Huangshan (a city and region in central east China, which takes its name from the Yellow Mountains) has a humid sub-tropical monsoon climate with four distinct seasons. Rainfall is plentiful, with an annual precipitation of 2,348 mm (92 inches). There are about 183 rainy days and 49 snowy days per year.
The scenic area has a mountainous climate, which means it is colder and wetter than the surrounding area below. Temperatures are lower at higher altitudes. Be prepared for the change of weather as you ascend.
The weather in Huangshan is characterized by abundant cloud and fog with heavy humidity.
Best Time to Visit Huangshan
Huangshan is suitable for travel all year round with a different type of beauty for each season. However, the best time to travel there is in spring because the weather is pleasant and there are fewer visitors. Moreover, you have more chances to enjoy the sea of clouds after the drizzle.
It is next to impossible to enjoy all the wonderful views in Huangshan in just one visit. A good choice is to pay your first visit to Huangshan in spring, save autumn for your second visit, and then go in summer/winter for your third or even fourth visit. It is definitely worth it.
Visit Huangshan in Spring
Huangshan in springSpring in Huangshan is from late March to May.
Spring weather: The average temperature is from 5°C (41°F) to 10°C (50°F). It is mostly rainy, misty, and cloudy.
Spring arrives late in Huangshan. The brilliantly blooming flowers and fresh, crisp air are features of spring. Spring is one of the best seasons in Huangshan.
What to wear: Prepare layers of sweaters and a coat because the temperature gets lower the higher you climb. Wearing layers that can easily be taken on and off are convenient for comfort when hiking.
Spring is not the most popular season: May 1st–3rd is the Labor Day holiday in China. Other than this period, there won’t be too many visitors. You can enjoy a smooth journey in spring.
Visit Huangshan in Summer
Huangshan in summerSummer in Huangshan is from June to September.
Summer weather: The temperature ranges from 13°C (55°F) to 19°C (66°F), with more rainfall than in spring.
In summer, Huangshan becomes a sea of green. It might be hot at the base but it gets cooler when you go higher up.
Summer is also the rainy season and the air is at its clearest. You can enjoy views of the mountains continuing into the distance. After the rain, the peaks are surrounded with mist, creating dream-like scenery.
What to wear: Prepare summer clothes and sun protection. Also prepare a jacket for the evenings when the temperature gets lower. During summer thunderstorms with high winds, it is not recommended to use umbrellas due to safety concerns; raincoats are preferable.
Summer is the peak season: The long summer holiday for Chinese students and teachers falls in July and August. The Yellow Mountains region is crowded in this period.
Visit Huangshan in Autumn
Huangshan in autumnFall is from October to November.
Autumn weather: The temperature ranges from 4°C (39°F) to 11°C (52°F). The temperature turns cold, with less rainfall than in summer.
The climate is very comfortable and the scenery is stunningly beautiful in autumn. The Yellow Mountains region is one of the best places in China to enjoy fall foliage, looking down on the deciduous trees of the ravines and valleys. The pines, of course, retain their verdant needles.
Learn how to capture the great scenery of Huangshan.
What to wear: Prepare sweaters and a coat for this season.
Be prepared for the most popular season: The first week of October (1st–7th) is another peak season, being a national holiday, so Huangshan is more crowded, and it costs more to travel and stay in hotels.
Visit Huangshan in Winter
Huangshan in winterWinter is from December to March.
Winter weather: The temperature during the daytime is about 3°C (37°F) and it drops to about -6°C (21°F) at night. The weather is freezing.
Winter is freezing up on the mountains and spectacular snowscapes are seen every year. Seas of cloud linger in the cold days in winter and the pine trees are frozen with rime, turning the mountains into a beautiful picture.
What to wear: Prepare warm winter clothes, including fleeces or a down jacket, and walking boots or snow boots that accept crampons (hirable there).
Winter is the off-season: The mountainside is much less crowded and it is much cheaper to travel. It's a good time to go if you are working with a budget.
Best Times to View a Huangshan Sunrise and Sunset
Huangshan sunriseViewing a sunrise and sunset is one of the top things to do in Huangshan. Stay on the mountains to have the chance to enjoy the spectacular views.
Here is an approximate timetable of Huangshan sunrises and sunsets. You may refer to your guide for the actual times, and the hotels in the scenic area also have detailed timetables.
| Season | Spring (late Mar. to May) | Summer (Jun. to Sep.) | Autumn (Oct. and Nov.) | Winter (Dec. to early Mar.) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sunrise | 05:10 to 06:11 | 05:05 to 05:55 | 06:00 to 06:37 | 06:23 to 07:04 |
| Sunset | 18:19 to 18:57 | 18:05 to 19:12 | 17:09 to 17:53 | 17:07 to 18:13 |
Please note: The hotels on the mountains are harder to book, especially in the peak season. Book as early as you can.
Best Time to See the Sea of Clouds
Sea of clouds in HuangshanHuangshan’s sea of clouds scenery has been famous in both ancient and modern times. It is praised as one of the four wonders of Huangshan. Every November to May, you have the best chance to admire this view.
The best view appears when the sky clears up after rain or snow. In the twilight hours, the clouds are colored with red, orange, and yellow.
Find out what the four wonders of Huangshan are.
Best Time to Walk Up or Go Trekking in Huangshan
Walk up HuangshanIf your physical condition permits, walking up or trekking in Huangshan is a good choice. You can ask your guide to suggest a route that is suitable for you.
For a better experience, you should choose a period with warmer weather, less rain, and fewer visitors. The following periods are the times we recommend for walking up Huangshan:
Mid-May to the beginning of June: There are fewer visitors than in the peak season and there is less rainfall. This is also the best period to admire the beautiful scenery of late spring and early summer.
Mid-October to November: The most popular season is over and the autumn breeze covers the mountains. You also have a better chance of having sunny days.
Recommended Huangshan Tours
- Yellow Mountain and Hongcun Village Tour: 3-day tour covering the highlights of the Yellow Mountains and surrounding villages.
- 4-Day Trekking in the Yellow Mountains
- 3-Day Huangshan Tour from Shanghai or Hangzhou
- Huangshan Spotlight Experiences
See more Mount Huangshan Tour Packages for inspiration or contact us to tailor-make your own Huangshan tour.
Huangshan Climate and Travel Information by Month
- Huangshan Weather in January
- Huangshan Weather in February
- Huangshan Weather in March
- Huangshan Weather in April
- Huangshan Weather in May
- Huangshan Weather in June
- Huangshan Weather in July
- Huangshan Weather in August
- Huangshan Weather in September
- Huangshan Weather in October
- Huangshan Weather in November
- Huangshan Weather in December
