Lijiang is great to visit all year round, especially in spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November).
Occupying an advantageous location on the low-latitude plateau—2,400 meters (7,874 feet) above sea level — Lijiang enjoys a comfortable climate neither too hot in summer nor bitterly cold in winter.
The temperature fluctuates drastically between day and night. This means you had better dress in layers and always prepare a warm coat for the morning and night. Lijiang is nestled in mountains, and the weather can change in an instant. Just as a local old saying goes, You can experience four seasons in Lijiang in a single day.
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- When Is the Best Time to Visit Lijiang?
- Average Temperature in Lijiang by Month
- Lijiang Weather in Different Seasons
- Tips for Visiting Lijiang Weather-wise
- Things to Know for Travelling in Lijiang During Peak Seasons
- What Should I Pack for Lijiang’s Weather?
- Will I Suffer Altitude Sickness in Lijiang? How to Prevent and Deal With It?
When Is the Best Time to Visit Lijiang?
Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) are the two best seasons to visit Lijiang.
Lijiang weather is relatively dry and sunny in winter, and the temperature is not too low. It feels incredibly cozy to bask in the warm sunshine while admiring the snow-capped mountains. Choose this season if you have a special love for snowy landscapes.
The rainy season in Lijiang lasts from June to September. July and August witness the most frequent and heaviest rain throughout the year, making them hardly ideal for a visit.
Please be ready on time and open your one-day Lijiang private tour with a warm pick-up by the local tour guide from the hotel lobby.
Average Temperature in Lijiang by Month
Month |
Average Temp. (°C/°F) |
Crowds |
Rainy Days |
January |
7°C/45°F |
★☆☆☆☆ |
1–4 |
February |
8.7°C/48°F |
★★☆☆☆ |
1–3 |
March |
13.6°C/52°F |
★★★☆☆ |
2–9 |
April |
15.3°C/58°F |
★★★★☆ |
2–4 |
May |
17.4°C/63°F |
★★★★☆ |
5–17 |
June |
19.1°C/67°F |
★★★☆☆ |
11–24 |
July |
19.7°C/67°F |
★★★★★ |
15–25 |
August |
19.1°C/65°F |
★★★★★ |
12–27 |
September |
17.5°C/63°F |
★★★☆☆ |
9–27 |
October |
14.5°C/58°F |
★★★★★ |
5–12 |
November |
10.3°C/51°F |
★★☆☆☆ |
1–6 |
December |
14.5°C/58°F |
★★★★★ |
5–12 |
Discover Lijiang's UNESCO-listed old town, Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, Blue Moon Valley, and Tiger Leaping Gorge before ascending to Shangri-La for Songzanlin Monastery and Pudacuo National Park.
Lijiang Weather in Different Seasons
At an altitude of approximately 2,400 meters, Lijiang features a plateau climate with an average annual temperature of around 14°C. The most significant characteristics there are the big temperature difference between day and night, strong ultraviolet rays, and distinct wet and dry seasons.
No matter in which season you visit Lijiang, it’s best to dress in layers so that you can add or remove layers as the weather changes.
Spring (March – May)
Spring is a perfect season for outdoor activities in Lijiang. The weather is exceptionally stable, making it an ideal time to watch the golden snow-capped peaks under the sun. As the temperature rises, flowers begin to bloom. The rhododendrons at the foot of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain spread across the hills, while the rape flowers create a stunning golden expanse in Lashahai Wetland.
It’s often sunny with gentle winds, so that the whole city is filled with vitality. The weather gets warm day by day, though it still feels cool in the morning and evening. During the day, the temperature hovers between 10°C and 22°C (50°F–72°F).
Long-sleeved T-shirts, light jackets, and jeans are enough. Of course, you should pack a pair of comfortable shoes. If you are concerned about the morning and evening coolness, take an extra relatively thick coat.
Things to Do:
- Learn to make flower cakes in the Old Town of Lijiang.
- Capture the thirteen peaks of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain in Heilongtan Park.
