November is an excellent time to visit Yunnan, with comfortable weather and generally good conditions across most regions. This period is part of the off-peak season, offering a more relaxed travel experience.
This guide will introduce Yunnan's November weather, seasonal scenery, and what to wear, helping you decide whether this period suits your travel plans.
The Weather Conditions in Yunnan in November
In November, Yunnan is in late autumn, with most days being sunny or partly cloudy. The weather is generally cool, stable, and dry, with a high probability of clear blue skies, making it ideal for sightseeing and outdoor activities. These conditions also help create clearer views and better lighting for photography.
November is the transition period from the rainy season to the dry season, with much less rainfall compared to October. Most areas experience rain on only 5–10 days per month, so travel plans are usually less affected by weather changes.
- Kunming, Dali, Lijiang: 8-19°C (46–66°F), little rain (about 5-10 days)
- Xishuangbanna, Pu'er: 17-28°C (63–82°F), little rain (about 6-8 days)
- Shangri-La: -5-12°C (23–54°F), little rain (about 7 days), light snow (about 1 day)
- Jianshui: 12-20°C (54–68°F), little rain (about 7 days)
- Tengchong: 10-21°C (50–70°F), little rain (about 8 days)
- Yuanyang: 20-28°C (68–82°F), little rain (about 6 days)
Can I See Snow in Yunnan in November? Yes.
November often brings clear, drier air and snow at higher-altitude mountains, making it one of the best times to visit Jade Dragon Snow Mountain and Meili Snow Mountain.
You'll have a higher chance of seeing the "Golden Mountain" sunrise – a photo moment many people hope to capture and share on social media.
Golden sunrise over Meili Snow MountainIf you prefer an easier, more accessible experience, Jade Dragon Snow Mountain is a good choice. By early November, its summit is already covered in thick snow. You can take a cable car up and step straight into a high-altitude winter landscape, with bright snow and wide-open mountain views that are easy to photograph.
Jade Dragon Snow MountainOur 7-Day Kunming, Dali, and Lijiang Winter Tour combines snow mountain views with local culture. You can visit Naxi villages at the foot of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, learn about daily life, and try on traditional clothing for a closer look at local life.
If you are drawn to Tibetan culture and dramatic scenery, Meili Snow Mountain offers a very different experience. It cannot be climbed, which adds to its sacred and untouched feeling. The best viewpoints are at Feilai Temple or Wunongding Viewing Platform. You would need an early start, as sunrise usually happens between 6:30 and 8:00 AM.
If you prefer staying at lower altitudes, Cangshan Mountain in Dali is another option. By late November, its higher peaks are often snow-capped, giving you a chance to see snow in a more accessible setting.
Best Places to Visit in Yunnan in November
1. Kunming, Dali, Lijiang
Kunming, Dali, and Lijiang are ideal for a first trip to Yunnan and can be visited year-round. In November, you also get a few seasonal highlights that make the journey feel more special.
By late November, red-billed gulls from Siberia arrive in Yunnan for the winter. At Dianchi Lake or Erhai Lake, you can watch them glide over the water. It's one of the best times for birdwatching and capturing natural, lively scenes.
If you want to feed them, we recommend visiting between 9 and 11 a.m. The seagulls have just woken up and are already hungry, so they are especially active. You can enjoy a fun, close interaction as they circle around you and reach for food.
Feeding seagulls at Dianchi LakeAt the same time, metasequoia trees around Erhai Lake turn red. Walking or cycling along the lakeside corridor is especially enjoyable during this season.
Red metasequoia trees in Erhai LakeIf you enjoy rural landscapes or photography, you can head to Dongchuan Red Land. The dry season intensifies soil oxidation, making the colors richer. Layered red terraces spread across the hills, bold and striking, like a natural oil painting.
Dongchuan is about a 3-hour drive from Kunming and usually requires an extra day to visit, but the visual payoff is strong.
