Kunming Weather in April

April days outdoors

April is one of Kunming's best months for being outside. Afternoons feel warm, while evenings cool off; rain is usually brief rather than a reason to cancel the day. Walk around Green Lake Park or explore the old streets near Kunming's Yuantong Temple. The dry conditions also suit a day trip to the Stone Forest, where you can wander among the limestone formations.

If you're planning a long hike, don't assume every day will stay sunny. April gets some rain, so keep a flexible plan for the hills around the city.

Qingming and spring crowds

Qingming, the spring tomb-sweeping holiday, falls in early April. Families visit graves and some people take short trips, so popular sights and transport can feel busier around the holiday. Kunming doesn't have a major April festival that draws crowds on the scale of its Spring City Flower Show season.

Outside the holiday, April is a popular time to visit, but it's generally less crowded than peak summer travel. Prices can be higher than in quieter winter months, though they often ease outside holiday dates.

If you hate crowds, visit Yuantong Temple on a weekday and avoid travelling during the Qingming break.

A local way to plan

April brings more rain than March, but much less than May. That makes it a handy month for mixing city walks with outdoor sights before the wetter summer weather arrives. With long daylight and plenty of sunshine, you can fit in a relaxed morning at Green Lake, then spend the afternoon around Kunming's old town.

For a practical stop, try crossing the city to the Western Hills by bus and cable car. The views over Dianchi Lake are lovely on a clear day. If clouds roll in, stay closer to the city and enjoy a bowl of crossing-the-bridge noodles, Kunming's well-known noodle soup.