Summer in Lijiang just feels different from most other places in China. Perched over 2,400 meters above sea level, the city manages to stay cooler than the lowlands, even when the rest of the country is sweltering.
Daytime temperatures usually hover between 17°C and 26°C (63°F–79°F). Nights often drop close to 14°C (57°F), so it’s rarely hot, but it can get pretty chilly after dark.
The rain really sets summer apart here. From June to September, frequent showers and cloudy skies define the season.
July and August bring the heaviest downpours, which keep the air fresh but also force you to dodge sudden storms. The high elevation and unpredictable mountain weather might give you a sunny morning, then a full-on rainstorm by afternoon.
These conditions are a bit of a mixed bag. You get comfortable temps for wandering the old town or hiking the mountains, but you’ll want to prep for wet weather and intense sun at higher altitudes.
If you know what to expect—temperature swings, rainfall, and seasonal changes—you’ll have a much easier time planning your summer trip to Lijiang.
Overview of Lijiang’s Summer Climate
Summer in Lijiang is all about its high elevation, subtropical highland climate, and its spot on the Yunnan-Guizhou Plateau.
You’ll notice mild highs, cool nights, and lots of rain—pretty different from other Yunnan cities.
Geographic Location and Elevation
Lijiang sits way up in northwestern Yunnan at around 7,864 feet (2,397 meters). Its spot on the Yunnan-Guizhou Plateau means thinner air, stronger sun, and bigger temperature swings from day to night than down in the valleys.
Mountains surround the city, including the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain range. They shape the wind and trap moisture, which leads to those frequent summer showers and lots of cloud cover.
Because Lijiang is so high up, you skip the extreme heat that hits much of China in summer. Most days top out in the mid-70s °F (around 24°C), and nights cool off to the mid-50s °F (13–15°C).
The climate feels pretty pleasant for outdoor stuff, though sudden rainstorms can catch you off guard.
Subtropical Highland Climate Features
Lijiang’s subtropical highland climate means mild summers, high humidity, and a long growing season.
The high altitude keeps temperatures from spiking, even in July. Rainfall ramps up fast in summer. You’ll see 3–6 inches of rain a month, with July usually the wettest.
Clouds peak mid-summer, with skies overcast more than 70% of the time. Humidity stays moderate, thanks to the cooler air, so it rarely gets muggy.
Winds slow down as summer goes on, shifting from westerly in June to southerly by August. These changes affect both when it rains and how intense those afternoon storms get.
Comparison to Other Yunnan Cities
If you stack Lijiang up against other big Yunnan spots, the differences stand out. Kunming, the capital, sits lower at about 6,200 feet and gets warmer, drier summers.
People call it the “Spring City” for its steady, mild weather. Dali is southwest of Lijiang, at a similar elevation, but doesn’t get quite as much rain.
Its location by Erhai Lake keeps nights a bit warmer than Lijiang. Shangri-La, way up north at over 10,000 feet, is much cooler.
Summer highs there often stay below 68°F (20°C), and the nights can feel downright cold. Lijiang offers a more balanced mix of warmth, rain, and sunshine, so it’s a good pick if you want moderate conditions.
Typical Summer Temperatures in Lijiang
Lijiang’s summer brings gentle warmth, especially compared to most of Yunnan. Daytime highs feel comfortable, and nights cool off quickly.
You won’t get extreme heat, but the rain and clouds can change how warm it feels.
Average Daily Highs and Lows
Most summer days hit highs of 75–79°F (24–26°C). It’s rare for temperatures to go above 85°F (29°C), so you can get outside without melting.
Nighttime lows usually fall between 55–58°F (13–15°C). The elevation—about 7,864 feet (2,397 m)—keeps the days mild and the nights refreshing.
The hottest stretch usually comes in early to mid-June, with highs near 79°F. July and August stay steady, but the extra clouds and rain can make it feel cooler.
Monthly Temperature Trends
Lijiang’s summer runs from June through September. In June, highs average 77–79°F, and lows sit around 56°F.
July and August are similar, with highs at 75–77°F and lows near 57–58°F. By September, things start to cool off.
Highs drop to about 72–74°F, and lows dip closer to 54–55°F. It’s a slow slide into autumn.
Unlike some parts of Yunnan, Lijiang doesn’t swing wildly between seasons. The annual average temperature is about 52–55°F (11–13°C), so summer feels warm but never hot.
Diurnal Temperature Variation
Because of the altitude, you’ll notice big differences between day and night. A typical summer day might start at 55°F (13°C) in the morning, peak at 77°F (25°C) in the afternoon, and cool off again after sunset.
