Kunming Weather and Best Time to Visit
If you’ve heard people call Kunming the “Spring City”, they’re not exaggerating. The Kunming weather stays gentle almost all year, with bright skies, low humidity, and temperatures that rarely swing from one extreme to the other. The average temperature is about 15 degree Celsius in the urban area. Compared with other continental cities in China, Kunming is cooler in summer, and warm in winter.
Still, the vibe can feel very different depending on the month or season. So it’s worth understanding the rhythm of this high-plateau city before your Kunming travel, especially if you’re pairing it with other top destinations in Yunnan like Dali, Lijiang, or Shangri-La.
Kunming Climate
Kunming sits at around 1,900 meters above sea level on the Yunnan-Guizhou Plateau, which gives it a special climate you won’t find in many other parts of China. As for the weather at Kunming, Yunnan, days are warm without being stifling, nights cool off even in summer, and winters stay sunny instead of gloomy. Locals like to say Kunming has “two seasons”—a dry half (roughly November to April) and a rainy half (May to October).
If you check any Kunming climate graph, you’ll see the temperature curve barely budges, but the rainfall shoots up in summer. This is why you’ll often get brilliant blue skies in December and sudden afternoon showers in July. It’s a remarkably easy climate for travelers—predictable, comfortable, and rarely harsh.
Kunming Weather and Temperatures by Month
Kunming Weather by Month
In Kunming, January starts off cool and sunny, with crisp mornings, and temperatures rise slowly but steadily through February and March. By April, the weather of Kunming turns warm and comfortable, and May marks the beginning of the wetter months. June, July, and August bring regular afternoon showers—quick bursts of rainfall that green up the whole region without making the days uncomfortably hot.
As September arrives, the rain eases, and the air turns clearer again, leading into October’s long streak of cool, dry sunshine. November stays bright with fresh, crisp air, while December cools down at night but still holds onto Kunming’s signature sunny days. Month to month, the changes are subtle, and the Kunming weather rarely swings to extremes—making Kunming an easy place to travel at any time of year.
Kunming Temperatures by Month
The annual average temperature of Kunming stays mild most of the year, rarely pushing above 20°C. Nights are always cooler thanks to the elevation, which is why even in July you’ll want a light layer. Besides, Kunming’s temperature in December is expected to be something like 3–15°C, usually with sunshine.
Month | Weather Features | Avg. Temp (°C) | Avg. Temp (°F) | Rainfall (mm) |
Jan | Dry, sunny, cold mornings, warm afternoons | 2–16 | 36-61 | 14 |
Feb | Mostly dry, early blossoms start | 4–17 | 39-63 | 13 |
Mar | Mild, breezy, clear days, great air | 7–21 | 45-70 | 17 |
Apr | One of the best months, warm, stable | 10–24 | 50-75 | 23 |
May | Warmer, humid, the beginning of the rainy season | 14–25 | 57–77 | 91 |
Jun | Frequent afternoon showers | 17–24 | 63-75 | 180 |
Jul | Wettest month, expect daily rain | 17–24 | 63-75 | 211 |
Aug | Humid, warm, cloudy but pleasant | 16–24 | 61–75 | 200 |
Sep | Fresher, clearer, a gentle cool-down | 15–23 | 59–73 | 118 |
Oct | Cool, long sunny days with low humidity | 12–20 | 54-68 | 84 |
Nov | Crisp, dry, great for outdoor activities | 7–18 | 45–64 | 37 |
Dec | Bright, cold nights | 3–15 | 37–59 | 13 |
Kunming Weather in Four Seasons
The weather in Kunming, China is famously stable, but there’s still a seasonal pulse. Winters are crisp and dry, spring is mild and bright, summer brings short bursts of rain, and autumn settles into long stretches of cool, clear days. You won’t see snow in the city during your Yunnan tours, but the mountains around Kunming do get frosty mornings.
