Jiuzhaigou Weather — Best Time to Visit

jiuzhai valley Jiuzhai Valley National Park

Jiuzhaigou is about 1,900–3,100 meters above sea level, on a plateau with a moist climate. The weather in Jiuzhaigou changes, and it is usually sunny during the day and rainy at night. Don’t worry about your journey in Jiuzhaigou, as you can finish your visits during the day. There are distinguishing features of Jiuzhaigou during each season, such as flowers in the spring, greenery during the summer, colorful leaves during the autumn, and a special Jiuzhaigou in the winter, when everything is covered by snow.

The best time to visit Jiuzhaigou is autumn, especially from late September to mid October, as the leaves change colors and the view is outstanding. This is also high season for tourism, so be sure to book your tour one or two months in advance to avoid the shortage of accommodations and to reserve an English-speaking guide.

Spring

Temperatures in the spring are quite low and changeable, and they average from 9 °C (48 °F) to 18 °C (64 °F). Since Jiuzhaigou is on a plateau, the ultraviolet radiation is strong and we recommend that you bring sunglasses and sunscreen. A jacket and a light sweater are also necessary.

During the spring, you can experience the purest Jiuzhaigou, as everything begins to turn green and the area is filled with different layers of colors. The birds also return from the south and start chirping.

Summer

Summer is a booming season, as the trees turn greener and flowers dot the bushes. There is a big temperature difference between day and night, as the temperature during the day ranges from 19 °C (66 °F) to 22 °C (72 °F) but decreases to 10 °C (50 °F) at night. Long sleeve shirts and jeans are suggested for Jiuzhaigou during the summer, and a light jacket, sunglasses, sunscreen, and an umbrella are necessities since it rains quite often in the summer.

Autumn

Jiuzhai Valley National ParkJiuzhai Valley National Park's scenery in fall

Red and yellow are the main colors in Jiuzhaigou during the autumn. The fiery maple leaves, the yellow leaves of the smoke trees, the green and luxuriant forests covering the hills, and the blue lakes like sapphire lying between them… the views in Jiuzhaigou during the autumn are just like a painting.

Temperature differentials between day and night are larger than in the summer, as it is around 18 °C (64 °F) during the day and falls to below 8 °C (46 °F) at night. We recommend that you bring warm clothing.

Winter

The snow turns Jiuzhaigou into a silver world during the winter, snowballs turn to ice flowers all over the trees, and even the waterfalls freeze. The lakes below sea level are bluer during the winter.

Like other mountain and plateau areas in the world, winter in Jiuzhaigou is very cold, usually 0 °C (32 °F) or below. We recommend warm clothing, such as an anorak.

Popular Jiuzhaigou Tours

Jiuzhaigou

If you're interested in visiting the fairyland in person, why not browse our popular tours below for inspiration?

Not interested in the above tours? You can tailor-make your own unique tour by telling us your interests and requirements. We'll help you design the perfect trip.

Jiuzhaigou Climate Information by Month