When many places are still cold in early spring, Yunnan in April shines. With mild temps and abundant sunshine, it’s a spring haven. In Kunming, flowers bloom; in Dali, Erhai Lake has gentle breezes; Xishuangbanna offers tropical charm. Overseas tourists can plan ahead, understanding the weather traits and differences to enjoy Yunnan’s beauty easily.
Overview of Yunnan’s Weather in April: A Golden Period for Travel with Mild and Dry Weather
From the perspective of the overall climate, Yunnan’s weather in April is in the transition stage from the dry season to the rainy season, and most areas show the prominent characteristics of being warm, dry and sunny. According to meteorological statistics, the average temperature in Yunnan Province in April ranges from 12℃ to 25℃. The days are sunny with an average temperature of over 20℃, and the nights are a bit cool with an average temperature of about 12℃. Such a temperature difference is not uncomfortable; instead, it brings a comfortable experience of cool mornings and evenings and warm afternoons.
Compared with winter, the biggest advantage of Yunnan’s weather in April is the steady rise in temperature. Except for the high-altitude areas in northwestern Yunnan, most regions have fully entered the prime of spring. At this time, rainfall is relatively low, with the average precipitation in the province being only 20-50 millimeters, mostly in the form of short showers in western and southern Yunnan, which usually do not last the whole day. After the rain, the air is fresher, and you can also see the beautiful scenery of clouds and mist winding among the mountains. Abundant sunshine is another highlight of Yunnan’s weather in April. Most areas have more than 8 hours of sunshine per day, and the sunset time is generally after 19:30, which means you have more time to explore scenic spots and record the beautiful moments during your trip.
It should be noted that Yunnan’s geographical feature of “different weather every ten miles” is also prominent in the weather in April. Due to the complex terrain of the province, from river valleys hundreds of meters above sea level to plateaus thousands of meters high, the climate differences are very obvious, which is also a key point for overseas tourists to pay attention to when planning their trips. Next, we will conduct a detailed analysis of the weather characteristics of popular tourist areas to provide accurate references for your trip.
Weather Analysis of Popular Areas: Plan Your Yunnan Trip According to Your Needs
Central Yunnan Core Area (Kunming, Yuxi): Warm Sunshine in the Spring City, Blooms All Over the City
Flower Sea in Kunming City
As the transportation hub of Yunnan, Kunming’s weather in April best reflects the reputation of the City of Eternal Spring. The average temperature here ranges from 10℃ to 24℃. A thin shirt or T-shirt is enough for the daytime, and a light jacket is sufficient to keep warm at night. Kunming has very little rainfall in April with a humidity of about 59%. The dry climate makes the skin feel very comfortable, which is very suitable for outdoor activities. At this time, Kunming is in the blooming season of jacarandas. The sea of blue and purple flowers on both sides of the streets interweaves with the warm sunshine, making it a paradise for photography enthusiasts. You can take photos to your heart’s content on Jiaochang Middle Road, Hongjin Road and other places to feel the romance of spring.
The neighboring Yuxi area has similar but warmer weather to Kunming in April, with an average temperature of 12℃ to 26℃ and a slightly smaller temperature difference between day and night. The terraced fields in the Ailao Mountains here sparkle under the spring sun with a strong sense of hierarchy. The morning mist and terraced fields set off each other, forming a landscape not to be missed. Due to the strong ultraviolet rays, it is recommended to apply high-factor sunscreen in advance and wear sunglasses and a sunhat when engaging in outdoor activities.
Western Yunnan Scenic Area (Dali, Lijiang): Refreshing Breeze, Snow-capped Mountains Still There
Dali’s weather in April is also pleasant, with an average temperature of 10℃ to 23℃. The breeze around Erhai Lake carries water vapor, making the afternoon sun no longer hot. You can choose to cycle around Erhai Lake to enjoy the lake and mountain scenery in the warm sun, or climb Cangshan Mountain to feel the cool air in the mountains. Dali has slightly more rainfall than Kunming in April, with rain on about 10 days a month on average, but most are short showers. After the rain, the snow peak outline of Cangshan Mountain will appear clearly, and the scenery is particularly magnificent. It should be reminded that Cangshan Mountain has a high altitude and the temperature at the top is low. Even if it is warm at the foot of the mountain, you need to carry a windproof and warm coat when climbing the mountain.
