Yunnan Travel Weather and Climate in April

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.

The Temperatures in April Yunnan

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.

What to Wear for an April Yunnan Travel

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.

Detailed Climate Data by Region

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 April

Given the variable temperatures and climates across the province, here’s what to pack for your trip:

General Packing Recommendations

  • 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.

Regional Recommendations

  • 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.

Useful Accessories

  • 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 Events

April 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

  • The sunshine in Yunnan is too strong during the day that you’d better take your sunscreen and sunglasses.
  • You should drink more water, eat more fruit, and prevent dehydration.
  • Yunnan is a province with more minority nationalities. Please respect the living habits and customs of the minority nationalities.
  • Get ready for your Visa, and do remember your passport.
  • Prepare for your SIM card to make sure the internet use in China.
  • Take some medicine with you for emergency use, especially if you are easy to get altitude sickness.
  • Bring sunscreen, sunglasses and hats for the strong ultraviolet ray on the plateau.
  • Don’t forget your umbrella and rain gear during the rainy seasons.
  • Pack suitable clothes, windproof jacket and thick coat are suggested, outdoor clothing will be good.

Places to Visit in April Yunnan

  • Kunming as the spring city can be top destination to go and visit the Stone Forest and join the local folk by visiting the Green Lake and experience the leisure life.During Spring, the white buckwheat flowers and potato flowers covering the whole Dongchuan Red Land change this area into red, white and green, which is amazing under the blue sky. Also, Dali Ancient Town shows fantastic look in Spring with refreshing vigorous sightseeing, azure sky, soft clouds, multiple flowers, warm orange sunshine…, so you will surely feel life is really wonderful.
  •  Jade Dragon Snow Mountain
    The best time to visit Jade Dragon Snow Mountain is during autumn and winter, especially in January, February and April, when the sky is clear and you can have a better view of the snow mountain the beautiful natural scenery.
  • April is a golden period for traveling in Yunnan as the temperature is comfortable and it is not yet the rainy season. The sceneries of Kunming, Lijiang, and Shangri-La are beautiful. It is also the best time to hike Tiger Leaping Gorge. However, although it is not the busiest time, pre-booking is still required.
  • March to April is also the best time to experience the festivals and ceremonies hosted by the Bai minority people in Dali. In spring, it is also a great place for admiring flowers and taking outings in the countryside.
  • Xishuangbanna is famous for its magnificent tropical rainforest scenery and traditional Dai minority customs. Go to the Chunhuan Park, Wild Elephant Valley Forests Park and Jinghong Primitive Forest Park to start your adventure in Xishuangbanna. You can take part in the Water-splashing Festival of Dai Ethnic Group during April.

Yunnan Weather and Climate by Month

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