- Take in the snow mountains and blooming flowers on horseback in Lashihai Wetland.
Summer (June – August)
Many travelers would go to Lijiang in summer to escape the heat as it’s cooler than most cities in China. The cool weather turns it into a natural air-conditioner! This is also the harvest season for wild mushrooms. Do not miss them! They are so fresh and savory, especially when boiled in a hotpot. Though it’s summer, there is snow on the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, offering a breathtaking view.
Days are generally warm, with a temperature ranging from 15°C to 25°C (59°F-77°F). As for clothing, take some short-sleeved shirts and breathable pants. Be sure to take an umbrella or raincoat in case it rains. Always take sunscreen products and sunglasses. Plus, don’t forget to pack a light jacket.
Things to Do:
- Listen to the rhythm of the falling rain and rotating waterwheels at a riverside tea house in the Old Town of Lijiang. Watch the raindrops gently beat the stone-paved road.
- Participate in the Torch Festival held in late June of the lunar calendar. Walk through the fields with a torch at night and experience local folk customs.
- Follow a guide up the mountain to forage mushrooms, such as boletes, termite mushrooms, and matsutakes. Enjoy the happy surprises brought by nature.
Explore Yunnan's diverse cultures on this 7-day group tour through Dali, Lijiang, and Shangri-La, featuring Bai tie-dye, Naxi heritage, and Tibetan monasteries.
Autumn (September – November)
Autumn is undoubtedly the best season of the year to visit Lijiang. Trees in the Old Town of Lijiang turn yellow and red, against the background of snow-capped peaks and brilliant blue sky in the distance. This gorgeous scenery is quite photogenic.
The daily temperature fluctuates between 8°C and 20°C (46°F-68°F). Long-sleeved shirts, thin sweaters, and fleece are recommended. If you travel in November, please also take a windproof jacket or a light down jacket.
Things to Do:
- Experience traditional tie-dyeing at Shuhe Dyeing Workshop.
- Hike into the Tiger Leaping Gorge and marvel at the mighty power of mountains and waters.
- Catch the golden hour in October and November to witness the summit of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain dyed orange by the sun.
Winter (December – February)
In winter, the weather in Lijiang gets relatively cold, especially in the early morning and late evening. The temperature ranges from 0°C to 15°C (32°F-59°F). It feels quite warm during sunny daytime, but gets chilly once the sun sets.
Nevertheless, this season is the best time for hiking in Tiger Leaping Gorge, as the river water turns from yellow to stunning jade-green. It’s also when the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain receives the most snowfall throughout the year. The beautiful pure white snow is worth your visit.
Fewer people travel in winter, so that you can enjoy a favorable price for accommodation and entrance tickets. You’ll need to prepare warm clothing like down jackets and thick sweaters.
Things to Do:
- Look up at Jade Dragon Snow Mountain from Yuhu Village, following the footsteps of Rock, the famous adventurer who is always associated with the legend of Shangri-La.
- Head to Lashihai Wetland to welcome nearly 100,000 migratory birds.
- Take the cable car up to Jade Dragon Snow Mountain to observe up close the glaciers. Explore the kingdom of ice and snow.
Discover Yunnan's romantic landscapes from Kunming's Stone Forest to Dali's Erhai Lake, Shangri-La's Tibetan monasteries, and Lijiang's cobbled old town alleys.
Tips for Visiting Lijiang Weather-wise
It’s very likely to rain during summer. But this won’t affect your trip too much, because the rain in Lijiang often doesn’t last long. Actually, you can still expect many sunny days. If your schedule only allows for a summer holiday, we advise you to make some preparations before going:
- Take a lightweight umbrella or raincoat to ensure that your journey is not affected by the rain.
- Keep an eye on the weather forecast. Schedule outdoor activities on favorable days.
- Prepare a plan B for rainy days. The alternative options involve indoor museums, cafes, boutiques, and folk handicrafts workshops.
