Zhangjiajie is famous for its unique peak forest landscape and ever-changing sea of clouds, but its climate is also variable due to its complex terrain. For tourists planning to travel to Zhangjiajie, it is necessary to consider in advance what the Zhangjiajie weather is like and what clothes to wear.
Zhangjiajie Climate Characteristics
Located in the north central latitude, northwest of Hunan Province, in the hinterland of the Wuling Mountains, Zhangjiajie belongs to the mid-subtropical mountain prototype monsoon humid climate. The four seasons are distinct, with abundant rainfall, ample sunshine, long frost–free period, and short severe cold period. The annual average sunshine, temperature, and precipitation of Zhangjiajie are around 1440 hours, 16.6 degrees, and 1400 millimeters, respectively. Such a climate is not only suitable for the reproduction of animals and the growth of plants, but also for China natural adventure tours.
Zhangjiajie city has an altitude of 183 meters, while the average altitude of the scenic area is 1000 meters. Due to this difference, the temperature difference between day and night can reach 10 ℃. And because of the undulating terrain, the local microclimate is obvious. The Zhangjiajie temperature on the mountain is lower than that below. Due to its unique geography and climate, Zhangjiajie’s mountains are often shrouded in clouds and mist, like a fairyland. But with more clouds and mist, the temperature naturally drops. In addition, the trees on the mountain are lush and the shading effect is good, so it is always much cooler on the mountain.
Zhangjiajie Weather by Season
- Spring (March – May):
The temperature rises rapidly, but it is mostly cloudy and rainy with high humidity, and the temperature fluctuates between 10 ℃ and 20 ℃.
- Summer (June – August):Hot and humid, with temperatures often ranging from 25 ℃ to 35 ℃. It is cooler in the mountains in the morning and evening, and hot at noon.
- Autumn (September – November): Zhangjiajie has a clear and crisp autumn climate, with moderate temperatures and reduced humidity, and temperatures ranging from 10 ℃ to 25 ℃.
- Winter (December – February): Cold and dry, occasional snowfall in the mountains, temperatures between 0 ℃ – 10 ℃, and lower temperatures on mountain tops.
In general, Zhangjiajie weather & climate is moderate. Whether you like the vitality and romance of spring, prefer the coolness and cloud sea of summer, want to capture the colorful autumn scenery, or appreciate the snow-covered mountains in winter, Zhangjiajie – this world natural heritage is forever a perfect destination in China.
Recommended Zhangjiajie Tours:
Zhangjiajie Temperature by Month
Travel to Zhangjiajie in different months, you can experience different beauty. The extreme temperature in August of summer is around 37.2 ℃, and the average temperature in the coldest month of winter is 4.3 ℃ (with January being the coldest month, with extreme temperatures ranging from around zero to 4 ℃). The following is a detailed Zhangjiajie weather monthly table:
| Month
Weather |
Max. Temperature (℃) | Min. Temperature (℃) | Precipitation (mm) |
| January | 9.4 | 2.6 | 42.6 |
| February | 11.5 | 4.5 | 59.8 |
| March | 15.9 | 7.8 | 88.9 |
| April | 22.7 | 13.4 | 133.1 |
| May | 27.2 | 18 | 177.8 |
| June | 30.2 | 21.6 | 209.2 |
| July | 33.1 | 24.2 | 233.3 |
| August | 33.1 | 23.8 | 120.9 |
| September | 29.1 | 20 | 91.9 |
| October | 23 | 14.8 | 93.7 |
| November | 17.8 | 9.4 | 65.7 |
| December | 12.3 | 4.4 | 28.7 |
* Zhangjiajie climate chart by China National Meteorological Center from 1981 to 2010
When Is the Best Time to Visit Zhangjiajie
Zhangjiajie has different scenery throughout the year, combined with its odd and eternal mountain landforms, which are unique to the world. Therefore, many people believe that Zhangjiajie is very suitable for tourism all year round.
However, Zhangjiajie is more suitable to visit during the transition from spring to summer and during autumn (from April to November), when Zhangjiajie weather, sunshine, and scenery is all pleasant. Specifically, the two seasons of spring and autumn each year perhaps are the best time to travel to Zhangjiajie. From April to June, wildflowers cover the mountains, and the sea of clouds after the rain, make Zhangjiajie simply a fairyland on earth. From September to November, enjoy the autumn red leaves in clusters, extremely poetic and picturesque. Those who pursue romance should not miss it.
Besides, the cloud sea in Zhangjiajie generally only appears in the three seasons of spring, summer, and autumn, and the prerequisite for it is clear weather after rain. Hiking is usually the main way to visit Zhangjiajie, and it is necessary to prepare a pair of comfortable shoes for yourself.
