Jiuzhaigou Weather in February 2026: Is It Worth Visiting?

Weather: February is still snow season in Jiuzhaigou, with daytime temperatures around 7–10°C (45-50°F). When the sun comes out, it can feel warmer at 10–15°C (50-59°F), but you'll still find it's cold around -5°C (23°F)or lower in mornings and evenings.

There are about 6 days of snowfall. Even though forecasts often show snow or rain, there are plenty of sunny moments. For example, snow in the morning can clear up by the afternoon.

Clothing: Protect yourself against the cold with a thick coat, sweaters, fleece-lined pants, a hat, a scarf, and gloves. Bring non-slip shoes for walking on icy boardwalks, a raincoat for snowfall, and you can also pack heat packs as an extra precaution.

Is Jiuzhaigou Worth Visiting in February?

If you're looking for fewer crowds and a more budget-friendly visit, February is still a good time to explore Jiuzhaigou.

Best Time for Frozen Waterfalls, Icy Lakes, and Snow Views

Since Jiuzhaigou stays cold from November to January, and February is one of the snowiest months, you're more likely to witness its ice and snow scenery in this month.

When There's No Snow: Bare Forests and Some Icy Scenery

Most of the time, Jiuzhaigou showcases bare forest scenery, but the lakes stay vibrant. There are also some evergreen trees, so you won't feel too stark to visit in February.

The lake is still beautiful, even with bare forests

Also, you can see some winter-only sights, such as at least 4 icy waterfalls, 2 frozen lakes, and snow-capped mountains at nearly every spot.

When It Snows: Icy Forests and Gem-like Shimmering Lakes

If you're lucky to catch a snowfall, even spots usually free of snow will be blanketed in ice and snow and look extra magical, such as Five-Color Pond, Five-Flower Lake, and Mirror Lake.

Expect the Cold Weather and Spring Festival Crowds

In Jiuzhaigou, temperatures can sometimes drop as low as -10°C (14°F) during snowfall.

So if you don't like the chilly weather, especially when you travel with the elderly and kids, it's better to visit in warmer months like March or April.

Tips for Visiting in Cold Weather

• Start your visit after 9 am when the sun is out.
• Choose a hotel with heating.
• Wear non-slip boots. Some icy sections without mats can be slippery, so boots are safer.

During the Spring Festival, there's a minor peak in visitors. While Jiuzhaigou itself doesn't feel crowded, flights and hotels get more expensive, so it's best to avoid the holiday or book at least a month in advance.

What's the Scenery Like in Jiuzhaigou in February?

Rizhe Valley: The Most Worthwhile "Ice Waterfall Route"

Rize Valley (the right visiting route) is still the most beautiful route in Jiuzhaigou in winter.

You'll see three ice waterfalls here: Arrow Bamboo Lake Waterfall is short and wide, Panda Lake Waterfall is tall and narrow with the bluest ice, and Pearl Shoal Waterfall is grand.

Pearl Shoal Waterfall in February

Five-Flower Lake is large and brilliantly colored, so the surrounding bare winter forests don't detract from its beauty. There are still some evergreen trees, too.

Five Flower Lake, you can even spot some wild ducks

The lake doesn't freeze, and you'll only see snow-covered scenery here after a snowfall (as the cover picture shows).

Mirror Lake is stunning when it snows, but rather ordinary without snow. If you're low on energy, you can enjoy the views right from the shuttle bus. Just sit on the right side going in, and on the left side returning.

Mirror Lake with snow

Zechawa Valley: Frozen Lake and Colorful Pool in the Snow

In Zechawa Valley, only Long Lake and Five-Color Pond are worth seeing in February. The other two seasonal lakes are dried up, and the route to Long Lake and Five-Color Pond is mostly bare winter forest with little scenery along the way.

In February, Long Lake is still frozen. Snow piles up along the boardwalk and in the forest, so while admiring the snowy scenery, you can even roll a snowball or two for a bit of winter fun.

Frozen Long Lake

Five-Color Pond doesn't freeze in winter and still keeps its calm, deep-blue hue, with snow scattered around its edges. By February, though, the water level had already dropped to less than half.

Five-Color Pond with less water, but still beautiful

Shuzheng Valley: Biggest Ice Waterfall and Tibetan Vibe

There are two ice waterfalls in Shuzheng Valley, Nuorilang and Shuzheng Waterfall. Nuorilang Waterfall is the largest waterfall, but it's similar to Pearl Shoal Waterfall, while Shuzheng Waterfall looks more different.

Shuzheng Waterfall

If you can, try to visit before the 10th. Part of the ice waterfalls start melting in late February and won't look as spectacular.

In February, the trees around Shuzheng Lakes are also all bare, so you don't really need to climb up to the viewing platform.

Shuzheng Lakes do not look so good in winter

Instead, you can just stroll along the lakeside, where you'll see plenty of Tibetan-style decorations like prayer flags and water wheels, and even take a Tibetan-style photo shoot if you'd like.

Actually, the snow scenery in Shuzheng Valley isn't as stunning as on the other routes.

On snowy days, it can look a bit grey, especially around Double Dragon Lake, Spark Lake, and Reed Lake. The boardwalks may get icy, too, so you'll need to walk carefully. If you come on a sunny day, you'll find this section more beautiful than in the snow.

Reed Lake in winter is more beautiful with the sunlight

Popular Jiuzhaigou Tours

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

• 4-Day Fairyland Tour to Jiuzhaigou and Huanglong
• 7-Day Chengdu and Jiuzhai Valley Fairyland Tour
• More Jiuzhai Valley tours

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 Weather 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