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Yunnan Weather in December

Season: Winter

In short: large temperature difference, a little cold in most places, dry

Jade Dragon Snow Mountain

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

In this region, December is one of the coldest months but is not so cold. In specific, on most days, the average maximum temperature is about 15°C (59°F), which will make you feel cool but not cold. The low temperature is usually more than 10°C (50°F) lower than the high, so evenings and early mornings may be a little cold. Taking the huge temperature gap into consideration, you are advised to complete your visit before sunset to avoid exposure to coldness. The rainfall this month is low and the air is dry. Since the temperature is usually above 0°C (32°F), these places will not snow, but rain.

High-altitude Northwestern Yunnan including Shangri-La:

High altitude leads to lower temperature. Taking Shangri-La as an example, its average temperature is -8 - 8°C (18-46°F), which will make you feel chilly. Moreover, with an average rainfall of 7 mm and 4 rainy days, the air is dry this month. Therefore, it’s important to stay warm and moisturized when you travel to these places.

Southern Yunnan including Xishuangbanna and Honghe:

Although the temperature difference between day and night in these places is also around 10°C (50°F), the daytime temperature can reach over 20°C (68°F). So, they are undoubtedly great destinations to escape the coldness of winter. Besides, there is only a little rainfall this month, creating great conditions for your trip.

December Weather of Popular Yunnan Travel Destinations

Kunming December Weather Averages

Temp: 3-15°C / 37-59°F
Humidity: 73%
Rainfall: 12 mm in 4 days
Sunrise: 07:38 ~ 07:54
Sunset: 18:19 ~ 18:30
See details of Kunming Weather in December

Lijiang December Weather Averages

Temp: 0-14°C / 32-54°F
Humidity: 53%
Rainfall: 9 mm in 2 days
Sunrise: 07:51 ~ 08:08
Sunset: 18:25 ~ 18:36
See details of Lijiang Weather in December

Dali December Weather Averages

Temp: 3-16°C / 37-61°F
Humidity: 66%
Rainfall: 11 mm in 3 days
Sunrise: 07:48 ~ 08:05
Sunset: 18:28 ~ 18:39
See details of Dali Weather in December

Shangri-La December Weather Averages

Temp: -8 - 8°C / 18-46°F
Humidity: 58%
Rainfall: 7 mm in 4 days
Sunrise: 07:54 ~ 08:11
Sunset: 18:24 ~ 18:36
See details of Shangri-La Weather in December

Honghe December Weather Averages

Temp: 11-20°C / 52-68°F
Humidity: 71%
Rainfall: 16.7 mm in 6 days
Sunrise: 07:35~ 07:52
Sunset: 18:23 ~ 18:35

Xishuangbanna December Weather Averages

Temp: 13-24°C / 55-75°F
Humidity: 71%
Rainfall: 21 mm in 2 days
Sunrise: 07:39 ~ 07:55
Sunset: 18:32 ~ 18:44

What to Pack to Visit Yunnan in December

Clothes and shoes: The weather of Yunnan is complicated, and what you wear depends on your planned destinations.

(1) If your destinations include Kunming, Dali, or Lijiang: Wool overcoats and thin downcoats are necessary, especially before the sunrise and after the sunset. Inside the coats, you can wear wool sweaters, or hoodies. Thick pants may be not enough for those who are afraid of coldness, so prepare long johns. In terms of shoes, you can pack thick sneakers or walking shoes, which will be not only warm but also comfortable.

(2) If your destinations include Shangri-La or Jade Dragon Snow Mountain: To cope with the coldness, you should wear as thick as possible. For the inner layer, you are advised to wear sweaters or thick hoodies, while for the outer layer, a thick downcoat is needed. In terms of pants, you can wear warm winter pants. Snow boots are good choices as footwear.

(3) If your destinations include Xishuangbanna: You only need to wear spring clothes like T-shirts, plus shirts and jeans; or long-sleeve T-shirts and sweatpants. Thin sneakers or casual shoes are recommended.

Others: The climate of Yunnan in December is very dry, so you need to carry moisturizing products. Besides, sun protection is very important even in December, so sunglasses and sunscreen should be brought. Hats, scarves, and gloves will be useful to keep you warm in snowy mountains or Shangri-La.

Best Places to Go in Yunnan in December

Tourism Rate:

1. Kunming

Green Lake Park

December, with good weather and fewer tourists, is perfect time for hanging out and enjoying the quiet of Green Lake Park. The beautiful Mid-lake Pavilion, Lotus Temple, and other ancient buildings are the highlights of the Park. Apart from that, the large number of red-beak seagulls that migrant here for the winter are the highlights of winter days. Stepping out of the park, you are advised to taste Yunnan Rice Noodles, a delicious local specialty. The famous Stone Forest, where to admire karst landforms and various types of stones; and Dragon Gate, where to visit magnificent stone paths, stone grottoes, and stone Buddha are also recommended.

2. Dali

This month, the winter cherry blossoms at the South Gate of Dali Ancient City are in full bloom, creating a sea of pink. Inside the city, you can visit traditional Bai ethnic architecture such as ancient temples and towers, as well as markets where food and handicrafts gather. Traveling to Dali, you should not miss the Three Pagodas in Chongsheng Temple, where you will appreciate the beauty of nature, architecture, and Buddhist culture. If time permits, you can rent a bicycle to go for a ride around Erhai Lake to enjoy the beautiful lake and its surrounding scenic spots such as Shuanglang Town.

Dali Ancient City

3. Lijiang

The sky is clear in December, enabling you to enjoy the most beautiful Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. You are advised to visit Baisha Village on the foot of the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain first, where to experience the culture of the Naxi People. Early the next morning, you can wait in the village for the breathtaking view of the golden sunrise on the snowy peaks. Then, take your time to climb the Mountain and visit Spruce Plateau and Blue Moon Valley. You are also recommended to visit Lugu Lake to watch the sunrise over the lake and red-beak seagulls and go to Lijiang Old Town to see quaint architecture and experience Naxi culture.

Baisha Village

Tip:

If you visit Yunnan on December 31, 2024, you will have the chance to see beautiful fireworks, performances of ethnic minorities, and other celebrations for New Year’s Day in many places. Recommended places to see the celebrations include Dali Ancient City, Longkan Wharf, Lijiang Old Town, etc.