Written by Ivy Dong |
Huangshan is a popular city among tourists in Anhui Province of China. It is home to one of the most beautiful mountains in China, Mount Huangshan. Countless visitors travel to Huangshan every year to witness the magnificent mountain range, visit the ancient Hui-styled villages, and experience local Hui culture. This article will be your helpful guide on Huangshan weather with seasonal weather and best time to visit.
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- Huangshan Weather Overview
- Huangshan Weather by Month
- Best Time to Visit Huangshan
- What are the Peak Tourist Seasons in Huangshan?
- Huangshan Weather in Different Seasons & Top Things to Do
- Huangshan in Winter vs Summer Pros and Cons
- Plan a Huangshan Tour with China Xian Tour
Huangshan Weather Overview
The city of Huangshan is characterized by subtropical monsoon humid climate. It is mild and humid year-round with no severe winter. With four distinct seasons, Huangshan sees the majority of rainfall from May to August. July and January are the hottest and coldest months with average temperatures around 28°C (82°F) and 4°C (39°F).
Huangshan Mountain Weather
Mount Huangshan, also known as Yellow Mountain, has slightly different yearly weather than the city of Huangshan. Due to its unique terrain with steep mountains and deep valleys, the weather usually varies vertically along the mountain. The foot of the mountain and the summit typically have an 8-to-10-degree difference in Celsius. Winter lasts longer in the higher altitudes, and summer usually starts in July.
Huangshan Mountain weather is very humid with plenty of rain and fog. With over 200 foggy days in a year, the mountain range is famous for its Sea of Clouds, when clouds and mist shroud the mountains adding a sense of mystery and spirituality. Whether you want to see the Sea of Clouds or find a good day for hiking on your Huangshan tour, make sure you check the weather forecast in advance.
Huangshan Weather by Month
Month |
Recommended Rate |
Max Temp. (°C) |
Min Temp. (°C) |
Avg Temp. (°C) |
Rainfall |
January |
★★ |
1 – 3 |
-6 – -4 |
-2 – 0 |
70 – 90 |
February |
★★ |
2 – 4 |
-5 – -3 |
0 – 2 |
100 – 130 |
March |
★★★ |
6 – 8 |
-1 – 1 |
3 – 5 |
140 – 170 |
April |
★★★★ |
10 – 12 |
4 – 6 |
7 – 9 |
180 – 220 |
May |
★★★★ |
14 – 16 |
8 – 10 |
10 – 12 |
230 – 260 |
June |
★★★ |
17 – 19 |
12 – 14 |
14 – 16 |
280 – 320 |
July |
★★ |
19 – 21 |
15 – 17 |
16 – 18 |
300 – 350 |
August |
★★ |
19 – 21 |
14 – 16 |
16 – 18 |
250 – 300 |
September |
★★★★ |
16 – 18 |
10 – 12 |
13 – 15 |
150 – 180 |
October |
★★★★★ |
12 – 14 |
6 – 8 |
9 – 11 |
80 – 110 |
November |
★★★ |
7 – 9 |
0 – 2 |
4 – 6 |
70 – 90 |
December |
★★ |
3 – 5 |
-4 – -2 |
0 – 2 |
50 – 70 |
* Table made with data of Huangshan weather in the past 10 years.
Best Time to Visit Huangshan
Both Huangshan city and Mount Huangshan are suitable for visit year-round. For visiting the city, March to November is the best time with pleasant weather and landscapes. You can see different unique landscapes of the Yellow Mountain in different seasons. Generally, the time for the best Mount Huangshan tour is from March to May and September to November.
Summer is the rainy season as well as the peak tourist season. The rain may disrupt your outdoor activities, and the attraction may be very crowded. Winter is a wonderful time to see Mount Huangshan covered in snow, but the ice and snow may make the hike more difficult.
Best Time to Visit Huangshan for Families with Kids
Mid-April – early May is the best time for families with younger kids. Parents can take the kids to appreciate and learn about the vibrant flowers and plants while hiking. The experience will be less strenuous and more interesting. Besides, the weather during this time is also the most pleasant among four seasons. Autumn offers both better climate and scenery, it is suitable for kids of all ages. The colorful autumn scenery will impress the kids a lot.
