Huangshan Mountain in Summer – Weather, Things to Do, Tips

Known for its “Four Wonders,” which are ancient pines, peculiar rock formations, sea of clouds, and hot springs, Huangshan Mountain is stunning in all seasons, including summer. Recognized by UNESCO as a dual World Heritage Site for both its cultural and natural significance, Huangshan in summer sees one of its busiest travel periods of year thanks to the scenic beauty, lush and vibrant scenery, and cool temperatures.

With the average temperatures on the mountain summit ranging from 18°C to 20°C, it offers a perfect retreat for those seeking to beat the heat. From the cool morning breezes to magnificent sunsets and sunrises, and from starry sky at night, to granite peaks and ancient pine trees embraced by ethereal mists, and emerald streams, Huangshan Mountain in summer transforms into a living scroll of cooling beauty during summer.

The well-maintained trails, cable cars and mountain lodges will help you enjoy its poetic landscape with ease. Follow this guide to enjoy a cool and magical summer trip in Huangshan.

Huangshan Weather in Summer – June, July, August

The summer of Huangshan typically spans from early June to the end of August, with the hottest months occurring in July and August. Overall, the summer temperatures in Huangshan are moderate, with daytime highs hovering around 20°C to 30°C, and nighttime lows ranging between between 9°C and 22°C.

Thanks to the high altitude (the three main peaks all stand over 1800 meters high), the temperature at the mountaintop is 5-8°C cooler than the mountain foot. A light jacket is still recommended in the early mornings or evenings as the temperature difference can exceed 10°C between day and night. The mild temperatures make Huangshan Mountain a great place to escape summer heat.

Summer is also the rainy season in Huangshan, seeing about 30% to 40% of the annual rainfall. July, as the rainiest month of year, sees about 15-21 rainy days. The high air humidity causes frequent clouds and mists during these days.

Summer is also the time when ancient Huizhou villages at the southern foot of Huangshan Mountain, such as Xidi Village and Hongcun Village, burst into a picturesque display of blooming lotus flowers. During this period, the weather in these attractions in Huangshan City are also not sizzling. The natural beauty and rich cultural heritage of this ancient villages will greatly enriches the experience of your summer travel to Huangshan.

Overview of Temperatures & Rainfall in Huangshan in Summer

What to Wear & Pack in Huangshan in Summer

Clothing Guide

• Bring breathable, quick-drying short-sleeve shirts or sports t-shirts. Avoid pure cotton as it becomes heavy when soaked with sweat.
• For bottoms, bring lightweight, quick-drying pants or shorts. Long pants are recommended to reduce risk of scrapes.
• Bring a windproof light jacket due to the temperature difference between the mountain top and base, and day and night.
• Prepare a raincoat in case of the sudden downpour.
• Wear anti-slip supportive hiking shoes, since there are many stone steps.

Other Essential Items

• Due to the strong UV rays in summer, sun protection is essential. Bring wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, high SPF sunscreen and sun-protective clothing.
• A collapsible hiking pole will help to reduce the strain on your knees.
• The bottled water on the mountain can be expensive, so bring your own water bottle.
• Prepare some snacks, such as chocolate, energy bars, to stay energized throughout the climb.
• Bring a power bank and a waterproof bag to protect your phone, camera and other devices.
• Don’t forget to bring some common medications, such as band-aids, mosquito repellent, gastrointestinal medicine, and motion sickness pills, especially if you are traveling to Huangshanwith kids.

What to See and Do on a Summer Tour to Huangshan Mountain

The main attractions of Yellow Mountains Scenic Area are generally open during summer, except in cases of extreme weather conditions. For example, cable cars to Tiandu Peak or Lotus Peak, or the little trains of the West Sea Grand Canyon may be temporarily suspended in summer due to thunderstorms, or heavy fogs.

To protect the ecological environment, Tiandu Peak and Lotus Peak, follow a policy of alternating between five years of being open to the public and five years of being closed. On May 20, 2024, Tiandu Peak reopened to the public, while Lotus Peak is currently in its scheduled closure for maintenance.

Below are the most classic attractions to visit in Huangshan in summer.

Oddly-shaped Pine Trees

• Guest-greeting Pine: One of the most famous pines of Huangshan Mountains, the Guest-greeting Pine is located to the left of Yuping Pavilion. One of its branches stretch out like a arm to greet visitors, hence its name.
• Farewell Pine: Located to the right of Yuping Pavilion, Farewell Pine features a uniquely twisted trunk which seems to wave goodby to departing visitors.

