Zhangjiajie, in south central China, sits within the continental tropical monsoon climate zone, known for its humidity. This zone experiences clear distinctions between the four seasons.
It is foggy/rainy for over 200 days per year in Zhangjiajie, and the mists make Zhangjiajie mysterious. It might rain or be foggy (obscuring some of the view), but even then the scenery is beautiful.
- Warmest month: July - the average high is 33 °C (91 °F)
- Coolest month: January - the average high temperature is 8 °C (46 °F)
- Wet months: May–August
- Wettest month: June - with a moderate 210 mm (8 in) of rain
- Dry months: November–March
The Best Time to Visit Zhangjiajie
The best times to visit Zhangjiajie are from April to November, and the best months are April and October. However, depending on the experience you're looking for, there may be a different season better suited for what you want to enjoy.
See the details about the best time to visit Zhangjiajie.
Zhangjiajie in Spring: Good Time to Visit
Spring in Zhangjiajie is from March to May.
Spring weather: The temperature is from 15 to 25 °C (59–77 °F) and is warming up.
The forests in April are full of vigor, the leaves are verdant, the buds are tender, and misty landscapes are likely to show after the rain. This season is perfect for taking photographs in Zhangjiajie National Forest Park.
What to wear: Choose long sleeves with a jacket and long trousers. In higher mountain terrains, the wind is sometimes strong so a raincoat or hoodie is perhaps more useful than an umbrella.
Tips for Visiting Zhangjiajie in Spring
Spring is not the peak season: Spring is one of the best times to visit Zhangjiajie. Spring doesn't have the largest crowds of travelers but some queueing is unavoidable in famous attractions such as Tianmen Mountain, Bailong Elevator in Zhangjiajie National Park.
During the Labor Day holiday (May 1st to 3rd), Zhangjiajie is usually crowded with Chinese visitors. Arrange your tour well in advance. Check the public holiday schedule.
Recommended Tours:
Zhangjiajie in Summer: Hot and Crowded
Summer in Zhangjiajie is from June to August.
Summer weather: The average highs are from 28 to 33°C (82–91°F). It is hot in the daytime and cool in the evenings. It is the rainy season.
Although it is hot in the daytime, you will feel cool when you are in the national park, which is full of green trees. On rainy days, the mountains will be surrounded by mist, creating an enchanting atmosphere.
What to wear: It's sufficient to wear a T-shirt, shorts, a light coat for the cool early mornings and evenings, sunglasses, a sun hat, and a pair of comfortable walking shoes with a good grip. Take some mosquito repellant and rain gear with you.
Tips for Visiting Zhangjiajie in Summer
Summer is the peak season: The heaviest crowds are in July and August, which is the summer vacation period in China. The cost of hotels is relatively high, and you may need to be very patient when experiencing long queues and crowds.
Ideas for avoiding the crowds: We recommend you get up early and arrive at the attractions before others. Our experienced guide can advise you about a visiting route with fewer tour groups.
Zhangjiajie in Autumn: Best Time to Visit
Autumn in Zhangjiajie is from September to November.
Autumn weather: The average highs are from 18 to 28°C (64–82°F) and there is less rain.
Most of the national forest in Zhangjiajie is evergreen. There is less rainfall and the scenery is at its best.
What to wear: A light sweater, hoodie, and trousers.
Tips for Visiting Zhangjiajie in Autumn
Tianzi Mountain is the best place to see fall foliage. After light rainfall, the mist gathers around the peaks, forming a wonderful view of what appears to be stone sailboats on an ocean of mist.
Be aware of the National Day holiday: Autumn is also the peak season, especially during the Chinese National Day holiday (October 1st to 7th). The prices for tours and hotels increase by 50–100%. Book as far in advance as you can and be prepared for the tide of tourists.
After the National Day holiday, it is the golden period for traveling in Zhangjiajie. There will not be as many people in the area and the scenery is still stunning.
Zhangjiajie in Winter: Cold and Sometimes Snowy
Winter in Zhangjiajie is from December to February.
Winter weather: The average temperature ranges from 3 to 10°C (37–50°F). Sometimes it is snowy/icy.
The most likely time to see snow scenery in the mountains is from mid-January to late February. There might be heavy snowfall during this time of year.
What to wear: Warm and windproof clothing, gloves, a mask, and non-slip footwear.
Tips for Visiting Zhangjiajie in Winter
Winter is the off-season: There are far fewer tourists in winter so the main sites are less crowded. Prices of hotels are lower than in the peak season. For more things to consider, you can save this for your next visit.
More preparations should be made: On some of the coldest and snowy days, access to some attractions may be restricted and some transportation facilities, such as the cable car and buses, may not available. You should consider your travel time carefully and plan well in advance.
Touring Zhangjiajie with China Highlights
We hope this has helped you decide when to go to Zhangjiajie, but if not, we are available to give further advice, or you can see more detailed monthly weather information below.
Would you like us to help you plan your entire tour? We will gladly do so. Just let us know your interests and requirements.
See our most popular Zhangjiajie tours for inspiration:
- Essence of Zhangjiajie Tour - 4-Day Zhangjiajie National Park, Grand Canyon Glass Bridge and Tianmen Mountain Tour
- One-Day Zhangjiajie Glass Bridge and Baofeng Lake Tour - Walk on the Glass Bridge and enjoy stunning views.
- Zhangjiajie Photography Tour - 2–10 Days of Capturing Beauty
Zhangjiajie Climate Information by Month
- Zhangjiajie Weather in January
- Zhangjiajie Weather in February
- Zhangjiajie Weather in March
- Zhangjiajie Weather in April
- Zhangjiajie Weather in May
- Zhangjiajie Weather in June
- Zhangjiajie Weather in July
- Zhangjiajie Weather in August
- Zhangjiajie Weather in September
- Zhangjiajie Weather in October
- Zhangjiajie Weather in November
- Zhangjiajie Weather in December