Central Yunnan, China: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2022]
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Traveling to Central Yunnan, China? If you're planning to go to Central Yunnan, we have some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack.
Contents
- When to go to Central Yunnan
- Important essentials for Central Yunnan
- Activities for Central Yunnan
- Central Yunnan in January: weather and what to pack
- Central Yunnan in February: weather and what to pack
- Central Yunnan in March: weather and what to pack
- Central Yunnan in April: weather and what to pack
- Central Yunnan in May: weather and what to pack
- Central Yunnan in June: weather and what to pack
- Central Yunnan in July: weather and what to pack
- Central Yunnan in August: weather and what to pack
- Central Yunnan in September: weather and what to pack
- Central Yunnan in October: weather and what to pack
- Central Yunnan in November: weather and what to pack
- Central Yunnan in December: weather and what to pack

About your travel guide
Hi! I'm Dev. I've traveled all over the world and in my travels, I have made many packing lists. In this series, my team and I have compiled the most useful information, as well as things we couldn't live without, to help you plan your trip.
When to go to Central Yunnan, China
Based on the climate and weather in Central Yunnan, the best time to go is April. See below for details.
Important essentials for Central Yunnan, China
Here are some general tips on what to wear in Central Yunnan, as well as several items to remember to pack when traveling there.
COVID-19 ESSENTIALS FOR 2022
Travel insurance that includes COVID-19 coverage
Cases are climbing again, and areas are returning to lockdown. If you or a companion get COVID-19, you may be stuck with no way home -- but travel insurance can protect you. Learn more about COVID-19 and travel insurance
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Kids' KN95 masks
N95 masks aren't sold for kids. These are a good alternative (and can also be used by adults if N95 masks are not available).
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Travel disinfecting wipes
Use these to sanitize plane and hotel surfaces.
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Touchless thermometer
A touchless thermometer is important to have.
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N95 masks
These N95 masks provide the best level of COVID-19 protection possible.
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A vaccine card protector
Vaccine cards may wear out. An unreadable card can have severe consequences. This vaccine card protector helps stop that.
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Hand sanitizer
This hand sanitizer is an excellent TSA-friendly option.
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(U.S. Residents) Telehealth COVID-19 test for entry to U.S.
U.S. residents still need a certified COVID-19 test to return home, but it can now be via Zoom. Learn more
General health necessities
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Emergency water purifier
Some rural areas may have unreliable tap water, so it's important to bring an emergency water purifier like this one.
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Travel first aid kit
This one is a good one.
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Emergency motion sickness relief
Don't forget these
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Voice and data SIM card
A SIM card that works in Central Yunnan. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.
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Airplane or car necessities
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Money/passport pouch
A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.
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For families with young children
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Plug adapter
A plug adapter that supports outlet types A, C and I. This one works in most locations, but you should check with your hotel.
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Power bank for devices
A portable power bank, like this one
What to wear/what to pack for Central Yunnan, China by month
Already know when you're traveling?
January
If you are traveling to Central Yunnan in January, you will notice that it is cold. Expect it to rain 5-10 days this month. Average temperatures (including nighttime) are in the high 40s F (single digits C). There is frost about half of the time.
What to wear/what to pack:
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Light gloves or mittens
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Lip balm
In our opinion, the best is: this one
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Warm pants or jeans
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Jacket or coat
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Fleece
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Extra socks
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Standard footwear
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A rain poncho to layer with a coat
-
100% waterproof footwear
We recommend these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These pants can be vital in a rainstorm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Windproof umbrella
This one is a perfect option.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your things stay dry. We recommend:
February
If you go to Central Yunnan in February, you will notice that it can be chilly. Expect it to rain sometimes. Average temperatures (including nighttime) are in the low 40s F (single digits C). There is frost a bit less than half of the time.
