Climate and Weather of Zhangjiajie

Being the average altitude in the urban district of Zhangjiajie City is about 183 meters and the altitude of its main scenic areas (Zhangjiajie National Forest Park and Tianmen Mountain National Forest Park) are at an average elevation of 1000 meters, Zhangjiajie enjoys a subtropical humid monsoon climate, with four distinct seasons. There is no extreme heat in summer and no severe cold in winter. The hottest days fall in August, with the average temperature of about 32 ℃, and the coldest days fall in January, with the average temperature of about 4.3 ℃. The annual average duration of sunshine is about 1,440 hours and the annual average temperature is about 16.6 ℃. The annual average precipitation reaches 1,400 mm, mainly concentrating in April, May, June, July, August and September, accounting for 73% of the total. The rainy season falls in June, July and August. It’s highly suggested that tourists had better not climb mountains in rainy days because the dense fog on the peak of mountains may boil the appreciation of natural beauty. The best time to appreciate the mountainous scenery is the time about 1 or 2 hours after the rain. In winter months, sometimes all the unique quartz-sandstone pillars, grotesque rocks, valleys, trees, and peaks are covered with snow and mist, look like a marvelous wonderland.

The official Zhangjiajie weather seasons are Spring (March, April and May), Summer (June, July and August), Autumn (September, October and November) and Winter (December, January and February), tourists can follow the below weather and packing guide to plan a trip to Zhangjiajie. 

January

January is the coldest month of Zhangjiajie, with the temperature ranging from -3 ℃ to 10 ℃. It snows often but usually not heavily. The moderate north breeze and fresh north breeze are frequently in the early part of the month. The north wind and minimal rain make the weather dry and very cold.

February

The temperature remains low in February, ranging from 0 ℃ to 12 ℃. The scenic areas usually covered with snow, looking beautiful. 

March

The temperature continues to rise but it is not very warm. The temperature ranges from 5℃ to 20℃. There is increasing number of tourists coming to visit Zhangjiajie.

April

April sees a significant increase in temperature, with the temperature ranging from 8℃ to 25℃. April is known as the best month to visit Zhangjiajie. The natural scenery which is at its best and the weather is comfortable.

May

The temperature in May ranges from 15℃ to 30℃. The differences in temperature between day and night is great, thus, people should bring warm clothes in case of the low temperature. May is one of the tourist months of Zhangjiajie, especially in the first week. 

June

The temperature in June ranges from 15℃ to 33℃ and there are frequent rainy days. For packing, umbrellas, sun cream and sunglasses are needed.

July

July is Zhangjiajie's hottest month and rainy month, with the temperature ranging from 25 ℃ to 33℃. Many summer visitors flock to Zhangjiajie National Forest Park for its quite cool weather.

August

The temperature remains high in August, ranging from 28 ℃ to 38 ℃. It also rains a lot, but less than in July. As it’s the period of summer holidays, there are a large number of students traveling. Tourists who plan to visit Zhangjiajie should prepare for the journey in advance.

September

The heat is gradually eliminating in September and the weather is becoming comparatively cool and comfortable. The temperature ranges from 22 ℃ to 32 ℃. The evenings get a little cooler, with an average temperature of 20 ℃.

October

The temperature falls gradually during October, with the temperature ranging from 18 ℃ to 28 ℃. A good month to visit Zhangjiajie National Forest park but try to avoid the Chinese National Day (October 1 - 7).  

November

November's temperature ranges from 12℃ to 25℃. There is much fog in the national parks, making the mountains look mysterious and beautiful.

December

December is a dry and cold moth in Zhangjiajie, with the temperature ranging from 5 ℃ to 15 ℃. It occasionally snows lightly. For packing, warm clothes, such as down jackets and cotton-padded jackets are necessary.

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