Is April a good time to visit Yunnan? Yes, April is one of the best times to visit Yunnan for its vibrant scenery and warm weather. It is perfect for admiring spring scenery and experiencing diverse ethnic festivals.
Read this guide and it may spark inspiration for planning your Yunnan adventure in April.
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Yunnan Weather in April
In April, the average temperatures in Yunnan typically vary from 12°C to 25°C (54–77°F).
The weather gradually gets warmer during the month, with little rainfall but more cloudy days. Although snowfall is uncommon, mountains in high-altitude areas remain covered in snow.
The temperature increases gradually from north to south, accompanied by temperature fluctuations of over 10°C (50°F) between day and night.
- In northern regions, Shangri-La remains cold, with low temperatures between 1°C and 14°C (34–57°F). In Lijiang, the daily average temperature is from 6°C to 23°C (43–73°F).
- In central regions, such as Kunming and Dali, average daily temperatures are mild, typically ranging from 9°C to 23°C (48–73°F).
- In southern regions, Xishuangbanna and Pu'er experience warm weather, with average temperatures hovering between 16°C and 33°C (61–91°F).
For most cities in Yunnan, during the day, thin shirts and long dresses are comfortable to wear. In Shangri-La, warm clothes are still needed while in Xishuangbanna, cool summer clothes, such as T-shirts, are wearable. Take thin coats or light sweaters to cater to cool mornings and evenings.
Top 5 Places to Visit in Yunnan in April
During a spring tour in April, you would encounter different romantic hues of Yunnan, from blooming flowers and snowcapped mountains to tea gardens. In addition, immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of ethnic festivals and refreshing outdoor activities.
1. Kunming
Jacaranda mimosifolia in KunmingApril in Kunming enjoys mild weather with more cloudy and sunny days, making it pleasant to enjoy spring outings and appreciate the floral beauty.
From mid-April, you can catch a romantic sight of purple Jacaranda. Jiaochang Middle Road is a wonderful spot for Jacaranda appreciation. While admiring, you could take photos with the jacaranda-themed customized bus set under a blooming tree, or savoring a delicate jacaranda ice cream.
April in Kunming is not only romantic but also truly spectacular. In the Stone Forest, stone pillars soar from green fields, showcasing their grandeur while also creating a refreshing view.
2. Dali
Pink Alpine Azalea in CangshanDali is windy in April, with more cloudy and foggy skies. Erhai Lake would appear pale blue. Although it is not that sunny or clear to see at Erhai Lake, you could enjoy a less-crowded lakeside view and a quiet vibe. Enjoy a leisurely bike ride and afternoon tea at the lakeside.
April, especially late April, is also a good time to enjoy beautiful flower scenery in Dali. Head to the Cangshan Mountains to capture the pervasive pink azaleas, or visit Xizhou Town for its poetic and idyllic wheat fields.
If you are interested in local culture and handicraft experiences, try the unique Bai ethnic tie-dyeing in Zhoucheng Village. It is also recommended to join a flower cake cooking class where you could pick roses and learn how to make the cakes at Rose Manor (April is the season of roses).
You could also experience the lively March Street Festival in Dali in late April. At the west gate of Dali Old Town, you can witness or join in activities like horse racing, lion dancing, and Bai ethnic performances.
Check out our 8-Day Yunnan Family Tour.
3. Lijiang
Glacier Park at Jade Dragon Snow MountainAs Lijiang gets warmer and encounters more clear and cloudy days in April, it is pleasant for you to admire the floral sights.
Jade Dragon Snow Mountain in April is holy and also vibrant. You could still witness abundant snow on the summit and the splendid sunrise. During late April, alpine azaleas stretch across the lower mountainside, making it perfect for a flower-seeking hike.
If you want to immerse in the ancient town vibe with romantic flowers, you can explore Lijiang Old Town and Shuhe Ancient Town, where the climbing roses and catalpa flowers are in full bloom in April.
The secluded Puji Temple is also ideal for admiring gorgeous crabapple blossoms, which glow in silence like rosy clouds.
After a 1½-hour drive from Lijiang, you could catch another fresh color in Tiger Leaping Gorge, where the river is crystal green before the rainy season. The comfortable and clear weather also makes it suitable for hiking.
4. Xishuangbanna
Water-Splashing FestivalXishuangbanna experiences a dry season in April and this tropical area allows you to spend a summerlike time in advance. The most anticipated affair is the annual Water-Splashing Festival held in mid-April.
The night before the water-splashing activities take place, head to the riverside of the Lancang River, you'll witness starry red Kongming lanterns suffusing the dark night sky and brilliant fireworks.
The following day, you can join locals and other travelers for the water-splashing carnival in Central Square, parks, and even streets.
Also, don't miss out on soaking up the fabulous tropical ambiance in Xishuangbanna, such as visiting the botanical garden, Manting Park and the Starlight Night Market.
5. Pu'er
Enjoy the verdant scenery from Tea HillsPu'er enjoys more sunny and cloudy days in April, with temperatures ranging between 16°C and 29°C (61–84°F). It is pleasant to wander around this 'kingdom of animals and plants' to enjoy nature.
This month is also perfect for visiting tea gardens to enjoy a tea-picking experience. For tea enthusiasts, you could participate in the tea-making process firsthand after picking some tea leaves.
It is also enjoyable to interact with cute animals in Taiyanghe National Forest Park, where you could encounter animals like red pandas, rhinoceroses, loris, and deer. Feeding or stroking red pandas could be a delightful experience, especially for couples and families with kids.
See our 6-Day Xishuangbanna and Pu'er Tour.
Crowds and Costs
April is still in the tourist offseason, offering lower prices and fewer crowds for touring cities like Kunming, Dali, Lijiang, and Shangri-La. During this period, you could book hotels and flight tickets at relatively low prices.
However, Xishuangbanna attracts large crowds during the Water-Splashing Festival, leading to higher accommodation fees and airfares. It is advisable to book your trip 1-2 months in advance.