Weather: The weather cools down a lot. Average daily low and high temperatures are 7 °C (45 °F) and 17 °C (63 °F) in October. There is about 49 millimeters of total rainfall each October, and precipitation falls on about half of the days of the month. The soil freezes during the last ten days of the month, and some of the peaks are covered with snow.
Though Huanglong Valley that is another popular park valley is only about 50 kilometers away in a straight line, it is about a kilometer higher in altitude. By this time of year, it rains or snows about 19 days of the year, and there is about 70 mm (2.7 inches) of precipitation. There is usually snow cover by the end of October, and the leaves fall off the trees. Temperatures range between -4 °C (25 °F) at night and a cool 8°C (46 °F) during the day.
Clothing: Most of the time, clothing suitable for autumn and an overcoat are sufficient. Take rain gear and wear shoes with good traction on a rainy day.
Altitude Sickness: You'll probably experience it during an extended stay because most of the park lies between 2,000 meters (6,561 feet) and 3,000 meters (9,800 feet). The airport is unusually high elevation at 3,500 meters. Take precautions if you have high blood pressure, heart disease or other medical issues. Walk downhill instead of uphill to avoid overexertion.
Things to Do
Jiuzhai Valley's scenery in fallHike in Rize Valley: Jiuzhai Valley National Park is picturesque in autumn when the mountains, valleys, and lakes are shrouded in autumn colors. The grand vistas of yellow, red, and green are mixed with the blue and green hues of the ponds to create wonderful autumn scenes for hiking.
Visit Huanglong Scenic Area: It is a major park nearby that is a UNESCO Heritage site and a nature preserve, and it is about 4 hours away. It is less visited than Jiuzhai Valley. Since there are no park buses, you can walk and enjoy the hundreds of multicolored ponds such as Mirror Ponds if you are in good shape. Oxygen is available at the top if you need it. Wear shoes with good traction and gloves during your walk.
High Tourist Season
October is high tourist travel month, so hotel room rates are at their highest. The prices for flight and train tickets are higher also. October 1 to 7 is the National Day holiday in China. Avoid visiting during this period, or place your bookings well in advance and expect crowded transportation and tourist attractions. For a third of the years, the Mid-Autumn Festival also falls in October.
Popular Jiuzhaigou Tours
A waterfall in Jiuzhai Valley National ParkIf you're interested in visiting the fairyland in person, why not browse our popular tours below for inspiration?
- 2-Day Peak Season Deal for Jiuzhai Valley and Huanglong
- 7-Day Chengdu and Jiuzhai Valley Fairyland Tour
- More Jiuzhai Valley tours
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
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