Kunming Weather & Climate: Best Time to Visit

Average temperatures, rainfall, sunshine and the best time to visit Kunming.

Climate overview of Kunming

Due to the low latitude and relative high location (1890 meters/ 6200 feet) on the Yunguin plateau, Kunming has a very mild climate. In summer months it rarely gets really hot and in winter it rarely gets really cold. Winter is short and dry and summer is very humid and wet. The rainy season lasts from May to October. The weather conditions are perfect for flowers and plants and throughout the year you can see trees and flowers in bloom throughout the city.

Kunming Weather by Month

Pick a month to see the average temperature, rainfall and sunshine in Kunming - and find the best time to visit.

Monthly Temperature in Kunming

In Kunming, seasonal changes bring about a moderate variation in temperatures. Average daytime temperatures reach a comfortable 26°C (79°F) in May. In December, the coolest month of the year, temperatures drop to a moderate 16°C (61°F).

At night, temperatures range from around 18°C (64°F) in May to 5°C (41°F) in December.

Check out our detailed temperature page for more information.

Temperature ranges by month

Rainfall in Kunming

Kunming has a relatively rainy climate with high precipitation levels, averaging 1505 mm (59 in) of rainfall annually. Kunming can be quite wet during June, receiving approximately 287 mm (11 in) of precipitation over 19 rainy days.

In contrast, during the driest month (December), you will experience much drier conditions, with 28 mm (1.1 in) of precipitation spread across 11 rainy days. For more details, please visit our Kunming Precipitation page.

The mean monthly precipitation over the year, including rain, hail, and snow

Sunshine Hours in Kunming

Kunming can be enjoyed more throughout the sunniest month of March under a blue sky, with approximately 8.5 hours of sunshine daily. In contrast, the city experiences much darker days in September, with only 4.1 hours of sunlight per day.

Visit our detailed sunshine hours page for more information.

Monthly hours of sunshine

Daily hours of sunshine

Humidity in Kunming by Month

Best Time to Visit Kunming

For comfortable weather, consider visiting Kunming in March and April. Conditions are usually least favourable in June and July.

Monthly ratings reflect general weather comfort, based on daytime temperature and rainfall. Swimming and winter conditions are highlighted separately where relevant.

  • Best overall: March and April
  • Warmest weather: April, May, June, July and August
  • Most sunshine: March and April
  • Fewest rainy days: February, March and April
  • Wettest months: May, June, July, August and September, when rainfall is highest.
  • Seasonal pattern: Distinct dry (November to February) and wet (June to September) seasons

Frequently asked questions about the climate in Kunming

What is the best time to visit Kunming?

March and April typically offer the most optimal weather in Kunming. In contrast, June and July tend to have less optimal conditions. Kunming has distinct dry (November to February) and wet (June to September) seasons.

What temperatures can I expect in Kunming?

Daytime highs range from 16°C (61°F) in December to 26°C (79°F) in May. Nighttime lows range from 5°C (41°F) to 18°C (64°F).

How much rain does Kunming get?

Annual rainfall is around 1505 mm (59 in). June is the wettest month with 287 mm (11 in), while December is the driest with 28 mm (1.1 in).

How sunny is Kunming?

Kunming receives around 2,191 hours of sunshine per year. March is the sunniest month with 255 hours, while September is the cloudiest with just 123 hours. Overall, Kunming enjoys abundant sunshine.

Kunming 3-Day Forecast

Kunming 3-Day Forecast

Kunming on the map

Kunming is highlighted - select any city to see its climate.

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