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Yunnan Weather in January

Season: Winter

In short: complex climate types, a little cold overall, dry season

Temperature

Overall, Yunnan weather is a little cold in January, and its average temperature is 2-15°C (36-59°F). The average temperature of most cities including Kunming, Lijiang, and Dali is similar to the overall temperature mentioned above. However, Yunnan has complex climate types, and the temperature in January of the following cities is quite different from the above: Shangri-La is very cold in January, with the average minimum temperature of below 0°C (32°F); Xishuangbanna and Honghe are warm, with the maximum temperature of above 20°C (68°F). Although these cities have differences in terms of the average temperature, they all have a huge temperature difference between day and night, which can be above 10°C (50°F).

Lijiang Old Town

Rainfall

In January, Yunnan is in the dry season with a low rainfall. You can encounter more sunny days than rainy or snowy days.

Daylight Hours

In most places of Yunnan, the daylight hours in January are from 10 to 11 hours, so you are advised to have a detailed plan and try to complete your travel before sunset to prevent you from suffering the cold night.

January Weather of Popular Yunnan Travel Destinations

Kunming January Weather Averages

Temp: 2-15°C / 36-59°F
Humidity: 68%
Rainfall: 16 mm in 4 days
Sunrise: 07:53 ~ 07:56
Sunset: 18:31 ~ 18:53
See details of Kunming Weather in January

Lijiang January Weather Averages

Temp: 0-14°C / 32-57°F
Humidity: 46%
Rainfall: 2 mm in 2 days
Sunrise: 08:05 ~ 08:09
Sunset: 18:32 ~ 18:56
See details of Lijiang Weather in January

Dali January Weather Averages

Temp: 2-16°C / 36-61°F
Humidity: 57%
Rainfall: 20 mm in 4 days
Sunrise: 08:03 ~ 08:07
Sunset: 18:40 ~ 19:02
See details of Dali Weather in January

Shangri-La January Weather Averages

Temp: -9-6°C / 16-43°F
Humidity: 58%
Rainfall: 8 mm in 5 days
Sunrise: 08:08 ~ 08:12
Sunset: 18:35 ~ 18:59

Honghe January Weather Averages

Temp: 11-20°C / 52-68°F
Humidity: 64%
Rainfall: 16 mm in 6 days
Sunrise: 07:51 ~ 07:54
Sunset: 18:35 ~ 18:56

Xishuangbanna January Weather Averages

Temp: 11-25°C / 52-77°F
Humidity: 64%
Rainfall: 17 mm in 2 days
Sunrise: 07:55 ~ 07:58
Sunset: 18:44 ~ 19:04

What to Wear and Pack to Visit Yunnan in January

Clothes: As you travel through Yunnan from south to north, you will feel the weather getting progressively colder and you will need to gradually increase your clothing.

In southern cities like Xishuangbanna, you can wear T-shirts or long-sleeve T-shirts plus a thin jacket. As for pants, thin jeans or sweatpants are all suitable.

In most cities like Kunming, Dali, and Lijiang, you are advised to add some thick clothes. For the bottoms, you need to change your jeans and sweatpants into thicker ones; for the tops, you could wear knitwear, sweaters, or hoodies plus thicker jackets like thick windbreakers or overcoats to protect you from the cold mornings and nights.

When you go to Shangri-La or some high-altitude areas like Jade Dragon Snow Mountain in Lijiang, you certainly need to put on a downcoat.

Therefore, before going to Yunnan, you should try to confirm your destinations and prepare clothes accordingly.

Shoes: There are many places you can go in Yunnan and you may walk a lot, so it is recommended that you bring a pair of comfortable sneakers or hiking shoes. For the sake of warmth in high-altitude areas, you can also bring a pair of thick short boots. If Xishuangbanna is one of your destinations, you can prepare a pair of sandals.

Others:

1. UV rays are relatively strong, so you should carry sunglasses to protect your eyes.

2. If you plan to admire snowy mountains, you may need warm hats, scarves, and gloves.

3. Climate of Yunnan is dry in January, so you’d better bring a potable water bottle to keep hydrated.

Advantage of Traveling to Yunnan in January

January belongs to the shoulder season, with fewer tourists overall and no crowds at most attractions in Yunnan, so you can have a better traveling experience. Moreover, hotel prices are at a low level and you can easily book a nice hotel. However, during the beginning of the month, the New Year’s Day holiday, and the end of the month, the Chinese New Year holiday, the number of tourists will increase.

Where to Go in Yunnan in January

Tourism Rate:

1. Lijiang

In January, the most unmissable view in Lijiang is Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. This month, you will have a high chance to see a unique view: when the sun rises, its golden light pours down and gradually covers the snowy peaks, giving these peaks a layer of brilliant and glorious golden light. Its best viewing time is half an hour before and after sunrise, so be sure to check sunrise information ahead if you want to see it in January 2025. Moreover, the daytime temperature in Lijiang is relatively comfortable, and you can stroll around in Lijiang Old Town to admire the characteristic architecture, experience local Naxi culture, taste local food, and buy local specialties and handicrafts.

Jade Dragon Snow Mountain

2. Honghe

January is one of the best months to visit the Yuanyang Rice Terraces in Honghe. At this time, layers of terraces are full of water and look like broken mirrors. Early in the morning, you can go to Duoyishu Scenic Area, which is the most famous viewpoint for the golden sun slowly rising from the white mist and shining on the terraces. After that, proceed to Aichunlan Scenic Area to see the terraces that appear blue due to the reflection of the sky. If you want to watch the sunset, the most recommended place is Laohuzui Scenic Area.

Yuanyang Rice Terraces

Rice Terraces under Sunshine

3. Xishuangbanna

In January, Xishuangbanna is relatively warm and cozy with low rainfall, making it a great place to escape the cold of winter. Here, you can go to Starlight Night Market, the largest Southeast Asian-style night market in Asia, to taste the special Dai cuisine and take some memorable photos in Dai costumes. On New Year’s Day, you may see the fireworks show and music festival here. You can also go to Wild Elephant Valley to meet wild elephants, which are more likely to be encountered in winter. Dai Nationality Garden, where you can experience the “Water Festival” every day and admire the historic Buddhist temple, is also a place worth visiting.