What to wear/what to pack:
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Light and heavy skirts
-
Long sleeve shirts or blouses
-
Pants or jeans
-
Dresses
-
Light jacket or fleece
-
Standard footwear
-
Extra socks
-
A rain jacket to layer with another jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We use rain boots:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants are essential in a rainstorm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Windproof umbrella
This one is a perfect option.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your suitcases stay dry. We like:
March
March in this region is crisp. Temperatures average in the 50s F (low 10s C), with daytime temperatures significantly higher. There is frost once in a while. It rains sometimes.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Long sleeve shirts or blouses
-
Light jacket or fleece
-
Standard footwear
-
Light and heavy skirts
-
Dresses
-
Extra socks
-
Pants or jeans
-
A rain coat to layer with a coat
-
100% waterproof footwear
We like these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants can be vital in a storm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Windproof umbrella
This one is an excellent one to buy.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your belongings don't get wet. We suggest:
April
Traveling to Central Yunnan in April, you will notice that it is balmy. Expect it to rain regularly. Average temperatures (including nighttime) are in the low 60s F (mid 10s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Extra socks
-
Dresses
-
Standard footwear
-
Light and heavy skirts
-
Light jacket or fleece
-
Long sleeve shirts or blouses
-
Pants or jeans
-
A rain jacket to layer with a jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We use these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These pants will be vital in a storm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Umbrella
This one is an excellent one to buy.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your suitcases remain dry. We recommend:
May
May here is warm. Temperatures average in the high 60s F (high 10s C), with daytime temperatures significantly higher. It rains about half of the time.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Sunscreen lotion
-
Extra socks
-
Sandals
-
Light skirts
-
Short pants or heavy shorts
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
-
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
-
Bug repellent
-
Breathable footwear or sandals
-
A rain poncho to layer with a coat
-
100% waterproof footwear
We suggest these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These will be essential in a storm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Umbrella
This one is a perfect one to buy.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your bags stay dry. We suggest:
June
June here is warm. Temperatures average in the high 60s F (low 20s C), with daytime temperatures significantly higher. It rains about two thirds of the time.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Sandals
-
Bug repellent
-
Short pants or heavy shorts
-
Extra socks
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
-
Sunscreen lotion
-
Light skirts
-
Breathable footwear or sandals
-
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
-
A rain coat to layer with another jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We recommend these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants can be essential in a rainstorm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is a perfect choice.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your suitcases don't get wet. We like:
July
July for Central Yunnan is a perfect temperature. Temperatures average in the high 60s F (low 20s C), with daytime temperatures significantly higher. It rains most days.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Breathable footwear or sandals
-
Short pants or heavy shorts
-
Light skirts
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
-
Sandals
-
Extra socks
-
Sunscreen lotion
-
Bug repellent
-
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
-
A rain jacket to layer with a jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We use these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These pants can be vital in heavy rain.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is a great option.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your belongings don't get wet. We like:
August
If you go to Central Yunnan in August, you will notice that it is a perfect temperature. Expect it to rain most days. Average temperatures (including nighttime) are in the high 60s F (low 10s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
-
Light skirts
-
Short pants or heavy shorts
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
-
Bug repellent
-
Sunscreen lotion
-
Sandals
-
Breathable footwear or sandals
-
Extra socks
-
A rain coat to layer with a coat
-
100% waterproof footwear
We use these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants will be vital in a rainstorm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Windproof umbrella
This one is an excellent choice.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your things remain dry. We recommend:
September
September is mild. Temperatures average in the 60s F (high 10s C), with daytime temperatures significantly higher. It rains about half of the time.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Sandals
-
Bug repellent
-
Light skirts
-
Extra socks
-
Sunscreen lotion
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
-
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
-
Breathable footwear or sandals
-
Short pants or heavy shorts
-
A rain coat to layer with a coat
-
100% waterproof footwear
We use these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These are essential in a rainstorm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Umbrella
This one is an excellent choice.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your suitcases remain dry. We suggest:
October
If you are traveling to Central Yunnan in October, you will notice that it is balmy. Expect it to rain about half of the time. Average temperatures (including nighttime) are in the low 60s F (mid 10s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Dresses
-
Light jacket or fleece
-
Long sleeve shirts or blouses
-
Standard footwear
-
Pants or jeans
-
Extra socks
-
Light and heavy skirts
-
A rain jacket to layer with a coat
-
100% waterproof footwear
We like these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These pants can be a lifesaver in heavy rain.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is an excellent one to buy.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your things remain dry. We suggest:
November
If you are traveling to Central Yunnan in November, you will notice that it is chilly. Expect it to rain regularly. Average temperatures (including nighttime) are in the low 50s F (low 10s C). There is frost sometimes.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Light jacket or fleece
-
Pants or jeans
-
Extra socks
-
Dresses
-
Standard footwear
-
Light and heavy skirts
-
Long sleeve shirts or blouses
-
A rain poncho to layer with a coat
-
100% waterproof footwear
We suggest rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These are vital in a rainstorm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is a perfect option.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your bags don't get wet. We like:
December
December can be very chilly. Temperatures average in the high 40s F (single digits C), with daytime temperatures significantly higher. There is frost about half of the time. It rains a bit less than half of the time.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Long sleeve shirts or blouses
-
Standard footwear
-
Light jacket or fleece
-
Pants or jeans
-
Dresses
-
Extra socks
-
Light and heavy skirts
-
A rain poncho to layer with another jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We recommend these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These pants will be vital in a storm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Windproof umbrella
This one is a great option.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your belongings remain dry. We suggest:
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