Lijiang weather and climate
Lijiang is located in the northwest of Yunnan Province, and the junction area of Yunnan-Guizhou Plateau and the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. With an altitude of 2400 meters above sea level, Lijiang enjoys a mild highland climate with distinct dry (November - April) and rainy seasons (May - October). Most areas of Lijiang is cool in summer and warm in winter.
The temperatures here are usually a bit lower than the areas with the same latitude. The climates vary drastically in the vertical direction as the altitude starts from 1015 meters to 5596 meters above sea level. Due to the great difference in altitude, the south subtropical climate to the alpine climate is distributed, with little temperature change in four seasons, clear dry and wet seasons, obvious vertical differences in climate, more catastrophic weather, small annual temperature difference and large diurnal temperature difference.
Lijiang's annual average temperature is 12.6 ~ 19.9°C, and the annual frost-free period is 191 ~ 310 days. The average annual rainfall is 910 ~ 1040 mm, and the rainy season is concentrated in June ~ September. The annual sunshine hours range from 2321 to 2554 hours.The Best time to Visit Lijiang
The best time to travel to Lijiang is March to May and mid-October to November, when you can expect more sunny days and more comfortable weather. Furthermore, you can see various kinds of flowers. However, Lijiang is beautiful all year round, meaning you may plan your Lijiang trip any time of the year and enjoy spectacular scenery.
Dates to avoid visiting Lijiang are National Day holiday from Oct1-7, when there will be seas of crowds in the Lijiang Old Town and other popular scenic areas.
Lijiang Weather by Month
Check below Lijiang weather all year, you can have a general idea of Lijiang’s temperature and weather averages, and understand the coldest month, hottest month and rainy season. It will surely help for you to plan and pack for your Lijinag tours.
Average Data | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | June |
Average High (°F) | 59/63 | 64/68 | 72/75 | 77/81 | 78/80 | 77/80 |
Average High (°C) | 15/17 | 18/20 | 22/24 | 25/27 | 26/29 | 25/28 |
Average Low (°F) | 37/41 | 41/45 | 46/52 | 52/57 | 59/63 | 61/64 |
Average Low (°C) | 3/5 | 5/7 | 8/11 | 11/14 | 15/17 | 16/18 |
Rain (in) | 0.2/0.4 | 0.1/0.3 | 0.4/0.6 | 1.0/1.2 | 3.7/3.9 | 7.1/7.3 |
Rain (mm) | 4/9 | 2/7 | 10/15 | 25/30 | 93/98 | 180/185 |
Average Data | July | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
Average High (°F) | 79/84 | 81/86 | 73/78 | 70/73 | 63/68 | 59/63 |
Average High (°C) | 26/29 | 27/30 | 23/26 | 21/23 | 17/20 | 15/17 |
Average Low (°F) | 63/68 | 63/66 | 59/63 | 54/57 | 45/52 | 37/43 |
Average Low (°C) | 17/20 | 17/19 | 15/17 | 12/14 | 7/11 | 3/6 |
Rain (in) | 8.2/8.4 | 6.9/7.1 | 6.0/6.2 | 3.0/3.2 | 0.7/0.9 | 0.2/0.4 |
Rain (mm) | 208/213 | 175/180 | 150/155 | 75/80 | 17/22 | 4/9 |
Visit Lijiang in Spring (March to May)
With the coming of spring, the grass turns green and the flowers blossom. As the cold of winter fades, Lijiang is ushered in the warmest season of the year. But if you stay in the old town of Lijiang at this time, you will not actually feel much of the spring atmosphere. Why not get a bicycle, and cycle around to be bathed in the sun and breeze, and discover the fields of cauliflower and peach flower forests. What a relaxing and romantic cycling trip.
What to wear: long-sleeve T-shirt, shirt, thin coat, jacket, wind coat, sweater, jeans, walking shoes
Top things to do in Lijiang during spring: cycling, Lashihai Lake boating, take a photo of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain at the Black Dragon Pool Park
Recommend 3-day Lijiang Tour with Jade Dragon Snow Mountain
Visit Lijiang in Summer (June to August)
Temperature: 10℃-26℃
It is often rainy and cool in the morning and evening. In the daytime, it is hot outdoors and cool indoors.
Lijiang is one of the best summer resorts in China, with mild and humid weather. But there is much rain in in summer – the rainy season. So umbrella is needed. The sunlight and UV rays are strong, therefore prepare yourself the hat, sunglass, sun cream, etc.
What to wear: shot-sleeve T-shirt, shirt, shorts, hats, thin coat, walking shoes
Top things to do in Lijiang during summer: take pictures of the girls holding oil-paper umbrella in the small alleyways, walk Lugu Lake with lover, enjoy the colorful flowers in full blossom, feast on a banquet of mushroom
Visit Lijiang in Autumn (September to November)
One third of the days are rainy, one third cloudy, and one third rainy.
Many believe autumn is the best season for Lijiang trip. The azure sky, colorful trees and flowers set off the Yulong Snow Mountain in the distance. The streets and alleys of Lijiang Old Town are covered with autumn chrysanthemums. Ginkgo and elm trees have their leaves turn into yellow.
What to wear: long-sleeve T-shirt, shirt, thin coat, jacket, wind coat, sweater, jeans, walking shoes
Top things to do in Lijiang during autumn: walk/hike Tiger Leaping Gorge, enjoy the night view of Lijiang Old Town, ascend Jade Dragon Snow Mountain,
Visit Lijiang in Winter (December to February)
Temperature: -5℃-15℃
The temperature is low and the air is dry. It's sunny in most cases.
Many people think that winter of Lijiang is very cold. But in fact, it is sunny, and still warm in daytime. The nearly bare trees, yellow grass, and the blue sky enhance the unique glamour of the old city. There are still vegetables and crops growing in the field, creating a beautiful pastoral painting. Lijiang is also one of the most popular winter destinations in China.
What to wear: shirt, down coat, jacket, wind coat, sweater, jeans, cardigan, walking boots
Top things to do in Lijiang during winter: watch birds at Lashahai Lake, taste all kinds of local foods, stroll through Baisha and Shuhe old Town
