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Yunnan Weather in October

Season: Autumn

In short: cool in most places, the last month of the rainy season

Mosuo People in Lijiang

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

In October, Yunnan weather is relatively favorable, especially in places like Kunming, Lijiang, and Dali, which is not too hot or too cold. Overall, the average temperature is around 10 - 20°C (50 - 68°F). With the temperature difference between day and night of about 10°C (68°F), you may feel cool during daytime and a little cold at night. In the last month of the rainy season, these places have not-high rainfall in October. On average, the total monthly rainfall is usually below 100 mm from less than 15 rainy days.

High-altitude Northwestern Yunnan including Shangri-La:

These high-altitude places begin to turn cold this month, with the average temperature of around 1 - 12°C (34 - 54°F). So you are advised to add clothes when traveling to these places. Moreover, the rainfall is not high this month, but when it rains, the temperature drops significantly.

Southern Yunnan including Xishuangbanna and Honghe:

As the average high temperature decreases to no more than 30°C (86°F), these places in low latitude are not very hot in October. Most times, you will feel warm and comfy. The monthly rainfall, similar to that of the places mentioned above, also drops below 100 mm with no more than 15 rainy days. Therefore, October is a not bad time to visit these places.

October Weather of Popular Yunnan Travel Destinations

Kunming October Weather Averages

Temp: 12-20°C / 54-68°F
Humidity: 79%
Rainfall: 79 mm in 13 days
Sunrise: 07:01 ~ 07:16
Sunset: 18:29 ~ 18:56
See details of Kunming Weather in October

Lijiang October Weather Averages

Temp: 9-20°C / 48-68°F
Humidity: 73%
Rainfall: 70 mm in 12 days
Sunrise: 07:12 ~ 07:29
Sunset: 18:37 ~ 19:05
See details of Lijiang Weather in October

Dali October Weather Averages

Temp: 12-21°C / 54-70°F
Humidity: 77%
Rainfall: 96 mm in 13 days
Sunrise: 07:11 ~ 07:27
Sunset: 18:38 ~ 19:06
See details of Dali Weather in October

Shangri-La October Weather Averages

Temp: 1-12°C / 34-54°F
Humidity: 71%
Rainfall: 56 mm in 11 days
Sunrise: 07:11 ~ 07:29
Sunset: 18:34 ~ 19:04
See details of Shangri-La Weather in October

Honghe October Weather Averages

Temp: 18-27°C / 64-81°F
Humidity: 78%
Rainfall: 63.3 mm in 15 days
Sunrise: 07:02 ~ 07:15
Sunset: 18:32 ~ 18:57

Xishuangbanna October Weather Averages

Temp: 20-29°C / 68-84°F
Humidity: 78%
Rainfall: 95 mm in 6 days
Sunrise: 07:08 ~ 07:20
Sunset: 18:40 ~ 19:04

What to Bring to Visit Yunnan in October

Clothing for central and eastern Yunnan: In the sunny daytime, you should wear long-sleeve T-shirts, shirts, or thin hoodies plus jeans or sweatpants. At night and on some rainy days, you may need to add a baseball jacket or a trench coat. Sneakers, walking shoes, and casual shoes are all good choices for you.

Clothing for high-altitude western Yunnan: Thick autumn clothes are needed for cold Shangri-La. In specific, you can pack hoodies, knitwear, thin sweaters, thick pants, and 3-in-1 jackets. If you are afraid of coldness, you can also bring thermal pants. In these places, you can wear short boots and warm casual shoes.

Clothing for southern Yunnan: You still need summer clothes when visiting this area. For example, you are recommended to bring short-sleeve T-shirts, short shirts, light pants, and dresses. Moreover, you can bring a thin jacket or a shirt to keep warm at some cool times. As for shoes, sandals and slippers are suitable.

Other items: No matter when you go to a high-altitude place like Yunnan, it is recommended that you carry sunglasses, sunscreen, and other sun protection gear. Besides, though the rainfall is not at a high level, Yunnan climate is changeable, so you’d better bring an umbrella with you.

Best Places to Visit in Yunnan in October

Tourism Rate:

1. Dali

No much rain and cool weather make October a good time to hike Cangshan Mountain in Dali. First, you are recommended to take Zhonghe Cableway, which allows you to overlook Erhai Lake and Dali Ancient City, to Zhonghe Temple. Then, go along the Jade Belt Road. During your hiking, you will pass by Longyan Cave and Fengyan Cave located on the cliff, Qilongnv Pool consisting of seven beautiful pools, and the magnificent Cangshan Grand Canyon. Xizhou Ancient Town is also a great place to visit in October when the wheat fields turn golden. The Yan’s Compound in the Town, a representative of the residences of the Bai minority, also attracts many tourists.

Yan's Compound, Dali

Classical Residence in Xizhou Ancient Town

2. Lijiang

This month, Galsang flowers along the shore of Lugu Lake and the white Ottelia acuminata in the Lake are in full bloom. In addition, along the Lugu Lake, there are many attractions worth visiting, such as Qingren Beach and Goddess Bay, which are very suitable for watching the sunset; Daluoshui Village, where you can experience Mosuo culture and participate in traditional Mosuo bonfire parties. Except for this, you can’t come to Lijiang without visiting Lijiang Old Town, where you can experience the charm of the old town with a history of thousands.
Lugu Lake

3. Shangri-La

October is one of the best months to visit Meili Snow Mountain, when the weather is clear, the air is clean, and the visibility is high. It is also the time when the probability of seeing the spectacular scene of golden sunlight spreading over the white peaks at sunrise is high. To enjoy autumn scenery, you are recommended to hike in Potatso National Park. At this time, the meadows and trees are gradually turning yellow, forming a beautiful picture with surrounding lakes. Alternatively, you can hike in Tiger Leaping Gorge for breathtaking views, including towering cliffs, the raging Jinsha River, and the beautiful autumn scenery.

Potatso National Park

Tip:

In 2025, October 1st - 8th are public holidays in China, when every famous travel destination in China like Yunnan is full of visitors. If you plan to visit Yunnan during this period, it is highly advised to make reservations for hotels and tickets in advance.

Yunnan Weather by Month

- Last updated on Dec. 23, 2024 by Demi Li -