In April, Yunnan experiences a big temperature difference between day and night. The daytime temperatures are generally 25-26°C, and night temperatures drop to 17-18°C. Most of the province sees rainfall close to or slightly above the usual levels for this time of year, with southern areas like Wenshan, Xishuangbanna, and Pu'er receiving 10-20% more rain than usual. Temperatures in high-altitude regions, such as Deqin and Lijiang, can be slightly warmer than average. Normally, Spring is from March to May, which is one of the best time to visit Yunnan. When you travel Yunnan in April during Spring Period, the temperature is from 8˚C - 20˚C and changes largely from day to night, so you should take sweater, light coat to keep warm.
Generally speaking, Yunnan enjoys a mild climate with pleasant weather but, due to its varied terrain, the weather is also diverse in different regions. In April, temperature ranges from 24 °C (75 °F) to 10 °C (50 °F) in Kunming, and from 8°C (46°F) to 20°C (68°F) in Lijiang, and from 18.9°C (66°F) to 34.4°C (94°F) in Xishuangbanna, and from 23°C (73°F) to 10°C (50°F) in Dali.
Take long-sleeved clothes with you, even on the hottest days. Moreover, an umbrella is useful on both sunny and rainy days.
Yunnan in April offers a perfect blend of comfortable weather with diverse landscapes, making it an ideal time for travel. Here’s an overview of the climate and weather conditions across different regions in the province.
| Region | Average Temperature (°C) | Daytime High (°C) | Night Low (°C) | Precipitation | Climate Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kunming | 10–24 | 24 | 10 | Low | Large diurnal temperature variation, strong UV |
| Qujing | 16.5 | 22–29 | 10–15 | Below average | Slightly cooler temperatures in the east |
| Yuxi | 10–24 | 24 | 10 | Low | Mild and moderate climate |
| Baoshan | 10–24 | 24 | 10 | Higher in south | Dry season with little rainfall |
| Zhaotong | 8–21 | 21 | 8 | Low | Large diurnal temperature variation |
| Lijiang | 8–20 | 20 | 8 | Low | Dry season, little rainfall |
| Pu'er | - | - | - | Higher in south | Warm and moist climate, moderate rainfall |
| Lincang | 13–27 | 27 | 13 | Above average | Warm and humid |
| Chuxiong | 13–25 | 25 | 13 | - | Mild climate |
| Honghe | 17–29 | 29 | 17 | Higher in south | Cooler temperatures in the southeast |
| Wenshan | 15–27 | 27 | 15 | 10–20% more | Slightly cooler temperatures |
| Xishuangbanna | 20–30 | 30 | 20 | Higher in south | Tropical climate, warmer and humid |
| Dali | 10–23 | 23 | 10 | - | Slightly warmer in the north |
| Dehong | 17–28 | 28 | 17 | Higher in south | Warm and moist |
| Nujiang | 17–29 | 29 | 17 | - | Slightly warmer in the north |
| Diqing | - | - | - | - | Data unavailable |
What to Wear in Yunnan in AprilGiven the variable temperatures and climates across the province, here’s what to pack for your trip:
Daytime: Light, breathable clothes such as cotton or linen shirts, long skirts, and t-shirts are ideal for daytime temperatures.
Nighttime: Bring a jacket, windbreaker, or light sweater for cooler evenings. For higher altitudes, you might need a thicker jacket or coat.
UV Protection: As UV levels are high in many areas, especially in places like Kunming and Lijiang, it’s advisable to pack sunscreen, a sunhat, and sunglasses.
Rain Protection: Some regions may experience light rain, so carry an umbrella or light raincoat.
Kunming/Dali Areas: Windbreaker + Long-sleeve T-shirt + Jeans, and a light jacket for the evenings.
Lijiang/Shangri-La: Windbreaker + Fleece Jacket + Long Pants, and don’t forget hat & gloves for higher altitudes.
Xishuangbanna/Pu'er: Short-sleeve T-shirt + Shorts/Skirt + Sandals, but a light jacket is recommended for air-conditioned places.
Yulong Snow Mountain/Meili Snow Mountain: Thick Down Jacket + Fleece Pants + Thermal Layers, and non-slip hiking shoes are essential for cold temperatures and high altitudes.
Ethnic-style shawl or scarf: A practical and aesthetic accessory for both photos and warmth.
Comfortable hiking shoes/casual shoes: Ideal for exploring the cobbled streets of ancient towns.
Quick-dry clothing: Perfect for trekking or mountaineering.
UV-protective clothing: To shield yourself from strong sunlight.
Yunnan’s April Festivals and EventsApril is a month filled with vibrant ethnic festivals in Yunnan. Here are some of the most notable celebrations:
Wenshan "March 3rd" Ethnic Festival (April 3)
One of the Zhuang ethnic group’s most significant festivals, it includes ritual ceremonies, singing, dancing, and traditional games.
Lancang Hani Gourd Festival (April 8)
Held by the Lahu ethnic group, this festival features singing, dancing, and even pig slaughtering and rice cake competitions.
Monghai Brown Ethnic "Sangkang Festival" (April 9-11)
A grand traditional New Year festival for the Brown ethnic group, celebrated with vibrant dancing and tea-related rituals.
Mango City Water Splashing Festival (April 11-13)
The Dai and De’ang ethnic groups celebrate the Water Splashing Festival with cultural performances, flower picking, and holy water ceremonies.
Dali "Three-March Street" Festival (April 12-18)
Celebrating the Bai ethnic group, this festival includes horse racing, ethnic sports competitions, and cultural performances.
Xishuangbanna Water Splashing Festival (April)
The grand Dai New Year festival, filled with water splashing, dragon boat racing, and street festivals.
Lianghe De'ang Ethnic Flower Festival (April 18-19)
Held by the De'ang ethnic group, it showcases song and dance performances and other traditional customs.
These festivals showcase the rich ethnic diversity of Yunnan, offering travelers an unforgettable cultural experience!
Useful Travel Tips for your Yunnan Travel in April
Places to Visit in April Yunnan