For overseas tourists, Lijiang’s November weather is key for itinerary planning. It’s late – autumn, a comfy travel time. Days are sunny, 15 – 20°C, with a gentle breeze. Nights are cold, min. around 0°C. Precipitation is scarce, 13 – 43 mm monthly, mostly short showers. High visibility is great for outdoor activities and photography, ensuring a fulfilling trip.
Weather Data for Lijiang in November: Accurately Grasp Climate Traits
To perfectly cope with Lijiang’s weather in November, you first need to grasp specific meteorological data, which will directly guide your luggage packing, itinerary arrangement, and even shooting plans. Statistics from various authoritative meteorological platforms show that Lijiang’s weather in November is characterized by dryness, little rain, a large temperature difference, and plenty of sunny days. The following core data is worthy of the attention of overseas tourists:
Temperature Changes: Two Worlds Between Day and Night, Layered Dressing is Key
According to joint data from Weather Network and Easy Weather, the average maximum temperature in Lijiang in November is about 15 degrees Celsius. The temperature is relatively higher in the early part of the month, reaching 20 degrees Celsius at noon, while with the arrival of cold air in the late part of the month, the maximum temperature may drop to around 14 degrees Celsius. The fluctuation of the minimum temperature is more obvious, gradually falling from 3 degrees Celsius at the beginning of the month to 0 degrees Celsius at the end of the month, and sub-zero temperatures may even occur in mountainous areas such as the foot of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. This huge temperature difference is a typical feature of the plateau climate, which overseas tourists need to adapt to specially. The warm sunshine during the day may make people mistakenly think it is a mild spring, while the cold wind at night will quickly bring them back to the reality of late autumn.
Precipitation and Humidity: Dominated by Dryness, Occasional Showers Are Nothing to Worry About
November in Lijiang marks the early stage of the dry season, with extremely scarce precipitation. Historical data from Weather 24/7 shows that the total rainfall in Lijiang in November 2024 was only 9.4 millimeters, and the predicted data for 2025, although slightly higher, is only about 43.1 millimeters, scattered over about 9 days. Most of these precipitations are short showers or drizzle, usually occurring in the early morning or evening, lasting no more than 2 hours, and hardly affecting the whole-day itinerary arrangement. At the same time, the air humidity is maintained at around 70%. Compared with the humidity in summer, the dryness at this time makes overseas tourists from maritime climate regions feel more comfortable, but they also need to pay attention to moisturizing their skin and respiratory tract.
Wind and Visibility: Gentle Winds, Ideal for Outdoor Exploration
The average wind speed in Lijiang in November is about 6.3 to 9 kilometers per hour, mainly light winds, with only occasional gusts possible in mountainous areas. The good wind conditions, combined with the extremely low probability of precipitation, result in extremely high visibility in Lijiang at this time, with an average visibility of up to 32.7 kilometers. Climbing Jade Dragon Snow Mountain or Wangu Tower on Lion Mountain, you can clearly see snow-capped mountain peaks and pastoral villages tens of kilometers away, making it a golden period for shooting landscape masterpieces. In addition, the air quality in Lijiang in November is always at an excellent level, with PM2.5 values below 20, and the fresh air is also an important reason attracting overseas tourists.
Special Weather: Occasional First Snow, Adding Surprises to the Itinerary
According to meteorological records, Lijiang may occasionally experience the first snow in November, usually occurring on the top of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain and mountainous areas above 3,000 meters above sea level in the late part of the month, with snow accumulation rarely occurring in the urban area. The predicted data for 2025 shows that there may be about 1 day of snowfall in November, mainly concentrated in the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain Scenic Area. For many overseas tourists, enjoying the beautiful scenery of colorful forests and the first snow in late autumn is undoubtedly a big surprise in the itinerary, but they also need to pay attention to anti-slip and warmth preservation on mountain roads.
Dressing and Equipment List for the Weather: Travel Comfortably Without Burden
Based on the characteristics of warm days and cool nights, dryness and little rain in Lijiang’s November weather, the core of dressing for overseas tourists should follow the principles of layering, practicality, and easy adjustment, to avoid being too hot during the day and freezing at night. The following are dressing and equipment suggestions for different scenarios to help you easily cope with the changeable plateau weather:
Core Dressing: Layered Overlapping, Flexible Adjustment
- Inner Layer: Breathable and Sweat-Wicking as the Main Priority
Choose thin wool sweaters, down vests, or quick-drying long-sleeve T-shirts as the inner layer, which can absorb sweat during daytime activities and play a basic thermal role at night. Avoid wearing pure cotton underwear, because cotton clothes are not easy to dry after absorbing sweat and may cause colds in low-temperature environments.
