Dali in September
Great time to visit
September rewards patient travelers with the return of decent weather and lush, rain-washed landscapes, though early month still sees regular downpours. The transition back to Dali's golden season begins.
Weather
September signals the end of rainy season with gradually decreasing rainfall and clearing skies. Temperatures begin their pleasant decline, and humidity drops noticeably by month's end. Afternoon showers still occur but become shorter and less frequent.
25°C high15°C low15 rain days
Crowds & Cost
moderate crowds
~$48/day average
Events & Festivals
- •Mid-Autumn Festival
- •Harvest season celebrations
September Tips
- •Early September still has significant rain - late September is much better
- •This is when hiking trails reopen after summer closures
- •Great month for photography as landscapes are lush and green
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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