Written by Catherine |
Jiuzhaigou ValleyĀ has worldās topĀ natural scenery, but when is the best time to visit Jiuzhaigou? As a āfairyland on earthā, Jiuzhaigou has distinctiveĀ charmsĀ in four seasons, and its natural scenery, climate conditions and tourism experience are significantly variedĀ in different months. This article analyzes the best time to go to Jiuzhaigou, and provides practical strategies to Jiuzhaigou toursĀ regarding weather and climate.
Overview of Jiuzhaigou Weather
Located in the northwest of Sichuan Province atĀ an altitudeĀ of about 3000 meters, JiuzhaigouĀ has a humid plateau climate. It is worth mentioning that the rainfall is less than 600mm annually, and is mainly concentrated in the rainy season from July to August.
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Jiuzhaigou Valley National ParkĀ climateĀ is characterized by frequent showers, hailstormsĀ and strong windsĀ in summer, and long winterĀ as well as very shortĀ spring and autumn. Because of its location on the plateau, Jiuzhaigou has sufficient sunshine throughout the year, strong ultraviolet radiation, great changes in temperature, short frost-free period, and large temperature difference between day and night. ItsĀ central area,Ā Nuorilang, has an average annual temperature of 5 ā~7.3 ā.
Generally speaking, the best time to go to Jiuzhaigou Valley is autumn, especially from the middle of October to the beginning of November. At this period, the leaves are colorful and the scenery is charming, making it a paradise for photography lovers.
Best Time to Visit Jiuzhaigou
Best Time to Visit Jiuzhaigou for Scenic Beauty and Comfortable Weather
Autumn (September – October) can be described asĀ the dualĀ peak of Jiuzhaigou climate and landscape. If you want to enjoy the most beautiful natural scenery underĀ the most comfortable weather conditions, autumn (mid-September to the end of October) is the best time to go toĀ Jiuzhaigou.
Whatās Cool: This is Jiuzhaigouās āpeak of beautyā, when the colorful forest and red leaves and the blue and green lake complement each other, with rich color levels, just like an oil painting. In autumn, the temperature is pleasant with less precipitation, excellentĀ for photography, hiking, and in-depth sightseeing.
Best Time:Ā MidĀ to late OctoberĀ is the peak season for autumn colors. Five FlowerĀ LakeĀ and Mirror LakeĀ have stunning reflections, while Long LakeĀ and Nuorilang Waterfall also presentĀ unforgettable scenery.
- Keep Reading: 12 Best Places to Visit in China in Autumn
Best Time to Visit Jiuzhaigou for Low Cost
The winter and spring seasons (November –Ā March) are suitable for travelers who pursue tranquility and high cost-effectiveness. If your budget is limited or you like the experience of small crowds, you can choose to go to Jiuzhaigou to enjoy flowersĀ +Ā snow scenery in spring and snowĀ + frozenĀ waterfall in winter.
Note:Ā Jiuzhaigou off-season ticket (November 16Ā –Ā March 31): RMB 80
Peak Season & Slack Season of Jiuzhaigou
The peak tourist season ofĀ Jiuzhaigou Valley is mainly from April 1 to November 15, with summer and autumn being the most concentrated tourist season. During peak season, the daily limit on the number of visitors is 41,000.
July and AugustĀ (the summer holidayĀ for Chinese students) are aĀ peak tourist season for Jiuzhaigou. At this period, the water is abundant, and it is suitable for escaping summerĀ heat.Ā Tourists can enjoy magnificent scenes such as the emerald lakesĀ and cascading waterfalls. In September, Jiuzhaigou still maintains a strong tourism momentum.
During the National Day, Jiuzhaigou ushersĀ in the busiest tourist period. At this time, the scenery is particularly charming. However, there are too many tourists, so you need to keep a peaceful mindsetĀ when travelingĀ to Jiuzhaigou.
Autumn (October to November)Ā is the most popular season in Jiuzhaigou. The leaves change color, from green to yellow and then to red, and the lake and mountains are colorful. In addition, Jiuzhaigou weatherĀ in autumn is pleasant with littleĀ rainfall, which is the best time to go toĀ Jiuzhaigou for sightseeing.
