Kunming belongs to a low-latitude monsoon climate, does not have bitter cold in winter or extreme heat in summer. The annual temperature averages around 14.5
C (about 58.1F), and foliage remains green all year thus obtain its name of the 'Spring City'. January is the coldest season at about 8C(about 46.4F) while July is the hottest month with an average temperature of 18 C(about 64.4 F). While there is no obvious peak or low seasons for tourism in Kunming; many visitors prefer the lively period from March to October.
Since the temperature between day and night may vary between 12 C(about 53.6 F) to 20 C(about 68 F), pack warm clothing for night, carry sunglass, and apply sun block. Take along water and fruits to avoid dehydration.
Because during the Kunming rainy season, May to October, the temperature may drop suddenly, a lined raincoat is recommended.
Kunming is a city abundant in natural attractions and colorful cultural scenes. The Kunming International Tourist Festival held every April 10 to May 10 promotes tourism throughout Yunnan Province as well as within Kunming. The festival features performances and activities in Kunming downtown and local scenic spots that attract tourists from all over the world. A minority residential area, Kunming is home to various ethnic minority groups. These groups sponsor many minority festivals throughout the year, especially from March to October, including the Knife-pole Festival of Lisu in March, the Water-splashing Festival of Dai in April, and a Torch Festival.
It is also the season when most fruits ripen. During this period, you will enjoy not only the stunning natural landscape, but also the fascinating minority cultures.
Detailed information about the Average, Maximun and Minimum Temperatures and the rainfall in Kunming.
| Average Data | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | June |
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| Average High (F) | 58/61 | 61/65 | 67/71 | 73/77 | 75/78 | 73/77 |
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| Average High (C) | 14/16 | 16/18 | 20/22 | 23/25 | 24/26 | 23/25 |
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| Average Low (F) | 34/38 | 37/40 | 42/46 | 49/52 | 56/59 | 60/64 |
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| Average Low (C) | 1/3 | 3/5 | 6/8 | 9/11 | 13/15 | 16/18 |
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| Rain (in) | 0.4/0.5 | 0.5/0.6 | 0.7/0.8 | 0.8/0.9 | 3.3/3.4 | 6.9/7.0 |
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| Rain (mm) | 10/15 | 10/15 | 15/20 | 20/25 | 80/85 | 175/180 |
| Average Data | July | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
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| Average High (F) | 73/77 | 73/77 | 71/74 | 66/70 | 62/65 | 58/61 |
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| Average High (C) | 23/25 | 23/25 | 22/24 | 19/21 | 16/18 | 14/16 |
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| Average Low (F) | 61/64 | 60/63 | 56/60 | 51/55 | 43/47 | 36/40 |
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| Average Low (C) | 16/18 | 15/17 | 13/15 | 11/13 | 6/8 | 2/4 |
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| Rain (in) | 8.4/8.5 | 7.9/8.0 | 4.8/4.9 | 3.1/3.2 | 1.4/1.5 | 0.4/0.5 |
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| Rain (mm) | 210/215 | 200/205 | 120/125 | 75/80 | 35/40 | 10/15 |
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Travelers' Voices on Kunming Climate
1.
Sep. 28,2009 15:15 Reply
Ms.chen(canada) said:
i am planning to visit kunming next year of Jan-Feb. is this a good time to visit?
is there a lot of shopping in kunming. where are the famous shopping malls that i can find. are they expensive? how is the weather around that time. what type of clothing should i bring with me.
Sep. 30,2009 03:23
Mr.Frankie replied:
It is said that Kunming is in spring all the year round, Although Jan~Feb is the coldest time comparatively, a shirt is enough. So, please take it to go there! It seems that Kunming doesn't have so many large department stores.
Nov. 13,2009 11:57
Mr.jacques(france) replied:
jan-febru is a cold season, around 10degrees.the weather is dry. good to be there for new year sales , around mid jan. famous shopping malls are all around sakura hotel , beijing road. famous brands. have 7 shop malls , all not far each other
2.
Nov. 12,2009 23:31 Reply
Ms.Vicky(Malaysia) said:
We shall be visiting Kunming and Shangrila in WK 48 and would like to know what the weather is usually like during this time of the year as we need to know what we should bring along.
