Northwestern Yunnan, China: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2022]
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Traveling to Northwestern Yunnan, China? If you're planning to go to Northwestern Yunnan, I've got some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack.
Contents
- When to go to Northwestern Yunnan
- Important essentials for Northwestern Yunnan
- Activities for Northwestern Yunnan
- Northwestern Yunnan in January: weather and what to pack
- Northwestern Yunnan in February: weather and what to pack
- Northwestern Yunnan in March: weather and what to pack
- Northwestern Yunnan in April: weather and what to pack
- Northwestern Yunnan in May: weather and what to pack
- Northwestern Yunnan in June: weather and what to pack
- Northwestern Yunnan in July: weather and what to pack
- Northwestern Yunnan in August: weather and what to pack
- Northwestern Yunnan in September: weather and what to pack
- Northwestern Yunnan in October: weather and what to pack
- Northwestern Yunnan in November: weather and what to pack
- Northwestern 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 Northwestern Yunnan, China
Based on the climate and weather in Northwestern Yunnan, the best time to go is November. See below for details.
Important essentials for Northwestern Yunnan, China
Here are some general tips on what to wear in Northwestern Yunnan, as well as several items to remember to pack when traveling there.
COVID-19 ESSENTIALS FOR 2022
-
N95 masks to use in crowded airports
These N95 masks provide the best level of COVID-19 protection you can have.
-
Hand sanitizer
This hand sanitizer is an excellent TSA-friendly option.
-
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).
Travel insurance
If you or a companion get COVID-19, your amazing trip can be ruined. Good travel insurance can help. See plans
-
A vaccine card protector
Vaccine cards may get worn. An unreadable card can cause severe consequences. This vaccine card protector helps stop that.
-
Travel disinfecting wipes
Use these to sanitize plane and hotel surfaces.
General health necessities
Northwestern Yunnan is at a somewhat high altitude, and could cause problems for some. For that reason, you will want to be constantly hydrated and pack altitude sickness remedies.
-
Supplements
Ginko biloba or other supplements (ask your doctor before using)
-
Over-the-counter medicine
Virus/bacteria filtering water bottle
Some rural areas may have unreliable tap water, so it's wise to take a contaminant filtering water bottle.
-
Travel first aid kit
This one is a good value.
-
Emergency motion sickness relief
Don't forget these
-
Plug adapter
A plug adapter that supports outlet types A, C and I. This one should be appropriate for most areas, but you may want to check with your hotel.
-
Voice and data SIM card
A SIM card that works in Northwestern 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.
-
For families with young children
-
Money/passport pouch
A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.
-
Power bank for devices
A portable power bank, like this one
-
Airplane or car necessities
What to wear/what to pack for Northwestern Yunnan, China by month
Already know when you're traveling?
January
January in Northwestern Yunnan is pretty cool. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the low 10s F (10+ below zero C). There is frost almost every day.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Fleece inner layer
-
Thermal undergarments
Our favorites:
-
Insulated ice boots
We use:
-
Very heavy heated socks
Like these
-
Pajamas
-
Coveralls/snow pants
Here are some of the best values:
-
Lip balm
The best option: here
-
Extreme weather jacket shell
These are a great value:
-
Extreme cold weather gloves
-
Scarf/neck warmer
-
Heavy sweaters
-
Waterproof snow boots
In addition to standard footwear, it's important to bring snow boots. For visiting Northwestern Yunnan, we suggest these boots:
-
Waterproof jacket that can be used in snow
-
A windproof umbrella
This is something you need here. This one is a great option.
February
February in Northwestern Yunnan is brisk. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the 10s F (single digits below 0 C). There is frost most days.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Heavy sweaters
-
Thermal undergarments
Our picks:
-
Extreme weather jacket shell
These are a great value:
-
Insulated ice boots
We use:
-
Pajamas
-
Lip balm
The best pick: here
-
Fleece inner layer
-
Extreme cold weather gloves
-
Scarf/neck warmer
-
Coveralls/snow pants
Here are some of the best choices:
-
Very heavy heated socks
Like these
-
Waterproof snow boots
In addition to regular shoes, you should bring snow boots. For visiting Northwestern Yunnan, we suggest these boots:
-
Waterproof jacket that can be used in snow
-
A windproof umbrella
This is worth investing in for this weather. This one is a perfect option.
March
March in Northwestern Yunnan can be very chilly. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the low 20s F (single digits below 0 C). There is frost about two thirds of the time.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Heavy jacket
-
Sweaters
-
Lip balm
Our favorite option: this one
-
Heavy socks
Such as:
-
Insulated water bottle
Our favorite:
-
Gloves
-
Warm pants or jeans
-
Cold weather footwear
-
Waterproof snow boots
In addition to regular footwear, it's important to bring snow boots. For visiting Northwestern Yunnan, a great option is these boots:
-
Waterproof jacket that can be used in snow
-
A umbrella
This is something you need here. This one is an excellent choice.
