Zhangjiajie Weather: Best Time to Visit & Seasonal Tips

When planning your trip to Zhangjiajie, it's important to know the weather to ensure you have a good vacation. Between May and November is an excellent time to visit, but July and August tend to be a bit more crowded, and you may have to wait for certain attractions, and the cable cars, for longer. Winter is an excellent time to visit if you're looking for fewer travelers and want to see the scenery under a blanket of snow.

We recommend that you avoid major holidays, like May Day and National Day, as the city tends to be super busy during these times. Read on for more detailed information about what to expect in Zhangjiajie any time of year.

Avatar mountains in Zhangjiajie

Zhangjiajie Weather by Season

Since most of Zhangjiajie's best attractions are outdoors, specifically in Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, most people will want to travel when the weather is nicer. Although the temperature does vary depending on the season, it's generally pretty humid in Zhangjiajie, and it can get rainy or foggy, making the surrounding nature more difficult to visit.

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What to Expect in Each Season

Spring

The Heaven's Gate on Tianmen Mountain

Spring falls between March and May, and you'll find nice, warmer weather ranging from the low 60s to the mid-to-high 70s. Plus, springtime is when you'll start to see some of Zhangjiajie's amazing vegetation, including flowers on the mountains and bright green trees and plant life. It's a good time to head to Zhangjiajie National Forest Park and Tianmen Mountain, but keep your eye on the forecast, as it can get rainy during this season.

Pack a rain jacket and layers, especially if you plan to spend plenty of time outside, and remember that Labor Day falls at the beginning of May. The most popular tourist destinations will likely be crowded. The Dragon Boat Festival also falls in early May and is a unique activity to participate in, but it will also draw the crowds.

Summer

The aerial view of the Avatar mountains

Summer spans from June to August and tends to be warm and humid, with temperatures between the low 80s and 90s. May and June are the best months to visit if you're looking for fewer crowds and lower temperatures, and July and August tend to be hotter and bring more crowds.

If you like being outdoors, hiking during the summer can be excellent, especially in the higher altitudes where it's a bit cooler. Some of the best things to do during the summer include visiting Tianzi Mountain and cooling off at Baofeng Lake. Yellow Dragon Cave is excellent during this time of year too.

Rain can make some of the higher mountain passes more slick, so hike with caution if there's been a downpour and bring light layers, plenty of sunscreen lotion, a sun hat, and a lightweight rain jacket. It can cool down in the evenings, so additional layers are advisable.

Since the summer months are high season in Zhangjiajie, you'll find more crowds, and the cost for accommodations may be higher. You can avoid many of the crowds by going to popular attractions earlier and booking your tickets in advance.

Autumn

The Glass Bridge at the Grand Canyon

Autumn is a tremendously lovely time to visit Zhangjiajie, and you'll enjoy temperatures that range from the mid-60s to low 80s. It tends to get a little bit cooler at night, so bring several layers and a light jacket for the evenings. Autumn is drier, so the hiking is excellent, and you'll enjoy a nice harvest of fruits like lychees and pears.

See the wonderful foliage from the glass bridge in Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon, or visit Tianzi Mountain to see the changing leaves. As the Chinese National Holiday falls in early October, you might run into additional crowds, so if you want more of the landscape to yourself, plan accordingly.

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Winter

Our travel consultant in Zhangjiajie in winter

The cooler, damp winter brings the occasional rainfall and chillier temperatures that can be as low as 40 degrees. Bringing layers, gloves, and warm shoes is a good idea, especially if you want to be outside exploring. It's also a low season for tourists, so you could get good deals on accommodations and have more of the attractions to yourself.

Sometimes, Zhangjiajie National Forest Park gets snow, so hike carefully and make sure to stay on the marked trails for your safety. If you do decide to do some winter hiking, shoes with good tread will definitely serve you well. Road closures can happen during these times, too, so make sure that you give yourself extra time to get around. We can help you with any of the logistics that you need.

Brief Tips on What to Bring

99-bend Road on Tianmen Mountain

Since Zhangjiajie is at a higher altitude, it's a good idea to bring sun protection even during the winter. Sunglasses are also a good year-round investment, and you should have good shoes to walk along the trails. A small umbrella, many quick-drying layers, and a thin jacket are also good items to have on hand.

Zhangjiajie: An Excellent Year-Round Destination

No matter what season you visit Zhangjiajie during, you're bound to have a great time. The temperate weather means that you can enjoy the great outdoors every month of the year. Let us help you make the perfect itinerary for your journey. Email China Odyssey Tours, at trip@odynovotours.com and let us create a personalized plan that will let you see the best of Zhangjiajie and beyond.