Best Time to Visit Huangshan for Hiking
For hiking lovers, mid-March to mid-May and late September to early November are widely recognized golden times. Both periods avoid the heavy rain and offer a cool weather. The mountain is also painted with diverse colors. Hikers who prefer photography will love it. Generally, spring has fewer tourists.
Best Time to Visit Huangshan for Great Sunrise and Sunset
In spring and autumn, the weather conditions are relatively stable and the cloud cover is abundant, so it is easy to form the spectacular afterglow. The timing is also moderate with a relatively late sunrise and an early sunset.
- Sunrise and sunset time in different months
Months |
Sunrise Time |
Sunset Time |
January |
06:59 – 07:04 |
17:18 – 17:43 |
February |
06:42 – 06:58 |
18:00 – 18:45 |
March |
06:10 – 06:33 |
18:19 – 18:43 |
April |
05:35 – 05:57 |
18:38 – 19:03 |
May |
05:11 – 05:24 |
18:57 – 19:23 |
June |
05:05 – 05:07 |
19:07 – 19:39 |
July |
05:10 – 05:19 |
19:07 – 19:34 |
August |
05:26 – 05:38 |
18:40 – 19:07 |
September |
05:44 – 05:55 |
18:29 – 18:45 |
October |
06:00 – 06:12 |
17:30 – 18:06 |
November |
06:21 – 06:37 |
17:09 – 17:34 |
December |
06:46 – 06:59 |
17:12 – 17:38 |
When Are You Most Likely to See a Sea of Clouds?
During November to May the following year, especially in winter and early spring, there is a higher possibility of seeing the sea of clouds. During this time, the atmospheric conditions are stable and the condensation level of clouds is relatively low, so the sea of clouds lower than the peak is easily formed. The best weather should be the sunny days after a rain or a snow.
What is the best time to visit Huangshan for budget travelers?
The official off season is winter, when the entrance tickets, cableways and hotels on the peak all have a discounted price. We also recommend the weekdays in late March and early June. These periods usually have fewer tourists and the cost of hotels is lower than on weekends.
What are the Peak Tourist Seasons in Huangshan?
The peak tourist season defined by the official is March – November. In fact, when actually traveling, it is not difficult to find that tourists are particularly concentrated in spring and autumn, the period chosen by the majority of tourists. Public holidays and summer holidays (July – August) are also very crowded. Besides, weekends have more tourists than weekdays. And the days after a snowfall in winter are the peak season for photography.
Huangshan Weather in Different Seasons & Top Things to Do
Spring (March to May)
- What to wear: quick-drying T shirts, long-sleeved shirts, thin sweater, winter jacket, sport pants
Huangshan weather gradually gets warmer as spring begins. The whole city, especially the mountains, comes back to life. The higher it gets in the mountains, the later spring starts, usually in late March or even not until April. You may even encounter some snow in early March. The average temperature in the mountains ranges from 10-15°C (50-59°F).
April and May bring all kinds of wildlife and colors to Mount Huangshan. Azaleas, white and red plums, Witch Hazel, and Huangshan Magnolia all start to bloom across the mountains. From the peach blossoms at the foot to the rhododendron fields at the top, the whole scenic area is beautifully decorated and full of life. Increased rainfall and cloudy days render a high chance of seeing the Sea of Clouds in spring.
Read more about Visiting Mount Huangshan in Spring
Recommended activities in spring
- The colorful wildflowers in Huangshan Mountain are the most unique and stunning sight to see in spring. It’s a great opportunity for photographing the vibrant sceneries and adds a lot more fun to your Huangshan Mountain hiking tour
- See the rugged peaks and deep valleys of West Sea Grand Canyon
- Catch the Sea of Clouds and the gorgeous sunrise at one of the viewing platforms
- Spring is also a great time to visit the ancient villages in Huangshan city, such as Xidi Ancient Villageand Hongcun Village. If you have time, head to see the lush Mukeng Bamboo Forest near Hongcun Village
Summer (June to August)
- What to wear: short-sleeved quick-drying T-shirt, sun-protective clothing, light coat, quick-drying pants
Huangshan weather in summer has no scorching heat, especially in the mountains. The average temperature on the mountain summit ranges from 18°C to 20°C (64-68°F). The comfortable temperature makes Huangshan Mountain a great place to escape the summer heat. The Yellow Mountain is therefore one of the best places for a summer trip in China.
