Kunming’s fall feels like a breath of fresh air, honestly. You get mild temperatures, clear skies, and fewer rainy days than in summer.
Daytime highs cool off from the low 70s °F in early autumn to around 60 °F by late November, while nights slide from the low 60s °F to the low 40s °F.
This steady shift makes autumn one of the most comfortable times to explore the city and its surroundings.
After summer, rainfall drops off fast, leaving mostly dry, crisp weather.
Clouds thin out as fall goes on, and you’ll see more sun in October and November.
The air stays dry, without that sticky humidity, which makes walks through Kunming’s parks or trips to lakes and temples so much nicer.
With shorter days and cooler evenings, fall in Kunming brings a calm, almost laid-back pace to daily life.
Mild weather, low rain chances, and clear skies create a welcoming vibe for sightseeing, outdoor dining, or day trips into Yunnan’s countryside.
Overview of Kunming’s Fall Climate
Kunming’s fall climate really shows off its high elevation and mild subtropical setting.
The season brings cooler temperatures, less rain, and clearer skies, so life and travel feel pretty steady and comfortable.
Geographic and Climatic Context
Kunming sits about 1,900 meters (6,200 feet) above sea level on the Yunnan-Guizhou Plateau.
This elevation shapes the climate more than its latitude, keeping things moderate most of the year.
The city has a subtropical highland climate (Köppen Cwb).
That means mild temperatures, clear differences between dry and wet seasons, and not much in the way of weather extremes.
Unlike lower cities in southern China, Kunming doesn’t get brutal summer heat or harsh winter cold.
Rain follows a monsoonal pattern, with summer as the wettest time and fall marking the start of the dry season.
By late autumn, skies usually clear up and humidity drops.
This shift makes fall one of the most stable and pleasant times of year in Kunming.
Why Kunming Is Called the ‘Spring City’
People call Kunming the “Spring City” because its climate stays mild all year.
You rarely see frost in winter or deal with oppressive summer heat.
Temperatures stick pretty close to what most folks would call spring-like.
In the fall, this reputation really holds up.
Daily highs usually range from the low 70s °F (about 22–23°C) in September to around 60°F (16°C) by late November.
Nights are cooler but not harsh, with lows moving from the upper 50s °F (15°C) down to the low 40s °F (6°C).
Because of this, you can enjoy outdoor activities like walking around Dianchi Lake or checking out stone forests without worrying about wild weather swings.
Kunming’s steady climate is honestly what makes it so different from a lot of other Chinese cities.
Fall Weather Patterns in Yunnan Province
Yunnan Province has a pretty wild range of fall weather, thanks to its varied terrain.
Kunming’s plateau location, though, keeps things much more stable.
Rainfall drops sharply during fall, from about 3.8 inches in early fall to less than 0.5 inches by late fall.
Clouds clear up too, so by November you’ll see sunny or partly cloudy skies most days.
Winds in Kunming shift a bit southward during fall, averaging 6–8 miles per hour.
The air stays dry and humidity is low.
Other parts of Yunnan, especially the lowlands, might still feel warmer, while the mountains cool off fast.
Some higher areas even get frost before winter really arrives.
Average Fall Temperatures in Kunming
Kunming’s fall brings a steady cooling trend.
Daytime highs drop from the low 70s °F in early September to around 60°F by late November.
Nights cool off more quickly, so you’ll definitely notice the difference between day and evening.
September Temperature Trends
September in Kunming still feels mild and comfortable.
Daytime highs average about 73°F (23°C), while nighttime lows hover near 61°F (16°C).
It often feels like late summer during the day, but it gets noticeably cooler after sunset.
Rain falls less often than in summer, so you get more dry days, but early in the month humidity might still hang around.
Pack layers, since mornings and evenings can feel chilly even if afternoons are nice.
By the end of September, temperatures dip and the day-night difference becomes more obvious.
October Temperature Trends
October brings a sharper drop in temperatures, both day and night.
Highs usually reach around 66–68°F (19–20°C), and lows fall toward 50°F (10°C).
