October is a good time to visit Yunnan. Yunnan is almost always listed as one of the top places to visit in China in October. During this month, Yunnan's scenery is stunning and the weather is as perfect as it gets.
Use this guide to plan your Yunnan trip in October.
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Yunnan Weather in October
By October, Yunnan has entered autumn, with the temperature gradually cooling down.
Rain is rare and the days are mostly a mix of cloudy and sunny skies.
The average temperature range across the province in October is from 13°C to 22°C (55°F to 72°F).
During the day, you could wear T-shirts, sweatshirts, or light denim. In the evening, you would need to add a jacket for extra warmth.
Yunnan's different regions experience slight temperature variations in October:
- In the southern areas near Thailand and Myanmar, such as Xishuangbanna and Dehong, average temperatures hover around 20°C (68°F).
- In central cities, such as Kunming and Dali, temperatures are typically around 16–17°C (61–63°F).
- Lijiang, in the north, averages about 14°C (57°F), while further north in Shangri-La, it could drop to about 8°C (46°F).
Top 5 Places to Visit in October in Yunnan
We've thoughtfully chosen the following cities by considering seasonal highlights and other factors that make them ideal for first-time visitors to Yunnan.
1. Dali
Erhai Lakeview in autumnOne of the main reasons we recommend visiting Dali in October is for its breathtaking autumnal scenery. At this time, Dali transforms into a vibrant world of colors.
Drive alongside Erhai to soak up the stunning lakeside views. You could stop at various scenic spots along the way to take photos, visit charming villages, and enjoy the serene beauty of Dali's autumn landscape.
The tranquil old towns also offer a unique charm for an autumn visit. Stroll around Shaxi Ancient Town to see the old streets and houses bathed in autumn hues.
You could also explore Xizhou Town where the rice fields have turned a rich golden hue.
- Average temperatures: 12–23°C (54–73°F)
- Clear skies: 58%
- Cloudy: 42%
2. Lijiang
Black Dragon Pool with a distant view of the snow mountainLijiang in October also enjoys stunning scenery. If you visit in October, you would be treated to the breathtaking sight of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. Its snowcapped peaks contrast beautifully with the golden and crimson trees at the mountain's base.
Take a cable car up the mountain, offering a panoramic view and a magnificent landscape where ice and autumn colors intertwine.
Whether you're strolling through the old town's alleys or gazing at the distant mountains and fields, October in Lijiang would envelop you in the serene beauty of autumn.
- Average temperatures: 9–21°C (48–70°F)
- Clear skies: 65%
- Cloudy: 35%
Recommended Yunnan Tours:
- 8-Day Kunming, Dali, Lijiang, and Shangri-La Tour
- 7-Day Kunming, Dali, and Lijiang Tour
- Or contact us to customize your itinerary
3. Lugu Lake
Lugu LakeOctober is one of the most beautiful times of the year at Lugu Lake. The lake is surrounded by layers of vibrant colors, with crystal-clear blue waters reflecting the surrounding mountains and the vast sky.
You could take a walk along the shores, feeling the gentle autumn breeze and the tranquility of the water. Or take a wooden boat to experience the purity and beauty of the lake up close.
Additionally, visit the Mosuo villages to learn about their unique matriarchal culture. As evening falls, watch the sun's last rays cast a golden-red glow across the water.
- Average temperatures: 8–22°C (46–72°F)
- Clear skies: 65%
- Cloudy: 35%
4. Shangri-La
Songzanlin MonasteryIn October, Shangri-La transforms into an autumn fairytale. Pudacuo National Park showcases forests painted in vibrant colors, with high-altitude areas starting to see snowfall. The grasslands of Napa Lake turn into a golden sea, complemented by deep blue lakes and pure white clouds.
Songzanlin Monastery appears even more majestic and mysterious, enhanced by clearer skies and the serene atmosphere of autumn.
