For foreign tourists planning to visit Lijiang, Yunnan, weather is key for itineraries—and September Lijiang shines as an ideal destination with great climate. Neither humid-hot like summer nor cold-dry like winter, it offers mild temps, ample gentle sunlight, and refreshing breezes. Mornings are slightly cool, but temperatures rise comfortably by midday—perfect for strolling the ancient town’s stone roads or hiking for panoramic views. Evening may bring short occasional showers: brief, non-disruptive, they just wash dust and freshen air. Paired with Lijiang’s unique natural and cultural landscapes, this weather adds charm, making it a golden time to fully experience its allure.
September Weather in Lijiang: Why It Becomes the Golden Season in Travelers’ Hearts
To understand why the September weather in Lijiang, Yunnan is hailed as the golden period for travel, we first need to start with its climatic characteristics. Located in northwestern Yunnan, Lijiang has a plateau monsoon climate. The temperature difference caused by its high altitude is more prominent in September, but also more pleasant. At this time, the average temperature is stable between 15-25°C. During the day, the temperature under the sun is moderate, and a thin coat or long-sleeved T-shirt is sufficient; the temperature drops to around 15°C at night, and only a light jacket is needed to cope with the coolness. Compared with the rainy season from June to August, the precipitation in Lijiang in September decreases significantly, with monthly rainfall only about one-third of that in summer. Most of the precipitation comes in the form of short showers, which are light and last for a short time. Often, after a shower, the sky becomes bluer, and the air is filled with the fresh scent of plants and trees. Compared with the gradually cooling weather after late October, Lijiang in September retains the vitality of summer while getting rid of the humidity and stuffiness. Such climatic conditions allow foreign tourists to enjoy the journey without burden, whether participating in outdoor activities or indoor visits. Many foreign tourists who have visited Lijiang say that the weather in September is an important reason for their willingness to return again. The comfortable temperature makes every breath refreshing and enhances the appeal of every scenic spot in Lijiang.
Strolling in the Ancient Town with September Weather in Lijiang: Feel the Precipitation of Time in Coolness
Under the care of the September weather in Lijiang, Yunnan, strolling in the Lijiang Ancient Town is an extremely pleasant experience. As a world cultural heritage site, the Lijiang Ancient Town is famous for its scattered gray-brick and gray-tile buildings and meandering clear streams. The weather in September makes the charm of this ancient town more prominent. The ancient town wakes up with a light morning mist. At this time, the temperature is about 16°C, and the breeze brings the moisture of the stream and the fragrance of flowers. Walking on the stone roads in a thin long-sleeved shirt, the stones under the feet are smoother after being washed by rain, but not slippery. As the sun rises, the shops in the ancient town gradually open. The sunlight filters through the branches and leaves of the ancient trees, casting dappled light and shadow on the ground. At this time, the temperature rises to about 22°C, which is the most suitable time to sit in a teahouse in the ancient town, order a cup of local Pu’er tea, and feel the cool breeze blowing through the courtyard. Different from the crowded crowds in summer, the number of tourists in the ancient town in September is more moderate. Foreign tourists can walk through Sifang Street leisurely, enjoy the traditional Naxi dance performances by local residents, or walk into the deep alleys to explore the hidden old courtyards. There are occasional short showers in the evening. Hiding in a roadside handicraft shop to avoid the rain, watching the raindrops fall on the gray tiles and then drip into the stream, there is a unique charm. After the rain, the air in the ancient town is particularly fresh, and the temperature drops to 18°C. Strolling in it, you seem to be able to hear the whispers of time in the ancient town for thousands of years.
The beautiful ancient town of Lijiang, Yunnan
Surprises at the Foot of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain in September: The Collision of Snow Mountain Scenery and September Weather in Lijiang
When it comes to Lijiang, Jade Dragon Snow Mountain is an unmissable scenic spot, and the September weather in Lijiang, Yunnan creates excellent conditions for climbing it. Jade Dragon Snow Mountain is as high as 5,596 meters above sea level, with permanent snow on the top. However, the temperature difference between the foot and the top of the mountain is extremely large, and the weather changes drastically. The stable climate in September greatly reduces the uncertainty of climbing. At the foot of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain in September, the average temperature is about 18°C, and the vegetation is still green. Taking the cable car up from the foot of the mountain, the temperature gradually drops as the altitude increases. When reaching the viewing platform at an altitude of 4,680 meters, the temperature is about 5-8°C. At this time, a rented down jacket is just right, which will not affect movement due to bulkiness and can resist the cold wind in the mountains. More importantly, Lijiang has little precipitation in September, and the sky is clear. After reaching the top, you can clearly see the magnificent scenery of the thirteen peaks of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain stretching continuously. The white snow is more bright and dazzling against the blue sky and white clouds, and the sunlight refracts bright light on the snow mountain. Such a visual feast is unforgettable for foreign tourists for a lifetime. Compared with the blizzards in winter and the thick fog in summer, Jade Dragon Snow Mountain in September not only has a wide field of vision but also has more stable weather during the climbing process, reducing the risk of cableway closure due to bad weather. When hiking in the mountains, the cool air is inhaled into the lungs, accompanied by the fresh scent of alpine meadows, making every step full of motivation. Such an experience is inseparable from the support of the September weather in Lijiang.
