Kunming in December

December weather, activities, events & insider tips

December Weather in Kunming

22°C (72°F) High Temp

5°C (41°F) Low Temp

8mm (0.3 inches) Rainfall

45% Humidity

Is December Right for You?

Advantages

Perfect weather with 22°C (72°F) highs and abundant sunshine - ideal for hiking Stone Forest and Western Hills without summer heat
Cleanest air quality of the year with minimal pollution due to winter winds - visibility extends 50km (31 miles) to surrounding mountains
Peak season for Yunnan's winter flowers including camellias and winter cherry blossoms in parks throughout the city
Best month for day trips to nearby attractions as roads are dry and temperatures comfortable for 2-3 hour drives to destinations like Dali

Considerations

Significant temperature swings from 5°C (41°F) at night to 22°C (72°F) during day require layered clothing and heavier packing
Peak domestic tourist season means accommodation prices increase 40-60% and popular attractions like Stone Forest have longer queues
Very dry air at 2,100m (6,890 ft) elevation can cause dehydration and chapped lips - locals consume 3-4 liters (0.8-1.1 gallons) of water daily

Best Activities in December

Stone Forest Geological Formations Tours

December's clear skies provide perfect visibility for exploring these 270-million-year-old limestone pillars. Morning temperatures of 8-12°C (46-54°F) make the 3-4 hour walking tour comfortable, while afternoon sun warms the rocks to create ideal photo conditions. Crowds are heaviest 10am-2pm, so early morning or late afternoon visits are optimal.

Booking Tip: Book 7-10 days ahead as this UNESCO site fills up quickly in December. Tours typically cost ¥180-280 ($25-39) including transport from Kunming. Look for operators offering small group sizes under 15 people. See current tour options in the booking section below.

Dianchi Lake and Western Hills Hiking

December's dry weather and cool temperatures make this the ideal month for hiking Kunming's western peaks. The 4km (2.5 mile) Dragon Gate trail offers spectacular views over Dianchi Lake without summer heat. Morning frost creates dramatic photo opportunities, while afternoon temperatures reach perfect hiking conditions of 18-20°C (64-68°F).

Booking Tip: Half-day tours typically cost ¥120-200 ($17-28) and can be booked 2-3 days ahead. Choose tours that start early (8am) to avoid crowds and catch sunrise views. Cable car options available for less active travelers. See current options in booking section below.

Yunnan Cuisine Food Tours

December brings winter specialties like steam pot chicken (qiguo ji) and Yunnan's famous crossing-the-bridge noodles that warm you against evening cold. The dry weather makes outdoor market exploration comfortable, while winter vegetables are at peak freshness. Evening food tours work perfectly as temperatures drop to 8-10°C (46-50°F).

Booking Tip: Food tours range ¥150-350 ($21-49) for 3-4 hour experiences. Book through operators offering English-speaking guides familiar with dietary restrictions. Winter tours often include hot tea ceremonies. Check current food tour options in booking section below.

Green Lake Park and Old Town Walking Tours

December transforms Green Lake into a winter wonderland with migrating seagulls arriving from Siberia. The birds stay until March, creating unique photo opportunities. Cool morning temperatures of 5-8°C (41-46°F) make extended walking comfortable, while the park comes alive with locals practicing tai chi and traditional music.

Booking Tip: Walking tours typically cost ¥80-150 ($11-21) for 2-3 hours. Best experienced early morning (7-9am) when seagulls are most active and locals gather for morning exercises. Many tours combine with nearby historic sites. See current walking tours in booking section below.

Dongchuan Red Land Photography Tours

December offers the most dramatic landscape photography in Yunnan with morning frost highlighting the red soil terraces. Clear winter skies provide perfect lighting conditions, while cool temperatures of 0-15°C (32-59°F) create misty valley effects at sunrise. This is peak season for photographers from across China.

Booking Tip: Full-day photography tours cost ¥300-500 ($42-70) including transport for the 3-hour drive from Kunming. Book 10-14 days ahead as December slots fill quickly. Choose tours with sunrise departure (4:30am) for optimal lighting. See current photography tours in booking section below.

December Events & Festivals

Mid December

Kunming Winter Camellia Festival

Golden Temple Park hosts Yunnan's premier camellia exhibition with over 400 varieties blooming. Local photography clubs gather daily for sunrise shoots, and weekend flower markets sell rare camellia varieties unique to Yunnan province.

Early December

Siberian Seagull Migration Celebration

Green Lake Park becomes the epicenter of Kunming's winter wildlife viewing as thousands of seagulls arrive from northern China and Russia. Local vendors sell special bird feed, and the park hosts evening cultural performances celebrating this annual phenomenon.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Insulated down jacket rated to 0°C (32°F) - essential for early morning tours and evening activities when temperatures drop significantly

Moisture-wicking base layers - the 45% humidity and high altitude can cause unexpected perspiration during daytime hiking

SPF 50+ sunscreen and lip balm with SPF - UV index of 7 at 2,100m (6,890 ft) elevation burns skin quickly despite cool air

Waterproof hiking boots with good ankle support - morning frost makes stone surfaces slippery at popular attractions

Lightweight merino wool sweater - perfect for layering as temperatures swing 17°C (31°F) between day and night

Large water bottle (3-4 liters/0.8-1.1 gallons capacity) - dry mountain air causes rapid dehydration that tourists underestimate

Camera extra batteries - cold temperatures drain battery life 40% faster than normal

Warm sleeping clothes and thick socks - many guesthouses don't have central heating and nights reach 5°C (41°F)

Portable phone charger - increased photo opportunities and GPS use for hiking drain devices quickly

Cash in small bills (¥10-50 notes) - many local vendors and entrance fees don't accept cards or large denominations

Insider Knowledge

Book accommodations near Green Lake area rather than train station district - you'll save 1 hour daily commute to main attractions and enjoy neighborhood restaurants locals actually visit

Purchase seagull feed from park vendors for ¥5-10 ($0.70-1.40) rather than bringing bread - the special fish pellets create better photo opportunities and don't harm the migrating birds

Take advantage of Kunming's 6-line metro system opened in 2024 - Line 4 now connects directly to Stone Forest, saving ¥200+ ($28) on tour transport costs

Visit popular restaurants between 2-5pm for lunch specials - many offer winter hot pot promotions at 40% off regular prices during low-traffic hours

Avoid These Mistakes

Underestimating nighttime cold and packing only summer clothes - December nights regularly drop to 5°C (41°F) and many accommodations lack heating

Visiting Stone Forest at midday weekend peak times - wait times exceed 90 minutes for entry and photo spots are crowded with tour groups

Not carrying cash for entrance fees and local vendors - many attractions and food stalls don't accept mobile payments or international cards despite Kunming's modern reputation