Xishuangbanna Weather in December

The weather of Xishuangbanna in December is warm in the day. But be careful, it feels a bit cool in the early morning and at night. Plus, it is one of the driest months in Xishuangbanna, with rare rain and a moderate humidity level. Coupled with fewer tourists and lower travel costs, these make December one of the best months to visit the city. Just be aware that fogs appear frequently in the early morning.

Compared to the bitter coldness in the north of China, Xishuangbanna’s climate in December is warm and comfortable, making you feel like in spring or even summer. During the daytime, the high temperature ranges from 21 to 25 degrees Celsius (70-77 degrees Fahrenheit). Even if the cold air strikes, daytime highs seldom drop below 16 degrees Celsius (61 degrees Fahrenheit). When the sunshine is bright during the midday hours, the highest temperature can reach 27 degrees Celsius (81 degrees Fahrenheit). 

Early mornings and late nights experience cool temperatures, with lows of 14-18°C (57-64°F). On rare occasions, the lowest temperature is about 11°C (52°F). 

With such a significant temperature difference between day and night, it’s essential to wear layers for a daily outdoor trip. 
 December is one of the driest months in Xishuangbanna, with only 5 rainy days and 17 mm of precipitation on average. In other words, this month is dominated by sunny or cloudy days. Even though it rains, they are mostly light rain and brief showers, which won’t interfere with your outdoor schedules. However, when occasionally influenced by the cold air, Xishuangbanna is likely to experience moderate rain, especially the western mountainous areas and towards the end of the month. 
 Due to rare rain, Xishuangbanna’s climate in December is not aggressively humid, with a relatively moderate humidity level around 70%, which makes you feel comfortable, not muggy. 

December is one of the most frequently foggy months throughout the year, with about 18-23 foggy days on average, accounting for nearly 21% of the annual total. Fogs tend to occur in the early morning, and the real-time humidity level can reach about 80%, when you might feel a bit humid. 
 In December, Xishuangbanna enjoys ample sunshine hours, about 6-7 hours per day, perfect for outdoor explorations and photography. However, it’s worth noting that the UV rays are quite strong, with the UV index normally ranging from 8 to 11. Even though it’s an overcast day, sun protection should not be ignored, as clouds don’t completely block UV rays, and it will clear up very quickly. 
 Yes, and December is one of the best times to explore the city. 

On the one hand, Xishuangbanna weather in December is perfect for various travel plans, especially outdoor explorations. The temperature feels just right - neither too hot nor too cool; there’s hardly any rain; abundant sunshine hours are the best buddy for photography. All you need to care about is protecting your skin from sunburn. 

On the other hand, December is not the peak travel season yet, with no public holidays falling in. Therefore, there are fewer tourists and travel costs are also lower. 
  Upper Clothing: As mentioned above, layering is essential for a daily outfit. Visitors are advised to wear breathable short-sleeve T-shirts inside, paired with a light jacket or a sun-protective jacket. 

 Bottom Clothing: It’s OK to wear light pants, sweatpants or shorts. Girls can also wear dresses to take impressive photos. For a rainforest hike, a pair of light hiking pants is recommended to keep out insects. 

 Footwear: It’s best to wear breathable sneakers, convenient and comfortable. If you plan to explore the rainforest, don’t forget to prepare long rain boots, as there are puddles along the trail. 

 Accessories: 
1. Sun protection needs to be prioritized, so remember to pack sunscreen, sunglasses, and a sun hat. 
2. Although mosquitoes in December are not as prevalent as in other rainy months, it’s still necessary to bring insect repellent. 
3. It’s possible to run into showers, making a folding umbrella necessary; it can also be used to block the sun. 
 1. December is the peak blooming season for Spathodea campanulate. Visitors can spot them not only in the Tropical Botanical Garden, but also along city streets. We recommend visiting the area near the Lancang River to admire the flowers, while enjoying the picturesque river scenery. However, it can get quite cool along the riverbank in the early mornings and evenings, so be sure to dress warmly.
2. December is a suitable time to visit the Wild Elephant Valley, as the weather is warm and dry, and there are shorter waiting lines. Plus, plants and trees are less lush this month, making it easier to spot elephants. However, sightings of wild elephants are not 100% guaranteed, which depends on luck and patrol schedules. Don’t feel upset, there are many funny activities here, including skywalks, a butterfly garden, a python exhibit, and elephant performances, perfect for a family tour. 
3. Xishuangbanna at the end of December becomes a bit busy, due to the New Year Holiday. Many people choose to take a couple of days off and travel here to celebrate New Year’s Eve. Hotels can be difficult to book and flight ticket prices can skyrocket. Therefore, it’s best to avoid this period or plan ahead.