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 Kunming weather information about the Average, Maximun and Minimum Temperatures and the rainfall.
| 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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Q & A on Kunming Climate
1.
Mar. 1,2010 04:52 Reply
Ms.Fiona(Scotland) said:
Planning on Kunming and further north in October - reports of temperature and weather seem to vary! anyone been there then to confirm daytime temp and whether really warm jackets are needed? many thanks
Fiona
Mar. 3,2010 02:03
Mr.Manny replied:
The weather is strange there. You need to bring warm jacket (down coat is not necessary anyway). You need to wear sweater in the morning but only wear T-shirt at noon. If you want to the snow mountain or the hilly area in north Yunan, take a warm clothes, or you can bring a sweater. Ultraviolet radiation is strong. Bring an umbrella, for there will be a sudden rain and it will stop quickly.
2.
Feb. 12,2010 17:05 Reply
Ms.Carol(USA) said:
I am coming to Kunming, Dali, and Lijiang in the beginning of April. Planning on doing watercolors outside. Do I need to take malaria precautions in these areas?
Feb. 19,2010 03:16
Mr.manny replied:
No, you do not have too. In fact, Dali and Lijiang have high altitude and colder.
3.
Jan. 5,2010 08:53 Reply
Mr.naresh kumar(nepal) said:
i am going to kunming on 8th janurary 2010.is there any snow fall on 8th janurary or after that.
4.
Dec. 29,2009 10:05 Reply
Mr.Lai CW(Malaysia) said:
Planning to visit Kunming during this Chinese New Year in mid Feb 2010, how is the weather then? Cold? Is it a good time to travel? Please advise.
Dec. 30,2009 01:44
Mr.Jack replied:
Kunming doesn't has very chilly weather throughout a year. It has the mildest climate in China. So, please it easy! A thin sweater and jacket is ok for going outside.
5.
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