What’s the weather like in Lijiang in winter?
It’s dry with little rain and abundant sunshine. In winter, you’ll experience a large temperature difference between day and night. Therefore, dress in layers to adapt to the changing weather.
Ride a cable car through four seasons to Glacier Park at 4680 meters on Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, then descend to Blue Moon Valley's turquoise lakes and the ancient Baisha murals.
Things to Know for Travelling in Lijiang During Peak Seasons
- Book your hotel as early as possible. Hotels are often fully booked, particularly those around the Old Town of Lijiang. Make a reservation in advance to secure your favored hotel at the best price.
- Plan your itinerary To avoid crowds, schedule your sightseeing in the early morning or late afternoon for popular attractions like Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. It’s also best to take photos in the early morning because of the excellent lighting and fewer tourists.
- Don’t only focus on the hot attractions—less-known spots and activities are equally rewarding. If you happen to be in Lijiang during the period from July to September, don’t miss the opportunity to hunt for wild mushrooms in the mountains. Compared with the Old Town of Lijiang, Shuhe Ancient Town and Baisha Village are much quieter and less crowded, yet still preserve traditional customs of Naxi people, perfect for a leisurely stroll. Yuhu Village is also a nice option tucked away at the foot of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. It’s less disturbed by tourists and keeps the rustic charm.
- Prepare for a long wait. There might be long queues in front of popular restaurants and attractions. Try to dine during off-peak hours after 2pm or 8pm, or explore less-known but equally delightful local eateries. You’d better visit tourist attractions during lunchtime (11:30am to 1pm) for less crowds.
- Consider joining a guided tour instead. A tour guide will be very helpful. You’ll be provided with a handpicked travel itinerary. Besides, the guide’s interpretation will enrich your travel experience and enable you to understand local Naxi culture.
- Embrace the lively vibe of Lijiang. As a reputed travel destination, it’s not strange to see crowds in Lijiang, especially during the peak season. If we can slightly adjust our mindset, the trip perhaps become more enjoyable. The bustling atmosphere is also part of your experience. The noisy markets and street food stalls hide the real life of locals. They are also good elements in your photos.
What Should I Pack for Lijiang’s Weather?
- Clothing: Quick-dry T-shirts + Fleece + Windproof outerwear (Layered clothing is easy to put on and take off)
- Sun protection: SPF50+ sunscreen cream + sunglasses + wide-brimmed hat (even on cloudy days)
- Shoes: Anti-slip broken-in sneakers (new shoes may cause blisters)
- Rain gear: Lightweight waterproof jacket (works better than an umbrella)
- Moisturizing: Lip balm, lotion (it’s extremely dry in Lijiang)
Will I Suffer Altitude Sickness in Lijiang? How to Prevent and Deal With It?
You don’t need to worry about this issue in the Old Town of Lijiang, which sits at an altitude of 2,400 meters. But be cautious when ascending Jade Dragon Snow Mountain at an altitude of over 4,500 meters.
How to Prevent?
- Spend one or two days in the Old Town before heading to the snow mountain to get your body adjusted to the plateau climate.
- Avoid drinking alcohol, bathing, showering and engaging in intense exercise on the day of arrival. Take in plenty of water.
- Buy an oxygen canister in pharmacies (10-20 yuan) around the town center. It can be several times more expensive on the snow mountain.
How to Deal with Altitude Sickness?
It depends on how severe your symptoms are. If you feel a little dizzy and short of breath, stop walking and take a rest. Get some oxygen right away. If you don’t feel better or even get worse, descend the mountain immediately—this is the most effective solution. If severe headache, vomiting, or confusion occurs, rush to seek professional medical help.
I’m sure you have a good understanding of Lijiang weather after reading this article. Now that you’ve selected the right season and items to be packed, what awaits you is the excitement of setting off. If you want a more detailed plan—like checking specific dates and picking a place to stay—contact China Xian Tour and we are glad to customize your perfect trip and take care of all details for trip planning.