Lijiang’s weather in April is slightly cooler than Dali’s, with an average temperature of 8℃ to 20℃. Especially in the early morning and night, the temperature may drop below 10℃, so you need to prepare a sweater or a light down jacket. The bluestone roads in the ancient city of Lijiang are particularly charming under the warm sun. You can experience the Naxi ethnic customs in the Sifang Street or visit Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. At this time, Jade Dragon Snow Mountain still has snow cover, and on clear days, the main peak of the snow-capped mountain is clearly visible, which is a good time to take panoramic photos of the snow-capped mountain. Since Lijiang is about 2400 meters above sea level, some overseas tourists may experience mild altitude sickness. It is recommended to move slowly and replenish more water.
Northwestern Yunnan Secret Land (Shangri-La): Spring Awakens, Snow-capped Mountains as Companions
Shangri-La
Shangri-La’s weather in April is in the transition stage from late winter to early spring, with an average temperature of 1℃ to 12℃. The overall climate is relatively cool, and some high-altitude areas still have residual snow. Spring comes a little late here. In mid-to-late April, the alpine meadows begin to turn green, and yak herds graze leisurely on the grasslands, presenting a vibrant scene. Although the temperature is low, Shangri-La has sunny and dry weather with abundant sunshine in April, so you won’t feel cold when activities in the sun during the day, but the temperature is low at night. It is recommended to choose hotels with heating facilities for accommodation.
For overseas tourists who like hiking, Shangri-La in April is a good choice. The Divine Waterfall Trail and Ice Lake Trail in Yubeng Village have lifted the snow blockade at this time, and mountain flowers have begun to bloom one after another. During the hike, you can not only enjoy the snow-capped mountains and glaciers but also encounter the spring sea of flowers. However, you need to keep warm during the hike, wear waterproof and non-slip hiking shoes to cope with the possible muddy sections.
Southern Yunnan Tropical Area (Xishuangbanna, Honghe): Tropical Warm Sun, Passionate as Fire
Unlike the coolness in northwestern Yunnan, Xishuangbanna in southern Yunnan has entered the warm mode of tropical climate in April, with an average temperature of 18℃ to 33℃. The maximum temperature during the day can reach above 30℃, full of tropical customs. The weather here is dry with little rain in April, with a humidity of about 52%. Although it is hot, it is not stuffy, and the early morning and evening are the best time for outdoor activities. Mid-April in Xishuangbanna coincides with the Dai Water-Splashing Festival, the most grand traditional festival of the Dai people. Tourists from all over the world will participate in the water-splashing carnival here to feel the blessing of water. It should be noted that it is recommended to carry a change of clothes when participating in water-splashing activities, and take sun protection measures to avoid prolonged exposure to the sun.
Honghe Hani and Yi Autonomous Prefecture has similar weather to Xishuangbanna in April, with an average temperature of 18℃ to 32℃. The Yuanyang Terraced Fields enter the irrigation period at this time, and the water and sunlight reflect each other, forming a stunning picture. The sunrise at Duoyishu Terraced Fields and the sunset at Laohuzui Terraced Fields here are excellent scenes for photography. The warm weather allows you to enjoy the terraced field scenery to the fullest.
Adapting to Yunnan’s Weather in April: A Complete Guide to Dressing and Protection
In view of the characteristics of Yunnan’s weather in April, reasonable dressing is the key to improving the travel experience. Due to the large temperature difference between day and night and obvious regional climate differences, the layered dressing method is the most suitable choice, which is convenient to add or remove clothes according to temperature changes at any time.
For mild areas such as central and western Yunnan, it is recommended to wear a thin T-shirt or shirt as an inner layer, a light jacket or windbreaker as an outer layer, and jeans or casual pants for the lower body. For cool areas such as Shangri-La in northwestern Yunnan, sweaters or light down jackets need to be added on the basis of layered dressing, especially when visiting high-altitude scenic spots, a windproof and warm coat is essential. For tropical areas in southern Yunnan, cool and breathable clothes are the main choice, and short sleeves, shorts and long skirts are all good options. At the same time, you can carry a thin coat to cope with the slight coolness in air-conditioned rooms or in the morning and evening.
In terms of protection, Yunnan has abundant sunshine and strong ultraviolet rays in April. No matter which area you go to, you need to prepare high-factor sunscreen (SPF50+ PA+++), sunglasses and a sunhat to avoid sunburn. The wind in western and northwestern Yunnan is relatively strong, so it is recommended to carry moisturizing skin care products to relieve skin dryness. In addition, mosquitoes in southern Yunnan have become active, so mosquito repellent or floral water is also a must-have item. Although most areas have little rainfall, it is still recommended to carry a light folding umbrella or a disposable raincoat to cope with sudden short showers.
