Dali in December
Good time to visit
December offers brilliant clear skies and empty attractions, but those early morning temperatures will shock visitors expecting year-round warmth. Great for budget travelers who pack appropriate winter gear.
Weather
December brings the return of winter conditions with sunny days but increasingly cold nights and early mornings. The air stays dry and clear with virtually no rainfall. Frost begins appearing in the final weeks, especially in higher elevations around the mountains.
17°C high3°C low2 rain days
Crowds & Cost
low crowds
~$38/day average
Events & Festivals
- •Winter solstice celebrations
- •Year-end temple festivals
December Tips
- •Bring warm clothes for morning and evening - the temperature drop is dramatic
- •Many lakeside guesthouses offer significant winter discounts
- •Perfect clear weather for photography, but start late morning when it warms up
All Months
March through May brings perfect weather — clear mountain views, blooming azaleas on Cangshan, and comfortable cycling temperatures around Erhai Lake. The spring crowds haven't hit yet, so you'll actually enjoy those sunrise photos without fighting for space. Fall (September to November) offers similar conditions with harvest season adding golden rice terraces to the scenery. Avoid July and August unless you enjoy sharing ancient streets with half of China's university students. The rain doesn't stop, and visibility drops to maybe 50 meters on cloudy days. Winter brings clear skies but freezing nights — those traditional guesthouses don't heat well. December through February works if you're tough, but pack layers. The shoulder seasons of late spring and early fall give you the best of everything: decent weather, manageable crowds, and lower accommodation prices.
Dali Scores
Solo
8/10
Couples
8/10
Families
7/10
Adventure
6/10
Budget
8/10
Luxury
5/10
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