Layers are your friend here. You’ll probably want a jacket early and late, but short sleeves by lunchtime.
This back-and-forth helps balance out the wet summer. Even when it’s rainy or cloudy, the cool nights keep things from feeling sticky, unlike down in the valleys.
Summer Rainfall and Humidity Patterns
Lijiang’s summer is known for heavy rainfall and high humidity. The wet season really takes over from June through September, and you’ll notice plenty of showers and cloudy days.
Rainy Season Characteristics
Rain kicks in hard starting in June and sticks around until late September. You can expect regular afternoon and evening showers, sometimes lasting a few hours.
Rain usually falls steady rather than in wild storms, but July and August do get some heavy downpours. Summer brings a big jump in both rain and humidity.
Clouds block out a lot of sun, so you might need to adjust your outdoor plans. Still, the rain often follows a pattern, so you can work around it if you pay attention.
The region’s farmers rely on this season, as the rain refills water supplies and supports crops. If you’re visiting, bring light rain gear—you’ll probably get caught in a shower most days.
Monthly Precipitation Breakdown
Rain piles up fast once summer starts. June brings about 266 mm (10.5 in), kicking off the wet season.
July is the peak, with around 326 mm (12.8 in)—the most all year. August stays wet at 281 mm (11.1 in), and September still gets about 258 mm (10.2 in).
These four months make up most of Lijiang’s yearly rainfall, which tops 1,500 mm (60 in).
| Month | Avg. Rainfall (mm) | Rainy Days (avg.) |
|---|---|---|
| June | 266 | 16 |
| July | 326 | 20 |
| August | 281 | 20 |
| September | 258 | 18 |
So, if you show up in July or August, expect a lot of wet days.
Humidity and Cloud Cover
Humidity jumps during the wet season, often hitting 77–86% from June to September. The air feels heavier, and even with mild temps, the moisture can make it seem warmer than it is.
Clouds roll in thick, so you get fewer sunny hours. In July and August, the sun might only peek out for 5–6 hours a day, compared to 9 hours in spring.
You’ll probably wake up to misty mornings and hazy mountain views. It’s kind of magical, but you might have to deal with limited visibility sometimes.
For comfort, pack for damp weather and remember that clothes and gear take longer to dry.
Seasonal Weather Phases: June, July, and August
Lijiang’s summer means steady rain, mild daytime highs, and cooler nights.
Showers happen often, humidity rises, and temps stay moderate compared to most of China.
June Weather Overview
June kicks off the rainy season. Average daily temps sit around 16.6 °C (61.9 °F), with highs near 21 °C (70 °F) and lows about 13 °C (55 °F).
Nights are cool, so you’ll probably want a light jacket. Rainfall jumps to 266 mm (10.5 in) across about 16 rainy days.
Humidity climbs to roughly 77%, making the air feel heavier than in spring. Even with the rain, you still get about 7 hours of sunshine daily, so you can squeeze in some outdoor time between showers.
The hills and valleys turn lush and green this month, which is pretty stunning. Bring waterproof shoes, a light raincoat, and layers to switch between warm afternoons and chilly evenings.
July Weather Overview
July is usually the wettest month. Rainfall peaks at 326 mm (12.8 in), with about 20 rainy days.
Showers are frequent, sometimes heavy, and often roll in during the afternoon or evening. Temperatures stay mild, averaging 16.1 °C (61 °F).
Highs reach about 20 °C (68 °F), and lows hover around 13 °C (56 °F). Even though July is the hottest month in much of China, Lijiang’s elevation keeps things cool.
Humidity hits its highest at 86%, and sunshine drops to just 6 hours a day. The climate feels damp but comfortable, especially compared to the muggy lowlands.
If you’re planning to get out and explore, pack quick-drying clothes and good rain gear. Trails and rivers are at their best, but paths can get slippery.
August Weather Overview
August keeps the rainy season going, with about 281 mm (11.1 in) of rain over 20 days. Showers are still frequent, and you might get the odd thunderstorm, especially late in the day.
Temps don’t change much, averaging 15.8 °C (60.5 °F). Highs hit about 20 °C (68 °F), and lows stick near 13 °C (55 °F).
Nights are cool, which is a relief after humid days. Humidity stays high at 86%, and sunshine averages around 6 hours daily.
Rivers and streams are strong, making it a good month for waterfalls and gorges, though some outdoor spots might close due to the weather.
Bring sturdy shoes, waterproof layers, and something warm for evenings. August is also a nice time to check out local culture in town if rain interrupts your outdoor plans.
