December could be a good time to visit Yunnan as it offers a diverse range of landscapes. You could enjoy snow scenes, try skiing and hot springs, and also bask in mild weather and lush rainforests with plenty of sunshine.
Read on for our Yunnan in December travel tips.
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Yunnan Weather in December
In December, average daily temperatures in Yunnan range from 4°C to 16°C (39– 61°F).
The weather in December in Yunnan is mostly clear, with little rainfall. Snowfall is expected in high-altitude areas, including Jade Dragon Snow Mountain and the Meili Snow Mountains.
Snow is generally rare in urban areas but Shangri-La, located at a high altitude, may experience snow.
- In northern cities like Lijiang, temperatures could drop to about 6°C (43°F), while in Shangri-La, they reach 0°C (32°F).
- In central cities, such as Dali and Kunming, temperatures typically range from 7°C to 9°C (45–48°F).
- In the southern region, Xishuangbanna remains mild, with a temperature of about 17°C (63°F).
Clothing suggestions: It is suggested to take warm clothes, such as coats and sweaters. For further north, such as Shangri-La, you may need a down jacket. If you go to Xishuangbanna, then just take light spring clothes and some T-shirts.
The Top 5 Places to Visit in Yunnan in December
Here, we have selected the top five places to visit in Yunnan in December for different winter scenery and experiences.
1. Dali
In December, Dali experiences relatively mild weather with temperatures ranging from 2°C to 15°C (36–59°F).
During clear and warm afternoons, you could cycle along the shores of Erhai Lake, enjoying the scenic views and stopping to feed flocks of seagulls that circle overhead.
Take a leisurely stroll through Dali Old Town and savor the local delicacies.
At midnight on New Year's Eve, Dali Old Town hosts a fireworks display, with people gathering in the town to count down together and wish each other a happy New Year.
You could also watch the fireworks by Erhai Lake, but the atmosphere in Dali Old Town would be livelier.
2. Lijiang
Lijiang is located further north, with December temperatures typically ranging from 0°C to 14°C (32–57°F).
Winter is the best time to enjoy the snow scenery on Jade Dragon Snow Mountain as there is less snow on the mountaintop during the summer.
If you're planning to spend New Year's Eve in Lijiang, consider going to Lijiang Old Town where a countdown event takes place, complete with fireworks at midnight and lively dancing around bonfires.
If you plan to celebrate New Year's Eve in Lijiang Old Town, it's recommended to book a hotel within or near Lijiang Old Town in advance.
After the celebration, there would be large crowds, making it difficult to find transportation, so staying nearby would allow you to walk conveniently.
Jade Dragon Snow Mountain3. Kunming
In December, temperatures in Kunming range from 4°C to 15°C (39–59°F). While it typically doesn't snow in the city, Jiaozi Snow Mountain, located about a 2½-hour drive away, is ideal for skiing and enjoying snowy landscapes.
At Jiaozi Snow Mountain, you could participate in various winter activities, such as skiing and snow hiking, with the ski area being particularly suitable for beginners.
The mountain's stunning natural scenery is also perfect for photography enthusiasts. You could also choose to take a cable car ride to fully appreciate the panoramic views from the snow-covered mountain.
Recommended Yunnan Tours
You could also contact us to make your own trip based on your travel time and requirements.
4. Tengchong
Ginkgo VillageTengchong is renowned for its hot springs and the cold weather in December makes soaking in hot springs even more enjoyable.
Based on the quality of the hot springs, the surrounding scenery, and their popularity, we recommend the following four hot springs:
- Angsana Spa Tengchong Hot Spring Village: A high-end hot spring with well-maintained facilities, ideal for families with children or elderly members.
- Lotus Hot Spring Resort: A more natural setting, with 90% of the hot spring pool surrounded by forest, giving the feeling of being immersed in nature. It offers a more rustic experience with great value for money.
- Bolian Resort & Spa: Another high-end option, located near Heshun Ancient Town, making it perfect for relaxation after exploring the town.
- The Rehai Hot Springs: Situated within the Rehai Scenic Area, these are some of the few hot springs in Tengchong with sulfur pools (that are beneficial for the skin). However, they tend to be more crowded with tour groups so privacy might be limited.
In addition to hot springs, you could visit Ginkgo Village. The best time to see the beautiful yellow leaves is from mid-November to early December.
You could also explore Tengchong Volcanic Geopark, China's largest natural museum of dormant volcanoes. There, you could experience a hot-air balloon ride or hike up the mountains to enjoy the breathtaking volcanic scenery.
5. The Yuanyang Rice Terraces
Yuanyang Rice FieldsDecember is one of the best times to visit the Yuanyang Rice Terraces. During this period, before the rice is planted, the water-filled terraces reflect the blue sky and the colors of sunrise and sunset, creating a stunning multicolored landscape.
You could enjoy the sunrise at Duoyishu Village and then hike from Duoyishu to Azheke, which is more authentic and less touristy.
Laohuzui Terraced Field Scenic Area is the best place for a sunset.
In Yuanyang, besides admiring the terraces, you could also visit the local markets and explore Hani villages to experience the unique local culture.
Crowds and Costs
For most of December, Yunnan is in its off-season, allowing you to enjoy quieter attractions without worrying about crowds in your photos. Hotel prices are more affordable. Early to mid-December is the ideal time to visit.
However, keep in mind that China's peak travel seasons are usually tied to holidays, so toward the end of December during the New Year's holiday, there would be more tourists and hotel prices would rise accordingly.
Recommended Yunnan Tours in December
- 7-Day Kunming, Dali, and Lijiang Winter Tour
- 6-Day Jianshui and Yuanyang Terraced Fields Tour
- Check out more Yunnan tours
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