The air feels crisp, and humidity is much lower than in September.
Rain is rare, with wet days dropping off fast.
You’ll see plenty of clear skies, making outdoor activities more comfortable.
Evenings can get chilly, so a light jacket is a good idea.
Temperature swings between day and night get stronger in October.
If you’re out from morning to evening, you’ll want to dress in layers.
November Temperature Trends
By November, Kunming gets noticeably cooler.
Daytime highs average just 60°F (16°C), and nighttime lows drop to about 42°F (6°C).
It rarely goes below freezing, but crisp nights can feel pretty cold compared to the day.
Cloud cover drops even more, so you get more clear days.
Rain is minimal, and the air feels dry.
Sunshine hours are shorter, so evenings come earlier and temperatures fall quickly after sunset.
This month, the contrast between day and night stands out the most.
Bring warm clothes for evenings, but still be ready for mild afternoons.
Rainfall and Humidity During Fall
After the summer monsoon, rainfall in Kunming drops steadily through fall.
Humidity levels also fall, making the climate drier and much more comfortable for outdoor activities and sightseeing.
Monthly Rainfall Amounts
Rainfall in Kunming during fall clearly trends downward.
September still brings the tail end of the summer monsoon, with about 119 mm (4.7 in) of rain on average.
By October, precipitation drops sharply to around 79 mm (3.1 in).
In November, it falls further to 42 mm (1.6 in).
You’ll see more rainy days in September, usually with short, heavy showers.
October brings fewer rainy days, and by November, rain is rare and usually light.
This steady decline makes fall a reliable season for outdoor plans.
Long, rain-soaked days just aren’t common like they are in summer.
| Month | Avg. Rainfall (mm) | Rainfall (inches) |
|---|---|---|
| September | ~119 mm | ~4.7 in |
| October | ~79 mm | ~3.1 in |
| November | ~42 mm | ~1.6 in |
Humidity Levels in Fall
Humidity in Kunming drops off as fall goes on.
In September, levels can still hit about 82%, which feels muggy, especially at night.
By October, humidity falls to about 77%, and by November it often reaches 70% or lower.
As the air dries out, mornings and evenings feel crisper, while afternoons stay mild.
Unlike summer, when high humidity and rain go hand in hand, fall’s drier air makes it much easier to spend time outside.
You won’t get that sticky, heavy feeling.
Transition from Wet to Dry Season
Fall in Kunming marks the shift from wet monsoon months to the dry winter.
September still brings some rain and high humidity, but by late October, things feel much drier.
If you’re planning a visit, this transition matters.
Early fall might bring cloudy, damp days, while late fall offers clearer skies and less rain.
By November, Kunming settles into its dry season, with low rainfall, reduced humidity, and cooler nights.
This steady change really highlights why people love Kunming’s mild, manageable weather compared to much of China.
Sunshine Hours and Cloud Cover in Autumn
As fall rolls in, Kunming’s daylight and sunshine shift, with drier conditions replacing the rainy season.
You get moderate sunshine levels and a gradual drop in cloud cover compared to summer.
Average Daily Sunshine
Autumn days in Kunming are a mix of light and shade.
September is the cloudiest month, with just 4–4.5 hours of sunshine per day.
By October, skies clear more often, and you get closer to 6–7 hours daily.
November brings the sunniest conditions, averaging 7–8 hours per day.
These changes happen as the wet season fades and the dry winter approaches.
More sunshine in October and November really makes outdoor activities like exploring parks or mountain trails enjoyable.
If you’re sensitive to daylight, note that days shorten from about 12.3 hours in September to around 11 hours in November.
Still, the bigger share of sunny hours later in the season keeps things bright and comfortable.
Cloudiness Patterns
Cloud cover in Kunming definitely follows a seasonal rhythm.
In September, leftover monsoon moisture keeps skies pretty gray and overcast.
You’ll often see low, gray clouds and the occasional rain shower.
By October, weather settles down and clouds thin out.
