Weather: The weather is generally dry and cool. It is the coldest month of the year, but it is not really cold in Kunming, the "Spring City." The average high temperature is 15 °C (59 °F), and the average low temperature is 3 °C (37 °F). It may freeze at night, but it rarely snows. It snows or rains only about 4 days of the month, and there is only about 17 mm of total precipitation. See the current weather and forecast>>
Clothing: Generally, a coat and a hat or scarf are needed to stay warm. There is a big temperature difference between day and night, so a tourist might want to dress in layers to adapt to the changing conditions. When it isn't raining, it is often sunny with strong UV radiation.
Things to Do in Kunming in January
Enter the Jiuxiang Caves: On cold January days, you'll keep warmer inside. This is one of the highlights of the area, and it is only two hours from the center of Kunming. It is one of the biggest cave systems in China. You can start the tour with a short boat cruise on the river and then enjoy the giant caves that include waterfalls, underground rivers and streams, and many beautiful scenes.
The weather is cool inside too. You can go on an extended walk inside that lasts three hours. Be sure to wear comfortable shoes with good traction. Just before you finish the tour, you will come down in the cable cars and enjoy the breathtaking green scenes surrounding you. Instead, you might choose to hike back to the parking lot.
Siberian seagulls flock to Green Lake ParkGreen Lake Park: This is a very popular city park among local residents in the winter, when migratory birds flock by the thousands to the park. Siberian seagulls are there in their greatest numbers in January and February. The Chinese especially appreciate them.
The large park is at the main gate of Yunnan University, and it is near Kunming Zoo. The lake, trees, and birds help you feel peaceful and relax. On sunny days, artists draw and musicians play, and people go out on small boats on the lake.
There is no entrance fee, and it is easy to get there on local buses 1 and 101 and bus 133 from Carrefour Plaza.
The Chinese New Year (Spring Festival) holidays are a festive time in Kunming. It takes place at the end of January 1/3 of the years, or in early to mid February. There are many cultural activities in the streets, and the local people let off fireworks all around.
Touring Kunming in January — Low Travel Season
January is generally a quiet month for tourism...
Unless Chinese New Year falls in the month, that is. Then it is China's biggest travel glut season, and many people visit the local highlights during their holidays. Expect heavy traffic at the airports, train stations and bus stations for the "golden week".
Large crowds go to the temples and natural parks. Family and friends celebrate with special food at the hotels and restaurants. Foreign tourists might want to avoid the crowds and visit on other days.
Why wait in line at crowded stations or ticket counters? Book in advance, and we can help book rooms you'll appreciate and get your tickets for you. Contact us, and we'll tailor-make a tour to Kunming for you.
Our Most Popular Kunming Tours
January is the coldest month in other places of China. Kunming is a good place to escape the cold and enjoy spring. Want to have a unique tour to explore this "Spring City"? Contact our professional travel advisor to design a Kunming tour.
- 3-Day Stone Forest and City Essence Tour — admire the magical landscapes and experience local life
- 8-Day Kunming, Dali, Lijiang, and Shangri-La Highlights Tour — visit the most famous historical and natural sites in Yunnan
The above are sample tours. Please feel free to let us know your interests and requirements to customize a tour for you.
Kunming Average Daily Temperatures Based on Historical Data
| Date | Average High | Average Low | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January 1 | 58 °F | 14.44 °C | 35 °F | 1.67 °C |
| January 2 | 58 °F | 14.44 °C | 35 °F | 1.67 °C |
| January 3 | 58 °F | 14.44 °C | 35 °F | 1.67 °C |
| January 4 | 58 °F | 14.44 °C | 35 °F | 1.67 °C |
| January 5 | 58 °F | 14.44 °C | 34 °F | 1.11 °C |
| January 6 | 58 °F | 14.44 °C | 34 °F | 1.11 °C |
| January 7 | 58 °F | 14.44 °C | 34 °F | 1.11 °C |
| January 8 | 58 °F | 14.44 °C | 34 °F | 1.11 °C |
| January 9 | 58 °F | 14.44 °C | 34 °F | 1.11 °C |
| January 10 | 59 °F | 15 °C | 34 °F | 1.11 °C |
| January 11 | 59 °F | 15 °C | 34 °F | 1.11 °C |
| January 12 | 59 °F | 15 °C | 34 °F | 1.11 °C |
| January 13 | 59 °F | 15 °C | 34 °F | 1.11 °C |
| January 14 | 59 °F | 15 °C | 34 °F | 1.11 °C |
| January 15 | 59 °F | 15 °C | 34 °F | 1.11 °C |
| January 16 | 59 °F | 15 °C | 34 °F | 1.11 °C |
| January 17 | 59 °F | 15 °C | 34 °F | 1.11 °C |
| January 18 | 59 °F | 15 °C | 34 °F | 1.11 °C |
| January 19 | 59 °F | 15 °C | 34 °F | 1.11 °C |
| January 20 | 59 °F | 15 °C | 34 °F | 1.11 °C |
| January 21 | 59 °F | 15 °C | 34 °F | 1.11 °C |
| January 22 | 59 °F | 15 °C | 34 °F | 1.11 °C |
| January 23 | 59 °F | 15 °C | 34 °F | 1.11 °C |
| January 24 | 59 °F | 15 °C | 35 °F | 1.67 °C |
| January 25 | 59 °F | 15 °C | 35 °F | 1.67 °C |
| January 26 | 60 °F | 15.56 °C | 35 °F | 1.67 °C |
| January 27 | 60 °F | 15.56 °C | 35 °F | 1.67 °C |
| January 28 | 60 °F | 15.56 °C | 35 °F | 1.67 °C |
| January 29 | 60 °F | 15.56 °C | 35 °F | 1.67 °C |
| January 30 | 60 °F | 15.56 °C | 35 °F | 1.67 °C |
| January 31 | 60 °F | 15.56 °C | 35 °F | 1.67 °C |
Kunming Climate Information by Month
- Kunming Weather in January
- Kunming Weather in February
- Kunming Weather in March
- Kunming Weather in April
- Kunming Weather in May
- Kunming Weather in June
- Kunming Weather in July
- Kunming Weather in August
- Kunming Weather in September
- Kunming Weather in October
- Kunming Weather in November
- Kunming Weather in December