In December, Lijiang sheds the hustle and bustle of the peak season and hides a unique winter tranquility and romance. The weather at this time is mainly sunny, dry and less rainy, with large temperature differences but overall comfortable, making it an ideal time to experience Lijiang’s winter charm. For tourists planning to visit, mastering detailed information about Lijiang, Yunnan weather in December can make itinerary planning more relaxed, whether strolling through the ancient town or climbing Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, allowing them to better enjoy the journey. Next, this article will comprehensively analyze the content related to Lijiang, Yunnan weather in December and travel from aspects such as climate data, dressing suggestions, scenic spot weather and itinerary planning.
An Insight into Core Climate Data of Lijiang, Yunnan in December
To deeply understand Lijiang, Yunnan weather in December, it is first necessary to grasp its core climate data. Lijiang has a low-latitude plateau monsoon climate and is in the dry season in December, controlled by high pressure. The weather is generally stable with a high proportion of sunny days, which is a major advantage for traveling during this period. The key data of Lijiang, Yunnan weather in December are presented in detail below for tourists to check quickly.
- Average Maximum Temperature: 12℃-15℃. Going out at noon is relatively comfortable, and you can appropriately reduce your clothes.
- Average Minimum Temperature: -2℃-3℃. Nights and early mornings are cold, so you need to bring a thick coat or down jacket.
- Average Precipitation: 5mm-10mm. It is dry and less rainy, with almost no large-scale rainfall, so there is no need to carry heavy rain gear.
- Average Humidity: 40%-60%. The air is dry, so it is recommended to bring moisturizing products and lip balm.
- Average Wind Force: Level 2-3. The wind force is relatively small, which has little impact on travel, but the wind force in mountainous areas is slightly stronger, so attention is needed.
- Number of Sunny Days: 20-25 days/month. The light is sufficient, suitable for outdoor sightseeing, and sun protection measures need to be taken.
Important Reminder: The day and night temperature difference in Lijiang in December can reach more than 10℃. Tourists need to follow the principle of multi-layer dressing to facilitate adding or removing clothes at any time and avoid catching cold which may affect the itinerary.
Qingxi Reservoir, Lijiang
Dressing Guide for Lijiang, Yunnan Weather in December
Based on the characteristics of Lijiang, Yunnan weather in December, which is dry, has large temperature differences and is mainly sunny, the core of dressing is to keep warm and flexible, while considering the matching degree of taking photos and the scenic spot environment. Detailed dressing suggestions are given below from different scenarios to help tourists cope with weather changes and take beautiful photos.
Daily Dressing for Ancient Town Tour
- Core Dressing Principle: The streets in Lijiang Ancient Town are narrow and mostly paved with slate, requiring a lot of walking. Dressing should prioritize comfort and take into account the beauty of taking photos.
- Upper Body Matching: Wear a thin sweater or sweatshirt inside, and a down jacket or thick jacket outside. It is recommended to choose a lightweight down jacket for easy carrying and adding/removing.
- Lower Body Matching: Match with fleece-lined casual pants or jeans, and thick socks to ensure warm legs and free movement.
- Footwear: Choose comfortable sports shoes or short boots, and avoid high heels to prevent inconvenience when walking on slate roads.
- Flexible Adjustment and Photography Tips: When the temperature rises at noon, you can take off the coat. The inner wear is recommended to be light-colored or ethnic style, which matches the blue bricks and gray tiles of the ancient town, resulting in better photography effects.
Dressing for Jade Dragon Snow Mountain Scenic Spot
- Climate Characteristics: Jade Dragon Snow Mountain is at a high altitude, and the temperature in December is lower than that in the urban area, with an average temperature of -5℃-5℃ and strong wind force. Dressing needs to emphasize keeping warm and windproof.
- Upper Body Matching: Wear thermal underwear inside, a thick sweater or fleece jacket in the middle, and a windproof and waterproof thick down jacket or ski suit outside.
- Lower Body Matching: Match with fleece-lined hiking pants, and you can wear thermal pants if necessary to enhance the warmth effect.
- Footwear: Choose high-top fleece-lined snow boots to ensure warm feet and adapt to the walking environment in mountainous areas.
- Essential Accessories: Prepare a scarf, gloves and hat, preferably windproof materials, to avoid freezing of the head and neck.
- Sun Protection: The light on the snow-capped mountains is strong, so it is necessary to bring sunglasses and sunscreen to protect the eyes and skin from ultraviolet rays.
