Lijiang Travel Weather in April

In April, Lijiang experiences mild spring weather with significant temperature variations between day and night. The region generally enjoys sunny skies and dry conditions, with average temperatures ranging from 8°C to 20°C. Different counties show varied climates, from cooler mountainous areas like Yulong Snow Mountain to warmer zones such as Huaping County. Visitors should prepare layered clothing to adapt to these changes and strong UV exposure.

April is also a culturally rich month in Lijiang, featuring ethnic festivals such as the Naxi community’s rice planting ceremonies and the Yi People’s Flower Day Festival, which showcase traditional music, dance, and rituals. Travelers are encouraged to explore these authentic cultural experiences while respecting local customs. Proper preparation for altitude and sun protection is essential for an enjoyable trip.

Black Dragon Pool in Lijiang
Black Dragon Pool in Lijiang

Lijiang enters spring in April, featuring mild weather but notable temperature swings between day and night.

Temperature Range:

Daily average lows: ~8°C

Daily average highs: ~20°C

Historical extremes: lows down to -1°C, highs up to 29°C

Precipitation:

Average monthly rainfall: 18mm, signifying the dry season with minimal rain

Weather Conditions:

Predominantly sunny skies with strong UV exposure

Clear, fresh air quality

Day-Night Temperature Difference:

Daytime temps usually between 15-25°C

Nighttime temperatures can rapidly drop to around 10°C

Historical Lijiang Average Daily Temperatures in April

April Average High Average Low
1 18.8°C / 65.8°F 7.1°C / 44.8°F
2 18.9°C / 66°F 7.2°C / 45°F
3 19°C / 66.2°F 7.3°C / 45.1°F
4 19.1°C / 66.4°F 7.4°C / 45.3°F
5 19.2°C / 66.6°F 7.5°C / 45.5°F
6 19.3°C / 66.7°F 7.6°C / 45.7°F
7 19.4°C / 66.9°F 7.6°C / 45.7°F
8 19.5°C / 67.1°F 7.7°C / 45.9°F
9 19.6°C / 67.3°F 7.8°C / 46°F
10 19.7°C / 67.5F 7.9°C / 46.2°F
11 19.9°C / 67.8°F 8°C / 46.4°F
12 20°C / 68°F 8.1°C / 46.6°F
13 20.1°C / 68.2°F 8.2°C / 46.8°F
14 20.2°C / 68.4°F 8.2°C / 46.8°F
15 20.3°C / 68.5°F 8.3°C / 46.9°F
16 20.4°C / 68.7°F 8.4°C / 47.1°F
17 20.5°C / 68.9°F 8.5°C / 47.3°F
18 20.6°C / 69.1°F 8.6°C / 47.5°F
19 20.7°C / 69.3°F 8.7°C / 47.7°F
20 20.8°C / 69.4°F 8.8°C / 47.8°F
21 20.9°C / 69.6°F 8.8°C / 47.8°F
22 21°C / 69.8°F 8.9°C / 48°F
23 21.1°C / 70°F 9°C / 48.2°F
24 21.2°C / 70.2°F 9.1°C / 48.4°F
25 21.3°C / 70.3°F 9.2°C / 48.6°F
26 21.4°C / 70.5°F 9.3°C / 48.7°F
27 21.5°C / 70.7°F 9.3°C / 48.7°F
28 21.6°C / 70.9°F 9.4°C / 48.9°F
29 21.7°C / 71.1°F 9.5°C / 49.1°F
30 21.8°C / 71.2°F 9.6°C / 49.3°F

Climate Variations & Clothing Recommendations by County

Yulong County (including Lijiang Old Town 玉龙县,丽江古城)

Climate: Temperatures fluctuate between 6-24°C; mainly cloudy weather.

Special: Yulong Snow Mountain (玉龙雪山) area is much colder, ranging from -5°C to 10°C.

Clothing:

Day: Light cotton-linen outfits, T-shirts, thin denim jackets/pants

Night: Layered clothing such as suits, jackets, windbreakers, or light sweaters

Snow Mountain: Down jackets or softshell jackets are essential; rentals usually available locally

Additional Tips:

Purchase or bring a sun-protection shawl (~15 CNY in old town)

Wear sturdy, non-slip shoes suitable for walking on cobblestone streets

Yongsheng County (永胜县)

Climate: 7-24°C; more overcast days and occasional light rain showers.