Kunming in Spring (March–May)
Spring in Kunming is the season that most closely matches its “Spring City” reputation, with an average of about 17°C. Days warm up quickly, but without the sudden heat waves you see in many parts of China. Mornings feel soft and cool, afternoons are perfect for long walks, and wildflowers pop up in the parks and hillsides. The air feels especially fresh after the dry winter, and sunsets are often a warm pastel gradient.
What to Wear
The weather in Kunming’s spring warms up nicely, so light, comfy outfits work well — T-shirts, shirts, jeans, and a thin jacket for mornings and evenings. Spring dresses are great for photos, but nights can still be a bit chilly, so pack an extra layer.
Top Things to Do in Kunming in Spring
>> Recommended 3-day Kunming highlights tour
Kunming in Summer (June–August)
Kunming’s weather in summer feels warm, and the average temperature of Kunming in summer is about 20°C. Thanks to the plateau altitude, even the hottest days stay manageable. What defines summer here is the rain—short, refreshing showers that usually hit in the afternoon. Skies shift between dramatic clouds, bursts of sunlight, and occasional thunder. Evenings cool down nicely, making outdoor dining very comfortable.
What to Wear
Pack T-shirts, shorts, skirts, and tank tops. A thin jacket helps when the rain cools things down. Don’t forget the summer basics: sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, mosquito repellent, and an umbrella for both sun and rain.
Top Things to Do in Kunming in Summer
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Kunming in Autumn (September–November)
Autumn is Kunming at its calmest. It stays pleasantly around 17°C on average. It’s also the best season for traveling in Kunming and an ideal time for hiking and photography. After the summer rain fades, Kunming City’s weather in fall settles into long stretches of crisp, fresh days. Mornings stay cool, afternoons warm up just enough, and the sky turns into that deep, high-altitude blue you don’t see in most cities. Leaves slowly shift into gold, and the air feels light and comfortable.
What to Wear
Go for classic autumn layers—long-sleeve shirts, hoodies, light jackets, trench coats, jeans, or a flowy long skirt. Kunming’s fall is cool but not freezing, so layering is the trick.
Top Things to Do in Kunming in Autumn
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Kunming in Winter (December–February)
Winter weather at Kunming is dry, bright, and milder than what most people imagine about winter in China, with temperatures hovering around 2–17°C. Days feel sunny and fresh, while nights turn sharply cold — but never truly biting. You’ll often spot locals sunbathing in city parks at midday. For a real Kunming mountain winter vibe, head up to the Western Hill for crisp air, clear mountain views, and the chance to catch frosty grass and a soft mist drifting over Dianchi Lake. And if you prefer warm, gentle winters, Kunming is a great place for China winter tours.
What to Wear
Traveling in Kunming in winter, stick to long sleeves and full-length pants—hoodies, sweaters, jeans, or soft-shell pants all work well. Mornings and evenings get chilly, so bring something warmer for nighttime, like a jacket, coat, or a lightweight down jacket.
Top Things to Do in Kunming in Winter
Watch the seagulls at Haigeng Dam. Thousands of gulls gather here, and it’s surprisingly fun to watch them swoop around.
Soak in hot springs in Anning or Yiliang. It’s the perfect way to warm up and unwind.
Taste the famous Yunnan food like Crossing-the-Bridge Rice Noodles and Wild Mushroom Hot Pot.
>> Recommended 12 days Yunnan highlights tour from Kunming
Best Time to Visit Kunming
Kunming is a beautiful city that can be toured throughout the year. The best time to visit Kunming really depends on what type of traveler you are. Kunming’s weather is mild enough that you can come any month without worrying about extreme temperatures.
Here’s what each season brings to your Kunming trip:
Kunming Weather Tips
- Bring sunscreen year-round — the sun hits harder up here than you’d expect.
- Summer afternoons often turn into quick showers, so keep an umbrella or a light rain jacket in your bag.
- Planning a hike? Give the Kunming, China weather forecast a quick look before you head out.
- Even on warm days, evenings cool off fast — keep a thin jacket handy for nighttime strolls.
>> More Kunming Travel Tips