Lijiang, China: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2022]
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Traveling to Lijiang, China? If you're planning to go to Lijiang, we've got some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack.
Contents
- When to go to Lijiang
- Important essentials for Lijiang
- Activities for Lijiang
- Lijiang in January: weather and what to pack
- Lijiang in February: weather and what to pack
- Lijiang in March: weather and what to pack
- Lijiang in April: weather and what to pack
- Lijiang in May: weather and what to pack
- Lijiang in June: weather and what to pack
- Lijiang in July: weather and what to pack
- Lijiang in August: weather and what to pack
- Lijiang in September: weather and what to pack
- Lijiang in October: weather and what to pack
- Lijiang in November: weather and what to pack
- Lijiang 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 Lijiang, China
Based on the climate and weather in Lijiang, the best time to go is May. See below for details.
Important essentials for Lijiang, China
Here are some general tips on what to wear in Lijiang, as well as several items to remember to pack when traveling there.
COVID-19 ESSENTIALS FOR 2022
Travel insurance
If you or a companion get COVID-19, your amazing trip can be ruined. Good travel insurance can help. See plans
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A vaccine card protector
Vaccine cards frequently become worn. An unreadable vaccine card can cause severe consequences. This vaccine card protector helps stop that.
-
Kids' KN95 masks
N95 masks are not available for kids. These are a good alternative (and can also be used by adults if N95 masks are not available).
-
Travel disinfecting wipes
Use these to sanitize plane and hotel surfaces.
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N95 masks to use in crowded airports
These N95 masks provide the best level of protection available.
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Hand sanitizer
This hand sanitizer is an easy-to-carry plane-friendly choice.
General health necessities
Virus/bacteria filtering water bottle
Some areas of this country may have potentially unsafe tap water, so it's wise to bring a contaminant filtering water bottle.
-
Travel first aid kit
This one is a superb one.
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Emergency motion sickness relief
Don't forget these
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Plug adapter
A plug adapter that supports outlet types A, C and I. This one is sufficent for most locations, but check with your hotel.
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Voice and data SIM card
A SIM card that works in Lijiang. 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.
-
Airplane or car necessities
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Money/passport pouch
A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.
-
For families with young children
-
Power bank for devices
A portable power bank, like this one
What to wear/what to pack for Lijiang, China by month
Already know when you're traveling?
January
Traveling to Lijiang in January, you will notice that it can be brisk. Daytime temperatures are in the 50s F (low 10s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
If you go to Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, you'll probably do a lot of walking. These are a must:
-
Small portable cooler
Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.
-
Ultralight day pack
Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.
-
Binoculars
-
Good hiking shoes
These are designed for this kind of walking, and can breathe and can get wet
February
February in Lijiang can be chilly. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the 30s F (single digits C). With the colder weather comes lower humidity, which is in the 30% to 40% range on average.
What to wear/what to pack:
If you go to Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, you'll probably do a lot of walking. These are a must:
-
Small portable cooler
Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.
-
Ultralight day pack
Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.
-
Binoculars
-
Good hiking shoes
These are designed for this kind of walking, and can breathe and can get wet
March
March in Lijiang is chilly. Temperatures average in the low 60s F (mid 10s C) during the day.
What to wear/what to pack:
If you go to Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, you'll probably do a lot of walking. These are a must:
-
Small portable cooler
Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.
-
Ultralight day pack
Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.
-
Binoculars
-
Good hiking shoes
These are designed for this kind of walking, and can breathe and can get wet
April
If you go to Lijiang in April, you will notice that it can be chilly. Daytime temperatures are in the 60s F (high 10s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
If you go to Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, you'll probably do a lot of walking. These are a must:
-
Small portable cooler
Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.
-
Ultralight day pack
Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.
-
Binoculars
-
Good hiking shoes
These are designed for this kind of walking, and can breathe and can get wet
May
May in Lijiang is balmy. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the low 60s F (high 10s C) to low 70s F (low 20s C), although night temperatures can dip into the 40s F (single digits C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Light skirts
-
Short pants or heavy shorts
-
Extra socks
-
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
-
Bug repellent
-
Sandals
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
-
Sunscreen lotion
-
Breathable footwear or sandals
-
Rain poncho
A quality rain poncho to wear over your jacket can be a lifesaver by protecting your main coat. We like this one.
-
Rainy weather makes rubber rain boots a necessity. These boots work well for stormy weather:
-
An umbrella
This excellent one is built for storms.
-
Waterproof luggage cover
So your things stay dry. The most durable suitcases can let water in. We suggest:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants are essential in a storm.
If you go to Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, you'll probably do a lot of walking. These are a must:
-
Small portable cooler
Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.
-
Ultralight day pack
Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.
-
Binoculars
-
Good hiking shoes
These are designed for this kind of walking, and can breathe and can get wet
June
If you go to Lijiang in June, you will notice that it is mild. Daytime temperatures are in the low 70s F (low 20s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Breathable footwear or sandals
-
Sandals
-
Short pants or heavy shorts
-
Bug repellent
-
Light skirts
-
Sunscreen lotion
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
-
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
-
Extra socks
-
Rain poncho
A weatherproof rain poncho to wear over your jacket will help avoid loads of aggrevation by protecting your coat. We like this one.
