Zhangjiajie Weather & Best Time to Visit Zhangjiajie
Located in the northwest of Hunan province, Central China, Zhangjiajie boasts a humid subtropical and monsoonal climate with plentiful sunshine and rainfall. It has long frost-free period and short cold period with distinct four seasons. Zhangjiajie is not too cold in winter and nor hot in summer with an annual average of 16.8 C (about 62 F) as well as average rainfall of 1400mm. The frost-free period lasts about between 216 and 269 days.
To visit a world natural heritage site, like Zhangjiajie National Forest Park and the surrounding scenic mountains & attractions, travelers should always keep abreast of the Zhangjiajie weather, and figure out the best time to visit Zhangjiajie.
Zhangjiajie Weather All Year
Check below Zhangjiajie weather by month, you can have a general idea of Zhangjiajie’s temperature and weather averages, and understand the coldest month, hottest month and rainy season. It will surely help for you to plan and pack for your Zhangjiajie tour.
Please note that Zhangjiajie Forest Park and Grand Canyon are 2-5°C lower than downtown, with higher humidity and cooler body temperature. While the top of Tianmen Mountain is 6-10°C lower than the city, snow is common in winter - you need to bring a windproof jacket throughout the year.
| Average Temperature | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | June | July | Aug | Sept | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Max | 10°C | 12°C | 17°C | 23°C | 27°C | 29°C | 31°C | 31°C | 28°C | 23°C | 17°C | 12°C |
| Min | 1°C | 3°C | 7°C | 13°C | 18°C | 21°C | 24°C | 23°C | 19°C | 13°C | 8°C | 3°C |
When is the Best Time to Visit Zhangajiajie
The view of Zhangajijie National Park, Tianmen Mountain and Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon & Zhangjiajie Glass Bridge at each season is a classic. But the best time to visit Zhangjiajie is from April till the end of October, especially April and October, when the oddly-shaped mountains are at its most beautiful time, with mild climate. However, visitors are not encouraged to hike on the mountains or canyons of Zhangjiajie if it rains.
In winter (December through February), there are fewer visitors and a chance to see beautiful snow. However, some trails may be closed.
Best Time of Year to Visit Zhangjiajie for Hiking
Zhangjiajie is renowned worldwide for its unique quartz stone landform and magnificent natural scenery. According to the landscape and weather of Zhangjiajie, generally speaking, April to May and September to November are the best times for hiking. From April to May, the temperature is just right (15-25℃), the mountains are lush and green, dotted with wild flowers and shrouded in mist, making it an ideal place for photography in Zhangjiajie. The best time to enjoy the red leaves is from September to November. The weather is clear and visibility is high, so it is very comfortable to go hiking at this time.
To hike in Zhangjaijie, we recommended the classic hiking trains include the Yuanjiajie - Tianzi Mountains, Jinbianxi Trail, Yangjiajie - Wulongzhai - Tianbo Mansion, and the Tianmen Mountain hiking trail.
Summer (June to August) : With lush greenery, Zhangjiajie is relatively cooler than other places and is a great summer resort. However, there is a lot of rain and occasional heavy downpours, so it is not suitable for hiking. Anti-slip and mosquito-proof measures should also be taken, and rain gear should be prepared.
>> Recommended 6-day Zhangjiajie Hiking Tour
Best Time to Travel to Zhangjiajie with Kids
When traveling to Zhangjiajie with children, parents need to consider the weather, temperature, physical exertion, fun and safety. In spring and fall, April to May and September to October, temperatures range from 15 to 25 degrees Celsius, cool and with little rain, making it suitable for outdoor activities.
In Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, you can hike the Golden Whip Stream, see rhesus monkeys, play in the water, and collect rocks. At the Ten Mile Gallery, there is a children's favorite sightseeing train that passes by all kinds of oddly shaped peaks along the way. In Yuanjiajie, take the Bailong Elevator (the world's highest outdoor elevator) to the top of the mountain for a relaxing view of floating Avatar Mountains.
>> Recommended 3-day Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon Tour with Glass Bridge
Best Time of a Day to Visit Zhangjiajie National Forest Park and Other Attractions
Reasonable planning in advance of the day's itinerary can avoid the peak of the crowd, and at the same time seize the best light and location to take pictures.
The best time to visit Zhangjiajie National Forest Park is from 7:00 to 11:00 in the morning, when there are fewer people and it's easy to capture the "Avatar Peak" with no one around. In the morning mist of Golden Whip Stream, wild monkeys are the most active.
The best time to visit Tianzi Mountains is from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Under the setting sun, the Imperial Brush Peak is breathtakingly beautiful under the illumination of light and shadow.
The best time to visit Tianmen Mountain is from 8:00 to 11:00 in the morning. When the clouds and mist have not yet dissipated in the morning, the probability of the Tianmen Cave emitting fog is high. The glass walkway is less crowded, and your experience will be more thrilling.
The best time to visit the Zhangjiajie Glass Bridge is from 9:00 to 11:00 or 15:00 to 17:00.
>> Recommended 4-day Zhangjiajie Photography Tour
Dates You Should Avoid Visiting Zhangjiajie
National Day Golden Week (Oct. 1-Oct. 7) and Chinese New Year Holiday (Lunar New Year's Eve to the 6th day of the Lunar New Year): tourists surge (100,000+ per day on average), and queues for the Hundred Dragons Stairway, Tianmen Mountain Cable Car, etc. are likely to be as long as 3-4 hours. The experience is poor. And hotel and airfare will be several times more expensive than other days.
