Weather in Kunming

Planning your trip or just interested in the weather in the city of Kunming? In this section, you will find the most up-to-date information on weather conditions, including detailed forecasts and visual charts.

Kunming, often called the "City of Eternal Spring," possesses a mild subtropical highland climate. Thanks to its location, there is neither scorching heat in summer nor severe cold in winter, making it attractive to visit all year round. Average annual temperatures are comfortable, and there are quite a few sunny days.

Two main seasons are clearly distinguished in Kunming's climate: the dry season and the rainy season. The dry season usually lasts from November to April, characterized by low precipitation, abundant sunlight, and pleasant coolness, especially in the winter months (December-February), when the average temperature holds around 9-12°C. Spring (March-April) brings gradual warming and remains predominantly dry.

The rainy season occurs from May to October, with peak precipitation and the highest number of rainy days in the summer months – from June to August. At this time, temperatures are highest, averaging about 20-21°C, but the rains bring refreshing coolness. Despite the rain, summer remains warm and comfortable, while autumn (September-October) gradually becomes drier, maintaining pleasant warmth.

A moderate temperature regime is observed in Kunming throughout the year, confirming its reputation as the "City of Eternal Spring." The annual range of average temperatures fluctuates from 9.3°C in January to 20.7°C in June. The coolest months are traditionally January (average temperature 9.3°C, with lows around 4.3°C and highs up to 14.3°C) and December (average temperature 9.9°C, minimum 5.4°C, maximum 14.4°C). The warmest period falls on June, July, and August, when average temperatures stay at the level of 20.5-20.7°C.

The summer months in Kunming (June-August) are characterized by pleasant warmth rather than exhausting heat. Average maximum temperatures during this period reach 23.8-24.3°C, while average minimums do not drop below 17.0-17.2°C. This creates comfortable conditions for walks and active recreation, even though it is also the rainy season. Temperature drops between day and night in summer are relatively small, averaging 6-7°C, making evenings warm.

Winter in Kunming (December-February) is mild and cool, without severe frosts. Average daily highs range from 14.3°C in January to 17.0°C in February, while nightly lows can drop to 4.3-6.1°C. A characteristic feature of the winter and spring periods (especially in March, where the difference reaches 12.2°C) is more significant daily temperature fluctuations compared to summer. During the day it can be quite sunny and warm, but by evening it becomes noticeably cooler, so it is recommended to have several layers of clothing with you.

In Kunming, a distinct seasonality in precipitation distribution is observed throughout the year, corresponding to the division into dry and wet periods. The main mass of precipitation falls in the summer months, while winter and early spring are characterized by significant dryness.

The dry season in Kunming usually covers the period from November to April. During these months, the amount of precipitation is minimal. For example, in February, March, November, and December, only about 1 mm of precipitation falls, and the number of rainy days ranges from 4 in March to 7 in November and January. In January and April, there is slightly more precipitation – 2 mm each. Rains during this period, if they occur, are generally very insignificant and short-lived.

The rainy season covers the period from May to October, reaching its peak in the summer months. June and August are the wettest months in terms of precipitation amount, when 8 mm falls each. However, in terms of rain frequency, August leads, counting on average 26 rainy days, followed by July with 25 rainy days (with 7 mm of precipitation). In June and September, there are also quite a few rainy days – 22 days each, with precipitation amounts of 8 mm and 5 mm respectively. May (4 mm, 13 rainy days) and October (3 mm, 17 rainy days) are transitional months when the amount of precipitation and its frequency begin to increase or decrease.

Thus, travelers should expect the highest amount of rain from June to August, when precipitation occurs frequently, almost daily in August. The driest months, when the probability of rain is minimal, are February and March.

When planning a trip to Kunming, it is important to consider its mild climate, but with distinct dry and rainy seasons, as well as noticeable temperature drops between day and evening, especially in the dry season. The basis of your wardrobe should be layered clothing. This will allow you to easily adapt to changing conditions throughout the day. Regardless of the time of year, comfortable walking shoes are absolutely necessary, as Kunming and its surroundings are conducive to long walks. Do not forget sunscreen and a hat, as even on cool days the sun at high altitude can be intense.

In the dry season, which lasts approximately from November to April, the weather in Kunming is predominantly sunny and dry, but with cool mornings and evenings. Average temperatures range from 9°C to 18°C. You will need warm clothes: sweaters, fleece tops, a light jacket, or a windbreaker. During the day, when the sun warms the air, you can stay in lighter clothing. Precipitation is rare at this time, so an umbrella will likely not be useful, but a light windbreaker will protect against possible wind.

The rainy season in Kunming falls on the period from May to October. At this time, it becomes significantly warmer, with average temperatures holding around 20-21°C, but rainfall and humidity increase. Be sure to take a light waterproof jacket or umbrella with you, as rains, especially from June to August, can be frequent. Clothing should be made of light, breathable, and quick-drying materials. Despite the rains, the weather remains warm, so shorts, t-shirts, and light trousers will be appropriate. Also, do not forget insect repellent, especially if you plan nature walks.