Regional Influences on Lijiang’s Summer Weather
Lijiang’s summer climate comes from a mix of high plateaus, mountain barriers, and the influence of nearby provinces.
The city’s elevation, rainfall patterns, and changing winds all combine to create the mild but wet summers you’ll experience in this part of Yunnan.
Impact of Yunnan-Guizhou Plateau
The Yunnan-Guizhou Plateau really shapes Lijiang’s climate. Sitting at over 2,400 meters, the city dodges the intense summer heat you get in lower parts of China.
Temperatures feel pretty moderate, with daytime highs usually landing between 20 and 22 °C (68–72 °F). Moisture from the south heads up the plateau’s slopes, rising as it goes.
This lift brings more cloud cover and heavier rainfall, especially from June through September. July and August tend to see the most rain, with monthly totals topping 280 mm.
The plateau slows warm air masses that push north from Southeast Asia, so the summer air stays humid but doesn’t get scorching. You’ll probably notice regular afternoon showers and plenty of cloudy skies, especially in July when humidity hovers around 85%.
Qinghai-Tibet Plateau Effects
The Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, often called the “roof of the world,” sits northwest of Lijiang. Its massive elevation has a big impact on the winds and monsoon patterns reaching Yunnan.
In summer, the plateau heats up unevenly, pulling moist air from the Indian Ocean into southwest China. This process ramps up the East Asian summer monsoon, which brings heavy rain to Lijiang.
The high ridges block cold northern air, so summer nights stay pretty mild. Thanks to this barrier, you won’t usually see big temperature swings in July or August.
The weather stays cool compared to lowland cities, with average nighttime lows around 13 °C (55 °F). That’s honestly refreshing after a sticky day.
Neighboring Provinces’ Influence
Lijiang’s climate also gets shaped by the geography of nearby provinces like Sichuan and the rest of Yunnan. To the north, Sichuan’s deep basins trap warm, moist air, which sometimes drifts south and adds to Lijiang’s rainfall.
In Yunnan, river valleys carry moisture up from the south. The Hengduan Mountains, stretching into Sichuan, steer winds and create little pockets of unique weather.
Because of these shifts, you might see one valley get drenched while a nearby town stays mostly dry. This mix means you should expect all kinds of weather, even if you’re just traveling a short distance.
A trip from Lijiang to nearby areas might surprise you with sudden changes in clouds, rain, or humidity.
Travel Advice and Packing Tips for Summer in Lijiang
Summer in Lijiang means mild daytime temperatures, cool nights, and lots of rain. You’ll need to get ready for both sunshine and wet conditions, and maybe plan your sightseeing with the rainy season in mind.
Recommended Clothing and Gear
Daytime temperatures usually hit around 23°C (73°F), while nights cool off to about 15°C (59°F). Pack light summer clothes—T-shirts, short sleeves, and breathable pants or skirts work well for the day.
For evenings, you’ll want a light jacket, sweater, or long pants to stay comfortable. Rain is common in July and August, so don’t forget a compact umbrella or light rain jacket.
Waterproof shoes or quick-dry sandals come in handy, too. With Lijiang’s high altitude (about 2,400 meters), the sun can be surprisingly strong, even when it’s cloudy.
Make sure you have sunglasses, sunscreen, and a wide-brimmed hat for UV protection. Many travelers also like carrying a reusable water bottle, since it helps with the thinner mountain air.
Best Times for Sightseeing
Rain falls mostly in the afternoons and evenings, so mornings are usually clearer and better for exploring outside. Plan trips to Lijiang Old Town, Dongba Valley, or mountain trails early in the day to dodge the worst of the rain.
If you’ve booked a China tour package that stops in Lijiang, check if guides schedule sightseeing for the morning. That way, you’ll avoid heavy showers and bigger crowds.
Late June to early July and early September generally see fewer tourists than peak holiday weeks. Those times let you enjoy Yunnan’s scenery in a bit more peace.
Weather-Related Travel Considerations
From May to October, Lijiang gets a lot of rain. July and August usually bring the heaviest downpours.
When it rains, roads in rural areas tend to get muddy or slippery. If you’re planning a day trip outside the city, I’d give yourself some extra time.
The temperature difference between day and night often jumps by more than 8°C (14°F). Honestly, I always toss a few extra layers in a small backpack, just in case.
Some travelers feel the effects of the altitude. If you’re sensitive, it’s probably best not to push yourself too hard on your first day.
Keep sipping water and rest if you start feeling lightheaded. That way, you can soak up Lijiang’s summer weather without too much trouble.