Kunming in April

April weather, activities, events & insider tips

April Weather in Kunming

26°C (79°F) High Temp

14°C (57°F) Low Temp

15mm (0.6 inches) Rainfall

55% Humidity

Is April Right for You?

Advantages

Perfect flower blooming season - cherry blossoms at Daguan Park and azaleas at Western Hills peak in early April, creating impressive photography opportunities without summer crowds
Ideal hiking weather with comfortable 14-26°C (57-79°F) temperatures and minimal rainfall, perfect for Stone Forest day trips and Western Hills temple trails
Low tourist season means 30-40% cheaper accommodation rates and no queues at major attractions like this destination and Green Lake Park
Clear mountain air and excellent visibility for day trips to this destination and surrounding villages, with pollution levels at their lowest annual point

Considerations

Significant temperature swings of 12°C (22°F) between day and night require layered clothing and can catch unprepared visitors off guard
UV index of 9 at 1,892m (6,207 ft) altitude means sunburn happens faster than at sea level - many tourists underestimate this
Some highland attractions may still have cool morning temperatures around 8-10°C (46-50°F), limiting early morning activities without proper clothing

Best Activities in April

Stone Forest Geological Tours

April's clear, dry weather provides perfect conditions for exploring the limestone formations 90km (56 miles) southeast of Kunming. Comfortable temperatures eliminate the summer heat issues, and minimal rainfall means safe footing on rocky paths. Early morning tours offer the best lighting for photography without the harsh midday sun.

Booking Tip: Book day tours 5-7 days ahead through licensed operators. Tours typically cost ¥280-380 ($40-55) including transport and entrance fees. Look for small group options (8-12 people) for better experience. See current tour options in the booking section below.

Western Hills Temple Hiking

Cool morning temperatures around 14°C (57°F) warming to pleasant 24°C (75°F) by afternoon make April ideal for the 3km (1.9 mile) cable car and hiking routes. Spring blooms add color to temple gardens, and clear weather offers spectacular this destination views from Longmen Grottoes.

Booking Tip: Independent visits work well, but guided cultural tours (¥180-250 per person) provide historical context. Book cable car tickets in advance during weekends. Half-day trips typically cost ¥120-200 including transport from city center.

Green Lake Park Cultural Walking Tours

April mornings showcase local life at its best - tai chi practitioners, traditional musicians, and spring flower displays. Comfortable walking weather without summer humidity allows for 2-3 hour explorations of surrounding hutongs and traditional markets in Cuihu area.

Booking Tip: Free to explore independently, but cultural walking tours (¥80-120 per person) provide insights into local customs. Early morning tours (7-9am) capture the most authentic local activities. Book through community tourism operators for real feels.

Dianchi Lake Cycling Adventures

Perfect cycling weather with cool starts warming gradually, minimal rain, and excellent air quality. The 15km (9.3 mile) lakeside path offers mountain views and wetland bird watching. April's lower water levels reveal interesting geological features along the shoreline.

Booking Tip: Bike rentals cost ¥30-50 per day. Guided cycling tours (¥150-220) include bike, helmet, and local guide. Book electric bike options for the hillier sections. Full day tours typically include lunch and cost ¥200-300 per person.

Flower Market and Botanical Garden Tours

April is peak season for Kunming's famous flower industry. Dounan Flower Market operates at maximum capacity with spring blooms, while Kunming Botanical Garden showcases camellias, azaleas, and rare orchids. Cool mornings are perfect for photography before flowers close in strong sunlight.

Booking Tip: Dounan Market visits best at 6-8am when wholesale activity peaks. Entry ¥10-20, guided market tours ¥60-100. Botanical Garden entry ¥15, combined tours with transport ¥120-180. Book photography tours through local operators for best flower locations.

Jiuxiang Cave System Exploration

Stable 16-18°C (61-64°F) cave temperatures provide relief from April's UV intensity while maintaining comfortable exploration conditions. The 6km (3.7 mile) underground river system and limestone formations are accessible year-round, but April's dry weather ensures easier access roads.

Booking Tip: Full day tours cost ¥320-450 including transport, entrance, and boat rides. Book 3-5 days ahead as group size is limited to 25 people per tour. Wear sturdy shoes and bring light jacket for temperature difference. Tours typically run 8am-5pm.

April Events & Festivals

Early to Mid April

Kunming International Flower Expo Spring Festival

Annual celebration of Kunming's flower industry featuring displays from local growers, international orchid competitions, and traditional Yunnan garden designs. Local families attend for photography and flower purchasing for home gardens.

Mid April

Third Month Fair (San Yue Jie) Preparation Activities

While the main Bai ethnic festival occurs in Dali, Kunming hosts preparatory cultural events including traditional music performances and handicraft exhibitions at various parks and cultural centers.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Layering system essential - light t-shirt for 26°C (79°F) afternoons, fleece or light sweater for 14°C (57°F) evenings and early mornings

SPF 50+ sunscreen mandatory - UV index 9 at 1,892m (6,207 ft) altitude causes burns 40% faster than sea level

Comfortable walking shoes with good grip - limestone surfaces at Stone Forest and temple steps can be slippery even in dry conditions

Light rain jacket or compact umbrella - 3 rainy days expected but showers are brief and unpredictable

Sunglasses and wide-brimmed hat - high altitude sun reflection off lakes and limestone extremely bright midday

Power bank and extra memory cards - clear weather creates excellent photography conditions but drains batteries faster

Light scarf or pashmina - useful for temple visits (covering shoulders) and evening temperature drops

Altitude sickness medication if prone - though Kunming is moderate at 1,892m (6,207 ft), some visitors from sea level feel effects

Moisturizer and lip balm - 55% humidity is comfortable but lower than most tropical destinations

Cash in small bills - many local attractions, markets, and transport options don't accept cards or mobile payments from foreign visitors

Insider Knowledge

Book accommodations near Green Lake (Cuihu) area - 15 minutes walk to city center, morning lake activities, and best local breakfast options. Avoid areas near railway station which add 45 minutes to sightseeing

Yunnan University campus (open to public) offers free cherry blossom viewing in early April, often better than paid parks. Enter through main gate with passport, peak blooms typically April 5-15

Take advantage of 7-9am 'golden hours' for outdoor activities - perfect temperature, best light, most local activity, and significantly less UV exposure than midday

Local buses #44 and #73 reach most tourist sites for ¥2 per ride, but get extremely crowded 11am-2pm. Didi (Chinese Uber) costs ¥15-25 for city center distances and drivers often speak basic English

Avoid These Mistakes

Underestimating altitude sun exposure - tourists frequently get severe sunburn thinking mild temperatures mean safe sun. UV is 25% stronger than sea level

Packing only summer clothes - evening temperatures drop 12°C (22°F) from daytime, leaving many tourists cold at night markets and evening activities

Scheduling too many outdoor activities midday - 11am-3pm sun is intense despite comfortable temperatures. Locals take lunch breaks indoors for good reason