Dongchuan Red LandNote:
November is not a good time to visit Shangri-La. Its highland scenery is a key highlight, but by this time the grasslands in Pudacuo have already turned dry and yellow, and temperatures are noticeably colder.
The only major seasonal highlight is the sunrise over Meili Snow Mountain.
That said, some visits are less affected by the season. You could still explore Songzanlin Monastery and Dukezong Old Town.
For hiking, routes like Tiger Leaping Gorge and Yubeng are still possible in November. While the scenery is not at its best, the drier weather helps avoid the rainy season.
Our 8-Day Kunming, Dali, Lijiang, and Shangri-La Tour is a classic Yunnan itinerary. If you'd like to add any of these attractions, please let us know; we can adjust or tailor the trip to match your interests and travel pace.
2. Tengchong
Ginkgo Village in TengchongIn November, Tengchong's ginkgo trees turn bright yellow. Over 3,000 ginkgo trees turn the village into a golden sea, with fallen leaves covering the paths.
You can fully immerse yourself in the scene where "the village is in the forest, and the forest is in the village." The rustic houses and ginkgo trees together create a warm, seasonal atmosphere.
The most suitable viewing period is usually from mid to late November, when the color change is at its most complete. If the rainy season lasts longer than usual, the timing may shift slightly, so it is worth checking conditions before traveling.
3. Jingmai Mountain
The sea of clouds at sunrise in Manghong VillageNovember is often when Jingmai Mountain offers its most impressive sea of clouds. The golden hours are around sunrise, roughly from 5:30 to 8:00 in the morning.
Jingmai Mountain is also known for its ancient Pu'er tea. If you enjoy tea, you can watch the rolling sea of clouds from the tea forests or a viewpoint, while sipping fresh tea as its fragrance blends with the crisp mountain air. It is a quiet, immersive moment closely connected to local tea culture.
4. Baoshan
Pickable red coffee berriesIf you usually enjoy making your own coffee, you might consider visiting China's First Coffee Village in Baoshan in November.
Winter is the coffee harvest season in Baoshan, one of Yunnan's key coffee regions. This is the only time of year when you can experience the full journey from coffee cherry to cup.
You can pick fresh coffee cherries, participate in simple processing such as peeling, and finish with a freshly brewed cup. It offers a closer look at Yunnan's coffee culture from its most natural beginning.
What to Wear
Due to Yunnan's high average altitude, there are noticeable temperature differences between day and night every month, and November is no exception.
Kunming, Dali, Lijiang (Central and Northern Yunnan): During the day, you can dress in two layers, such as a long-sleeve top with a light sweater or fleece. Mornings and evenings are much cooler, so you will need an extra outer layer, such as a thick coat. If you plan to visit Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, bring a down or an insulated jacket.
Shangri-La (Northwest): The temperature difference is even more pronounced, and overall temperatures are lower. You will need thermal underwear, sweaters, thick pants, and a down jacket, along with a scarf and a hat.
Pu'er, Xishuangbanna (South): The temperature is much warmer and more stable. You can wear short-sleeve T-shirts, skirts, or shorts during the day, and add a light jacket in the evening.
Yunnan has strong UV radiation, so be sure to use sunscreen and keep your skin well moisturized.
Crowds and Costs
Crowds: November is the low season in Yunnan, with fewer tourists, which leads to a more relaxed travel experience. You wouldn't need to wait in long lines or rush to take photos in crowded spots.
Costs: Hotel prices return to normal and some may even offer discounts. Most attractions also switch to off-season ticket prices in November, which can be 30–50% cheaper than during the peak season.
If your schedule is flexible and you're looking for a month in Yunnan with fewer tourists, affordable prices, and pleasant weather, November is one of the best choices.
Start Your Yunnan Adventure with Us
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Have something in mind? Contact us to start planning. Your travel designer will create a smooth, flexible itinerary that fits your interests and pace—so your trip in Yunnan feels effortless from start to finish.