Fall in Lijiang brings a welcome break from the rainy summer. You’ll notice cooler air, clearer skies, and drier conditions settling in.
Daytime highs drop from the upper 80s °F in early September to the mid-70s °F by late November. Nights cool from the mid-70s °F down to the upper 50s °F. That’s a pretty comfortable balance, making it easy to get outside and explore.
As autumn moves along, the heavy summer rains fade out quickly. You’ll still get showers early in the season, but by late fall, rain barely shows up. Skies brighten too, shifting from mostly cloudy in September to mostly clear by November, so you get more sunshine and those mountain views really pop.
Shorter days and cool evenings show off a different side of Lijiang’s climate. You’ll run into less muggy air, steadier breezes, and a calmer landscape. It’s honestly a great time to see the city and its surroundings.
Overview of Lijiang’s Climate
Lijiang sits in northwestern Yunnan and has a mild climate, thanks to its subtropical highland location. The city’s elevation, rainfall, and seasonal temperature swings make it stand out from other parts of China.
Subtropical Highland Climate Characteristics
Lijiang falls under the subtropical highland climate (Cwb in the Köppen system). Here, you get mild temperatures all year and clear wet and dry seasons.
Summers don’t get scorching, but they’re wetter and cloudier than you might expect. Most of the rain falls from late spring to summer, and June usually brings the heaviest downpours.
Winters turn much drier and cooler, though not harsh. You might see a bit of snow, but it doesn’t last long.
Average annual precipitation lands around 1,500 mm (60 inches), with most of it falling from February through August. The yearly mean temperature stays close to 12–14°C (54–57°F), so things stay moderate even as the seasons change.
Elevation and Its Impact on Weather
Lijiang sits at about 2,400 meters (7,874 feet) above sea level, and that altitude really shapes the weather. You’ll feel cooler temps than in other Yunnan cities, even during the hottest days.
The mountain air brings bigger swings between day and night. Mornings and evenings feel chilly, but afternoons are comfortable. Layering up is a smart move if you’re heading outside.
High elevation keeps humidity lower than in tropical lowlands, even during rainy months. The mix of altitude and mountain terrain stops summers from getting too hot, though you might still deal with rain that blocks views or slows travel.
Seasonal Variations in Lijiang
You’ll notice the seasons in Lijiang, but they don’t get extreme. Spring (March–May) warms up and gets wetter. Summer (June–August) brings the most rain, with average highs around 29–33°C (84–91°F) and plenty of clouds.
Autumn (September–November) is honestly one of the best times to visit. Days feel mild, skies clear up, and rain tapers off. Temperatures average 15–20°C (59–68°F), which is perfect for getting outdoors.
Winter (December–February) is the driest stretch. Highs hover around 10–15°C (50–59°F), and nighttime lows can get close to freezing. Snow might show up in January, but it’s rare. Even though it gets cold, you’ll see more sunshine and crisp, bright days.
Typical Fall Temperatures in Lijiang
Fall in Lijiang brings a steady cooling trend. Days stay warm, not hot, and nights get cooler, so there’s a real difference between early and late fall.
Average High and Low Temperatures
In September, daily highs reach around 30°C (87°F), and lows stick close to 24°C (75°F). By November, highs drop to about 24°C (76°F) and lows settle near 15°C (59°F).
This steady drop makes fall one of the most comfortable times to be outside in Lijiang. Nights feel cool, not cold, and days are mild enough for walking or exploring the old town.
You probably won’t see temps below 12°C (54°F) or above 33°C (91°F) during fall. You don’t need to pack for extremes, just expect a gentle move toward cooler weather.
Temperature Fluctuations Throughout Fall
The gap between daytime highs and nighttime lows gets more obvious as fall goes on. Early fall feels warmer and a bit humid, but late fall turns drier and crisper.
For example:
- September: Highs near 30°C, lows around 21–24°C.
- October: Highs near 26–27°C, lows around 18°C.
- November: Highs near 23–24°C, lows around 15°C.