-
The stormy weather makes rubber rain boots a must. These boots are great for stormy weather:
-
An umbrella
This excellent one is made for stormy weather.
-
Waterproof luggage cover
So your things remain dry. Even the finest luggage can let moisture in. We like:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants can be vital in heavy rain.
If you go to Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, you'll probably do a lot of walking. These are a must:
-
Small portable cooler
Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.
-
Ultralight day pack
Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.
-
Binoculars
-
Good hiking shoes
These are designed for this kind of walking, and can breathe and can get wet
July
If you are traveling to Lijiang in July, you will notice that it is mild. Daytime temperatures are in the low 70s F (low 20s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Bug repellent
-
Extra socks
-
Sunscreen lotion
-
Short pants or heavy shorts
-
Breathable footwear or sandals
-
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
-
Light skirts
-
Sandals
-
Rain poncho
A weatherproof rain poncho to wear over your coat can be a lifesaver by protecting your coat. We like this one.
-
The stormy weather makes rubber rain boots a must. These boots work well for stormy weather:
-
An umbrella
This excellent one is made for bad weather.
-
Waterproof luggage cover
So your things stay dry. Even the most durable luggage can let moisture in. We like:
-
Rain pants
These pants will be essential in a storm.
If you go to Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, you'll probably do a lot of walking. These are a must:
-
Small portable cooler
Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.
-
Ultralight day pack
Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.
-
Binoculars
-
Good hiking shoes
These are designed for this kind of walking, and can breathe and can get wet
August
August in this region is mild and somewhat stormy. Temperatures average in the low 70s F (low 20s C) during the day.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Extra socks
-
Short pants or heavy shorts
-
Sunscreen lotion
-
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
-
Sandals
-
Bug repellent
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
-
Light skirts
-
Breathable footwear or sandals
-
Rain poncho
A durable rain poncho to wear over your coat can be a lifesaver by protecting your coat. We like this one.
-
Rainy weather makes rubber rain boots essential. These boots are well-suited for stormy weather:
-
An umbrella
This excellent one is made for bad weather.
-
Waterproof luggage cover
So your stuff don't get wet. Even the finest luggage can let rain in. We recommend:
-
Rain pants
These pants can be essential in a rainstorm.
If you go to Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, you'll probably do a lot of walking. These are a must:
-
Small portable cooler
Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.
-
Ultralight day pack
Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.
-
Binoculars
-
Good hiking shoes
These are designed for this kind of walking, and can breathe and can get wet
September
If you visit Lijiang during September, you might notice that it is mild. Temperatures tend to hover around the high 60s F (low 20s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the 50s F (low 10s C). Humidity is generally between 60 and 70% during the day.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Dresses
-
Standard footwear
-
Long sleeve shirts or blouses
-
Light jacket or fleece
-
Light and heavy skirts
-
Extra socks
-
Pants or jeans
-
Rain poncho
A high quality rain poncho to wear over your coat can be a lifesaver by protecting your main coat. We like this one.
-
Stormy weather makes rubber rain boots a necessity. These boots are great for stormy weather:
-
An umbrella
This excellent one is designed for stormy weather.
-
Waterproof luggage cover
So your belongings stay dry. Even the finest luggage can let rain in. We recommend:
-
Rain pants
These pants will be essential in a storm.
If you go to Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, you'll probably do a lot of walking. These are a must:
-
Small portable cooler
Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.
-
Ultralight day pack
Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.
-
Binoculars
-
Good hiking shoes
These are designed for this kind of walking, and can breathe and can get wet
October
October in Lijiang can be chilly. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the 60s F (high 10s C), although night temperatures can dip into the 40s F (single digits C).
What to wear/what to pack:
If you go to Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, you'll probably do a lot of walking. These are a must:
-
Small portable cooler
Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.
-
Ultralight day pack
Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.
-
Binoculars
-
Good hiking shoes
These are designed for this kind of walking, and can breathe and can get wet
November
If you visit Lijiang during November, you are likely to notice that it is frigid. Temperatures tend to hover around the low 30s F (single digits C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the low 30s F (single digits C).
What to wear/what to pack:
If you go to Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, you'll probably do a lot of walking. These are a must:
-
Small portable cooler
Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.
-
Ultralight day pack
Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.
-
Binoculars
-
Good hiking shoes
These are designed for this kind of walking, and can breathe and can get wet
December
If you vacation in Lijiang during December, you are likely to see that it is crisp. Temperatures tend to hover around the 50s F (low 10s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the 30s F (single digits C). Humidity is generally between 30 and 40% during the day.
What to wear/what to pack:
If you go to Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, you'll probably do a lot of walking. These are a must:
-
Small portable cooler
Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.
-
Ultralight day pack
Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.
-
Binoculars
-
Good hiking shoes
These are designed for this kind of walking, and can breathe and can get wet
Activities for Lijiang, China
Here are some activity recommendations and activity-specific packing tips for Lijiang.
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