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Dali sits at 1,976 metres (6,480 ft) on the western shore of Erhai Lake in Yunnan, and the altitude keeps temperatures mild all year. Daytime highs run between 13°C (55°F) in January and 22.6°C (73°F) in June, while annual rainfall totals about 1,333mm, most of it falling between May and October. You will not need a heavy coat in winter or air conditioning in summer, but you will want a rain jacket in July. For an overview of the whole city, see our Dali travel guide.
Dali Weather by Month: Temperatures
Temperatures in Dali barely move compared with most Chinese cities. The coldest month is January with an average of 7.7°C (46°F), a daytime high of 13°C (55°F) and a night low of 3.3°C (38°F). The warmest month is June, averaging 18.4°C (65°F) with highs of 22.6°C (73°F) and lows of 15.2°C (59°F). Frost is rare in the old town and readings above 28°C (82°F) are uncommon even in midsummer. At 1,976 metres the air is thin and the sun feels sharp, so a 20°C day here feels hotter than the same number at sea level. Mild weather keeps outdoor sights open all year, and our things to do in Dali list leans on that.
Dali Weather by Month: Rainfall and Humidity
Dali gets 1,333mm of rain a year, but it is not spread evenly. The dry season runs from November to April, when monthly totals stay between 16mm (December) and 41mm (April). The monsoon then builds through May (103mm) to a July peak of 284mm, the wettest month, before easing to 196mm in September and 106mm in October. Humidity tracks the rain, climbing from a low of 50% in March to 86% in July. If you are choosing dates, the best time to visit Dali guide splits the year into dry and wet seasons with specific weeks.
Dali Weather by Month: Sunshine and UV
April is the sunniest month with 9.4 hours of sun a day, while September is the cloudiest at 5.2 hours. Winter days are short but mostly clear, which is why the dry season feels bright despite the cool air. At this altitude the UV index is high year-round and sunburn happens fast between 11:00 and 15:00, so bring SPF 50 even in winter. Packing also depends on where you base yourself, so cross-check the best neighborhoods in Dali and Dali travel tips and FAQ before you fly.
Dali Weather by Month: At a Glance
| Month | High °C (°F) | Low °C (°F) | Rain (mm) | Rainy days |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 13 (55) | 3.3 (38) | 27 | 4 |
| February | 15.6 (60) | 4.5 (40) | 25 | 4 |
| March | 18.8 (66) | 6.9 (44) | 35 | 5 |
| April | 21.5 (71) | 9.8 (50) | 41 | 5 |
| May | 22.6 (73) | 12.7 (55) | 103 | 9 |
| June | 22.6 (73) | 15.2 (59) | 197 | 17 |
| July | 21.6 (71) | 15.4 (60) | 284 | 21 |
| August | 21.8 (71) | 15 (59) | 274 | 20 |
| September | 20.6 (69) | 14 (57) | 196 | 18 |
| October | 18.5 (65) | 11.6 (53) | 106 | 12 |
| November | 15.5 (60) | 7.4 (45) | 29 | 4 |
| December | 13.1 (56) | 4.4 (40) | 16 | 2 |
Use the table to match a base to a season: the old town stays walkable in the dry months, while lakeside rooms feel dampest in July and August. The events and festivals in Dali calendar notes which months bring crowds, and where to stay in Dali breaks down hotels by area and season.
