Jade Dragon Snow Mountain Weather and Climate in January

January on Jade Dragon Snow Mountain（玉龙雪山） sees cold, dry weather with clear skies most days. Daytime highs average 15 °C, nights dip to 8 °C at the mountain base (and closer to 0 °C in nearby Lijiang city), with very little precipitation (≈2 mm in Lijiang, ≈4 snow days on the mountain) and strong UV radiation when sunny. Layering is essential, and highlights include the “Golden Mountain” sunrise, Ice and Snow World, and cultural performances with snow‑capped peaks as backdrop.

Daily Average Weather Table (January)

Date High (°C) Low (°C) Precip. Chance Conditions
January 1 15 8 13 % Sunny
January 2 15 8 13 % Sunny
January 3 15 8 13 % Sunny
January 4 15 8 13 % Sunny to partly cloudy
January 5 15 8 13 % Partly cloudy
January 6 15 8 13 % Light snow
January 7 15 8 13 % Sunny
January 8 15 8 13 % Sunny
January 9 15 8 13 % Sunny
January 10 15 8 13 % Partly cloudy
January 11 15 8 13 % Sunny
January 12 15 8 13 % Sunny
January 13 15 8 13 % Sunny
January 14 15 8 13 % Sunny
January 15 15 8 13 % Partly cloudy
January 16 15 8 13 % Sunny
January 17 15 8 13 % Sunny
January 18 15 8 13 % Light snow
January 19 15 8 13 % Sunny
January 20 15 8 13 % Sunny
January 21 15 8 13 % Partly cloudy
January 22 15 8 13 % Sunny
January 23 15 8 13 % Sunny
January 24 15 8 13 % Sunny
January 25 15 8 13 % Sunny
January 26 15 8 13 % Partly cloudy
January 27 15 8 13 % Sunny
January 28 15 8 13 % Sunny
January 29 15 8 13 % Sunny
January 30 15 8 13 % Sunny
January 31 15 8 13 % Sunny

Notes:

Mountain base averages from WorldWeatherOnline: daytime 15 °C, nighttime 8 °C, ~4 snow/rain days (≈13 % chance).

Lijiang city averages (nearby reference) see lows down to 0 °C, highs 14 °C, total precipitation ≈2 mm over 2 days.

Yak Meadow Chairlift of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, Lijiang

Temperature, Precipitation & Climate Overview

Average Temperatures

Mountain Base: Daily highs around 15 °C, lows around 8 °C in January.

Nearby Lijiang City: Highs near 14 °C, lows near 0 °C.

Precipitation & Humidity

Mountain Base: Approximately 4 days with light snow or rain (≈13 % daily chance), total precipitation ≈6 mm for January.

Lijiang City: Only 2 mm of rainfall, about 2 precipitation days .

Climate Characteristics

Jade Dragon Snow Mountain (玉龙雪山), at elevations above 4,500 m, has an alpine climate. January is one of the driest months, with clear skies prevailing, strong UV radiation on sunny days, and cold nights that can drop below freezing, especially at higher altitudes. Visibility is excellent for photography .

Simple Climate Chart

Month Avg. High Avg. Low Avg. Precip.
January 15 °C 8 °C 6 mm

Representative 15‑Day Simulated Forecast (Early January)

Dates Conditions High (°C) Low (°C)
Jan 1–5 Sunny ~15 ~8
Jan 6–7 Light snow ~13 ~6
Jan 8–10 Sunny ~15 ~8
Jan 11–13 Partly cloudy ~14 ~7
Jan 14–15 Sunny ~15 ~8

Tip: Based on historical patterns; consult an official rolling forecast before departure.

What to Wear in January

Outer Layer: Insulated down jacket or heavy parka with windproof shell.

Middle Layer: Fleece jacket or wool sweater for adjustable warmth.

Base Layer: Thermal underwear with moisture‑wicking fabric.

Pants: Fleece‑lined or softshell pants; consider base‑layer leggings on very cold days.

Footwear: Waterproof hiking boots, slip‑resistant, with thick wool socks (pack extras).

Accessories: Sunglasses with UV protection, snow goggles, gloves, wool hat, scarf, and broad‑spectrum sunscreen.

Extras: Lip balm, hand cream, quick‑dry towel, insulated water bottle.

Packing Checklist

Backpack: 30–40 L hiking pack

Clothing: 1 down jacket, 2 fleeces, 2 thermal base sets, 1 pair of softshell pants, 1 pair of base leggings

Footwear: Sturdy hiking boots, 3–4 pairs of thick socks, optional gaiters

Accessories: Sunglasses, snow goggles, gloves, hat, scarf

Skincare: Sunscreen (SPF 30+), lip balm, hand cream

Gear: Trekking poles (optional), insulated water bottle, power bank, headlamp

Medications: First‑aid kit, cold medicine, altitude sickness treatment (e.g., Rhodiola), personal prescriptions

January Highlights

Sunrise “Golden Mountain”: Catch the first light on snow‑clad peaks by taking the cable car up to Glacier Park early.

Ice and Snow World: Explore seasonal ice sculptures and snowy landscapes near the summit.

Impression Lijiang (印象丽江): Attend the Zhang Yimou–directed outdoor performance under starlit skies with snow mountain backdrop.

Buffalo Pasture Ecology Area: Hike gentle trails among frost‑kissed rhododendrons and panoramic vistas when weather permits.

Traveler Tips:

Book cable car tickets and time slots in advance.

Acclimatize slowly: rest frequently, stay hydrated.

Reapply sunscreen regularly; UV is strong even in winter.

Enjoy your unforgettable January journey to Jade Dragon Snow Mountain (玉龙雪山)!