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Lijiang sits at 2,400 m on the Yunnan Plateau, and that elevation drives the climate more than anything else. July highs stay near 23°C instead of the 30°C-plus heat of Beijing or Shanghai, while winter afternoons hover around 13°C and nights drop below freezing. The city averages 968 mm of rain a year, and roughly 80% of it lands between June and September. Before you pack, check our best time to visit Lijiang and the Lijiang travel guide for the full picture.
Lijiang Weather by Month: The Overview
Lijiang has a highland subtropical monsoon climate with two clear seasons. The dry season runs from November to April and brings sunny days, cold nights, and strong ultraviolet radiation, so sunscreen is not optional even in January. The wet season runs from May to October and peaks in July and August, when short afternoon downpours arrive almost daily but mornings stay clear. Annual mean temperature is 13.3°C (55.9°F), and sunshine averages about 2,400 hours a year.
The table below gives the month-by-month numbers. Use them alongside our things to do in Lijiang list to plan which activities work best in which month, and read the Lijiang travel tips for altitude advice.
| Month | Avg high (°C) | Avg low (°C) | Rain (mm) | Rainy days |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 13.4 | -0.7 | 4 | 2 |
| February | 15.0 | 1.0 | 6 | 3 |
| March | 17.9 | 3.9 | 10 | 4 |
| April | 20.6 | 7.1 | 24 | 6 |
| May | 22.9 | 10.8 | 59 | 10 |
| June | 23.4 | 13.5 | 158 | 16 |
| July | 22.7 | 14.4 | 244 | 20 |
| August | 22.5 | 13.7 | 234 | 19 |
| September | 21.3 | 12.0 | 166 | 16 |
| October | 19.3 | 7.9 | 68 | 9 |
| November | 16.3 | 2.5 | 15 | 3 |
| December | 13.4 | -1.3 | 5 | 2 |
Lijiang Weather by Month: Winter (December to February)
Winters are dry and clear, with daytime highs of 13 to 15°C and overnight lows of -1 to 1°C. Frost forms on clear nights, and snow is rare in the old town but permanent on Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, which stays white all year. January is the driest month with only 4 mm of rain across two days. Pack a warm jacket for evenings, because most guesthouses in the old town have limited heating, and unheated rooms drop near freezing after dark. This is a quiet, low-price period, and the skies are often the clearest of the year for mountain views.
Lijiang Weather by Month: Spring (March to May)
Spring warms quickly, from 17.9°C highs in March to 22.9°C in May, while rain climbs from 10 mm to 59 mm. March and April are the driest comfortable months, with clear air and blossoming trees in the old town and around Black Dragon Pool. By May the afternoon showers begin, but they are short and rarely disrupt a full day. Daytime is warm enough for a t-shirt, yet nights still need a light jacket. This stretch, especially April, is the best balance of weather and manageable crowds before the summer peak, so read our where to stay in Lijiang guide early if you plan to visit then.
Lijiang Weather by Month: Summer (June to September)
Summer is the monsoon season. July and August each receive about 240 mm of rain over 19 to 20 days, but the rain usually falls as brief afternoon and evening showers rather than all-day drizzle, so mornings are often fine. Highs stay around 22 to 23°C, which is cooler than most of China because of the altitude, and lows sit near 14°C. Bring a waterproof layer and accept that some mountain days will be clouded in. Trails around Tiger Leaping Gorge can be muddy and landslides occasionally close roads, so check trail conditions locally before hiking. On the plus side, the hills are their greenest, and the Lijiang events and festivals calendar includes the Torch Festival in July or August.
Lijiang Weather by Month: Autumn (October to November)
Autumn is short, dry, and often considered the most comfortable season. October averages a 19.3°C high, 7.9°C low, and 68 mm of rain, and November drops to 16.3°C with just 15 mm. The skies clear after the monsoon, giving crisp views of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain and golden foliage in the surrounding valleys. Nights cool noticeably, so layer up. October is a strong candidate for the clearest weather of the year, and the Lijiang neighborhoods pages stay pleasant for walking between Dayan, Shuhe, and Baisha.
