Yunnan Weather in August

Season: Summer

In short: favorable temperature, high precipitation
 

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

In the daytime, with the average high temperature of about 25°C (77°F), the weather is mild and pleasant compared with many other China cities experiencing scorching hot summer; while at night, the weather is relatively cool with the average low temperature of around 15°C (59°F). In this region, August is one of their rainiest months, with an average precipitation of over 200 mm and about 20 rainy days. The climate is changeable, which cannot be forecasted accurately. You can still go out for a visit even on a day when the weather forecast says it’s going to rain because the rain usually stops quickly; just bring with you an umbrella. The UV rays are extremely strong on sunny days, especially at midday.
Stone Forest, Kunming
Stone Forest, Kunming
 

High-altitude Northwestern Yunnan including Shangri-La:

With high altitudes, these places are still cool in August of summer, with the average temperature of 10 - 20°C (50 - 68°F). You should know that snowy mountains, such as Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, and other higher-altitude places may be a little cold. Rainfall is also at a high level in these places, with above 20 rainy days on average.
 

Southern Yunnan including Xishuangbanna and Honghe:

Specifically, the temperature in the morning and at night is comfortable at about 20°C (68°F). Then, at noon hours, you may face relatively high temperatures of over 30°C (86°F) and high UV rays, which are not conducive for outdoor activities. August is the rainy season and the rain, although frequent, doesn’t last long. Even though, always bring rain gear. On the plus side, it will be cooler and the air will be fresher after the showers.
 

August Weather of Popular Yunnan Travel Destinations

Kunming August Weather Averages
  • Temp: 16-24°C / 61-75°F
  • Humidity: 82%
  • Rainfall: 204 mm in 19 days
  • Sunrise: 06:37 ~ 06:50
  • Sunset: 19:29 ~ 19:54
  •  See details of Kunming Weather in August
Lijiang August Weather Averages
  • Temp: 14-23°C / 57-73°F
  • Humidity: 82%
  • Rainfall: 206 mm in 22 days
  • Sunrise: 06:43 ~ 06:58
  • Sunset: 19:40 ~ 20:07
  •  See details of Lijiang Weather in August

Dali August Weather Averages
  • Temp: 16-24°C / 61-75°F
  • Humidity: 84%
  • Rainfall: 209 mm in 20 days
  • Sunrise: 06:46 ~ 06:59
  • Sunset: 19:40 ~ 20:05
  •  See details of Dali Weather in August
Shangri-La August Weather Averages
  • Temp: 9-19°C / 48-66°F
  • Humidity: 79%
  • Rainfall: 156 mm in 24 days
  • Sunrise: 06:43 ~ 06:58
  • Sunset: 19:42 ~ 20:10
  •      

Honghe August Weather Averages
  • Temp: 22-31°C / 72-88°F
  • Humidity: 78%
  • Rainfall: 109.7 mm in 22 days
  • Sunrise: 06:40 ~ 06:52
  • Sunset: 19:29 ~ 19:52
Xishuangbanna August Weather Averages
  • Temp: 22-31°C / 72-88°F
  • Humidity: 78%
  • Rainfall: 223 mm in 15 days
  • Sunrise: 06:49 ~ 06:58
  • Sunset: 19:33 ~ 19:55

 

What to Wear and Pack to Visit Yunnan in August

Yunnan August Packing List

  Clothes: The overall weather of Yunnan is complex, so you need to bring both thin summer clothes and thicker autumn clothes. In specific, in places like Kunming, Dali and Lijiang, you are recommended to wear light pants, T-shirts, short shirts, and dresses. In addition, to keep warm in the morning and at night, and to protect yourself from the strong UV rays, you should wear a sun protection jacket. You can also prepare shorts and skirts for southern Yunnan like Xishuangbanna, but when you wear them, remember to apply sunscreen on exposed skin to prevent sunburn. T-shirts, thick autumn jeans or sweatpants, plus thick jackets like trench coats are suitable outfits for high-altitude places like Shangri-La.
 
 Shoes: You are advised to bring sandals and water shoes for Xishaungbanna, and waterproof casual shoes or walking shoes for other places.

 Accessories: In account of the high rainfall, carry an umbrella with you. Sunscreen and sunhats are also necessary, as the UV rays are strong in August. Mosquito repellent is essential in rainforest areas like Xishuangbanna.
 

Pros and Cons of Visiting Yunnan in August

 Pros:
1. Compared to many other places at the same latitude, most cities of Yunnan like Kunming, Dali, Lijiang, and Shangri-La have pleasant temperature, making them good summer resorts.
2. In August, Yunnan has wonderful views: green meadows in Shangri-La; clear lakes in Dali and Lijiang; blooming hydrangeas, lotus, and Ottelia acuminata everywhere; delicious wild mushrooms; turbulent and majestic Tiger Leaping Gorge in its flood season…

 Cons:
1. The rain is frequent this month, though its lasting time is not long. 
2. August belongs to the summer vacation of China, so many places including Yunnan will have larger number of tourists. Moreover, more tourists will lead to higher travel expenses.
 

Top Places to Go in Yunnan in August

Tourism Rate: 
 

1. Dali

With such comfortable temperature, you can cycle around Erhai Lake to see the sunrise, enjoy the cool sea breeze, and watch the beautiful lake view; go to Cangshan Mountain to admire ancient temples and take a ropeway overlooking the Erhai Lake; go to Dali Ancient City to admire the ancient architectures and taste the local cuisines; go to Zhoucheng to experience tie-dye; and go to taste the delicious and fresh wild mushrooms.
Dali Ancient City
Dali Ancient City
 

2. Lijiang

Joseph F·Rock’s Former Residence, Lijiang
Joseph F·Rock’s Former Residence, Lijiang

Coming to Lijiang in August, in addition to the must see ancient town and Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, you are recommended to go to Yuhu Village, a village at the foot of Jade Dragon Mountain, where you can get away from the bustle of the city and feel the slow-paced life. Specifically, you can see the characteristic wooden houses of the Naxi people and the beautiful natural scenery like lakes, grasslands, and mountains. When the weather is good, you could go to visit the sapphire-like Lugu Lake, admire Ottelia acuminata floating on the water, and go for a leisurely boat ride.
 

3. Kunming


When you come to Kunming, it is suggested that you put Stone Forest in your travel plan, where you can see typical karst landscapes. Of course, the most typical views in the scenic area are the rocks of different shapes, which can be seen mainly in Minor Stone Forest Scenic Area and Major Stone Forest Scenic Area. This month, the trees are lush, and the lakes are turquoise, providing a more beautiful view. If interested, you can also take a cable car to visit the Western Hills, on which you can overlook the charming Dianchi Lake. Besides, you can go around Kunming Old Street to admire historical buildings and eat local food, such as Small-Pot Rice Noodles and Flower Cake.  

Yunnan Weather by Month

- Last updated on Nov. 27, 2024 by Demi Li -
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