Thanks.
Nov. 13,2009 11:52
Mr.jacques(France ) replied:
If not raining, weather in kunming is nice in november, around 15 degrees. be careful, in shangrila, it should be cooler , lijing is 2500 meter high, night time is cold. mountain clothes is cheap there. need a polar jacket for kunming ,
3.
Nov. 3,2009 03:45 Reply
Ms.Helen(Malaysia) said:
i am going to kunming on 8th Nov for 1 whole week. included lijiang, dali and xiling. Can i know what is the weather there during this time ? some say cool and some say normal...what should i wear since i heard china weather is so unpredicted..we will take a cable car ride up ,Is Jade dragon snow mountain cool? what should we wear and weather like?
4.
Sep. 18,2009 00:21 Reply
Mr.r.c.maharjan(Nepal) said:
i am going to shanghai from kathmandu and have heard that recently southern china air have started its flight from kathmandu to sanghai via kunming. if right i would like to make a stay in kunminy .please say am i right
Sep. 20,2009 03:29
Mr.Jerry replied:
I just know there are flight to Shanghai from kathmandu via Guangzhou.
5.
Sep. 11,2009 04:52 Reply
Ms.rada(Nepal) said:
When is the best time (month) to travel in kunming?
Sep. 14,2009 20:52
Mr.Sandy replied:
Kunming weather is mild all year round. March to September is the best time to visit Kunming, for there are many ethnic festivals in local minority groups. July to early October is the rainy season. If you want to avoid the rainy season, you can come earlier, May is usually the hottest period.
6.
Aug. 28,2009 00:01 Reply
Ms.Evy(Indonesia) said:
Please advise :D
Planning to go to Kunming in Christmas, is it very cold? Can we still do tours around Kunming?
Aug. 30,2009 21:13
Ms.Dora replied:
Not very cold but a bit. The temperature is around 10C if it is cloudy and about 15C if it is sunny. At that time, the best place around Kunming is Xishuangbanna which has comfortable weather. As to Lijiang and Dali, it is hard to predict. If the weather is good, it will not be cold, however, temperature varies greatly in early and late time of the day.
7.
Jul. 6,2009 14:57 Reply
Mr.Parmar-Yee(united kingdom ) said:
I am planning on trekking along the tiger leaping gorge in a few weeks. What will the weather be like?
Jul. 6,2009 22:06
Mr.Shan replied:
It is reported that this area has a little shower recently. But it will not influence for going outside. The temperature should be comfortable:)
8.
Jun. 7,2009 03:41 Reply
Mr.nam(Canada ) said:
what's it like in kunming and north yunnan these days? are showers persisting for the whole day or are they heavy for 10 minutes and then stop? do the showers also arrive at similar times of day every day? when?
Jun. 7,2009 22:44
Mr.Andy replied:
It will be rainy in the next few days at most part of Yunnan. There maybe showes in short time at some places. The temperature is not low. So, take a umbrella with you. It is more safe.
Jun. 11,2009 19:10
Mr.Steve(USA) replied:
At the moment, the weather is pretty irregular. It's usually not rainy for the whole day, but always be prepared for the sudden downpour.
9.
May. 31,2009 08:56 Reply
Ms.Elisbetta Canobbio(Ital) said:
I'm going to travel to Yunnan next August but I'm afraid it isn't worth because of rainfalls. I'd like to receive any information about this from anyone who visited Yunnan in summer. Thanks a lot!
Jun. 4,2009 03:20
Mr.Sisley replied:
No need to worry about the rainfall in Yunnan because the rain there may just last for several minutes. Very changeful. It is suggested that you take both of the summer cloth and the long-sleeves jacket. The weather may be hotter and hotter while you are going towards to the south.
10.
May. 6,2009 03:01 Reply
Mr.andrew(australia) said:
we are heading to Kunming next week will it be worm or cold. need to know what to pack
May. 6,2009 04:40
Ms.Lucy replied:
The city is comfortable for traveling during this period. Although the temperature may reach 28C degrees, the breeze and cloudy day could ease the hot.