Xishuangbanna Dai Autonomous Prefecture, also called Banna, lies in Yunnan Province in tropical southern China. At 22° north it's just inside the northern edge of the tropics. With both continental and oceanic climates interacting, Xishuangbanna's tropical monsoon climate is humid and more subtropical in the mountainous areas. Banna has the only tropical rain forest nature reserve in Chinese Mainland.
This article will help you know the best times to visit Xishuangbanna, what to do at different times, and what to pack. A brief idea of Xishuangbanna's weather is included. Contact us for more information or to start tour planning directly with a private travel adviser.
Best Times to Visit Xishuangbanna
Generally speaking, the best time to visit Xishuangbanna is from November to April — the dry season. However, June to September is the time when most varieties of tropical fruits are ripe for enjoying.
Xishuangbanna has no winter, which makes it one of the best destinations to escape from the coldness in China. It has two seasons: dry season and rainy season. The wettest month is August and the driest is February.
Dry Season — Better Weather:
The dry season is from November to April, when it is mostly sunny in Xishuangbanna. Rainfall is low in November and April, but still noticeable (about 50 mm or 2 inches), as they're closer to the rainy season. December to March is quite dry and daytime temperatures build during these months. November to April is considered the best time to visit.
Rainy Season — Fewer Tourists:
Rainy season is from May to October, which contributes over 85% of Xishuangbanna's annual rainfall in half the year. However, Banna's rainfall is not as high as places closer to the south coast, like Hong Kong, Sanya, or even Guilin.
August is the monsoon peak and July also has high rainfall (over 200 mm or 8 inches). May/June and September/October have moderate rainfall (100–200 mm, 4–8 inches). Scattered (heavy) showers happen most days, and sunshine normally returns afterwards, drying things quickly.
Contact us to start your intriguing Xishuangbanna trip!
Or check out our newly-designed "Escape to the Rainforest" Xishuangbanna tour.
Light Festival in XishuangbannanClimate Table for Xishuangbanna
Average daily high temperatures remain hot in Xishuangbanna; nights can be cool in the dry season, but remain warm in the west season.
It appears that the coolest days are in January and the warmest days are in April, as the rain keeps average temperatures down in the wet season. Although the sun is strongest in the wet season, it is often behind clouds.
| Dry Season | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | Nov | Dec | |
| High (℃) | 25 | 28 | 32 | 33 | 26 | 24 |
| Low (℃) | 11 | 11 | 13 | 17 | 16 | 12 |
| Rain (mm) | 18 | 11 | 20 | 51 | 51 | 26 |
| High (℉) | 77 | 82 | 90 | 91 | 79 | 75 |
| Low (℉) | 52 | 52 | 55 | 63 | 61 | 54 |
| Rain (in) | 1 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 1 |
| Wet Season | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | |
| High (℃) | 33 | 31 | 30 | 30 | 31 | 29 |
| Low (℃) | 21 | 22 | 22 | 22 | 21 | 19 |
| Rain (mm) | 133 | 186 | 216 | 246 | 137 | 99 |
| High (℉) | 91 | 88 | 86 | 86 | 88 | 84 |
| Low (℉) | 70 | 72 | 72 | 72 | 70 | 66 |
| Rain (in) | 5 | 7 | 8 | 10 | 5 | 4 |
What to Do in the Dry/Wet Seasons
Dry Season (November to April):
Dry season is mostly favored by visitors as the weather is usually sunny, the humidity is lower, and the temperature is comfortable enough. There are no limits on traveling in the dry season and all places and activities are open and good to visit/do. Just take your pick.
It's good to take advantage of the dry season good weather to pick from the list of brilliant activities below, as they may get affected or canceled by showers in the rainy season.
- 1. Join jungle exploration activities or Ziptrek in Xishuangbanna Primeval Forest Park. We recommend ultralight hiking with our experienced guide in this forest that is unspoiled by tourism.
- 2. Go to more remote places like the Dai and Bulong ethnic village — Nuogang Village.
- 3. Take a night tour in the Tropical Botanical Garden.
- 4. Join a campfire party at night in Manting Park.
- 5. Get a rainforest bird's-eye view from the Sky Trees treetop corridor in Wangtianshu.
- 6. Watch a hundred of Peacocks Flying in Peacock Garden.
- 7. Stay overnight in a "tree house" (forest canopy resort) in Taiyanghe National Forest Park.
Check out the top 18 things to do in Xishuangbanna for more information, or contact us to start your trip planning now.
Xishuangbanna Botanical GardenRainy Season (May to October):
Scattered showers occur frequently during rainy season, but basically it doesn't affect the touring opportunities. The temperature is comfortable, though the humidity may not be, and the sun always comes out after the rain. Sudden rain may cause a pause in touring, but still many people prefer visiting Xishuangbanna during rainy season as it's much less crowded.
The activities mentioned above in dry season section can still be done in the wet season, and we can offer you best available substitutes in case of any unexpected closures.
In Xishuangbanna, you will never get bored, even if it rains, as many of its activities are suitable for both dry and rainy season, such as:
- 1. Encounter Asian elephants in Wild Elephant Valley.
- 2. Immerse yourself in the tropical jungle in Tropical Botanical Garden, Wangtianshu, or Primeval Forest Park.
- 3. Join in the water-splashing activities (all year round in Dai Minority Park).
- 4. Explore the Starlight Night Market in Gaozhuang, Jinghong.
- 5. Experience the Dai royal atmosphere in Manting Park.
- 6. Appreciate the Theravada Buddhist culture and architecture in Zong Buddhist Monastry.
- 7. Try on, rent, buy, or wear Dai ethnic costumes and take great pictures everywhere.
- 8. Visit the paradise for horticulture and flower lovers — Tropical Flower and Plants Garden.
- 9. Take a Lancang River cruise for great views of Gaozhuang Market and Jinghong.
Winter Scenery in Dai Minority ParkClick and check the top 18 things to do in Xishuangbanna for more information.
Contact us to start your intriguing Xishuangbanna trip!
Or check out our newly-designed "Escape to the Rainforest" Xishuangbanna tour.
What to Pack for a Xishuangbanna Trip
Dry Season Packing (November to April):
Generally, Banna's dry season is like a comfortable long summer in a dry inland area. Shorts, T-shirts, and sandals are ideal, as it's always warm in the middle of the day. There is a big temperature difference between day and night, so long sleeves, jacket, and trousers are needed for evenings/mornings.
The sun always shows up in Xishuangbanna, and you will step into tropical rainforest from time to time during the tour, so sunscreen, sunglasses, mosquito repellent, and a sun hat are needed.
Nuogang Village in XishuangbannanRainy Season Packing (May to October):
Banna's rainy season is hot and humid too. So, besides summer clothing like shorts, T-shirts, and sandals, it's recommended to bring tissues or a small towel with you as you may get sweaty. Sunscreen, sunglasses, mosquito repellent, and a sun hat are also needed. Drink plenty of water. Carry an umbrella with you: it will rain most days.
To Start Your Xishuangbanna Tour Planning
Contact us to start tailor-making your exclusive Xishuangbanna tour with your private travel adviser, or start with our sample Xishuangbanna tour.