Leisure Time in Shuhe Ancient Town: Slow Life with September Weather in Lijiang
If the Lijiang Ancient Town is a symbol of liveliness, then the Shuhe Ancient Town is a symbol of leisure. The September weather in Lijiang, Yunnan elevates this leisure into a rare travel experience. Shuhe Ancient Town is not far from Lijiang Ancient Town, with a relatively low level of development, retaining more original Naxi customs. The weather in September makes the pace of life here slower. The Shuhe Ancient Town is awakened by the sun in the morning. At this time, the temperature is about 17°C. The elderly of the Naxi ethnic group have already started practicing Tai Chi in the square. The willows by the stream sway with the wind, and there are scattered fallen leaves floating on the water surface. Foreign tourists can rent a bicycle and ride along the field paths around the town. The fields in September are still covered with green crops. When the breeze blows, the rice waves roll, and the warm sunlight shines on the body. There is no sweltering heat in summer nor cold wind in winter, making cycling extremely comfortable. At noon, the temperature rises to about 23°C. Walking into a Naxi farm stay in the town, ordering a local spicy pork rib hot pot, you can enjoy the food indoors while avoiding the short-term noon sun. The Shuhe Ancient Town is most comfortable in the afternoon. Sitting in the courtyard of the inn, making a pot of scented tea, watching the blue sky and white clouds drift slowly, and occasionally a breeze blows, bringing waves of coolness. In the evening, the temperature drops to 19°C. Walking along the stream in the town, listening to the gurgling sound of the stream and feeling the quiet atmosphere, this kind of slow life is a unique gift brought by the September weather in Lijiang, allowing foreign tourists to temporarily escape the hustle and bustle of the city and immerse themselves in peace and tranquility.
Outdoor Fun with September Weather in Lijiang: Horseback Riding and Boating in Lashi Lake
For foreign tourists who love outdoor activities, the September weather in Lijiang, Yunnan undoubtedly opens the door for various outdoor experiences, and Lashi Lake is an ideal place to enjoy these fun. Lashi Lake is a famous wetland park in Lijiang, with a vast lake and large meadows. The weather in September makes outdoor activities here more comfortable and safe. The average temperature of Lashi Lake in September is between 16-24°C. The sunlight is sufficient but not strong during the day, which is very suitable for horseback riding. Under the leadership of local guides, foreign tourists can ride horses through the meadows and forests. The sound of horse hooves stepping on the grass is accompanied by bird songs, and the breeze brings the fresh scent of the meadows. The moderate temperature makes the riding process not tiring at all. After horseback riding, you can also experience boating. The water of Lashi Lake is clear to the bottom, and the lake surface is as calm as a mirror in September. Rowing a boat on the lake, you can see the blue sky and white clouds when looking up, and the fish swimming freely in the lake when looking down. The surrounding area is covered with green aquatic plants, and such a picture is unforgettable. Compared with summer, Lashi Lake has less precipitation in September, and the lake surface has small winds and waves, making boating safer and more stable; compared with winter, the meadows at this time are still green and will not show a bleak scene. In the evening, enjoying the sunset by Lashi Lake, the orange-red sunset sprinkles on the lake surface, dyeing the lake golden. At this time, the temperature drops to 18°C. Wrapping a thin coat and quietly enjoying this beautiful scenery has a unique charm. The September weather in Lijiang makes the outdoor activities in Lashi Lake full of fun while maintaining comfort and safety.