This pattern means mild afternoons and cool evenings, so layers are your friend. Mornings, especially in November, can feel chilly, but the sun usually warms things up pretty fast.
By late November, those cooler nights are a hint that winter’s on the way—even though daytime temps stay pleasant compared to other places at the same latitude.
Comparison With Annual Temperature Trends
Fall sits right between the hot, rainy summer and the dry, cooler winter. The annual average temperature in Lijiang is about 11–13°C (52–55°F), but fall runs a bit warmer than that.
On the hottest day of the year in late April, highs can hit 34°C. In January, the coldest month, highs average around 13°C. Fall is clearly the transition, moving from late-summer warmth toward more moderate winter weather.
You get stable, predictable weather in fall. It’s a nice break from the heavy summer rains and the winter chill, but you’ll still notice the season changing.
Precipitation Patterns During Fall
Rainfall in Lijiang drops off steadily during fall as the wet summer season gives way to the dry winter. You’ll notice changes in rain amounts, rainy days, and humidity as the months go by.
Transition From Rainy to Dry Season
The summer rainy season peaks in July and August, but by September, heavy downpours start to fade. Early fall still brings showers, but they’re less frequent than in peak monsoon months.
By October, the dry season really starts to show. Rain drops off, skies brighten, and you get fewer rainy days. Outdoor plans get easier to make, though you might still run into a light shower now and then.
November is usually much drier, with barely any rain compared to September. That’s when the dry season really takes over, lasting through winter and early spring. Travelers often find this period more comfortable for sightseeing since there’s less rain and clearer skies.
Monthly Rainfall Averages in Autumn
Rainfall averages fall sharply from early to late autumn. September still gets a decent amount, averaging around 90–120 mm depending on the year. You might run into a few wet days, but not like in summer.
In October, rainfall drops to about 40–60 mm. Showers get shorter and lighter, and rainy days are almost half what they were in September.
November is the driest, with only 10–20 mm on average. Rain’s rare and usually light. This steady drop shows the clear shift from the monsoon-driven rainy season to the dry winter.
| Month | Avg. Rainfall (mm) | Rainy Days (approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| September | 90–120 | 10–15 |
| October | 40–60 | 5–7 |
| November | 10–20 | 2–3 |
Humidity and Cloud Cover in Fall
Humidity in Lijiang follows the rain. September stays pretty humid, so mornings can feel damp. Cloud cover sticks around too, with plenty of partly cloudy or overcast days.
By October, humidity drops and the air feels drier. You’ll get more sunshine each week, and cloud cover thins out, though you may still see scattered clouds.
November brings crisp, dry air and much lower humidity. Clear skies are the norm, and clouds are rare. Visibility is excellent, which is perfect if you’re hoping to catch mountain views or explore outside without weather getting in the way.
Sunshine and Daylight Hours in Autumn
Autumn in Lijiang brings a nice balance between sunshine and daylight. The season shifts from wet, cloudy summer to clearer skies and shorter days.
Average Daily Sunshine
In September, you’ll see about 5 to 6 hours of sunshine per day. Early in the month, humidity keeps things a bit gloomy. By October, it’s drier and you get 6 to 7 hours of sun daily.
November keeps up the trend with 7 to 8 hours of sunshine, since rain is at its lowest. Autumn is definitely brighter than summer, and those clear skies make the scenery—like Jade Dragon Snow Mountain—stand out.
Here’s a quick look at typical sunshine hours:
| Month | Avg. Daily Sunshine | Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| September | ~5–6 hrs | Humid, partly cloudy |
| October | ~6–7 hrs | Drier, sunnier |
| November | ~7–8 hrs | Clear, low rainfall |
These hours mean you can count on more daylight for getting outside, especially in October when the weather feels just right.
Changes in Daylight Duration
Daylight shifts gradually through fall. In September, you get about 12 hours of daylight, which is close to summer levels. By October, days shorten to around 11.5 hours.
In November, daylight drops to about 10.8 hours. The change isn’t huge, but sunsets come earlier as fall goes on. By late November, the sun can set before 6:30 p.m., which might cut into your sightseeing time.
