One of China’s most captivating destinations, Yunnan is known for its vibrant ethnic cultures and breathtaking natural sceneries. Lying on a low-latitude plateau with striking elevation contrasts, Yunnan features a remarkable variety of climates ranging from tropical to temperate. The province enjoys mild weather throughout the year, with gentle seasonal changes and abundant rainfall.
Depending on the time of year you visit, you’ll experience a completely different aspect of the province — from seas of flowers and lush rice terraces to snow-capped peaks and tropical rainforests. Choosing the right time to visit can make all the difference. This guide covers the best time to visit Yunnan and highlights the top seasonal attractions, festivals and travel routes so you can plan your perfect trip.
Spring in Yunnan (March–May): The season of flowers and festivities
Spring is when Yunnan bursts into color. It’s also a time filled with cultural celebrations and traditional festivals.
Top destinations:
Kunming: Visit local parks to see vibrant peach blossoms.
Dali: Admire cherry blossoms along Cangshan Mountains and Erhai Lake.
Luoping: Marvel at vast fields of golden rapeseed flowers.
Shangri-La: Explore Qianhu Mountain for its stunning rhododendron blooms.
Cultural highlights:
Water Splashing Festival (Xishuangbanna, usually falls in mid-April, based on the lunar calendar): A joyful celebration where locals splash water on each other for blessings and good fortune.
Third Month Fair (Dali Ancient Town, usually falls between mid and late April,): A traditional Bai ethnic fair featuring trade, song and dance, offering a glimpse into authentic Bai culture.
Summer in Yunnan (June–August): Cool escapes and ethnic festivals
Most parts of Yunnan enjoy pleasantly mild summers, with average July temperatures ranging between 20 C and 24 C, making about 55 percent of the province ideal for summer retreats. In particular, regions such as Shangri-La, Deqin, Lanping, Lijiang and Ninglang offer even cooler climates, suitable for escaping the heat and enjoying refreshing mountain air.
Top destinations:
Lijiang: Wander through Lijiang Old Town and visit Laojun Mountain to see blooming lotus flowers.
Dali & Lugu Lake: Perfect for lakeside relaxation and photography.
Yunnan ethnic village, Kunming: Discover the rich cultural diversity of Yunnan’s many ethnic minorities.
Puzhehei: A summer paradise of lakes, karst hills and lotus flowers.
Cultural Highlights:
Torch Festival (Usually falls from late July to late August, Yi ethnic group): A grand three-day event with bonfires, dancing and wrestling to drive away evil spirits and pray for good harvests.
Shangri-La Horse Racing Festival (June 19, 2026, the fifth day of the fifth month of the Chinese calendar, Shangri-La) – A local celebration featuring horse racing, music and traditional Tibetan festivities.
Autumn in Yunnan (September–November): Golden landscapes and photographic heaven
Autumn is another ideal season to visit Yunnan. With crisp air, clear skies and vibrant colors, it’s a dream for photographers and nature lovers alike.
Top destinations:
Dongchuan Red Land: Famous for its patchwork of red earth and green crops.
Yuanyang Rice Terraces: Stunning layered terraces glowing with golden hues.
Shangri-La: Visit Pudacuo National Park for its golden forests and tranquil lakes.
Tengchong: See the golden ginkgo trees in Gudong town and explore volcanic hot springs.
Cultural Highlights:
Ten-Month New Year (Hani ethnic group, usually falls in November, based on the lunar calendar): Also known as the Yuanyang Terrace Festival, this 13-day event celebrates harvest and community, as lively as Chinese New Year.
Winter in Yunnan (December– next February): Snow peaks and tropical sunshine
Winter in Yunnan is mild and sunny. While northern areas like Shangri-La offer snow-covered peaks, southern regions like Xishuangbanna remain pleasantly warm and green.
Top destinations:
Xishuangbanna: Explore China’s only tropical rainforest, home to rare wildlife and exotic plants.
Yuanyang: The flooded rice terraces shimmer like mirrors in the winter mist.
Lijiang & Shangri-La: See the majestic snow scenes of Jade Dragon and Meili Snow mountains.
Tengchong: Relax in natural hot springs and volcanic landscapes.
Cultural Highlights:
Wuxi Festival (Pumi ethnic group, usually falls between mid January and early February, based on the lunar calendar): The Pumi New Year featuring dragon worship and archery events.
Kuoshi Festival (Lisu ethnic group, usually falls between late December and January, based on the lunar calendar): A joyous New Year celebration with feasts, traditional songs and prayers for good fortune.
Final tips for planning your Yunnan trip
For summer retreats: June - August
For flowers: February - April
For rice terraces: November - March
For snow & hot springs: December - February
For festivals: April (Water Splashing) & June (Torch Festival)
Whether you’re drawn by the call of ancient towns, snow mountains, or colorful ethnic celebrations, Yunnan promises a new wonder in every season. No matter when you go, you’ll find a different kind of beauty waiting for you in this land of wonder.
List of festivals in Yunnan, 2026
Wuxi Festival: around late January to middle February
Tibetan New Year: Feb 18-20
Huashan Festival: Feb 19-23
Munao Zongge Festival: March 3
Sanduo Festival: March 26
Sanyuesan Festival: April 19
Third Month Fair: May 1-7
Water Splashing Festival: April 13-15
Liuyueliu Festival: July 19
Torch Festival: Aug 6-8
Ten-Month New Year: Nov 9-21
Panwang Festival: Nov 24
Kuoshi Festival: Dec 20