Kunming in November

November weather, activities, events & insider tips

November Weather in Kunming

24°C (75°F) High Temp

10°C (50°F) Low Temp

15mm (0.6 inches) Rainfall

65% Humidity

Is November Right for You?

Advantages

Perfect weather window - sunny days with minimal rain (only 3 rainy days all month) and comfortable 24°C (75°F) highs ideal for outdoor exploration
Crystal clear mountain air - post-rainy season clarity offers spectacular views of Cangshan Mountains and Dianchi Lake from 1,892m (6,207ft) altitude
Peak autumn foliage - ginkgo trees turn golden yellow throughout the city, creating Instagram-worthy scenes at Green Lake Park and university campuses
Shoulder season pricing - accommodation costs 30-40% less than peak spring months while weather remains excellent for sightseeing

Considerations

Significant temperature swings - morning temperatures drop to 10°C (50°F) requiring layers, while afternoons reach 24°C (75°F), making packing challenging
Dry air effects - humidity drops to 65% causing dehydration and chapped lips, especially noticeable for visitors from humid climates
Limited rainfall means dusty conditions downtown and reduced water levels at some scenic spots like waterfalls in Western Hills

Best Activities in November

Stone Forest Day Excursions

November's clear skies and comfortable temperatures make this the ideal month to explore the limestone karst formations 120km (75 miles) southeast of Kunming. Cool mornings prevent overheating during the 3-4 hour walking tours through the maze-like formations, while afternoon sunshine creates dramatic shadows perfect for photography. The dry weather ensures stable footing on rocky paths.

Booking Tip: Full-day tours typically cost ¥280-450 including transport and entrance fees. Book 5-7 days ahead through licensed operators for guaranteed English-speaking guides. Avoid tours departing before 8am due to morning cold. Reference booking widget for current tour options.

Dianchi Lake Cycling Routes

November offers perfect cycling weather around China's sixth-largest freshwater lake. The 30km (18.6 mile) lakeside path provides impressive mountain reflections in calm waters, impossible during summer's hazy conditions. Cool morning temperatures of 10°C (50°F) warm to comfortable 22°C (72°F) by afternoon, ideal for the 4-6 hour circuit including stops at Haigeng Park and Daguan Park.

Booking Tip: Guided cycling tours range ¥180-320 per person including bike rental and lunch. Independent bike rentals cost ¥40-60 per day. Book through operators offering quality mountain bikes suitable for mixed terrain. Check current options in booking section below.

Western Hills Temple Hiking

November's dry conditions and clear air create perfect hiking weather for the 2,500m (8,202ft) ascent to Dragon Gate carved into cliffsides. Morning starts require warm layers for the 10°C (50°F) temperatures, but the climb warms you quickly. Crystal-clear visibility reveals panoramic views across Kunming impossible during hazy summer months. The challenging 1,200 steps to Dragon Gate become manageable in cool weather.

Booking Tip: Half-day guided hikes cost ¥220-380 including cable car options and entrance fees. Independent entrance costs ¥40. Start early (8am) to complete ascent before afternoon crowds. Bring layers for temperature changes during 4-5 hour excursions.

Green Lake Park Cultural Walks

November transforms Green Lake into a golden wonderland as century-old ginkgo trees reach peak autumn colors. Morning tai chi sessions with locals begin at 6:30am when temperatures hit 10°C (50°F), creating authentic cultural exchanges. The dry weather ensures comfortable walking on traditional pathways while observing traditional Chinese opera performances and calligraphy practice that happen daily until 11am.

Booking Tip: Free to enter park, but cultural walking tours with local guides cost ¥120-200 for 3-hour experiences. Best booked evening before through guesthouse concierges who connect with retired English teachers offering authentic insights. Morning tours essential for cultural activities.

