-capped mountain peaks golden. Besides the snowy mountains, the Blue Moon Valley in the scenic area is also worth seeing, which looks like a blue crescent moon in the distance. Sunny March is suitable for visiting Lugu Lake, to see the clear blue lake and lovely seagulls, which will migrate to other places in April. Besides, Lijiang Old Town is also a must-visit attraction in Lijiang, where you can see the Naxi characteristic architecture, feel the local customs and culture, and taste the Naxi snacks.

Jade Dragon Snow Mountain

2. Dali

In March, the most unmissable attraction in Dali is Xizhou Ancient Town, where you can admire large-scale green wheat fields waving with the wind that only can be seen in this season. In addition, you can see the characteristic architecture of the Bai ethnic group and taste the specialty food. Dali Ancient City is another place to experience the customs and culture of the Bai ethnic group, where you can also admire ancient buildings like South Gate and Wuhua Tower. Besides, with such a favorable temperature during the day, you can go cycling along Erhai Lake to enjoy the sea breeze and seascape.

Dali Ancient Town

3. Qujing

An essential activity for Yunnan trip in March is to see flowers, and you are recommended to go to Luoping in Qujing to see the yellow sea of rape flowers. Unlike other fields, you will see rape flowers blooming on the karst landscape here, which is unique and spectacular. Besides, you can also visit the grand Nine Dragon Waterfalls.