The slack season ofĀ Jiuzhaigou Valley is generally from mid-November to March, when the number of tourists decreases by about 70%, making it more comfortable to visit.
Popular Chengdu Jiuzhaigou Tours
Jiuzhaigou Weather in Four Seasons
The best time to visit Jiuzhaigou varies from person to person. Each season has its own unique charm.
Average Jiuzhaigou TemperatureĀ & Rainfall by Month
Month |
Average Jiuzhaigou Temperature (ā) |
Average Jiuzhaigou Rainfall (mm) |
Jan. |
-1 |
15 |
Feb. |
2.5 |
24 |
Mar. |
4 |
36 |
Apr. |
8.7 |
43 |
May |
11 |
87 |
Jun. |
14 |
96 |
Jul. |
17 |
104 |
Aug. |
16 |
82 |
Sept. |
12 |
76 |
Oct. |
8.3 |
53.2 |
Nov. |
2.4 |
26 |
Ā Dec. |
2.3 |
18 |
Jiuzhaigou Weather in Spring (March – May)
In spring,Ā JiuzhaigouāsĀ temperature is relatively low and changes greatly. The average temperature is mostly between 9 and 18 ā. Before April, there is frozen soil and residual snow. The temperature rises, and the snow-capped mountains and lakes complement each other with fresh flowers, creating a stunning scenery.
Pros & ConsĀ for Traveling to Jiuzhaigou in Spring
- Features: Melting ice and snow, rising water, blooming mountain flowers, and the revival of all things. Fromlate March toĀ early April, the peach blossoms in Jiuzhaigou are blooming brightly. From mid April to early May, wild cherry blossoms cover the shore ofĀ Long Lake.
- Pros: There are relatively fewer tourists and accommodation costs are also relatively low. Suitable for photography enthusiasts to capture vibrant scenes, as well as travelers who enjoy tranquility.
- Cons: Low temperature, large temperature difference between day and night, and the need to carry cold proof clothing. The ice and snow have not completely melted, and anti-skid shoes need to be prepared. Some boardwalks may be closed, and some high-altitude scenic spots may not be open.
- Recommendation: Shuzheng Lakesand Arrow Bamboo Waterfall. On the observation deck on the south side of Five Flower Lake, oneĀ can capture both the reflection of the snow-capped mountains and the sea of flowers. Downstream of Nuorilang Waterfall, pink mountain rhododendrons are accompanied byĀ emerald colored lake water.
Jiuzhaigou Weather in Summer (June – August)
In summer, JiuzhaigouāsĀ temperature rises rapidly and remains stable. The average temperature is around 19 to 22Ā ā. At night, it is cooler and it is advisable to bring a light sweater. Summer is the rainy season ofĀ Jiuzhaigou and also the peak tourist season. VisitorsĀ need to pay attention to Jiuzhaigou weather changes.
Pros & ConsĀ for Traveling to Jiuzhaigou in Summer
- Features: With clear-to-bottomlakes, lush greenĀ forests,Ā and coolĀ climate, JiuzhaigouĀ is a summer resort, suitable for hiking and other outdoor activities.
- Pros: In July and August, there is more rainfall and abundant water. The waterfallsareĀ majestic (such as Nuorilang Waterfall). The lakesĀ haveĀ distinct color layers (such as Five Colored Pool)Ā and are extremely
- Cons:During the peak tourist season, there is a high volume of people, requiring advance ticket purchases and resulting in higher accommodation prices. In addition, there may be short-term showers during the rainy season, so it is recommended to bring rain gear. The rainy season may also affect road conditions.
- Recommendation: After 3pm, the sunlight slantsĀ down at Pearl ShoalsĀ Waterfall, and the probability of a rainbow appearing is 90%. You can see the Milky Way at night.
