Weather in Lijiang

Planning a trip to Lijiang? Up-to-date weather information will help you prepare better! In this section, you will find current weather reports, detailed forecasts, and visual charts.

The climate in Lijiang can be described as temperate, with clearly defined seasons and significant fluctuations in both temperature and rainfall throughout the year. Overall, the weather here differs from region to region in China, offering its own unique features for travellers.

Lijiang experiences distinct seasons. Winter (December-February) is cool and very dry, with average temperatures around 4-5°C and minimal rainfall. Spring (March-May) brings gradual warming, the air becomes more comfortable, although the number of rainy days begins to increase closer to the end of the season. Summer (June-August) is the warmest and wettest period, with average temperatures around 17°C. Autumn (September-November) is characterized by a gradual decrease in temperature and a reduction in rainfall, transitioning from a wet September to a drier November.

The most notable feature of the weather in Lijiang is the pronounced rainy season, which falls during the summer months, especially from June to August, and partially extends into September. During this time, the amount of precipitation and the number of rainy days reach their peak. In contrast, the winter months and late autumn are distinguished by predominantly dry weather. This is worth considering when planning your trip to choose the most suitable time to explore the beauties of Lijiang.

The temperature regime in Lijiang is characterized by noticeable seasonal changes, offering diverse conditions for travellers throughout the year. The annual range of average temperatures extends from approximately 4.2°C in the coldest month, January, to 17.4°C in June, which is one of the warmest. The hottest months are traditionally considered to be June, July, and August. During this period, average daily maximum temperatures hover around 21-22°C. The coldest time of the year is winter, especially January, when the average temperature is around 4.2°C, and night-time temperatures regularly drop below freezing, reaching an average of -1.8°C.

Summer in Lijiang (June-August) is distinguished by pleasantly warm weather. Average temperatures during these months stay at around 17°C, and daily highs usually do not exceed 22°C, creating comfortable conditions for sightseeing. It is important to note that the summer period coincides with the peak of the rainy season, so despite the moderate temperatures, the air can feel quite humid. Night-time temperatures in summer also remain mild, dropping to an average of 13-13.5°C.

The winter months (December-February) in Lijiang bring cool and clear weather. During the day, the air temperature can rise to 10-12°C, which is quite suitable for outdoor activities, however, nights can be quite cold. Minimum temperatures in January and February can drop to -1.8°C and -0.8°C respectively, which means there is a likelihood of frost. One of the characteristic features of Lijiang's climate is the significant diurnal temperature variation, especially pronounced in the transitional seasons and winter. The difference between day and night temperatures can reach 12-14°C, so even after a warm sunny day, the evening and night can be quite chilly, requiring appropriate clothing.

Lijiang experiences marked seasonality in rainfall, with a clear division into wet and dry periods. This is due to the region's monsoon climate, which determines weather patterns throughout the year. Understanding these features will help you better plan your trip and choose suitable clothing.

The rainy season in Lijiang usually falls during the summer months and early autumn, lasting approximately from June to September. The peak of precipitation is observed in July and August: in each of these months, an average of 9 mm of precipitation falls, and the number of rainy days reaches 28. This means that it rains very frequently during this time. June (7 mm, 21 rainy days) and September (7 mm, 26 rainy days) are also quite wet. May (3 mm, 12 rainy days) and October (4 mm, 19 rainy days) can be considered transitional months, when rainfall and rainy days increase before the rainy season or decrease after it ends.

The dry season covers late autumn, winter, and spring – approximately from November to April. During this period, rainfall is minimal. The absolute driest month is December, when on average there is no precipitation (0 mm) and there are only about 2 days with precipitation. January, February, March, April, and November are also very dry: on average, only 1 mm of precipitation falls per month, and the number of rainy days ranges from 4 to 9. If precipitation does occur during these months, it is usually very light and short-lived.

When packing your suitcase for a trip to Lijiang, it is important to consider the significant temperature fluctuations throughout the day and the changing seasons. The foundation of your wardrobe should be layered clothing. This will allow you to easily adapt to cool mornings and evenings, as well as warmer daytime hours. Regardless of the time of year, be sure to bring comfortable walking shoes, as you will be walking a lot through ancient streets and the surrounding areas. Sunscreen will also come in handy, especially on clear days, as Lijiang is located at a high altitude.

If your trip falls during the period from June to September, be prepared for the rainy season. At this time, you will need a waterproof jacket or raincoat, as well as an umbrella. Clothing made from quick-drying materials will be an advantage. Despite the rains, the summer months (June-August) are quite warm, with an average temperature of around 17°C, so light items will also be useful. However, even in summer, evenings can be cool, so a light sweater or fleece jacket will not go amiss.

For travelling to Lijiang during the drier and cooler months, especially from November to April, pack warm clothes. In winter (December-February), average temperatures hover around 4-5°C, and at night can drop below freezing, so a warm jacket, sweaters, hat, gloves, and scarf are necessary. In spring (March-May) and autumn (October-November), the weather is milder, but the layering principle remains relevant: t-shirts, long-sleeved shirts, light jackets, and jumpers will help you feel comfortable in changing temperatures.