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Kunming Weather in January

Kunming Weather in January

Written by Sunny XieUpdated Nov. 13, 2023

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.

Green ParkSiberian seagulls flock to Green Lake Park

Green 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.

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

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