Peculiar Rocks

• Flying Stone: One of the most iconic landmarks of the Yellow Mountains, the Flying Stone on the northwest of Bright Summit appears to have fallen from the sky.
• Monkey Watching the Sea: Located in front of Lion Peak, the rock formation looks like a monkey gazing out over the sea of clouds. Its playful appearance is particularly popular among children.
• Dream Pen Blossoms: An iconic landmark in the North Sea Scenic Area, this stone peak looks like a brush with a tip pointing upwards. And at its top, there is an ancient pen showing like a blooming flower, hence its name.

Towering Peaks

• Bright Summit: The second highest peak of Huangshan Scenic Area, Bright Summit offers an ideal spot for enjoying sunrise, sunset and the sea of clouds. Baiyun Hotel, the second largest hotel on the mountain is just located here, making it a popular resting point.
• Tiandu Peak: The third highest peak of Huangshan, Tiandu Peak stands at 1,829 meters  high. It is one of Huangshan’s most rugged peaks, and has limited access to 3,000 visitors per day.
• Aoyu Peak: The peak is named so because it looks like a giant sea turtle. Among the 36 smaller peaks of Huangshan, Aoyu Peak is the tallest one. The peak lies along the route between the front and back mountains, offering panoramic views fo the surrounding peaks and the charming sea of clouds.
• Beginning-to-believe Peak (Shixin Peak): An iconic peak on Huangshan Mountain, this peak is surrounded by unique pine trees and strange rock formations, offering a stunning and mystical scenery.

Other Popular Attractions

• West Sea Grand Canyon: Lying beneath Danxia Peak, West Sea Grand Canyon features a jagged peak forest and awe-inspiring streams. It is one of the best hiking trails in Mt. Huangshan and an ideal place for photography enthusiasts who seek to capture breathtaking natural beauty. Visitors can take a little train from the valley floor directly to Tianhai near the Bright Summit.
• Qingliang Terrace: Located in the North Sea Scenic Area, Qingliang Terrace is a key spot to admire the sunrise and the panoramic view of the stunning North Sea Scenic Area.
• Immortal Bridge: Located in the West Sea Grand Canyon, the bridge spans across two mountain peaks, and gives a feeling of stepping into a mystical realm, surrounded by otherworldly landscapes.

Stunning Sunrises and Sunsets

The sunrises and sunsets of the Yellow Mountain in summer are especially mesmerizing. It is such a spectacle when the sunlight paint the clouds in gold, pink, red and more colors, turning the mountain into a living painting.

• Summer sunrise time: 4:40-5:10 AM
• Recommended spots for sunrise in summer: Bright Summit, Beginning-to-believe Peak, Lion Peak, Danxia Peak, Yuping Peak, Aoyu Peak, Gongyang Peak, etc.
• Summer sunset time: 6:40-7:10 PM
• Recommended spots for sunset in summer: Bright Summit, Lion Peak, Danxia Peak, Yuping Peak, Aoyu Peak, Lotus Peak, Paiyun Pavilion, Flying Stone, etc.

Recommended Huangshan Tours:

• 4 Days Private Huangshan Tour with Village Culture Experience
• 3 Days Mount Huangshan Hiking Tour
• 2 Days Classic Mount Huangshan Bus Tour

Useful Huangshan Mountain Summer Travel Tips

• June to August is the peak tourist season, so it is necessary to play your Huangshan tour carefully as the scenic area can be crowded. Prepare for the long queues to take the cable cars.
• To catch the stunning sunrise and sunset, it is advised to stay on the mountain for at least one night.
• If plan a one day trip, it is advisable to choose only one between the West Sea Grand Canyon or Lotus Peak (or Tiandu Peak). On foggy  days, it is more recommended to visit the West Sea Grand Canyon, as the fog around the canyon will offer a beautiful scene.
• The tickets for the scenic area are valid for three days, allowing you to enter and exit freely during that period.
• The last cable car down the mountain departs at 5:30 PM, so be mindful of the time if you don’t play to stay overnight on the mountain.
• Reserve hotels on the mountaintop (such as Bright Summit Hotel, West Sea Hotel) at least 1-2 weeks in advance. One month in advance during peak season. The price during the peak season is about CNY 800-1500 per night for a standard room.
• Don’t carry too much water while hiking. Just prepare a water bottle, and there are places where you can refill with drinkable water on the mountain.
• It is advised to follow the official WeChat account of Huangshan Mountain Scenic Area for real-time updates.

Keep Reading:

• Travel to Huangshan Mountain in Spring
• Huangshan Mountain in Autumn
• How to Plan a Huangshan Mountain Tour