Weather: It is warm during the day and cool at night. This is good weather for sightseeing. It is a peak tourist month. The average daily high temperature is 25 °C (77 °F), and the average daily low temperature is 14 °C (58 °F). When it rains, the temperature usually cools substantially.
May is the start of the rainy monsoon season, but total rainfall is moderate. Rainfall is especially heavy in June. It rains 12 days of May, and there is about 100 mm of total rainfall.
Clothing: A T-shirt and a light jacket are enough during May, but wear more layers in the evening. When it is sunny, the ultraviolet radiation is strong, so protect your skin and wear a hat when outdoors. Take a raincoat or umbrella on days when rain is likely. See the current weather and forecast>>
Things to Do in Kunming in May
View the Redlands of Dongchuan
Green Lake ParkMay is one of the best months to see the scenery at Dongchuan. The area is a three hour drive from Kunming. It is a rural area of peasant farmers. It is called "red lands" because the ground is unusually red. It is a place to see a rustic, rural part of China and do photography.
On the road to Dongchuan, you'll travel past mountains, streams, and small towns and villages. In Dongchuan, you'll see carts pulled by donkeys, oxen, and other animals. Experience a rural part of China and watch the farmers and animals. It is good place for a day tour, and it is a favorite region for photographers since the vivid colors change monthly. There are several special vantage points for great photographs. Read more about Redlands photography>>
Enjoy the International Cultural Tourism Fest
Dongchuan Red LandThe 5-day International Cultural Tourism Fest, during the May Day holidays (around May 1), features ethnic dancers and singers. The performers dress in colorful costumes and perform their people's music and dances. They perform at the shopping streets and major parks.
The festival venues are good places to buy ethnic crafts and souvenirs and try ethic food. The Kunming Carnival lasts for three days during the festival. The cultural festival itself starts at the end of April.
Explore Stone Forest Park
May is a good month to see Stone Forest Park while it is warm and sunny before the heavy monsoon season starts. The UNESCO geopark is not a good place to hike in when the ground is wet because the footing is treacherous. It is one of Kunming's best highlights.
The geopark has amazing geology. There are several square miles of stone pillars, ravines, pits, and caves. Some areas look like a conifer forest. Lion Pavilion (Shizi Ting), the highest point in the park, is a good place to see the area. Be careful as you hike. A slip might be dangerous, so wear shoes with good traction. It is about 1.5 hours from the center of Kunming.
Touring Kunming in May — Peak Travel Season
The high travel months start in May. The hotels, tourist attractions, and restaurants will be hosting crowds of Chinese during the first week in May. The May Day (May 1) holidays are one of their longest public holidays.
Tourists are advised to avoid traveling during this week around May 1. But if you are planning to visit Kunming, let us help you book tickets and arrange your accommodations well in advance. We'll also help purchase your flight and train tickets by our experience in the area. Why wait in crowded stations for tickets?
Our Most Popular Kunming Tours
Travel with China Highlights, and you will be taken good care of by your private guide.May is a peak tourist month in Kunming. Travel with us to have a private guide who will help you to avoid crowds and lead you to experience the real Kunming.
- 3-Day Essence of Kunming Tour: Discover the most popular attractions in Kunming, including Yuantong Temple and the Stone Forest.
- 8-Day Shangri-La Tour: You'll see the highlights in Yunnan Province including the Stone Forest Geopark, Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, and Tiger Leaping Gorge.
Our tours are flexible. If you have any requirements, please contact us for a tailor-made tour.
Kunming Average Daily Temperatures Based on Historical Data
| Date | Average High | Average Low | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| May 1 | 75 °F | 23.89 °C | 53 °F | 11.67 °C |
| May 2 | 76 °F | 24.44 °C | 53 °F | 11.67 °C |
| May 3 | 76 °F | 24.44 °C | 53 °F | 11.67 °C |
| May 4 | 76 °F | 24.44 °C | 54 °F | 12.22 °C |
| May 5 | 76 °F | 24.44 °C | 54 °F | 12.22 °C |
| May 6 | 76 °F | 24.44 °C | 54 °F | 12.22 °C |
| May 7 | 76 °F | 24.44 °C | 54 °F | 12.22 °C |
| May 8 | 76 °F | 24.44 °C | 55 °F | 12.78 °C |
| May 9 | 76 °F | 24.44 °C | 55 °F | 12.78 °C |
| May 10 | 76 °F | 24.44 °C | 55 °F | 12.78 °C |
| May 11 | 76 °F | 24.44 °C | 56 °F | 13.33 °C |
| May 12 | 76 °F | 24.44 °C | 56 °F | 13.33 °C |
| May 13 | 76 °F | 24.44 °C | 56 °F | 13.33 °C |
| May 14 | 76 °F | 24.44 °C | 56 °F | 13.33 °C |
| May 15 | 76 °F | 24.44 °C | 57 °F | 13.89 °C |
| May 16 | 76 °F | 24.44 °C | 57 °F | 13.89 °C |
| May 17 | 76 °F | 24.44 °C | 57 °F | 13.89 °C |
| May 18 | 76 °F | 24.44 °C | 57 °F | 13.89 °C |
| May 19 | 76 °F | 24.44 °C | 57 °F | 13.89 °C |
| May 20 | 76 °F | 24.44 °C | 58 °F | 14.44 °C |
| May 21 | 76 °F | 24.44 °C | 58 °F | 14.44 °C |
| May 22 | 76 °F | 24.44 °C | 58 °F | 14.44 °C |
| May 23 | 76 °F | 24.44 °C | 58 °F | 14.44 °C |
| May 24 | 76 °F | 24.44 °C | 58 °F | 14.44 °C |
| May 25 | 76 °F | 24.44 °C | 59 °F | 15 °C |
| May 26 | 75 °F | 23.89 °C | 59 °F | 15 °C |
| May 27 | 75 °F | 23.89 °C | 59 °F | 15 °C |
| May 28 | 75 °F | 23.89 °C | 59 °F | 15 °C |
| May 29 | 75 °F | 23.89 °C | 59 °F | 15 °C |
| May 30 | 75 °F | 23.89 °C | 59 °F | 15 °C |
| May 31 | 75 °F | 23.89 °C | 59 °F | 15 °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