Yunnan Weather in April

Season: Spring

In short: warm and cozy central and eastern Yunnan, hot southern Yunnan, and cold northwestern Yunnan; dry season
 

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

In April, the temperature rises lightly, with the average high of above 20°C (68°F) and the average low of around 10°C (50°F). Because of the temperature difference of over 10°C (50°F), these places have warm daytime and cool nights. April is the last month of the dry season, so there is still not much rain, with a rainfall of around 20 mm. However, when it rains, the temperature may drop a little, and you need to add clothes. This month, the sun usually sets after 19:30, and you have more time to pay a visit.
April View of Yubeng Village, Diqing
April View of Yubeng Village, Diqing
 

High-altitude Northwestern Yunnan including Shangri-La

The average low temperature rises to above 0°C (32°F) and the average high climbs to above 10°C (50°F), but it is still cold overall. As for the precipitation, it is similar to that of other places in Yunnan. 
 

Southern Yunnan including Xishuangbanna and Honghe:

The climate of these places is hot and the average high temperature is over 30°C (86°F). The temperature at night and in the morning is about 10°C (50°F) lower, which is relatively comfortable. So you are advised to go out early and seize the time before 12:00 to travel around. Besides, the rainfall and humidity are both low, contributing to more sunny days but leading to dry air. 
 

April Weather of Popular Yunnan Travel Destinations

Kunming April Weather Averages
  • Temp: 10-24°C / 50-75°F
  • Humidity: 59%
  • Rainfall: 24 mm in 7 days
  • Sunrise: 06:34 ~ 07:01
  • Sunset: 19:26 ~ 19:39
  •  See details of Kunming Weather in April
Lijiang April Weather Averages
  • Temp: 8-20°C / 46-68°F
  • Humidity: 54%
  • Rainfall: 21 mm in 8 days
  • Sunrise: 06:41 ~ 07:10
  • Sunset: 19:37 ~ 19:52
  •  See details of Lijiang Weather in April

Dali April Weather Averages
  • Temp: 10-23°C / 50-73°F
  • Humidity: 55%
  • Rainfall: 25 mm in 10 days
  • Sunrise: 06:43 ~ 07:11
  • Sunset: 19:36 ~ 19:50
  •  See details of Dali Weather in April
Shangri-La April Weather Averages
  • Temp: 1-12°C / 35-54°F
  • Humidity: 66%
  • Rainfall: 51 mm in 12 days
  • Sunrise: 06:41~ 07:10
  • Sunset: 19:38 ~ 19:54
  •      

Honghe April Weather Averages
  • Temp: 18-32°C / 64-90°F
  • Humidity: 52%
  • Rainfall: 29 mm in 10 days
  • Sunrise: 06:37 ~ 07:02
  • Sunset: 19:26 ~ 19:38
Xishuangbanna April Weather Averages
  • Temp: 18-33°C / 64-91°F
  • Humidity: 52%
  • Rainfall: 53 mm in 4 days
  • Sunrise: 06:45 ~ 07:09
  • Sunset: 19:31 ~ 19:42

 

Packing List to Visit Yunnan in April

Yunnan April Packing List

  Clothes: Overall, the weather of Yunnan in April is warm, especially in the daytime, so you can bring some light clothes. For example, girls can choose to bring some dresses, T-shirts, skirts, and light pants; boys can bring short shirts and light pants. However, to keep warm in the cold morning and night, you also need to pack thin jackets like baseball jackets and sun protection jackets. The clothes mentioned above can meet your needs in Kunming, Lijiang, Dali, and even Xishuangbanna. Then, if you want to visit Shangri-La or other high-altitude areas, you also need to pack thick pants, thermal shirts and pants, and thick jackets like 3-in-1 jackets.
 
 Shoes: For most cities, you could wear light, thin, and comfortable sneakers, casual shoes, and walking shoes. Other than those, you can pack sandals for Xishuangbanna and short and warm boots for Shangri-La.  

 Accessories: You are advised to bring sunglasses, sunscreen cream, and hats to avoid getting hurt by the strong sun’s rays. Moreover, the air is dry at this time in Yunnan, so you need to carry a reusable water bottle and moisturizers. If you go to Xishuangbanna, you may also need mosquito repellent.  
 

What to Do & Where to Go in Yunnan in April

Tourism Rate: 
 

1. Water-Splashing Festival, Xishuangbanna

If you plan to visit Xishuangbanna in April, don’t miss the Water-Splashing Festival. It is a grand festival of the Dai ethnic group, in which water is splashed to express blessings. During the festival, you will see the characteristic Dragon Boat racing, the releasing of thousands of sky lanterns, characteristic folk performances, etc. The most exciting and joyful event is the water-splashing carnival: tens of thousands of people splash water onto others with tools like buckets and water guns on the streets. Remember to check the exact schedule in advance if you plan to participate in this festival in 2025.

Tip: There will be a large number of tourists during this period, so be sure to book tickets and hotels in advance.
 

2. Lijiang

In April, when the weather is getting warmer, go to Lijiang to experience the joy of hiking in Tiger Leaping Gorge. In Tiger Leaping Gorge, you will see natural sceneries that cannot be described in words, including towering gorges, raging rivers that still show the color of turquoise this month, and mountains that are still covered with snow. You are also recommended to visit Lugu Lake. This month, under clear sky, the lake is blue, the mountains in the distance are covered with green trees, and there are still seagulls flying on the lake.
Tiger Leaping Gorge
Tiger Leaping Gorge in April
 Third Month Fair is a grand traditional festival of the Bai ethnic group, which is mainly held in Dali Ancient City. The festival lasts for seven days from March 15 to 21 in Chinese lunar calendar, which is from April 12 to 18 in 2025 according to the Gregorian calendar. During the festival, the City will host performances of ethnic dances and songs, horse racing, etc. The bazaar, where many specialty goods such as handicrafts, tea, flowers, and local snacks will be sold, is the liveliest part.
Bai People
People in Bai's Costumes
Golden Temple National Forest Park
Golden Temple National Forest Park, Kunming
 

4. Kunming

In April, flowers bloom everywhere in Kunming: in the first half of the month, you can go to Black Dragon Pool to see azaleas with brilliant colors; while in the second half, go to Jiao Chang Middle Road to see purple jacarandas that bloom on two sides. As Yunnan climate in April is mostly sunny, including Kunming, you can hike to Golden Temple National Forest Park in Mingfeng Hill. Its most famous spot is Golden Temple, the largest copper temple in China. Besides, Stone Forest is also a must-see spot in Kunming, where you can admire stones shaped like animals and plants, as well as natural lakes and waterfalls. 

Yunnan Weather by Month

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