Weather in Dali

Planning a trip or just your day in Dali? Here you will find the latest weather information, including up-to-date forecasts and useful charts to help you plan your time better.

The climate in Dali is characterised as subtropical highland, with distinct wet and dry seasons. This ensures the city generally enjoys mild weather throughout most of the year, without sharp temperature spikes, but with a noticeable difference in rainfall during different periods. Understanding these seasonal features will help you better plan your trip and choose the most comfortable time to visit.

The year in Dali can be roughly divided into two main periods. The dry season lasts approximately from November to April. During this time, the weather is predominantly sunny with minimal precipitation. Winters (December-February) here are cool, with an average temperature of about 8-10°C, though nights can be quite cold. Spring (March-May) brings gradual warming, and clear weather persists until the end of April. From May, the number of rainy days begins to increase, heralding the arrival of the rainy season. This wet period covers the summer months (June-August) and continues into September. Summer in Dali is warm, with an average temperature of about 20-20.5°C; however, it is characterised by high humidity and frequent rainfall, especially in July and August, when it may rain almost daily. In autumn (October-November), the temperature gradually decreases, and rainfall diminishes, especially by November when the weather once again becomes predominantly dry and clear.

The annual temperature range in Dali is quite moderate, providing comfortable conditions for visiting at different times of the year. The coldest month is usually January, when the average temperature holds at 8.4°C; daytime highs during this period can reach 13.8°C, while nighttime lows can drop to 3.0°C. The warmest month is June, with an average temperature of 20.5°C and maximum daytime values around 24.4°C. Thus, monthly average temperatures in Dali vary from approximately 8°C in the depth of winter to just over 20°C in the summer months, creating a generally mild climate.

The summer months in Dali, from June to August, are characterised by pleasantly warm weather. Average daytime temperatures during this period are around 20°C. Maximum values usually reach 23-24.5°C, especially in June, which is the warmest month. Nights also remain warm, with minimum temperatures around 16.5°C. Although summer is the rainy season, the temperature regime remains comfortable without sweltering heat, making it suitable for active recreation if one is prepared for precipitation.

Winter in Dali, covering December, January, and February, is distinguished by cool but not freezing weather. Average temperatures in these months range from 8.4°C to 10.1°C. During the day, the thermometer can rise to 13.8-15.9°C, which is quite comfortable for walking, especially on sunny days. However, nights can be rather cold, with temperatures dropping to 3.0-4.5°C, particularly in January. A characteristic feature of Dali's climate, especially in the dry season (including winter and spring), is the noticeable diurnal temperature variation. The difference between daytime highs and nighttime lows can reach 10-13°C, for example, in January (from 3.0°C to 13.8°C) or March (from 7.5°C to 20.3°C). In the summer, wetter months, these fluctuations smooth out, amounting to about 7-8°C.

In Dali, there is a distinct seasonality in the distribution of precipitation throughout the year, which defines the presence of clear dry and wet periods. Understanding these cycles will help you better prepare for your trip, especially if you plan to spend a lot of time outdoors.

The dry season in Dali lasts approximately from November to April. During this time, the amount of precipitation is minimal. March and December are particularly dry, when on average not a single millimetre of precipitation falls. In the other months of this period (January, February, April, November), only about 1 mm of precipitation falls, and the number of rainy days ranges from 4 to 6. This means that rain in the dry season is a rare phenomenon and, as a rule, consists of very light and short-lived precipitation.

The wet season covers the period from May to October, reaching its peak in summer. Starting from May (2 mm of precipitation, 10 rainy days), the amount of rain gradually increases. The rainiest months are July and August: about 8 mm of precipitation falls in each of them, and it rains almost daily — on average 28 rainy days. Despite such high frequency, the total monthly amount of precipitation, distributed over such a large number of days, indicates that these are most often brief or moderate rains, rather than prolonged heavy downpours. Significant precipitation (5 mm) and a large number of rainy days (21 and 25 respectively) are also observed in June and September. October (3 mm, 19 rainy days) is a transitional month leading into the dry season.

When planning a trip to Dali, it is important to choose the right wardrobe to feel comfortable in any weather. Given the peculiarities of the local climate, the best strategy is the principle of layering. This will allow you to easily adapt to temperature changes throughout the day, which can fluctuate noticeably, especially in the dry season. Regardless of the time of year, be sure to bring comfortable walking shoes, as Dali and its surroundings are perfect for long walks. Also, do not forget sunscreen — the high-altitude sun can be active even in cool weather.

If your trip falls during the dry season (approximately from November to April), be prepared for cool mornings and evenings, especially from December to February, when nighttime temperatures can drop to +3°C. During the day, however, it can be quite warm, up to +15-20°C. Therefore, you should pack warm clothes in your suitcase: sweaters or fleece jackets, a light jacket, and for the winter months — a warmer coat or jacket, a hat, and gloves. Precipitation during this period is unlikely, so a bulky umbrella can be left at home, but a light windbreaker might come in handy.

For travel during the rainy season (from May to October), the emphasis in your wardrobe shifts. The air temperature at this time is warmer, averaging about +20°C, but be prepared for frequent precipitation, especially from June to September, when it may rain almost daily. Key items will be a light waterproof jacket or raincoat and a compact umbrella. Choose clothes made from quick-drying materials. Despite the rain, the weather remains warm, so t-shirts, light trousers, or shorts are suitable. Mosquito repellent will also be useful, as the humidity can contribute to their activity.