- Middle Layer: Warm and Easy to Take Off
Fleece jackets, thin down jackets, or lightweight jackets are the best choices for the middle layer. When visiting the ancient city during the day, you can take off the middle layer and drape it over your shoulders; when going to Black Dragon Pool Park to enjoy the moon or attend a bonfire party in the evening, put it on in time to resist the cold wind. It is recommended to choose light or bright colors, which will have a better shooting effect against the background of snow-capped mountains and the ancient city.
- Outer Layer: Windproof and Waterproof as a Supplement
The wind in Lijiang in November is not strong, but there may be gusts in mountainous areas, so it is necessary to carry a lightweight windproof jacket. If you plan to go to Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, you can choose a down jacket with basic waterproof function to cope with possible snowfall or freezing rain. Avoid carrying heavy overcoats, which are not only inconvenient to carry but also difficult to adapt to temperature changes.
- Bottoms and Footwear: Emphasizing Both Warmth and Anti-Slip
For the lower body, it is recommended to wear long pants with thickened socks, and you can carry a pair of thermal leggings if going to high-altitude areas. For footwear, comfortable sneakers or hiking shoes are the first choice, and the soles need to have a certain anti-slip property, especially on the plank roads of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain or the wetland sections of Lashi Lake, to avoid slipping and getting injured.
Essential Accessories: Small Items Solve Big Problems
- Sun Protection Equipment: Unignorable Plateau Protection
Although the temperature in November is not high, Lijiang is located on the plateau, and the ultraviolet intensity is still astonishing. Sunglasses, sunscreen (SPF50+), and sun hats are essential items, especially in outdoor places such as Jade Dragon Snow Mountain or Lashi Lake. Long-term exposure to the sun is likely to cause skin burns or eye discomfort.
- Moisturizing Products: Coping with Dry Climate
The dry climate can cause tight skin and chapped lips, so it is recommended to carry moisturizing lotion, lip balm, hand cream, and other products. If you have respiratory sensitivity, you can carry a small humidifier or warm boiled water with you to keep the respiratory tract moist.
- Rain Gear and Emergency Items: Be Prepared for Any Eventuality
Although precipitation is scarce in November, it is still necessary to carry a lightweight folding umbrella or disposable raincoat to cope with sudden short showers. In addition, you can prepare a small amount of cold medicine, gastrointestinal medicine, altitude sickness medicine (such as Rhodiola rosea), and portable warmers, which can be used at any time at night or in high-altitude areas.
- Shooting Equipment: Capturing the Beautiful Scenery Under a Clear Sky
Lijiang in November has a blue sky and white clouds, with picturesque scenery. It is recommended to carry shooting equipment such as a camera, power bank, and tripod. If you plan to shoot the starry sky, you can carry a wide-angle lens and a flashlight. Lijiang has little light pollution at night, making it an excellent time to shoot the Milky Way.
Recommended Foods in Lijiang in November: Warm the Body and Stomach for Cool Nights
With the cooling of Lijiang’s weather in November, the local food also features warming the body and stomach. Traditional Naxi cuisine is mainly stewed dishes and hot pots, which can not only resist the cold wind at night but also allow overseas tourists to experience the unique ethnic food culture. Here are several must-eat foods in November that you shouldn’t miss:
- Naxi Cured Rib Hot Pot
This is one of the most representative foods in Lijiang. Local specialty cured ribs are stewed with radish, potato, and other vegetables. The soup is rich and delicious, and the ribs are firm and tender. On a cool night, sitting around the hot pot and drinking a bowl of hot soup can drive away the chill in an instant. It is recommended to go to Xiangshan Market outside the ancient city, where the cured rib hot pot is authentic and affordable, and can be paired with local sour plum soup to cut the greasiness.
- Black Goat Hot Pot
Black goats are a specialty of the Lijiang plateau, with tender and not tough meat, rich in protein. November is the perfect time to eat black goat hot pot. The restaurant cuts the mutton into thin slices, which can be eaten after blanching in the boiling soup base for a moment, paired with a special chili dip, with a unique flavor. It is recommended to choose a regular restaurant to ensure the freshness and hygiene of the ingredients.
