When to go · Kunming
Kunming in January
Mixed month. Outside the best window (Mar–May, Sep–Nov). Across China: Cold and smoggy in the north, ice festival in Harbin; Spring Festival travel rush can start mid-month.
Key facts
- Verdict
- Mixed
- Temperature
- 16°C61°F / 4°C39°F
- average high / low
- Rain days
- 4
- Crowds
- Medium
- China overall
- Prices
- Medium
- China overall
Verdict
Outside the best window (Mar–May, Sep–Nov). Across China: Cold and smoggy in the north, ice festival in Harbin; Spring Festival travel rush can start mid-month.
Weather in January
- KunmingHighs around 16 °C, lows around 4 °C, rain on about 4 daysHighs around 61 °F, lows around 39 °F, rain on about 4 days
- Sichuan and Yunnan, China · Chengdu, Chongqing, Kunming, Dali, Lijiangcool
Chengdu is grey and humid, Chongqing is among the hottest cities in July–August; Yunnan's plateau is mild all year with a dry season Nov–Apr.
Festivals and holidays
Dates as our data lists them. Moving holidays (lunar and Islamic calendars, Easter) shift every year: check the date for your year before you build a trip on it.
Spring Festival (Chinese New Year) big impact
Spring Festival: about 5–11 Feb 2027 (New Year's Day 6 Feb; official dates set late in the year — check) · China
Chunyun travel rush for about 40 days around it; shops and small restaurants close for up to a week, trains and flights sell out, hotel prices jump. Big sights stay open with crowds.
Crowds and prices
- Crowds · China overall
- Medium
- Prices · China overall
- Medium
China overall: Cold and smoggy in the north, ice festival in Harbin; Spring Festival travel rush can start mid-month.
What to pack
- A warm coat, hat and gloves for mornings and evenings
- Layers: a fleece or light jacket