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Kunming Weather in May

Kunming Weather in May

Written by Sunny XieUpdated Aug. 17, 2023
Green Lake Park Green Lake Park

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

May 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>>

Dongchuan Red LandDongchuan Red Land

Enjoy the International Cultural Tourism Fest

The 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 HighlightsTravel 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

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