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Climate & Weather in Lijiang

Rain mm/yr
1,535

Updated July 2026 · Sources cited: weather-and-climate.com, chinaculturetour.com

Good to Know

  • Lijiang's high altitude (2,400 meters) creates a 'vertical climate' where weather can change dramatically within short distances and times—locals say you can experience all four seasons in a single day
  • Large day-night temperature swings mean layered clothing is essential year-round, even when daytime temps feel warm
  • December to February winters are sunny and relatively mild during the day despite overnight freezes—this is peak season for viewing snow-covered Jade Dragon Snow Mountain
  • Summer (June–September) is cheaper but rainier and cloudier; afternoon thunderstorms are common and can obscure mountain views
  • October 1–7 (National Day holiday) sees heavy tourist crowds in the Old Town—consider visiting before or after if you prefer fewer travelers

Rainfall

Annual Total Mm
1535
Dry Season Months
November to April
Rainy Season Months
June to September (about 80% of annual rainfall)

Driest Month

Month
December
Rainy Days
3
Rainfall Mm
13

Peak Rainfall Month

Month
July
Rainy Days
25
Rainfall Mm
321

Snowfall

Frequency
Snowfall is rare in the city proper, occurring less than once per year
Location Note
Surrounding mountain areas, particularly Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, receive regular seasonal snow that is visible from the city

Best Months

Description
Spring and autumn offer the most favorable conditions for visiting.

Autumn

Months
October to November (mid-October preferred)
Characteristics
Sunny weather, colorful foliage, blue skies, and distinct seasonal beauty

Spring

Months
March to May
Characteristics
Comfortable temperatures with flower blooms and clear mountain views

Temperature

Annual Average Celsius
12.6
Annual Average Fahrenheit
55
Large Daily Temperature Variance
Temperature can swing 10°C (50°F) or more between day and night, especially in spring and winter

Peak Cool Months

Months
December to February (winter)
Daytime Range Celsius
8 to 14
Nighttime Range Celsius
-3 to 3
Daytime Range Fahrenheit
8 to 14
Nighttime Range Fahrenheit
-3 to 3

Peak Warm Months

Months
June to August (summer)
Daytime Range Celsius
17 to 25
Nighttime Range Celsius
13.5 to 15
Daytime Range Fahrenheit
17 to 25
Nighttime Range Fahrenheit
13.5 to 15

Worst Months

Months
June to September
Characteristics
Peak rainfall with cloudiness obscuring snow-capped mountains; July and August are wettest
Description
Summer rainy season brings heavy precipitation and cloudy conditions.
AI-generated estimateData refreshed July 2026

These are the sources cited in this climate & weather research for this city. Individual figures may not each trace to one of them.

  1. 1.weather-and-climate.com
  2. 2.chinaculturetour.com
  3. 3.chinahighlights.com
  4. 4.chinadiscovery.com
  5. 5.travelchinaguide.com
  6. 6.en.climate-data.org
  7. 7.worldweatheronline.com
  8. 8.easytourchina.com

Data last updated July 2026 · Verify anything important.