Flower Market Photography Tours

November brings unique autumn blooms to Dounan Flower Market, Asia's largest fresh flower trading center. Cool morning temperatures preserve flower quality longer, creating better photography conditions. The 5am-9am peak trading hours align perfectly with November's late sunrise, allowing natural light photography of chrysanthemums, roses, and seasonal varieties impossible during hot summer months.

Booking Tip: Photography tours cost ¥150-280 for 4-hour sessions including market access and transport. Independent visits require ¥20 entrance fee. Start 5am for peak activity and best light. Tours through photography-focused operators provide market access and cultural context.

Yunnan University Campus Walks

November creates magical scenes as ginkgo-lined pathways turn golden yellow across Yunnan University's historic campus. The comfortable 15-20°C (59-68°F) afternoon temperatures make leisurely walks perfect for photographing traditional Chinese architecture mixed with autumn colors. Students are active outdoors in the pleasant weather, creating opportunities for cultural exchange impossible during summer's heat or winter's cold.

Booking Tip: Free campus access during daylight hours. Cultural exchange programs cost ¥100-180 for guided walks with English-speaking students. Best timing 2pm-5pm when weather warms but before evening cool-down. Arrange through university international offices or cultural centers.

November Events & Festivals

Early to mid November

Kunming Chrysanthemum Festival

Annual celebration featuring elaborate chrysanthemum displays throughout city parks, particularly concentrated at Black Dragon Pool Park. Local artisans create intricate flower sculptures and traditional tea ceremonies highlight chrysanthemum varieties. This uniquely Kunming autumn tradition coincides with perfect weather for outdoor appreciation.

Mid to late November

Autumn Ginkgo Photography Festival

Informal photography gathering focused on Kunming's famous ginkgo trees reaching peak golden color. Local photography clubs organize early morning shoots at Green Lake Park, Yunnan University, and residential neighborhoods. Equipment sharing and technique workshops welcome international visitors.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Layering system essential - pack lightweight down jacket for 10°C (50°F) mornings and breathable cotton shirts for 24°C (75°F) afternoons

Comfortable walking shoes with good grip - stone surfaces can be slippery and you'll walk 8-12km (5-7.5 miles) daily on varied terrain

SPF 30+ sunscreen and sunglasses - UV index 6 intensified by 1,892m (6,207ft) altitude causes burns within 20 minutes

Moisturizer and lip balm - 65% humidity and mountain air cause dehydration and chapped skin within 2 days

Water bottle (1 liter minimum) - dry air and altitude require 3-4 liters daily intake, more than most travelers expect

Warm hat and light gloves for early morning activities - essential for 6:30am tai chi sessions and sunrise photography

Rain jacket (lightweight) - though only 3 rainy days, mountain weather changes quickly and afternoon showers possible

Scarf or neck warmer - temperature drops 10-15°C (18-27°F) between day and evening require neck protection

Portable phone charger - cold weather drains batteries 40% faster, especially during long photography days

Dust mask (N95 style) - November's dry conditions create dusty air downtown and on hiking trails above the city

Insider Knowledge

Book accommodations near Green Lake area in November - central location reduces transport time and morning cold exposure while providing easy access to autumn ginkgo viewing

Start outdoor activities at 10am instead of early morning - locals wait for temperatures to rise from 10°C (50°F) to comfortable 18°C (64°F) before exercising outdoors

Carry cash for entrance fees - many parks and temples haven't adopted mobile payments, and ATMs charge foreign transaction fees averaging ¥15-25 per withdrawal

November is mushroom season - local wet markets offer wild varieties from surrounding mountains unavailable other months, particularly around Nanping Street morning market 6-9am

Avoid These Mistakes

Underestimating morning cold - tourists pack for 24°C (75°F) weather but suffer in 10°C (50°F) mornings, missing early cultural activities and best photography light

Not booking Stone Forest tours in advance - November's perfect weather creates demand exceeding supply, leaving walk-in visitors with afternoon tours during harsh sunlight

Overpacking summer clothes - many visitors expect tropical weather year-round and lack appropriate layers for significant daily temperature variations