May Day holiday (May 1st - 5th) : Although the number of people is not as large as that during the National Day holiday and the prices are not as high, popular scenic spots such as Zhangjiajie Glass Bridge and Yuanjiajie are still overcrowded. Summer vacation weekends (June to August): Domestic families gather, so mid-week (Tuesday to Thursday) visits are recommended.
Zhangjiajie RainySeason
The rainy season in Zhangjiajie is from May to August. During this period of time, the rainfall in Zhangjiajie is very heavy. In rainy days, the mountain roads are slippery and the rain and fog may lead to blurred vision. It is suggested that you should not venture climbing in the rain. Check the weather forecast before your trip to Zhangjiajie.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | June | July | Aug | Sept | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Average Rainfall |
55 mm |
85 mm |
130 mm |
175 mm |
210 mm |
245 mm |
190 mm |
160 mm |
130 mm |
100 mm |
70 mm |
50 mm |
Average Rainy Days |
10 days |
11 days |
15 days |
17 days |
18 days |
19 days |
15 days |
13 days |
11 days |
9 days |
8 days |
8 days |
Travel to Zhangjiajie in Spring (March, April, May)
The average temperature in Zhangjiajie in spring ranges from 10°C to 25°C. The average temperature in March ranges from 5°C to 15°C. It's relatively cool. The average temperature from April to May is 15°C to 25°C, and the weather is gradually getting warmer. Spring rain occurs frequently. There is mostly light rain in March and April.
The rainy season begins in May, with occasional short periods of heavy rainfall. The ice and snow begins to melt when spring comes, and everything comes to life again – the trees and flowers, the streams and rivers, the birds and fish – the entire Zhangajiajie is full of vigor.
Yuanjiajie, Yubi Peak on Tianzishan Mountain, and Tianmen Cave on Tianmen Mountain turn into a fairyland in a sea of clouds. Don't miss the wild azaleas blooming in Tianzi Mountains and Yangjiajie.
What to Wear: It is recommended that you wear quick-drying clothes, fleece jackets, windproof windbreakers, thin down jackets, elastic sports pants/hiking pants and anti-slip hiking shoes.
Recommended attractions in spring: Golden Whip Stream (Jin-bian-xi), Ten Miles Galley of Landscape (Shi Li Hua Lang), Baofeng Lake, Yellow Dragon Cave
>> Recommended 4-day Zhangjiajie Highlights Tour
Travel to Zhangjiajie in Summer (June, July, Augest)
In June, the average temperature of Zhangjiajie ranges from 22 to 30 degrees Celsius. The rainy season persists and heavy rain occurs frequently. In July, the average temperature ranges from 25 to 33 degrees Celsius, and there are frequent thunderstorms in the afternoon. In August, the average temperature in Zhangjiajie ranges from 24 to 32 degrees Celsius. Occasionally, typhoons may affect the area, and there will be short-term heavy rainfall.
In June, the average temperature of Zhangjiajie ranges from 22 to 30 degrees Celsius. The rainy season persists and heavy rain occurs frequently. In July, the average temperature ranges from 25 to 33 degrees Celsius, and there are frequent thunderstorms in the afternoon. In August, the average temperature in Zhangjiajie ranges from 24 to 32 degrees Celsius. Occasionally, typhoons may affect the area, and there will be short-term heavy rainfall.
The mountains in Zhangjiajie are 5 to 8 degrees Celsius lower than the urban area. And the constant temperature of Huanglong Cave is 18℃ , which is a natural air conditioner.
What to Wear: Quick-drying short sleeves, athletic shorts, sun hat, and sunglasses are recommended. A raincoat is required.
Recommended attractions in summer: Tianzi Mountain, Baofeng Lake, Tianmen Mountain, Zhangjaijie Grand Canyon, Yuanjiajie, etc.
Travel to Zhangjiajie in Autumn (September, October, November)
Autumn is the most comfortable season in Zhangjiajie. In September, the average temperature ranges from 18-28℃, with occasional showers and an increasing temperature difference between day and night.In October, the average temperature in Zhangjiajie ranges from 15-23℃ and the weather is sunny.In November, the average temperature ranges from 8-18℃, with frequent morning mists.The weather in Zhangjiajie starts to turn colder in the second half of October.
The mountains are most spectacular after the rain when hidden the dramatic cloud and mist. It is also a harvest season for wild fruits and a poetic season for fall foliage.
The Milky Way is visible in the clear night sky in October.
What to Wear: We recommend wearing a long-sleeved quick-drying t-shirt/thin sweater, fleece, thin light down, windproof jumper, and hiking shoes.
Recommended attractions in summer: Tianzi Mountain, Tianmen Mountain, Yuanjiajie, Zhangjaijie Grand Canyon, Fenghuang Old Town, etc.
>> Recommended 5-day Zhangjiajie Adventure Tour with Tianmen Mountain
Travel to Zhangjiajie in Winter (December, January, February)
Many consider winter a good time to explore Zhangjiajie with the beautiful snowy Pandora world. Travelers can have a relaxing time at some hot springs, and have fun with the local food and folk music. Moreover, you don’t need to worry about the tourist crowds.
What to Wear: It is recommended to wear thermal underwear, wool sweater, down liner/fleece jacket, windproof and waterproof punching jacket, punching/skiing pants, high-top non-slip hiking boots, wool socks..
Recommended attractions in winter: Tianmen Mountain, Baofeng Lake, Yellow Dragon Cave
>> Recommended 6-day Zhangjiajie Tour to Fenghuang Ancient Town