General Dressing Supplies for Surrounding Scenic Spots
- Moisturizing and Skin Care Products: Based on the dry weather in Lijiang, Yunnan in December, it is necessary to bring moisturizer, lip balm and hand cream to avoid dry and uncomfortable skin.
- Sun Protection Products: The light is sufficient on sunny days, so sunscreen is a must. It is recommended to choose sunscreen with SPF50+ and PA+++ or above to effectively resist strong ultraviolet rays.
- Multi-functional Accessories: You can carry a thin scarf, which can be used as a decoration when the temperature is high at noon and for keeping warm when the temperature drops in the evening, combining practicality and decorativeness.
Adapting to Lijiang Yunnan December Weather: Popular Scenic Spots Travel Guide
December is the off-season for tourism in Lijiang, with relatively few tourists. Coupled with the sunny weather in Lijiang, Yunnan in December, it is suitable for visiting various scenic spots. Due to differences in geographical location and altitude, the weather conditions of different scenic spots are slightly different, and the travel experience also has its own characteristics. The December weather characteristics and travel suggestions of major scenic spots are detailed below to help tourists plan their itineraries reasonably.
Lijiang Ancient Town
Weather Characteristics: Basically consistent with the urban weather, dry and sunny, with large temperature differences and cold nights.
Travel Suggestions: You can enter the ancient town after 10 am, when the temperature gradually rises and the travel comfort is high; in the afternoon, you can rest in a teahouse in the ancient town to feel the winter tranquility; in the evening, enjoy the sunset of the ancient town. After the lights are on at night, the ancient town is more charming, but you need to pay attention to adding clothes.
In addition, there may be a small number of Christmas decorations in the ancient town in December, adding a festive atmosphere, which is suitable for taking photos and checking in.
Jade Dragon Snow Mountain
Weather Characteristics: High altitude, low temperature, strong wind force, many sunny days and high visibility, making it an excellent time to enjoy the panoramic view of the snow-capped mountains.
Travel Suggestions: It is recommended to set off early to avoid the peak flow of people at noon. At the same time, the temperature is low in the morning, the snow on the snow-capped mountains is thicker, and the scenery is better; before climbing the mountain, you need to take warm and windproof measures and can carry a small amount of hot drinks; due to the high altitude, some tourists may experience altitude sickness. It is recommended to prepare anti-altitude sickness medicine in advance, avoid strenuous exercise when climbing the mountain, walk slowly, and carry energy foods such as chocolate to supplement physical strength.
Blue Moon Valley
Weather Characteristics: Adjacent to Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, the temperature is close to that of the snow-capped mountains, dry and less rainy. When it is sunny, the color of the lake water is clearer and brighter.
Travel Suggestions: You can visit Blue Moon Valley on the way after visiting the snow-capped mountains. It is recommended to choose between 10 am and 2 pm, when the light is sufficient, the lake water presents a bright blue color, and the photography effect is excellent; the dressing can be consistent with that for the snow-capped mountains to avoid freezing; there are plank roads in the scenic spot, so pay attention to safety when walking to avoid slipping.
Blue Moon Valley in winter
Lashi Lake Wetland Park
Weather Characteristics: The temperature is slightly lower than that in the urban area, the wind force is slightly stronger, dry and less rainy, and the field of vision is wide on sunny days.
Travel Suggestions: A large number of migratory birds inhabit Lashi Lake in December, making it an excellent time for bird watching; it is recommended to visit in the morning, when migratory birds are active frequently and the temperature is relatively comfortable; dressing needs to pay attention to windproof and warm, and you can carry a telescope to facilitate bird watching; when visiting, you need to abide by the scenic spot regulations, do not disturb the migratory birds, and protect the ecological environment.
Following Lijiang Yunnan December Weather: 3-5 Days Comfortable Itinerary Planning
Combined with the characteristics of Lijiang, Yunnan weather in December, which is sunny, dry and less rainy, and suitable for outdoor sightseeing, when planning the itinerary, priority can be given to outdoor scenic spots. At the same time, the temperature difference factor should be considered to reasonably arrange the travel time to avoid freezing when going out early and returning late. The following are 3-5 days itinerary planning suggestions, covering major scenic spots, balancing leisure and experience, suitable for tourists with different time availability.
3-Day Essence Itinerary
- Day 1: Lijiang Ancient Town Tour– Enter the ancient town after 10 am, visit scenic spots such as Sifang Street, Mu Palace and Wufeng Tower; have lunch in the ancient town to taste local characteristic food; rest in a teahouse in the ancient town in the afternoon to feel the winter tranquility; enjoy the sunset of the ancient town in the evening and experience the night view of the ancient town at night.
