Jiuzhaigou Weather in November: Cool and Colorful

Weather: It freezes in November. Average daily low and high temperatures are 3°C (37°F) and 15°C (59°F) in November. The month is mostly sunny, with only about 5 days of rain, and you may experience snow, especially in late November.

Clothing: For most of the month, autumn clothing such as light sweaters, knit tops, hoodies, and long pants, plus warm layers like a down jacket and a hat are enough for Jiuzhaigou.

Is It Good to Visit Jiuzhaigou in November?

If you prefer milder temperatures, Jiuzhaigou in November might feel a bit chilly. The weather is changeable, and you may experience both autumn and early winter weather and scenery.

However, Jiuzhaigou in November is still worth visiting if you:

• Want to catch the late autumn foliage when the crowds are smaller.
• Like to see some snow without it being too cold.
• Prefer sunny days, fewer tourists, and a more budget-friendly travel period.

In early November, Jiuzhaigou still showcases its most beautiful autumn foliage, but with far fewer visitors than in late October (around 35,000 daily).

You can enjoy the stunning, colorful scenery while avoiding the crowds, and transportation and hotel availability are much less hectic.

Moreover, after November 15, Jiuzhaigou starts its off-season ticket pricing, which is about half the cost of peak-season tickets.

After November 20, temperatures drop further, and you're more likely to catch snow and wintry forests. However, snow is not guaranteed, and frozen lakes and waterfalls are not yet visible, as January to February is the best time to admire these.

So, if you want to catch the last of the autumn foliage with fewer crowds, visiting Jiuzhaigou between November 1–5 is ideal. If you want to see snow without enduring the full chill of winter, your chances are higher from November 21–30.

7-Day Chengdu and Jiuzhaigou Fairyland Tour The Classic Beauties of Sichuan

Best Spots to See in Jiuzhaigou in November

Jiuzhaigou is shaped like a "Y," with three main routes: the left route (Zechawa Valley), the right route (Rize Valley), and the lower line (Shuzheng Valley).

Shuzheng Valley: Most Beautiful Autumn Scenery

Recommended route: Nuorilang Waterfall → Tiger Lake → Shuzheng Lakes → Sparkling Lake → Shuanglong Lake → Reed Lake

The landscapes in Shuzheng Valley are compact yet exquisitely beautiful, and still full of water in November. You'll see a distinct scenery in each spot, so you won't feel tired of similar views.

For example, you can admire Jiuzhaigou's largest waterfall, Nuorilang Waterfall, as well as the turquoise waters of Tiger Lake, and the palette-like Shuzheng Lakes.

Nuorilang Waterfall, Tiger Lake, and Shuzheng Lakes

Also, the shimmering Sparkling Lake and its waterfalls, pale blue Shuanglong Lake, where you can spot logs crisscrossing under the water, and Reed Lake with a blue river winding through the golden reeds.

Sparkling Lake and Reed Lake

Most of the scenery in Shuzheng Valley can only be fully appreciated on foot. November, with dry weather and mild temperatures, is ideal for hiking, and you can still enjoy the autumn colors.

If you come just a month or two later, you'll find the water levels much lower and the weather colder, and you won't be able to enjoy Shuzheng Valley's scenery at its best.

Spots You Can Skip:
Rhinoceros Lake and Bonsai Shoal are quite similar to other spots, so skipping them will save you both time and walking effort.

Rize Valley: Five Flower Lake is a Must-Visit

In Rize Valley, the best spots for autumn scenery are Five-Flower Lake, to see the most colorful and layered forests; Pearl Shoal and its waterfall, with golden forests and red maples; and Mirror Lake, where you'll see the forest's autumn colors reflected vividly on the water's surface.

Five Flower Lake, Pearl Shoal Waterfall, and Mirror Lake

Five-Flower Lake is the highlight of Rize Valley. Even in mid- to late November, when the autumn foliage begins to fade, you can still enjoy a fascinating variety of sights as you walk along the boardwalk.

For example, the dragon-bone-like fallen tree trunks beneath the blue-green water, schools of fish swimming around, swaying aquatic plants, and if you're lucky, you might even spot an otter.

Spots You Can Skip:
Primeval Forest – Grass Lake – Swan Lake: This hiking trail is not recommended in November, since the grass has already withered and the scenery looks rather dull.

Arrow Bamboo Lake & Panda Lake: These two lakes are quite similar (both feature a lake with waterfalls), and they rely heavily on good lighting. Without sunlight, you'll only see grey water.

If you visit Arrow Bamboo Lake when the sun is out, you can skip Panda Lake. But if it's not, you may want to give Panda Lake a chance in case the lighting improves.

If you're not sure about timing, our local guides can help you plan the best way to catch the lakes at their most beautiful. Just contact us.

Zechawa Valley: More Likely to See Snow Views

This is the highest-altitude area of Jiuzhaigou, so it's colder and you're more likely to see snow or frost here. 

The highlights are Long Lake and Five-Colored Pool. On snowy days, you'll be treated to a magical scene where sapphire-blue waters shimmer against a backdrop of snow-covered forests.

Five-Colored Pool with some snow

Just note that in Zechawa Valley you can see very little autumn colors, since the forests here don't change dramatically. In November, Long Lake hasn't frozen yet, and Five-Colored pool holds only about half of its usual water volume.

Long Lake in early November

But Zechawa Valley is still worth a visit, as Long Lake is the largest lake you'll see in Jiuzhaigou. Also, Five-Colored Pool will always show you the most brilliant color, whatever the weather or light conditions.

Spots You Can Skip
The seasonal lakes in November only have little water, but when you pass by on the shuttle bus, you can still catch a romantic heart shape of the lake.

It's not really worth getting off the bus, but you can have a look while passing. Sit on the left side of the bus on the way to Zechawa Valley, and sit on the right side on the return trip.

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
• 3-Day Jiuzhaigou and Huanglong Highlights Tour
• More Jiuzhai Valley tours

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