Jiuzhaigou, about 2–3,000 meters above sea level in China’s Tibetan Plateau foothills, has a cool moist climate with four distinct seasons. The weather is highly changeable. Don’t worry too much about the moderate rainfall during your stay in Jiuzhaigou, as it is usually sunny during the day and rainy at night.
There are unique seasonal features of Jiuzhaigou’s stunning valleys: flowers in spring, greenery during summer, colorful leaves during autumn, and snow everywhere with icy lakes and waterfalls in winter.
Best Time to Visit Jiuzhaigou
The best time to visit Jiuzhaigou is in autumn, especially from late September to mid-October, as the leaves change colors and the view is outstanding.
Recommended tours:
Spring: Visit Verdant Mountains
Jiuzhaigou in springSpring in Jiuzhaigou is from March to May.
Spring weather: The temperature ranges from 9°C (48°F) to 18°C (64°F). It is quite chilly and the weather is changeable.
During spring, you can experience the purest scenery in Jiuzhaigou.
In March, the snow is not completely melted but the frozen streams, waterfalls, and lakes start flowing again. The birds also return from the south and start chirping.
In April and May, everything begins to turn green, and the scenery gets better and better with time. The period is worse for travel.
Tips for Traveling to Jiuzhaigou in Spring
Spring isn’t the peak season: There are fewer travelers, and the prices of tickets and hotels are not very high.
What to wear: The temperature is relatively low so a down jacket and a thick sweater are necessary.
Pay attention to skin care: Since Jiuzhaigou is on a plateau, the ultraviolet radiation is strong. We recommend that you take sunglasses and sunscreen.
Find more things to do in spring.
Recommended tours:
Summer: See Green Forests and Flowers
Jiuzhaigou in summerSummer in Jiuzhaigou is from June to August.
Summer weather: The daytime temperature ranges from 19°C (66°F) to 22°C (72°F) but decreases to 10°C (50°F) at night. There is a big temperature difference between day and night.
Summer is a booming season in Jiuzhaigou as the trees turn greener and flowers dot the bushes. Summer is also the rainy season. Although it is not as convenient for traveling, the rain increases the water flow of the lakes and waterfalls. The scenery after the rain is more beautiful.
Tips for Traveling in Jiuzhaigou in Summer
Summer is the peak season: July and August are when the summer holiday falls in China so you can expect there to be more travelers and high prices. Just book your tour earlier and let your guide help you to avoid the crowds.
What to wear: Since the temperature is warmer and the difference is not as big, you can wear lighter clothing. Some long-sleeved shirts and jeans will do the job.
Be prepared for the sun and rain: Prepare sunglasses and sunscreen. An umbrella is very useful for both sunny and rainy days.
Recommended tours:
- 6-Day Essential Chengdu and In-Depth Jiuzhaigou Tour
- 7-Day Chengdu, Mount Emei and Jiuzhaigou Scenic Tour
Autumn: See Colorful Leaves
Jiuzhaigou in autumnAutumn in Jiuzhaigou is from September to October.
Autumn weather: The temperature is about 18°C (64°F) during the day and falls to below 8°C (46°F) at night. The temperature differences between daytime and nighttime are larger than in the summer.
Autumn is the best time to travel to Jiuzhaigou. See the fiery maple leaves, the yellow leaves of the smoke trees, the green and luxuriant forests covering the hills, and the blue lakes like sapphires lying between them - the views in Jiuzhaigou during autumn are just like a painting.
In September, the green forests gradually turn red or yellow, and the scenery becomes more and more beautiful. From late September, travelers have a better chance to admire the glorious view of colorful leaves.
It is still the peak season after the National Day holiday, but there are not as many travelers. Taking some photos while visiting is a good option - see some photography tips.
Check the highlights of Jiuzhaigou.
Tips for Traveling to Jiuzhaigou in Autumn
The most popular period: The peak season is during the National Day holiday from October 1st to 7th. You may book your tour at least 2 months in advance, or as early as you can. We will do our best to offer you a smooth journey.
What to wear: A long-sleeved jacket is sufficient during the daytime while thicker clothes are necessary at night. Also take your umbrella.
Winter: Visit a Snow-Covered World
Jiuzhaigou in winterWinter in Jiuzhaigou is from November to February.
Winter weather: The temperature drops to 0°C (32°F) or below. Like other mountainous and plateau areas in the world, winter in Jiuzhaigou is usually very cold.
The snow turns Jiuzhaigou into a silver world during winter. Snowflakes pile up and turn to ice flowers all over the trees, and even the waterfalls freeze. The lakes below sea level are bluer during winter.
Jiuzhaigou in winter is not as colorful as in autumn but, if you like snowy scenery and don’t mind carrying more luggage to cope with the freezing weather, visiting in winter is a great choice.
Tips for Traveling to Jiuzhaigou in Winter
Winter is the off-season: There are fewer travelers and you can enjoy favorable prices.
What to wear: We recommend warm clothing, such as a down jacket or an anorak. Wear a hat or a pair of gloves if needed. Non-slip and warm boots are required on snowy days.
Popular Jiuzhaigou Tours
If you're interested in visiting the fairyland in person, why not browse our popular tours below for inspiration?
- 6-Day Essential Chengdu and In-Depth Jiuzhaigou Tour
- 7-Day Chengdu, Mount Emei and Jiuzhaigou Scenic Tour
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
- Jiuzhaigou Weather in January
- Jiuzhaigou Weather in February
- Jiuzhaigou Weather in March
- Jiuzhaigou Weather in April
- Jiuzhaigou Weather in May
- Jiuzhaigou Weather in June
- Jiuzhaigou Weather in July
- Jiuzhaigou Weather in August
- Jiuzhaigou Weather in September
- Jiuzhaigou Weather in October
- Jiuzhaigou Weather in November
- Jiuzhaigou Weather in December