- Day 2: One-Day Tour of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain – Blue Moon Valley– Set off at around 7 am, go to Jade Dragon Snow Mountain to take the cable car to climb the mountain, enjoy the snow-capped mountain scenery and take photos; have lunch near the snow-capped mountain; visit Blue Moon Valley in the afternoon to feel the clear and bright lake water; return to the urban area in the evening to rest and adjust.
- Day 3: Lashi Lake Wetland Park – Shuhe Ancient Town– Go to Lashi Lake in the morning for bird watching, horse riding and other activities; have lunch near Lashi Lake to taste farm food; go to Shuhe Ancient Town for a leisurely tour in the afternoon to feel the quieter ancient town style; return to the urban area in the evening.
5-Day In-Depth Itinerary
- Itinerary Basis: On the basis of the 3-day essence itinerary, add two more days to in-depth experience the cultural and natural landscapes around Lijiang.
- Day 4: Baisha Ancient Town – Yuhu Village– Go to Baisha Ancient Town in the morning to visit the original ancient town with a large number of ancient buildings and Baisha Murals; have lunch in Baisha Ancient Town; go to Yuhu Village, a Naxi ancient village adjacent to Jade Dragon Snow Mountain in the afternoon to experience Naxi customs; return to the urban area in the evening.
- Day 5: Leisure Adjustment – Shopping for Souvenirs– Rest in the urban area in the morning to feel the local slow life; have lunch to taste local characteristic food; go to the shopping street near Lijiang Ancient Town in the afternoon to buy local specialties such as Pu’er tea and Naxi silver ornaments; end the trip at night.
Tips for Coping with Lijiang, Yunnan Weather in December
Mastering some tips for coping with Lijiang, Yunnan weather in December can make the journey smoother. The following are several common precautions to help tourists avoid pitfalls and better enjoy the trip.
- Dryness Prevention and Care: The air in Lijiang in December is dry, and many tourists will experience dry skin, chapped lips and other conditions. It is recommended to prepare moisturizer, lip balm and hand cream in advance, and drink plenty of warm water to replenish moisture. Avoid excessive drinking and eating spicy food to avoid aggravating body dryness.
- Sun Protection Cannot Be Ignored: Although December is winter, Lijiang is at a high altitude with thin air and strong ultraviolet rays, especially in scenic spots such as Jade Dragon Snow Mountain where the ultraviolet radiation is stronger. It is recommended to carry sunscreen with SPF50+ and PA+++ or above, apply it every 2-3 hours, and wear sunglasses and a hat at the same time to protect the eyes and skin.
- Coping with Altitude Sickness: Scenic spots such as Jade Dragon Snow Mountain are at a high altitude, and the temperature is low in December, so the body load is relatively large, and altitude sickness is likely to occur. It is recommended that tourists take anti-altitude sickness medicine one week in advance, avoid strenuous exercise when climbing the mountain, walk slowly, carry energy foods such as chocolate to supplement physical strength. If severe symptoms such as headache and chest tightness occur, it is necessary to go down the mountain to rest in time and seek medical treatment.
- Coping with Weather Changes: Although the weather in Lijiang in December is mainly sunny, there may occasionally be cloudy days or light rain. It is recommended to carry a lightweight umbrella or disposable raincoat with you in case of need. In addition, the weather in mountainous areas changes quickly. When going to scenic spots such as Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, you can check the weather forecast of the scenic spot in advance to reasonably arrange the visiting time.
- Traffic and Travel Notes: Some mountainous areas in Lijiang may have icing in December, and the roads to surrounding scenic spots may be relatively slippery. If you choose self-driving, it is recommended to replace with anti-skid tires, control the speed and drive carefully; if you choose public transportation, it is recommended to check the schedule in advance to avoid delays or cancellations due to weather reasons.
Pleasant Weather in Lijiang in December: A Great Time for Off-Season Travel
In a word, Lijiang, Yunnan weather in December is mainly characterized by sunny, dry and large temperature differences. Such climate conditions are not only suitable for outdoor sightseeing, but also allow tourists to avoid the peak season crowds and enjoy a quieter travel experience. As long as you grasp the weather rules, take good measures such as keeping warm, preventing dryness and sun protection, and plan the itinerary reasonably, you can fully feel the unique charm of Lijiang in winter. Whether it is the leisure of strolling through the ancient town, the shock of climbing the snow-capped mountains, the clarity of encountering Blue Moon Valley, or the bird watching at Lashi Lake, Lijiang in December can bring you a different travel experience. If you yearn for a quiet and romantic winter trip, Lijiang is definitely a choice not to be missed.