- Average temperatures: 1–12°C (34–54°F)
- Clear skies: 69%
- Cloudy: 31%
5. Xishuangbanna
Plank path in the tropical botanical gardenOctober marks the beginning of the best time to visit Xishuangbanna. As temperatures drop and rainfall decreases, its tropical rainforest experiences become just right.
You could stroll through its tropical botanical gardens, admiring the vibrant flowers and lush vegetation.
Explore Dai villages to immerse yourself in the local culture, with golden rice fields and traditional bamboo houses creating a picturesque rural scene.
In the evening, walk along the streets, enjoying the beauty of pagodas at sunset, and visit the night market to savor local delicacies.
- Average temperatures: 15–29°C (59–84°F)
- Clear skies: 45%
- Cloudy: 55%
What to Do and See
Yunnan in October enjoys more sunny and clear days, which would allow you to enjoy the following activities more.
Take Beautiful Photos
Dongchuan Red LandOctober is Yunnan's dry season, with clearer skies providing more chances to capture stunning photos. Moreover, Yunnan is at its most picturesque during this time of year.
This is the best time to capture the vibrant scenery of Dongchuan Red Land in Kunming, where the colors are truly breathtaking.
Haishe Park at Erhai is another perfect spot for stunning photos and Longkan Pier is ideal for capturing the beauty of sunrises and sunsets.
Additionally, Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, especially Blue Moon Valley, offers a mesmerizing view where the turquoise waters perfectly complement the snowcapped peaks.
For even more memorable photos, consider dressing in traditional ethnic clothing and taking pictures against the backdrop of centuries-old villages and distant snow-covered mountains, capturing unique and beautiful moments.
Outdoor Activities
The comfortable temperatures and clear skies also provide excellent opportunities for outdoor activities. If you're looking to spend quality time with your family, October in Yunnan is an ideal choice.
With younger children, you could cycle along the shores of Erhai Lake, enjoying both the ride and the beautiful lakeside scenery.
For adult children or teenagers, the hiking trails of Tiger Leaping Gorge are recommended, with October being one of the best times of year for trekking. Jade Dragon Snow Mountain also offers stunning hiking routes.
Alternatively, you could set up a campfire, stargaze, or camp in the grasslands or national parks of Shangri-La, getting up close to nature.
Experience the Local Culture
October is also an excellent time to visit Yunnan's ethnic minority villages and experience the local culture and natural beauty.
During this season, you would not only enjoy the sight of harvest landscapes but also learn about the daily customs and cultural activities of the ethnic minorities.
In many areas, such as around Er Lake in Dali and Xishuangbanna, you could see golden rice fields with farmers hard at work.
You could also visit Zhoucheng, located at the foot of Cang Mountain, which is the largest Bai village in China.
There, you could learn about Bai ethnic clothing, traditional Bai-style architecture, and the traditional methods used by the Bai people to craft their exquisite handicrafts. If you're interested, you could even try making one yourself.
Crowds and Costs
Crowds: The first week of October is China's Golden Week, a most-busy travel time when popular spots like Lijiang and Dali get really crowded. But don't worry — once Golden Week is over, the crowds thin out a lot.
Costs: Prices tend to surge during Golden Week, so if you've decided to visit during this time, booking your accommodation well in advance would save you some money, although prices would still be high.
If your schedule is flexible, visiting after the National Day holiday is recommended. Later in October could be better still. The weather remains pleasant and you would enjoy the advantages of fewer tourists and more affordable prices.
Advice on Traveling in Yunnan during China's National Day Holiday
As a popular tourist destination, Yunnan is bound to attract large crowds during the National Day holiday (it is usually October 1–7).
If you plan to travel during this time, it's important to be prepared for the crowds.
One major challenge with many tourists is the long lines at attractions. For example, the cable car to the Glacier Park on Jade Dragon Snow Mountain might have a wait time of 1–2 hours!
To manage this, we suggest the following:
1) Start your day early (possibly as early as 6 or 7am).
2) Have a backup plan (such as, instead of Glacier Park, visit Spruce Meadow, as taking the cable car going there has fixed times and doesn't require waiting in line).