In addition to dressing and protection, travel equipment for Yunnan’s weather in April includes: comfortable walking shoes suitable for visiting ancient cities, terraced fields and other scenic spots; portable insulated water cups to replenish water in time in the dry climate; cameras or mobile phones to record the beautiful spring scenery; and anti-altitude sickness drugs for high-altitude areas, such as Rhodiola rosea (taking it one week in advance is more effective).
Special Activities in April: Encounter Yunnan’s Customs in the Pleasant Weather
Yunnan’s weather in April is not only suitable for enjoying natural scenery but also coincides with the holding of many special folk activities, allowing you to deeply experience ethnic culture during your trip. The most representative one is the Dai Water-Splashing Festival. Every mid-April (the main activities of the 2025 Xishuangbanna Water-Splashing Festival will be held on April 13), the Dai people will hold Buddha bathing ceremonies, dragon boat races, sky lantern releases, water-splashing carnivals and other activities, conveying blessings with clear water. At this time, Xishuangbanna has warm and dry weather, which is very suitable for participating in water-splashing activities. You can immerse yourself in the joyful atmosphere with local people and other tourists on the banks of the Lancang River in Jinghong City.
In addition to the Water-Splashing Festival, there are many spring-related activities in Yunnan in April. The Jacaranda Cultural Festival in Kunming is held in mid-to-late April. Various cultural performances are held on the streets, allowing you to feel the urban charm of Kunming while enjoying the flowers. The March Street in Dali is usually held in April, which is the grandest traditional festival of the Bai people. The market is filled with characteristic handicrafts, food, as well as horse racing, song and dance performances and other activities. In the pleasant weather, you can fully experience the Bai ethnic customs.
In terms of natural landscapes, Yunnan is a sea of flowers in April. In addition to the jacarandas in Kunming, the rapeseed flowers in Luoping are near the end of their flowering period, but there are still some late-blooming flowers to enjoy; the lotus flowers in Puzhehei, Wenshan, have begun to bloom one after another, with clear lakes and overlapping green mountains, which are particularly charming under the warm sun; the alpine rhododendrons in Shangri-La begin to bloom in late April, with pink and purple flowers dotted among the snow-capped mountain meadows, forming a stunning spring picture. These landscapes are more vivid due to the mild and dry weather in Yunnan in April, adding color to your trip.
Travel Planning Suggestions: Take Advantage of the Good Weather in April to Travel Yunnan
Based on the characteristics of Yunnan’s weather in April, we have designed two classic travel routes for overseas tourists for your reference.
The first is the classic Central and Western Yunnan Route (5-7 days): Depart from Kunming to experience the beauty of jacarandas and the wonders of Stone Forest, then go to Dali to cycle around Erhai Lake and climb Cangshan Mountain, and then to Lijiang to visit the ancient city and Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. This route has a mild climate and good road conditions, suitable for tourists visiting Yunnan for the first time. During the trip, you need to note that the temperature difference between day and night in Lijiang is large, and you should keep warm and prepare for altitude sickness when climbing Jade Dragon Snow Mountain.
The second is the Southern Yunnan Tropical Customs Route (4-6 days): Fly directly to Xishuangbanna to participate in the Water-Splashing Festival carnival, visit the Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden of the Chinese Academy of Sciences and the Wild Elephant Valley, then go to Yuanyang in Honghe to enjoy the terraced field scenery, and finally fly back from Kunming. This route is mainly characterized by warm climate, suitable for tourists who like tropical customs and folk culture, and you need to focus on sun protection and mosquito repellent measures.
No matter which route you choose, it is recommended to book accommodation and transportation in advance, especially since April is the peak season of the Water-Splashing Festival, and accommodation in popular areas such as Xishuangbanna and Dali may be tight. At the same time, arrange your daily itinerary reasonably, avoid prolonged outdoor activities during the high-temperature period in the afternoon, and make full use of the cool weather in the morning and evening to explore scenic spots.
The mild and dry weather in Yunnan in April provides excellent natural conditions for your trip, and the rich natural landscapes and ethnic cultures make this journey full of charm. However, for overseas tourists, it is not easy to accurately plan the trip in the face of Yunnan’s complex geographical environment and diverse climate characteristics. At this time, choosing a professional travel agency to provide services can make your journey more relaxed and smooth.China Dragon Travel has years of experience in serving overseas tourists, is familiar with the regional differences of Yunnan’s weather in April, and can customize exclusive trips according to your needs, providing thoughtful services from accommodation booking and transportation arrangement to scenic spot explanation. Whether you want to deeply experience the joy of the Water-Splashing Festival or pursue the romance of the spring sea of flowers,China Dragon Travel can escort you, allowing you to fully enjoy this unforgettable travel time in the warm sun of Yunnan in April and leave your own plateau spring memories.