Mornings and afternoons are often clear, though some clouds still hang around.
The drier air helps visibility, which is great if you want to check out scenic viewpoints.
In November, cloudiness hits its lowest point for fall.
Skies are bright and mostly open, with just a few light clouds here and there.
Late autumn is honestly one of the clearest times in Kunming, perfect for sightseeing and snapping great photos.
Other Fall Weather Factors
In fall, steady winds and mostly clean air shape what it’s like to be outdoors in Kunming.
Severe storms or weird weather rarely show up, so planning your day is usually easy.
Wind and Air Quality
Winds in Kunming pick up a bit as fall moves along.
Average speeds go from about 10 km/h in early September to around 12 km/h by late November.
Most of the airflow comes from the south, which helps keep the air moving and prevents things from feeling stuffy.
Kunming’s elevation—nearly 1,900 meters—usually means good air quality compared to many other Chinese cities.
The dry fall weather and less rain mean there’s less haze from leftover moisture.
Sometimes, urban traffic or nearby agricultural burning can cause short-term dips in clarity, but it’s not a daily thing.
You’ll probably notice crisp mornings and light breezes, especially in October and November.
It’s comfortable for walking, cycling, or just hanging out outside, without much worry about pollution.
Chance of Extreme Weather Events
Kunming usually has a pretty stable fall climate, with a low risk of extreme events. Since it sits inland and mountains surround it, typhoons just don’t happen here like they do in eastern China.
As the wet season winds down in late summer, heavy rainstorms almost disappear. The chance of a rainy day drops from 37% in September to just about 5% in November.
Snow? Not really something you’ll see in Kunming’s fall. Nights get cooler, but temperatures stay well above freezing.
Strong windstorms don’t happen often, and if they do, the wind usually isn’t strong enough to cause any real damage.
What really stands out is how quickly the days get shorter. You lose some daylight for outdoor activities, but it doesn’t cause any dangerous conditions.
Honestly, fall in Kunming feels like one of the safer, more predictable seasons, whether you live here or you’re just visiting.
Travel Tips for Experiencing Kunming’s Fall Weather
During fall, Kunming’s temperatures swing from cool mornings—think 13–17°C (55–63°F)—to mild afternoons around 22–25°C (72–77°F).
Rainfall keeps dropping after September, so heading outdoors gets easier and a whole lot more comfortable.
Best Activities for Autumn
You can get outside and enjoy Kunming’s scenery in fall without worrying about heavy summer rain. Parks like Green Lake and the Yunnan Ethnic Village are perfect for calm walks, with crisp air and not so many people around.
The Stone Forest, a UNESCO site, feels especially nice in October. The weather stays dry, and you’ll probably get clear skies.
If you’re into birdwatching, late autumn is the time to go. Migratory birds show up at Dianchi Lake, so you’ll spot species that skip the summer months.
Prefer cultural sites? You’ll find temples like Yuantong Temple much easier to explore when the weather’s cooler.
Flower viewing really stands out in fall. Kunming’s called the “City of Eternal Spring” for a reason, and local gardens burst with blooming chrysanthemums.
Markets get colorful too, selling seasonal produce like pomegranates and persimmons, so you can actually taste Yunnan’s harvest season.
Recommended Clothing and Packing Advice
Get ready for temperature swings between day and night. Honestly, a layering system makes things way easier.
- Daytime: Try light shirts, long sleeves, or even a thin sweater.
- Evening: Toss on a medium jacket or fleece when it cools off.
- Footwear: Go with comfortable walking shoes, especially for parks or stone paths.
Rain doesn’t show up much after September, but I still suggest packing a compact umbrella or a light rain jacket, just in case—early fall can surprise you.
Sunglasses and sunscreen? Definitely bring them. Kunming sits up high, so the UV exposure stays strong, even if it feels cool.
A small backpack comes in handy for carrying extra layers as the weather shifts throughout the day.
If you’re heading out to rural spots in Yunnan Province, remember the higher altitudes cool off fast. Pack some warmer clothes for those areas.