Lijiang’s latitude and spot in the northern hemisphere explain this pattern. The difference from September to November is just about an hour, but it can matter when you’re planning your day. Mornings usually bring the clearest skies, so starting early is a good bet for outdoor plans.
Snowfall and Other Weather Phenomena
During fall in Lijiang, you might spot light snowfall up in the higher mountains and the occasional frost in cooler valleys. Fog and shifting winds also show up and can shape the weather from day to day.
Frequency and Amount of Snowfall
Snow in the city during fall? It’s pretty limited, but you’ll definitely see more action in the nearby mountains. Once you get above 3,000 meters, light snow can show up as early as late October.
Down in the lower areas, like the old town, snow usually holds off until winter rolls in.
If it does snow in the fall, it doesn’t stick around for long. Most of the time, the valley stays clear, and any real accumulation happens up on the slopes of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain.
If you’re thinking about hiking up high, get ready for icy paths and the occasional sudden flurry.
Frost actually shows up more often than snow in town. By November, nights can drop close to freezing, leaving a thin layer of ice on rooftops and plants when you wake up.
Mornings feel crisp, but honestly, it’s not too harsh.
| Location | Typical Fall Snow Presence | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Lijiang Old Town (2,400 m) | Rare | Frost more common than snow |
| Jade Dragon Snow Mountain (5,596 m) | Frequent | Light snow possible from October |
Fog and Wind Patterns in Fall
Fog tends to settle in valleys and along rivers during those chilly mornings. You’ll probably see it fade away by mid-morning once the sun starts to do its thing.
Sometimes, this fog cuts visibility for a bit, especially if you’re out in the countryside.
Winds in the fall usually stay light to moderate. As the season moves on, they shift with the pressure systems, and drier air from the northwest starts to blow in.
That drier air really helps clear out the skies after the rainy summer.
If you’re up in the mountains, expect the wind to be a bit more unpredictable. On the trails, gusts can make it feel colder than the thermometer says.
Back in town, though, breezes stay gentle and just add to that fall feeling—nothing too wild.
When wind and fog mix, mornings can get cool and damp. If you’re heading out early, layering up is a smart move.
Best Times to Visit Lijiang in Fall
Fall really gives you some of the best weather for exploring Lijiang. Temperatures stay comfortable, skies clear up, and the scenery gets super colorful.
That’s pretty ideal for outdoor adventures or just soaking up the local culture.
Ideal Months for Travel
The best months to visit Lijiang in fall are September, October, and November.
In September, you’ll get daytime highs around 24°C (75°F), and nights cool off to about 17°C (63°F). Rain backs off compared to summer, so sunny days are more common.
If you love hiking, places like Tiger Leaping Gorge are great this time of year.
October might just be the sweet spot. Temperatures usually land between 10–22°C (50–72°F). The air feels crisp, skies clear up, and you’ll see autumn colors in parks like Black Dragon Pool.
It’s also less crowded than summer, which is always a plus.
By November, things cool down more, with highs near 19°C (66°F) and lows around 9°C (48°F). Evenings can get chilly, but the upside is fewer tourists—so you can wander through Lijiang Old Town and Shuhe Ancient Town with a bit more peace and quiet.
Weather Considerations for Sightseeing
When you visit Lijiang in fall, get ready for big temperature swings between day and night. You’ll probably want a light jacket or sweater in the morning and evening, even if afternoons feel pretty warm.
Rain doesn’t show up as much as it does in summer, but you might still get a quick shower or two in September. By the time October and November roll around, the rain mostly disappears, so it’s honestly a great time for photography or just wandering around town.
Sunshine feels extra strong up here thanks to the plateau—about 2,400 meters above sea level. Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat really come in handy if you’re out during the day.
Thinking about heading up to higher spots, like Jade Dragon Snow Mountain? Expect things to get colder, especially late in the season, and you might even see some frost. If you dress in layers, you’ll have a much easier time adjusting and staying comfortable while you check out the sights.