Jiuzhaigou in Autumn (September – November)
In autumn, Jiuzhaigou ValleyĀ has a pleasant climate with high sky and cool air. The temperature is mostly 7~18 ā, and the temperature difference between day and night is large. Especially after the late October, frozen soil begins to appear, and attention should be paid to keeping warm.Ā Autumn is the most beautiful season for Jiuzhaigou. It is a good time to see colorful forests, meeting all peopleās imagination of autumn.
Pros & ConsĀ for Traveling to Jiuzhaigou in Autumn
- Best time: From mid to late October (the peak season of red leaves), the lake water and colorful forests intertwine like oil paintings.
- Pros: The climate is pleasant, the photography effect is excellent. High sunny weather rate, very suitable for sightsee
- Cons: There are a large number oftourists in autumn, so pleaseĀ book tickets and hotels in advance. The National Day Golden Week is crowded, so it is recommended to choose off-season tourĀ in mid to late October.
- Recommendation: Five Flower Lake, Mirror Lakeand Five Colored Pool.
Jiuzhaigou in Winter (December – February)
Jiuzhaigou is cold in winter, and the temperature is mostly around 0 ā. But the scenery is unique and suitable for tourists seeking tranquility. At this time, Jiuzhaigou is inĀ off-season for tourism, so ticket prices decline. OneĀ can see the frozen waterfalls, the forest covered in snow, and the lakesĀ deep blue.
Pros & ConsĀ for Traveling to Jiuzhaigou in Winter
- Features: A fairy tale world covered in ice and snow, crystal clear frozenwaterfalls (such as Nuorilang Waterfall), blue ice wonders, enjoying the beauty of tranquility.
- Pros: Discounted tickets, affordable accommodation. Tourists are scarce, the scenic area is quiet, and onecan experience Tibetan New Year folk activities.
- Cons:Cold weatherĀ (daily average temperature -5 ā to 5 ā), some scenic spots are closed (such as Virgin Forest), and transportation may be affected by snowfall. Down jackets and non-slip shoes need to be prepared.Ā The frequency of the sightseeing bus shifts is
- Recommendation: Jiuzhaigou Frozen WaterfallFestival, hot spring hotels
Other Essential Tips
- Checkweather forecast before travelling: Jiuzhaigou valley weather is changeable, with frequent rainfallsĀ and cooling. Even in summer, it may encounter cold weather. Therefore, it is necessary to prepare sufficient clothing, rain gear, or sunscreen according to the weather.
- Prepare appropriateclothing according to season: long sleeves and coats for spring and autumn; lightweight clothing and thin jackets forĀ summer; warm clothingĀ such as thick woolen coats, down jackets, and snow bootsĀ for winter
- Pay attention to slow walkingand avoid vigorous exercise in high-altitude areas. Due to the large size of the scenic area, it is recommended to wear comfortable sports shoesĀ and take a sightseeing bus to save energy.
- Photography skills: Take thereflection of Mirror LakeĀ in the morning;Ā take a picture of Five Flower LakeĀ at noon (the color ofĀ āTiffany Blueā);Ā and use Slow ShutterĀ to take a picture of frozenĀ waterfallsĀ in winter.
- Times to Avoid Travel: Jiuzhaigou has the most beautiful sceneryin autumn, but it needs to avoid the National Day holiday. In winter, there are fewer touristsĀ and the cost-effectiveness is high, but it is necessary to avoid the Chinese New Year.
Travel to Jiuzhaigou & Huanglong with Us
Jiuzhaigou connects three core landscape areas with Y-shaped valleys: the Five Flower Lake, Pearl ShoalsĀ Waterfall and Mirror LakeĀ in Rize Valley, the Long LakeĀ and Five ColoredĀ PoolĀ in Zhachawa Valley, as well as the Nuorilang Waterfall and Shuzheng LakesĀ in Shuzheng Valley. It is recommended to arrange 1-2 days for a JiuzhaigouĀ tour. If merged with Huanglong Scenic Area, an additional one-day itinerary can be added; If connecting Chengdu or western Sichuan grasslands, it would take 4-5 days to form a classic Sichuan tourĀ loopĀ (or Chengdu side trips).
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