In the context of global climate change and China’s “Dual Carbon” objectives, the environmental adaptability of Yunnan vernacular dwellings has garnered significant scholarly attention. This study employs the CNKI database and the Web of Science (WOS) core collection as primary literature sources, utilizing the CiteSpace visualization tool to conduct a systematic analysis of research trends and hotspots in the environmental adaptability of Yunnan vernacular dwellings. A comprehensive review of the current research landscape is undertaken. The findings indicate that research hotspots in this field exhibit a fluctuating upward trend, with a shift from qualitative cultural studies to quantitative analyses of thermal performance, energy efficiency, and climate-adaptive design. Furthermore, the integration of traditional wisdom with modern innovation has emerged as a key research focus, alongside the diversification of research methodologies and the extensive application of advanced technologies. Key research themes encompass the adaptive characteristics of vernacular dwellings across diverse ethnic groups and climate zones, the evaluation of wind and thermal environments, and the development of optimization strategies for climate-adaptive features. This study aims to provide practical insights for future research on the environmental adaptability of Yunnan vernacular dwellings, offer theoretical foundations for the renewal and design of regional architecture, and ultimately contribute to sustainable development in the architectural field.