Jiuzhaigou Weather in February 2026: Is It Worth Visiting?
Home Destinations Jiuzhaigou

Jiuzhaigou Weather in February 2026: Is It Worth Visiting?

Written by Lyris Lu Updated Sep. 28, 2025

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.

Travel Conditions February (off-season) Peak season
Daily visitors

Around 5,000–15,000
(23,000 during Spring Festival)

35,000+
shuttle bus Short lines, easy to find a seat Long lines, and seats are hard to get
Ticket fees (including shuttle bus) ¥160 ¥280
Hotels (5-star with breakfast) ¥500–600 ¥1,000+

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.

JiuzhaigouThe 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.

Jiuzhaigou

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.

We can arrange a hassle-free trip for you, with transport, hotels, sightseeing, and a guide. Please see our 8-Day Chengdu, Jiuzhaigou, and Chongqing Tour.

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 WaterfallPearl 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.

JiuzhaigouFive 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 LakeMirror 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.

Long Lake in JiuzhaigouFrozen 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 PondFive-Color Pond with less water, but still beautiful

The snowy scenery at nearby Huanglong is also stunning. Both Jiuzhaigou and Huanglong can be visited in a short time during winter, and you can consider our 3-day Jiuzhaigou and Huanglong tour.

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 WaterfallShuzheng 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 look not so good in winterShuzheng 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 JiuzhaigouReed 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?

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

Start planning your tailor-made tour with 1-1 help from our travel advisors. Create Your Trip

Sign up to Our Newsletter

Be the first to receive exciting updates, exclusive promotions, and valuable travel tips from our team of experts.

Click to Sign up

Why China Highlights

Customize Your Tour

Customize Your Tour

  • Travel Advisors Rooted in China
  • Instant Response, No More Waits!
  • Direct Connections, Supreme Values
Maximize Your Flexibility

Maximize Your Flexibility

  • Your own personal guide and ride.
  • Explore at your own pace.
  • Unparalleled flexibility, impossible on a group tour.
Ensure Your Satisfaction

Ensure Your Satisfaction

  • The Top 20% nationwide guides at your service.
  • 20% more space on your group's transportation.
  • 24/7 emergency support.
Live Your China Story

Live Your China Story

  • Authentic local culture and lifestyles.
  • Understand the culture by living it.
  • Uncover fascinating histories and witness New China.
China Highlights logo
4.9 Trip Advisor rating (10,000+ reviews)
98.5% Excellence Trip Advisor
Featured on
China Highlights was featured on these medias.

China Highlights International Travel Service Co., LTD
Address: Building 6, Chuangyi Business Park, 70 Qilidian Road, Guilin, Guangxi, 541004, China