April
April in Northwestern Yunnan is pretty cool. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the high 20s F (single digits below 0 C). There is frost about half of the time.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Warm pants or jeans
-
Insulated water bottle
Our fave:
-
Lip balm
Our pick: here
-
Sweaters
-
Gloves
-
Heavy socks
Such as:
-
Heavy jacket
-
Cold weather footwear
-
Waterproof snow boots
In addition to regular shoes, it's important to bring snow boots. For travel to Northwestern Yunnan, we suggest these boots:
-
Waterproof jacket that can be used in snow
-
A umbrella
This is vital here. This one is a perfect choice.
May
If you go to Northwestern Yunnan in May, you will notice that it is chilly. Expect it to rain about half of the time. Daytime temperatures are in the high 50s F (mid 10s C). There is frost regularly.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Fleece
-
Light gloves or mittens
-
Lip balm
In our opinion, the best pick: this one
-
Warm pants or jeans
-
Jacket or coat
-
Extra socks
-
Standard footwear
-
A rain poncho to layer with a coat
-
100% waterproof footwear
We recommend rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These pants can be vital in a rainstorm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is an excellent option.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your suitcases don't get wet. We suggest:
June
June can be chilly. Temperatures average in the low 50s F (mid 10s C) during the day. It rains most days.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Long sleeve shirts or blouses
-
Dresses
-
Light jacket or fleece
-
Pants or jeans
-
Standard footwear
-
Light and heavy skirts
-
Extra socks
-
A rain jacket to layer with another jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We recommend rain boots:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants can be vital in a rainstorm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Umbrella
This one is a great choice.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your suitcases don't get wet. We like:
July
July in Northwestern Yunnan can be chilly. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the low 50s F (mid 10s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Long sleeve shirts or blouses
-
Extra socks
-
Pants or jeans
-
Light and heavy skirts
-
Dresses
-
Light jacket or fleece
-
Standard footwear
-
A rain jacket to layer with a jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We recommend rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These pants will be vital in heavy rain.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Windproof umbrella
This one is a great option.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your suitcases don't get wet. We like:
August
August in Northwestern Yunnan can be chilly. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the 50s F (low 10s C) to high 50s F (mid 10s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Pants or jeans
-
Light and heavy skirts
-
Extra socks
-
Standard footwear
-
Light jacket or fleece
-
Long sleeve shirts or blouses
-
Dresses
-
A rain jacket to layer with a jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We suggest rain boots:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants will be essential in a rainstorm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Umbrella
This one is a great one to buy.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your bags don't get wet. We recommend:
September
September here is crisp. Temperatures average in the high 50s F (mid 10s C) during the day. There is frost occasionally. It rains about two thirds of the time.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Light jacket or fleece
-
Extra socks
-
Pants or jeans
-
Dresses
-
Light and heavy skirts
-
Long sleeve shirts or blouses
-
Standard footwear
-
A rain jacket to layer with a coat
-
100% waterproof footwear
We like these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants will be vital in a rainstorm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Windproof umbrella
This one is a perfect one to buy.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your bags stay dry. We recommend:
October
If you vacation in Northwestern Yunnan during October, you are likely to see that it is brisk. Temperatures tend to hover around the low 50s F (low 10s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the low 30s F (single digits C). In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain or snow/sleet about a third of the time. There is frost about a third of the time.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Jacket or coat
-
Light gloves or mittens
-
Warm pants or jeans
-
Lip balm
In our opinion, the best choice: this
-
Extra socks
-
Fleece
-
Standard footwear
-
Waterproof snow boots
In addition to regular footwear, you should bring snow boots. For traveling to Northwestern Yunnan, a great option is these boots:
-
Waterproof jacket that can be used in snow
-
A windproof umbrella
This is essential here. This one is an excellent option.
November
November in Northwestern Yunnan is pretty cool. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the low 20s F (single digits below 0 C). There is frost about two thirds of the time.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Heavy jacket
-
Insulated water bottle
Our first choice:
-
Sweaters
-
Gloves
-
Warm pants or jeans
-
Lip balm
Our favorite option: this one
-
Heavy socks
Such as:
-
Cold weather footwear
-
Waterproof snow boots
In addition to standard footwear, it's important to bring snow boots. For visiting Northwestern Yunnan, we suggest these boots:
-
Waterproof jacket that can be used in snow
-
A windproof umbrella
This is worth investing in for this weather. This one is an excellent option.
December
Traveling to Northwestern Yunnan in December, you will notice that it is pretty cool. Expect it to rain or snow occasionally. Daytime temperatures are in the low 40s F (single digits C). There is frost most days.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Extreme cold weather gloves
-
Heavy sweaters
-
Very heavy heated socks
Like these
-
Pajamas
-
Insulated ice boots
We use:
-
Scarf/neck warmer
-
Fleece inner layer
-
Extreme weather jacket shell
These are a great value:
-
Lip balm
The best option: this one
-
Thermal undergarments
We love:
-
Coveralls/snow pants
Here are some of our favorites:
-
Waterproof snow boots
In addition to standard shoes, it's important to bring snow boots. For visiting Northwestern Yunnan, a great option is these boots:
-
Waterproof jacket that can be used in snow
-
A windproof umbrella
This is something you need here. This one is a perfect option.
Activities for Northwestern Yunnan, China
Here are some activity recommendations and activity-specific packing tips for Northwestern Yunnan.
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