However, summer also brings a lot of rainfall to the mountains. July, being the rainiest month of year, sees about 15-21 rainy days. The high humidity results in frequent clouds and mists during these days. The rain might make it difficult to hike or to see the sunrise or sunset. Additionally, summer is the peak tourist season at Mount Huangshan. The trails can sometimes be crowded with people.
Read more about Visiting Mount Huangshan in Summer
Recommended activities in summer
- Hike along the trails of Mount Huangshan to see the most famous sights, oddly shaped pines and rocks such as Guest-Greeting Pine, Farewell Pine, Flying Stone, and Monkey Watching the Sea.
- See the lotus flowers in bloom in Huangshan villages, Xidi Ancient Village and Hongcun Village in particular
Autumn (September to November)
- What to wear: thermal underwear, fleece, light down jacket, winter jacket, long pants
Huangshan weather in autumn gradually decreases in temperature, and as the rainy season passes, it gets drier in the mountains. Mount Huangshan welcomes some of its best time for visit. The foliage begins to turn yellow in September. Then, in late autumn, after a significant a drop in temperature, the red leaves reach their peak. The process is a wonderful sight for photography and to see on your hiking tour.
Read more about Visiting Mount Huangshan in Autumn
Recommended activities in autumn
- Autumn is the best season for hiking and photography in Mount Huangshan. Follow a hiking trail or take a cable car to the most famous spots like the Bright Summit, West Sea Grand Canyon, and Paiyun Pavilion. See the peaks and valleys, pines and rocks on your way up and down the mountain. Capture the golden or red foliage with your camera.
- As it gets clearer in autumn, the sunrise and sunset in the Yellow Mountain are at their best. Check the weather forecast for the exact time and get to the viewing platform ahead of time.
- Due to a significant temperature difference between the day and night, the Sea of Clouds occurs more frequently in autumn as well.
- It’s also a great time for a Huangshan Mountain tour with ancient villages, such as Huizhou Ancient Cityand Tangmo Ancient Village, to explore local Hui culture.
Winter (December to February)
- What to wear: thick down jacket, heavy sweater, warm jacket pants, non-slip shoes
Huangshan weather in winter may not be so cold in the city, but it can easily get below zero in the mountains. Winter can last for quite a while, all the way up till early March, with an average temperature ranging from -5°C to 5°C (23-41°F). Still, it’s a beautiful season for the Yellow Mountain with white snow hanging from the trees. The Sea of Clouds also occurs quite often.
Read more about Visiting Mount Huangshan in winter
Recommended activities in winter
- Hike up the mountain with care and immerse yourself in the frozen world of tranquility. Photograph the magnificent mountain range blanketed in white. Make sure you bring your winter hiking gear as if gets slippery on the trails.
- Experience Huangshan Hot Springs at the foot of the mountain. Relax your body after the hike and enjoy the snowy scene.
- Stroll down Tunxi Ancient Street in Huangshan city and admire Huizhou architecture. You can shop for some local specialties to bring home as souvenirs.
Huangshan in Winter vs Summer Pros and Cons
In the two seasons, both the scenery and experiences in Huangshan are completely different. Below are the pros and cons for each season.
Winter |
Summer |
|
Scenery |
A fairyland covered with snow landscapes, rime and icicles, more spectacular sea of clouds |
Full of vitality with lush vegetation and the most magnificent waterfall, can watch sunrise and sunset |
Experience |
Off seasons, fewer crowds and tranquil environment |
Peak season, more tourists, long queuing time |
Cost |
Discounted tickets and cableway, lower price for hotel on the mountain |
The cost is at the peak, the hotels on the mountain is expensive and hard to book |
Challenge |
Severe cold, some scenic spots may be closed |
Hot, more rain, the road may be slippery |
Plan a Huangshan Tour with China Xian Tour
During a Huangshan tour, travelling with China Xian Tour will give you a strong sense of safety. Our guide is familiar with the routes in Huangshan Mountain, he will take care of you all the way. Also, he will introduce the legends behind the strange pines and rocks and the deep cultural meaning of Hui-style architecture. Your travel experience will be more abundant. Besides, most costs, including hotels and tickets, are inclusive in our tour, which offers you great conveniences. If needed, we can also customize a trip completely based on your interests. In this way, you can enjoy a perfect tour. So do not hesitate to contact us.