3) Adjust your itinerary to visit the most popular spots in the last 4 or 5 days, when the crowds are likely to be smaller.
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Unforgettable Yunnan
We did not know what to expect as this was as our first trip to China - we are into the outdoors so we picked Yunnan as a destination, as it was knownfor its scenic beauty. We had heard about China’s progress in the past 30 years, but that did not prepare us for the amazing infrastructure, the excellence of telecommunications what is essentially a remote part of China- Imagine perfectly paved mountain roads with not a single pothole and 5G signal even in the most unlikely of places - mountain tops, deep gorges etc . The tour destinations and highlights were amazing. Just when we thought we had reached the height of our tour the next day gave us more jaw dropping sights. We have traveled a lot all over the globe, but we must say this trip gave us the biggest bang for the buck in our experience Our tour organizer, China Highlights was great. - ours was a private tour, just the two of us - the car was comfortable and everything ran like clockwork. Every tour guide we had on each part of our tour deserve special mention: May from Kunming, Scarlett from Dali, Eleanor from Lijiang and Anna from Shangri-La displayed passion, knowledge and dedication to their role. They were motivated good natured, humorous, and anticipated our every need. They were always concerned about our comfort and satisfaction. Our Driver Mr. Wang who drove us from Dali to Shangri-La, was safe and steady. Given the wonderful service that we received from these individuals and from China Highlights, we are already planning our next trip to China within the next few months. China, we love you and wish we had discovered you sooner! more
Apr 2025, John Chang Kheng Choi
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Kunming-Dali-Lijiang-Shangri-la
We booked a 9-day tour of Kunming-Dali-Lijiang-Shangri-la with China Highlights in late March with Leeky. We are very well taken care of by our guides: Lulu in Kunming, Scarlett in Dali, Martin in Lijiang, and Betsy in Shangri-la. All our guides are local people, which is a great advantage for their local knowledge. Be it local history, customs, food and shopping tips. This trip started in Kunming which is a mile high city and ascended higher and higher. Those who are not familiar with high altitude will be better off listening carefully to their advices. Special shout out to Scarlett, our guide in Dali who went out of her way to take care of us even after we moved on to another city.. She had very good burgers delivered to our hotel when we did not want to venture out for dinner. Hotels selected by China Highlights are all fine. Breakfasts at the hotels are all good, especially if you like Chinese breakfast. We think veggies and chicken meat are much tastier than back home. Late March could be colder than forecast at times. While we were there, most flower blooms were pinkish. Cherry blossoms are at their peak together with crabapples. At Kunming Botanical Garden, there are more flower varieties to see. It’s off the beaten track however, accessible using the Didi app. It’s not crowded and it is very pleasant to walk there. Allow 2 hours for walking around. more
Apr 2025, Chet C
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Very good experience in Dali - Thanks to Frank!
Dali is a beautiful ancient town. We visited Er Hai 洱海, a huge lake. It was really scenic. Our guide, Frank, got us to walk along the lake. It was beautifully breathtaking. Frank filled us with a lot of interesting information about the place. We also learnt much about the culture of the land - the minority tribes, of which he belonged to one of them - Bai. Like us, Frank was a foodie and his recommendations were excellent, too. We also enjoyed our stay at Shaxi, a quaint ancient town in Dali, despite the fact that it was a little too commercialised. Nonetheless, it has many scenic places. Our trip would not have been that meaningful had not for Frank. Thank you, Frank! I think this private tour by China Highlights is a really enjoyable one. more
Apr 2025, NinoNing
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Recommended Yunnan Tours
- 8-Day 'Meet Yourself' Yunnan Tour
- 4-Day Yubeng Village Hiking Tour
- 18-Day Shanghai, Guilin, Yunnan, Chengdu, Xi'an, Beijing Tour
You could also contact us to make your itinerary based on your requirements and interests. Our tours can also be adjusted based on your needs.