- Naxi Baba
As a traditional local breakfast, Naxi Baba has both sweet and salty flavors, with a crispy outer skin and rich filling. On a November morning, buy a freshly baked Naxi Baba and pair it with a cup of hot buttered tea, which can not only fill your stomach but also resist the morning cold. Many breakfast stalls in the ancient city sell it, which is very convenient to buy and eat on the go.
- Wild Mushroom Stewed Chicken
Although November is past the peak season for wild mushrooms, fresh mushrooms are still available locally in Lijiang. Stewing wild mushrooms with local free-range chickens results in a delicious and nutritious soup, which is a good product for warming the body and tonifying qi. Overseas tourists need to ensure that the mushrooms are thoroughly cooked when eating to avoid food poisoning.
Travel Notes for Lijiang in November: Play Safely and Worry-Free
In addition to paying attention to the weather, dressing, and food in Lijiang in November, overseas tourists also need to understand the local travel notes to ensure a safe and smooth trip. Here are several important reminders:
- Coping with Altitude Sickness
Lijiang has an average altitude of about 2,400 meters, and some overseas tourists may experience mild altitude sickness, such as dizziness, fatigue, and insomnia. After arriving in Lijiang, avoid strenuous exercise, drink plenty of water, and ensure adequate sleep. If severe discomfort occurs, you can go to the hospital in time or buy altitude sickness medicine such as Gaoyuan’an at local pharmacies to relieve symptoms. The weather is dry in November, so it is even more important to replenish water to prevent altitude sickness from worsening.
- Time Difference and Communication
Lijiang follows Beijing time, which has a time difference with many overseas countries. It is recommended to adjust the mobile phone time in time after arrival to avoid delaying the itinerary. Wi-Fi coverage in the ancient city and major scenic spots is relatively complete, and overseas tourists can buy local mobile phone cards for convenient calls and navigation. In mountainous areas such as Jade Dragon Snow Mountain and Lashi Lake, the signal may be weak, so it is recommended to download offline maps in advance.
- Cultural Respect and Custom Understanding
Lijiang is a multi-ethnic settlement, mainly inhabited by ethnic minorities such as the Naxi, Tibetan, and Yi people. When visiting local villages or temples, overseas tourists should respect local customs and habits, such as taking off hats and sunglasses when entering temples, not touching the heads of ethnic minority compatriots at will, and asking for permission before taking photos of local residents.
- Itinerary Planning and Booking
Although November is not the peak tourist season in Lijiang, tickets for the cableway of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain on weekends and at the end of the month may still be in short supply, so it is recommended to book online in advance. In addition, the length of day and night in Lijiang changes significantly in November, with daytime gradually shortening. It is recommended to arrange outdoor activities during the day and avoid going to remote areas alone at night.
- Currency and Payment
Most merchants in Lijiang support mobile payment, such as Alipay and WeChat Pay, but some small stalls or remote areas still require cash. Overseas tourists can exchange RMB at the airport or bank and carry a small amount of cash for backup. When shopping, pay attention to asking the price to avoid unnecessary disputes.
The beautiful scenery of Lijiang
With its dry and little rain, abundant warm sunshine, and suitable temperature difference, Lijiang’s weather in November is an ideal time for overseas tourists to visit. At this time, Lijiang has both the literary tranquility of the ancient city and the grandeur of the snow-capped mountains; both the peaceful vastness of the wetland and the gorgeous colors of autumn leaves. Whether you like cultural exploration or natural sightseeing, you can find your own wonderful experience here. To make full use of this perfect weather and plan an itinerary that meets the needs of overseas tourists, choosing a professional travel agency is crucial. China Dragon Travel has been deeply engaged in Lijiang tourism for many years. According to the weather characteristics in November, it has tailor-made a number of characteristic itineraries for overseas tourists, including not only classic scenic spots such as Jade Dragon Snow Mountain and Lijiang Ancient City but also one-stop services such as multilingual tour guides, ticket booking, and transportation pick-up and drop-off. You don’t have to worry about itinerary adjustments caused by weather changes, and you can focus on enjoying the beauty of late autumn in Lijiang. From the moment you arrive in Lijiang, China Dragon Travel will accompany you throughout, making your trip comfortable, safe, and unforgettable.