Clothing:

Basic: Long-sleeve T-shirts, knit cardigans, and jeans

Rain preparation: 3-in-1 waterproof jackets, quick-dry pants, portable shoe covers

Accessories: Ethnic-style shawls available for 20-25 CNY to manage temperature fluctuations

Huaping County (华坪县)

Climate: Warm, ranging from 13-34°C, predominantly sunny with occasional high temperatures up to 38°C.

Clothing:

Wear breathable cotton or linen shirts, thin skirts, and light T-shirts

Bring sun protection: wide-brim hats, SPF50+ sunscreen, UV400 sunglasses

Cautions:

Avoid dark colors that absorb heat

Carry hydrating facial sprays to prevent dryness

Ninglang County (including Lugu Lake 宁蒗县,泸沽湖)

Climate: Mild, between 9-27°C, cloudy with occasional showers.

Clothing:

Windproof jackets with fleece lining, quick-dry long-sleeve T-shirts

Waterproof outerwear and hiking shoes with good grip recommended for rainy days

Photo Tip: Wear bright reds or yellows to stand out against Lugu Lake’s scenic backdrop

What to Wear for an April Lijiang Travel

If travelers would like to go outdoors in the day, they can wear light suits, T-shirts, light jeans, casual wears, and ladies can wear long dresses. But climate becomes a little cold at night, so it is necessary to bring warm clothes, such as lined dresses, wind coats, and sweaters, and add or reduce clothes according to temperature change. Wear comfortable shoes.

Ethnic Festivals and Cultural Activities in April

1. Sanduojie (三多节) – Naxi Ethnic Festival

  • Date: Not in April, held on March 7, 2025 (lunar calendar 2nd month 8th day)

  • April Activity: Possible small-scale “Rice Planting Ceremony” involving community cooperation with singing and dancing.

2. Yi People’s Flower Day Festival (花日节)

  • Date: April 10, 2025

  • Location: Around Gaofeng area (禄丰县高峰) and Yi villages in Lijiang.

  • Events: Small celebrations featuring traditional Yi ethnic song and dance performances.

3. Lisu and Pumi Ethnic Groups (傈僳族与普米族)

  • No major documented April festivals; local villages might hold informal worship or farming-related festivities.

Places to Visit in April Lijiang

  • Lugu Lake:
    Travelers can view the graceful and gentle scenery of Lugu Lake in April. It is often sunny in April. When shrouded by sunshine, the water changes color from different angles and looks crystal. Lush green leaves and peach blossom adorn the lake, and its tranquility adds a whisper of mystery.
  • Lijiang Ancient Town:
    April is generally a good time for travelling in Lijiang. At the beginning of April, Dongba Ritual, a traditional festival of the Naxi nationality. During the grand ceremony, many respected Dongba, namely the clergy of Naxi nationality, and many professors and scholars will come to exchange experiences and bless the mass.
  •  Longquan Temple,(龙泉寺)Yufeng Temple(玉峰寺)
    It t is also a good time to visit temples in Lijiang, such as Longquan Temple, Puji Temple, and Yufeng Temple. You can ramble among sprouting trees, listen to the monks chanting sutras, and make a wish under the clear sky.
  • Mu’s Residence:
    It reflects the architectural style of the central plains of China during the Ming and Qing Dynasties. Its layout is arranged according to the pattern of the Forbidden City. Decorative work, including carvings and paintings of buildings, are similar in style to those in the palace of Ming. Most of the decorations are simple but sublime showing the dignity of the ruler. Some of the buildings show the delicate characteristics of landscape gardens in south China.
  • Black Dragon Pool:
    In April, all things already come back to life. Willows swing slightly in the breeze and begin to sprout new leaves. In Jade Spring Park, the most famous park in Lijiang, travelers can enjoy the coming spring to a full degree. There are rapid streams as well as energetic springs, decorated with flowers and weed, mist and fantastic stones.
  • Ganhaizi Meadow:
    There is the famous large-scaled live-action performance Impression Lijiang, which is directed by Zhang Yimou. It is shown at Ganhaizi Meadow on Jade Dragon Snow Mountain by local people, creating an amazing visual effect and expressing the culture and emotion of the city.

Lijiang Weather and Climate by Month

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