Tasting Lijiang Cuisine: Seasonal Delicacies Born from September Weather
The fun of traveling lies not only in enjoying the scenery but also in tasting local cuisine. The September weather in Lijiang, Yunnan gives birth to a batch of unique seasonal delicacies, allowing foreign tourists to enjoy an ultimate taste experience. The climate in Lijiang in September is mild with moderate precipitation, which is the ripening season for many agricultural products. Fresh ingredients combined with comfortable weather make tasting food a rare experience. At this time in Lijiang, various wild mushrooms are in their peak season. Fresh wild mushrooms such as boletus, matsutake, and termite mushroom are on the market. Whether it is clear mushroom soup or stir-fried mushrooms, they are extremely delicious. In the restaurants of the ancient town, ordering a wild mushroom hot pot, as the hot pot boils, the aroma of mushrooms fills the air. At this time, the indoor temperature is about 20°C. Drinking a bowl of steaming mushroom soup, the warmth spreads from the stomach to the whole body, which is extremely comfortable. In addition to mushrooms, Lijiang also has fresh pomegranates and apples in September. The local pomegranates are large with plenty of juice and high sweetness. Eating one in the hot afternoon is refreshing and thirst-quenching; the apples are crisp, sweet and refreshing, which are the best snacks during the tour. Among the traditional cuisines of the Naxi ethnic group, the bacon in September is about to enter the air-drying period. The bacon at this time has a firm texture and a strong fragrance. Stewed with local potatoes, it has a rich taste. The comfortable September weather in Lijiang prevents foreign tourists from losing their appetite due to heat or affecting their taste experience due to cold. Every bite is full of the freshness and deliciousness of Lijiang.
Lijiang specialty dish – Cured Pork Rib Hotpot
Travel Tips for Lijiang in September: Make Your Journey Smoother with September Weather in Lijiang
After learning about the many advantages of the September weather in Lijiang, Yunnan, mastering some practical travel tips can make the journey of foreign tourists in Lijiang smoother. First of all, for clothing preparation, the temperature difference between day and night in Lijiang in September is large. You can bring thin long-sleeved T-shirts and casual pants during the day, and you need to prepare light down jackets or jackets at night to avoid catching a cold due to the large temperature difference. Secondly, for sun protection measures, Lijiang is located on a plateau with strong ultraviolet rays. Even though the weather is comfortable in September, you still need to bring high-multiplier sunscreen, sun hats and sunglasses to avoid sunburn. Regarding rain protection, Lijiang occasionally has short showers in September. It is recommended to carry a portable umbrella or waterproof jacket with you. The rain gear is small in size and will not take up too much luggage space. In terms of itinerary planning, September is one of the peak tourist seasons in Lijiang, but the number of tourists is relatively stable compared with the National Day holiday. It is recommended to book inns and tickets for popular scenic spots in advance to avoid having no place to stay or being unable to enter the scenic spots after arrival. In addition, Lijiang is located on a plateau, and some foreign tourists may experience mild altitude sickness. The weather in September is comfortable, and the body’s adaptability is relatively strong, but you still need to avoid strenuous exercise, replenish more water and maintain sufficient sleep. In terms of diet, although the mushrooms are fresh in September, they must be eaten in regular restaurants to avoid eating toxic mushrooms by mistake. Finally, the Naxi ethnic group in Lijiang has unique ethnic customs. Foreign tourists should respect the local culture during the tour and abide by the scenic spot regulations, so that this journey accompanied by the September weather in Lijiang is not only comfortable and pleasant but also full of respect and understanding.
Collect Your Unique Memories in Lijiang with September Weather
Every journey will leave unique memories, and the September weather in Lijiang, Yunnan will make these memories warmer and more beautiful. When you stroll on the stone roads of the ancient town, feeling the cool breeze and warm sunlight; when you stand on the viewing platform of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, overlooking the magnificent snow-capped mountains and the blue sky; when you ride a horse on the meadow of Lashi Lake, listening to the blend of horse hooves and bird songs; when you sit in the courtyard of the inn in Shuhe Ancient Town, quietly enjoying the floating white clouds, these moments will become more unforgettable because of the comfortable weather. Lijiang in September welcomes every foreign tourist with its most mild climate. It has no impetuousness of summer nor severe cold of winter, only the right warmth and coolness. Here, you can chat with local residents and feel the enthusiasm and simplicity of the Naxi people; you can taste fresh seasonal delicacies and let your taste buds experience different flavors; you can walk into nature and feel the visual shock brought by snow-capped mountains, lakes and meadows. Whether you are a cultural lover who loves human landscapes or a traveler who loves outdoor adventures, you can find your own fun in Lijiang in September. The memories gained in this comfortable weather will be like the sunlight in Lijiang, warming every day of yours and becoming a reason for you to visit Lijiang again. It is believed that when you leave Lijiang, you will take away not only souvenirs but also this beautiful time accompanied by the September weather.
