Dali Climate & Weather

Dali is located between the Cangshan Mountain and the Erhai Lake. This location makes it one of the most beautiful and relaxing places in China. The weather pattern of Dali Bai Autonomous Prefecture is defined by its latitude and topography.

 

Because Dali lies at a low latitude in the northern hemisphere, it tends to have a warm, subtropical monsoon climate, but because it is situated on a high plateau, it tends to be cooler than more low-lying regions, such as neighbouring Kunming, about 315 km to the east. Therefore Dali has a relatively temperate climate year round, with no extremes in summer or in winter. It has a unique plateau climate, which is spring like all the year round being warm in the winter and cool in the summer.

 

The average temperature is 15.1ºC. The coldest temperature is 3.4ºC in January, and the hottest is 26.6ºC in July. It is called the “Sweden of the East,” and has 126 days during which the temperature is 18.7-20.6ºC, the best climate for convalescence in the world. The climate of Dali is generally characterized as a subtropical highland monsoon climate, with lots of sunshine and fresh air. Its rainy season begins in June and last till October.

 

The best time to visit Dali is from March to October, when springtime is in full swing and all of nature seems to be in the process of rebirth; and trees and flowers of this garden city are green and in full bloom.

 

In fact, most days in Dali are pleasant and warm. The daily temperature variation tends to be greater than the seasonal variation in temperature, which calls for layered clothing, or jackets and sweaters early in the morning and some warm clothes for cooler evenings.

 

Dali is located in the Yunnan-Guizhou Plateau, if you travel here, remember to bring a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen lotion to prevent damage from the strong ultraviolet radiation.

 

Try to plan your Dali tour to avoid the peak holidays. Because they are popular with Chinese tourists, Dali attractions become more crowded in these periods.

 

The most crowded seasons in China are Chinese Spring Festival (usually in late Jan or early Feb.), International Labor Day (May 01 to 03) and National Day (Oct 01-07). Spring Festival and the National Day golden week are the most crowded time for travelling.