Dali in January

Outside the best window (Mar–May, Oct–Nov). Across China: Cold and smoggy in the north, ice festival in Harbin; Spring Festival travel rush can start mid-month.

January is rated mixed. These months rate higher:

• MarchGreatInside Dali's best window: Mar–May, Oct–Nov.
• AprilGreatInside Dali's best window: Mar–May, Oct–Nov.
• MayGreatInside Dali's best window: Mar–May, Oct–Nov.
• OctoberGreatInside Dali's best window: Mar–May, Oct–Nov.

• DaliHighs around 16 °C (61 °F), lows around 3 °C (37 °F), rain on about 4 daysHighs around 61 °F (16 °C), lows around 37 °F (3 °C), rain on about 4 days
• Sichuan and Yunnan, China · Chengdu, Chongqing, Kunming, Dali, Lijiangcool

  Chengdu is grey and humid, Chongqing is among the hottest cities in July–August; Yunnan's plateau is mild all year with a dry season Nov–Apr.

Dates as our data lists them. Moving holidays (lunar and Islamic calendars, Easter) shift every year: check the date for your year before you build a trip on it.

• Spring Festival (Chinese New Year) big impact

  Spring Festival: about 5–11 Feb 2027 (New Year's Day 6 Feb; official dates set late in the year — check) · China

  Chunyun travel rush for about 40 days around it; shops and small restaurants close for up to a week, trains and flights sell out, hotel prices jump. Big sights stay open with crowds.

Crowds · China overall

Medium

Prices · China overall

Medium

China overall: Cold and smoggy in the north, ice festival in Harbin; Spring Festival travel rush can start mid-month.

Weather, crowds and prices for any two months in Dali, side by side.

• A warm coat, hat and gloves for mornings and evenings
• Layers: a fleece or light jacket

Build the full packing list for your trip →