High elevation, uneven land from south to north and complex mountains of this region gives Lijiang multifarious climates. It has three different climatic zones, ranging from subtropical in the southeast, to warm temperatures in the center, and cold temperatures in the northwest. In addition, the characteristics of vertical climate in some highlands can also be seen in Lijiang. For example, Jade Dragon Mountain with its higher altitude, has five different climatic zones, from warm temperate to alpine.
Lijiang has a clear annual distinction between the wet and dry seasons. The wet season spans May to October, with plenty of rainfall. From November to April belongs to the dry season. Additionally, because of its high average elevation, Lijiang has abundant sunshine all year round, favored with fresh air and charming natural scenery. Of course, don't forget to protect yourself from the strong radiation from the sun.
Without too much change from spring to winter, the weather of Lijiang allows visitors to get there at any time. However, considering the fairly wide variation in day-and-night temperature in spring and winter, summer and autumn are the most favorable seasons for coming here. Except for summer, when T-shirts and trousers are enough, it's advisable to take some warm clothes in the other three seasons.
Detailed information about the Average, Maximum and Minimum Temperatures and the rainfall in Lijiang.
| Average Data | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | June |
| Average High ( | 59/63 | 64/68 | 72/75 | 77/81 | 78/80 | 77/80 |
| Average High ( | 15/17 | 18/20 | 22/24 | 25/27 | 26/29 | 25/28 |
| Average Low ( | 37/41 | 41/45 | 46/52 | 52/57 | 59/63 | 61/64 |
| Average Low ( | 3/5 | 5/7 | 8/11 | 11/14 | 15/17 | 16/18 |
| Rain (in) | 0.2/0.4 | 0.1/0.3 | 0.4/0.6 | 1.0/1.2 | 3.7/3.9 | 7.1/7.3 |
| Rain (mm) | 4/9 | 2/7 | 10/15 | 25/30 | 93/98 | 180/185 |
| Average Data | July | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
| Average High ( | 79/84 | 81/86 | 73/78 | 70/73 | 63/68 | 59/63 |
| Average High ( | 26/29 | 27/30 | 23/26 | 21/23 | 17/20 | 15/17 |
| Average Low ( | 63/68 | 63/66 | 59/63 | 54/57 | 45/52 | 37/43 |
| Average Low ( | 17/20 | 17/19 | 15/17 | 12/14 | 7/11 | 3/6 |
| Rain (in) | 8.2/8.4 | 6.9/7.1 | 6.0/6.2 | 3.0/3.2 | 0.7/0.9 | 0.2/0.4 |
| Rain (mm) | 208/213 | 175/180 | 150/155 | 75/80 | 17/22 | 4/9 |
Travelers' Voices on Lijiang Climate
1.
Nov. 16,2009 08:48 Reply
Ms.Leong(Singapore) said:
We are visting Lijiang in mid Dec, wonder how's the weather and temperature during that period?
Do we need to prepare altitude medicine? Will people who get gastric easily will suffer from the altitude sickness?
Please advice. Thank you.
2.
Oct. 29,2009 22:30 Reply
Mr.Maung(Singapore) said:
Is it possible to ski during late November? Any ski instructor to conduct lesson as we are novice.
Oct. 29,2009 23:07
Mr.Shan replied:
You could ski on the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain of Lijiang at anytime throughout a year. There is a ski resort is set on the altitude of 4,500. You could reach there by the cable car from the mountain's foot.
3.
Oct. 15,2009 23:31 Reply
Mr.Kev Mason(United Kingdom) said:
Hi there, planning to visit Lijiang and walk the Tiger Leaping Gorge at the end of October.
Will I need tablets for altitude sickness when walking the High Trail?
If so, can you recommend a brand?
Thanks, Kev
Oct. 17,2009 03:19
Mr.Leo replied:
It seems that you have the same problem with Mr.Mic. If you have never been in trouble of the altitude sickness around 2,500kms, there is no need to have any tablets.
4.
Oct. 15,2009 20:43 Reply
Mr.Mic(Malaysia) said:
I am going lijiang and am wondering should i bring and particular medicine eg. altitude sickness medicine?
Oct. 17,2009 03:17
Mr.Leo replied:
Seldom people feel uncomfortable when visiting Lijiang, unless these weak or elder ones. The altitude is just about 2,400kms. In case of less oxygen, such as climbing the Jade Dragon Mountain, please prepare a tablet.
5.
Oct. 13,2009 07:40 Reply
Ms.Mamee said:
We plan to go to dali - lijiang around mid of Nov. Please kindly advise for the weather and what should we bring along (not sure if sweater is enough??) Thanks!
Oct. 15,2009 03:22
Mr.Sam replied:
Average temperature is around 10C, it may much warmer at noon, may be 20C if the weather is good. You should take over coat also. You may feel a bit cold at night. Enjoy~
6.
Oct. 5,2009 11:36 Reply
Ms.Lee(S'pore) said:
We are going on 17th Dec. How will the weather be? Please advise. Thank you.
Oct. 9,2009 22:15
Mr.Jamie replied:
if the weather is fine, the temperature is about 10-15. You can wear thin sweater with a coat. If it snows, may drop to zero. Then, you should keep warm.
7.
Sep. 23,2009 18:05 Reply
Mr.pien(Ta) said:
We are planning to play golf in LiJiang during 29th/oct~1st/nov. Please kindly give us a clue about the climate there. Will it be cold? (like around 10c)
Sep. 23,2009 20:16
Mr.Frankie replied:
Yes, you are right that Lijiang will be in the cool fall at the end of Oct. You may need a warm sweater or coat. But, please don't worry that less rainfall will happen, so you could play golf well.
8.
Sep. 9,2009 17:09 Reply
Mrs.CHC(USA) said:
I plan to visit LiJiang during X'mas holidays. How's the weather at that time? Is it going to be too cold for touring? Are the tourist places closed for the holidays?
Sep. 9,2009 20:28
Mr.Shan replied:
In the downtown area of Lijing, the weather is not very cold that a thin sweater and warm jeans are enough. But, if you go the Jade Dragon Mountain and other places, a down jacket is needed. If there is snowfall, I think you have to stay in the downtown area and some places may be closed for security. You'd better pay attention to the real-time weather forecast before leaving!
9.
Sep. 2,2009 00:15 Reply
Ms.Wong(Singapore) said:
I am thinking of visiting around 18 Oct for 1 week, Is the weather likely to be rainy. Would appreciate to know as I am thinking of doing some hikes
Sep. 5,2009 03:43
Mr.Hank replied:
Although it should be the rainy season, but little rainfall happened in recent years. If you go to suburban area, such as snow mountains, Tiger Leaping Gorge and Shangri-la, please take warm sweaters with you.
10.
Aug. 19,2009 06:08 Reply
Mr.Bill(USA) said:
How will the weather be in the first week of September? I know it will rain some, but will it be cloudy and dreary the entire time?
Aug. 19,2009 22:26
Mr.ulia(cn) replied:
I do not think so, it is good time to travel in my opinion as the weather is not so hot except that it sometimes rains.