Zhangjiajie Travel in Spring
During spring in Zhangjiajie, there is frequent rainfall, which may disrupt the itinerary. But in spring, everything comes back to life, and this is the most suitable time to go out and embark on a Zhangjiajie tour. The Golden Whip Stream flows through the peaks, valleys, and clouds. The stream is clean, full of ups and downs, with small fish swimming among it. The flowers and plants along the creek are fragrant, and birds and warblers sing. Within the Suoxi Valley, there are attractions such as the Yellow Dragon Cave, which is carved with water and jade, and the “Heavenly Jade Pool” – Baofeng Lake, which is as beautiful as a fairy tale. Both are great places for sightseeing and trip in Zhangjiajie.
In spring, the flowers under Zhangjiajie mountains have bloomed, full of vitality. But on the mountain, it’s still a bit chilly in the morning and evening. Remember to bring a coat when you go hiking at this time. During the day, wearing lighter spring clothes is enough, but at night, you still need to change into thicker clothes.
Zhangjiajie Travel in Summer
When it is hot in summer, the temperature inside Zhangjiajie National Forest Park is lower than outside, and it feels very cool. The lush forests make it a good destination for summer vacation, leisure and drifting. If you travel to Zhangjiajie in summer, you can choose to take the Tianmen Mountain cable car up the mountain, but if you want to climb, sun protection is necessary.
Summer is the busiest time in Zhangjiajie as it is a great place to escape the heat. At this time period, wearing short sleeves, shorts, and a sun hat, you can play freely on the mountain. However, although it’s cool on the mountain, the ultraviolet rays are still quite strong, so sunscreen, sunglasses and other sun protection products still need to be prepared.
Tips for rainy season travel: Zhangjiajie has a longer rainy season, so it is recommended to bring a waterproof jacket and rain gear, and choose non-slip shoes to cope with wet and slippery roads.
Zhangjiajie Travel in Autumn
Autumn should be the best season in Zhangjiajie, with clear air and pleasant temperature and sunshine. The mountains in Zhangjiajie are truly breathtaking as at this time, the leaves on the mountain began to change color, red, yellow, green, colorful, like a beautiful painting.
The Tianzi Mountain is most spectacular during the first clear of the rain, with rushing clouds and mist forming various sea of clouds, which is truly beautiful. The Xihai Peak Forest is a breathtaking sight, especially when climbing onto a terrace to admire the thousands of stone peaks in this area. In autumn, Yuanjiajie Scenic Area also presents a unique beauty.
But autumn is also the time with the largest temperature difference. It may be quite warm during the day, but at night, the temperature drops sharply. So, when you travel to Zhangjiajie at this time, you need to wear long sleeves and a jacket, so you won’t feel cold in the morning and evening.
Zhangjiajie Travel in Winter
The winter scenery of Zhangjiajie is also very beautiful, especially when it is covered in heavy snow. According to statistics, Zhangjiajie has more than twice as many tree species as Europe, and deciduous tree species only account for a small part of the entire forest area. Therefore, winter is not as barren as people imagine, and greenery still lingers. Traveling to Zhangjiajie in winter allows you to enjoy rare snow scenery. Many photographers like to take pictures of Zhangjiajie’s winter scenery, which is particularly spectacular. However, it is important to pay attention to keeping warm and preventing slipping.
In winter, Zhangjiajie often experiences heavy snowfall on the mountains, which is very cold. At this time, when you travel to Zhangjiajie, wear warm underwear, sweaters, down jackets, all of which are essential. You still need to wear a hat, scarf, and gloves. Moreover, in Zhangjiajie during winter, there is often ice on the ground, so be careful when walking and don’t slip.
In a word, weather in Zhangjiajie, Hunan, China is one of the important issues that tourists need to pay attention to. Due to its mountainous location, Zhangjiajie weather is constantly changing, with frequent occurrences of rainfall, lightning, strong winds, and other weather phenomena. Therefore, before traveling to Zhangjiajie, you should check the Zhangjiajie weather forecast in advance in order to prepare accordingly. Furthermore, you should always wear jackets and long sleeved clothing, and carry appropriate warm equipment in order to cope with possible low temperature environments in Zhangjiajie. And be extremely careful in rainy and snowy weather, safety comes first!
Keep reading: 10 Best Things to Do in Zhangjiajie
Dates to Avoid for Zhangjiajie Travel
- In July and August of summer, although the cool atmosphere in the Zhangjiajie mountains can make people feel comfortable, there is more rainfall and the mountain roads are slippery, which may cause some inconvenience to your travel. Moreover, as it is the peak tourist seasonwith a large number of tourists, accommodation, catering, and other prices may also be relatively high, affecting the travel experience.
- In December of winter, the temperature is relatively low. If it snows, although the snow scenery is picturesque, there is still a problem of slippery mountain roads, and the Zhangjiajie weather is cold, so it is necessary to take measures to keep warm. In addition, December is the tourist off-season, and some attractions or facilities may close or adjust their opening hours.
- During Chinese public holidayssuch as May Day and National Day, there will be more tourists in Zhangjiajie and travel expenses may also be higher. It is recommended to travel during off peak periods.
Popular Tours in Zhangjiajie:
