When is the best time to visit Zhangjiajie?

Are you are going to have a Zhangjiajie Tour? Zhangjiajie City is located on the northwest of Hunan Province. The Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, a famous tourist spot in China, is a unique national forest park located in Zhangjiajie City.

Zhangjiajie belongs to subtropical humid monsoon climate with four distinct seasons. It’s neither cold in winter nor hot in summer.

When planning a trip to Zhangjiajie, one of the often asked questions likely to torment you is “When is the best time to visit Zhangjiajie?” Generally speaking, the scenery of Zhangjiajie varies from season to season.

Good Time to Visit Zhangjiajie

Generally April through Mid-November is a good time to visit Zhangjiajie. April and October are the two best months to visit Zhangjiajie.

Best Time for Fall Foliage in Zhangjiajie

The best time to view the red leaves and fall foliage in Zhangjiajie ranges from later October to Mid-November.

So you are expected to enjoy different scenery in different seasons. Check out below to have some information on each season:

Zhangjiajie in Spring (March to May)

The weather in spring of Zhangjiajie is pleasant. In spring, all the flowers on mountains blossom and mountains are luxuriantly green. The voices of kingfishers accompanied with the tinges of mountain make you feel relaxed.

The average temperature in Zhangjiajie in March ranges between 5℃ and 15℃. So it is still a bit chilly. You still need to wear a sweater and a warm jacket.

The average temperature in Zhangjiajie in April ranges between 14℃ and 20℃. So it is getting warmer. You may wear a long-sleeve shirt during the day and a thin jacket in the evening.

The average temperature in Zhangjiajie in May ranges between 16℃ and 26℃. So it is getting much warmer. You may wear a T-shirt during the day and a thin jacket in the evening.

Temperature on mountains (above 1200 meters) will be about 3-5℃ lower than the mountain foot areas. Tourists should take a warm coat along when climbing mountains.

Zhangjiajie in Spring
Zhangjiajie in Spring ( from internet)

Zhangjiajie in Summer ( June to August )

In summer, the temperature in Zhuangjiajie is comfortable. It is an ideal summer resort for you. It usually rains in June and July, but Zhangjiajie is more beautiful after rain and you can enjoy the cloud and fog spectacle in Tianmen Mountain, West Sea and other parts of Wulingyuan.

The average temperature in Zhangjiajie in June ranges between 18℃ and 30℃. So it is getting hotter. You may wear a T-shirt during the day and a long-sleeve shirt in the evening. The average temperature in Zhangjiajie in July ranges between 26℃ and 36℃.

So it is the hottest month in Zhangjiajie. You may wear a T-shirt for the day.T he average temperature in Zhangjiajie in August ranges between 24℃ and 34℃. So it is still very hot in August. You may wear a T-shirt for the day and a long-sleeve shirt in the evening.

Temperature on mountains (above 1200 meters) will be about 3-5℃ lower than the mountain foot areas. Tourists should take a warm coat along when climbing mountains.

Zhangjiajie in Summer
Zhangjiajie in Summer ( from internet)

Zhangjiajie in Autumn (September to Early November)

Most people think October in autumn are one of the best months to go traveling in Zhangjiajie. At that time, you can enjoy the most beautiful natural sites of Zhangjiajie. Visitors can have a drift in the splendid season.

There will be many visitors during the National Day between Oct. 1st to Oct. 7th every year.

If you go to Zhangjiajie in this time, you’d better reserve a room in advance, or Just avoid going to Zhangjiajie during China National Holiday.

Zhangjiajie in Autumn ( from internet)

Temperature on mountains (above 1200 meters) will be about 3-5℃ lower than the mountain foot areas. Tourists should take a coat along when climbing mountains.

Best Time for Fall Foliage in Zhangjiajie
The best time to view the red leaves and fall foliage in Zhangjiajie ranges from later October to Mid-November.

Zhangjiajie in Winter ( Later November to February )

Winter in Zhangjiajie is not cold with the average temperature of 13℃. In winter, if you are fortunate enough to come across the snow, you will see the different beauty of Zhangjiajie.

Basically it is safe to travel Zhangjiajie in winter. But you should wear warmly, a big temperature difference between day and night.

If snowing, it is a bit slippery on the mountain roads, please take good care of your walking on your trip.

If you are lucky, you will have clear and fine days. Most of the hotels in Zhangjiajie offer clean and delicious food.

If snowing, and Zhangjiajie National Forest Par

Zhangjiajie in Winter ( from internet)

Tip : Hassle-free Zhangjiajie Guided Tours

If you don’t want to go the do-it-yourself route and prefer the hassle-free escorted tours,  here are some options for guided tours to Hunan:

Glass Bridge & Yellow Dragon Bridge Day Tour
Zhangjiajie 3 Day Tour
Zhangjiajie Fenghuang 5 Day Tour 
Beijing Zhuangjiajie Fenghuang 8 Days Tour 

Further Readings


Best Time to Visit Zhangjiajie.
How to Get from Beijing to Zhangjiajie.
Top 10 Attractions in Zhangjiajie.
Top 10 Attractions in Changsha.
Top 10 Attractions in Hunan.
Zhangjiajie Tour.
Zhangjiajie Trip

Any questions, just drop a line.

69 thoughts on “When is the best time to visit Zhangjiajie?

  1. Dear Scarlet66,

    As far as I know, no big difference between the two departure dates. There is little possibility of snowing in whole December. A little fog.

    The blessing is the tourist low season, not crowded, discounted entry fees.

    Enjoy your trip!

  2. I am planning to visit Zhangjiajie on either October 21 or October 28, 2018. Which one is good time for fall foliage?

  3. Dear Trang,

    It seems it makes no big difference whether you visit either on October 21 or October 28, 2018 for fall foliage.

    For me, I prefer October 21.

    Have a good time!

  4. I am planning a trip to Zhangiaje either on 10th May or 31st May. Is there going to be a big change of weather/temperature?

  5. Dear Sim Kiang Kiat,

    Thanks for your inquiry! No big difference as whether you visit Zhangjiajie either at May 10 or May 31. Have a nice trip to Zhangjiajie!

  6. I am planning to visit ZhangjiaJie in July 2019 with another pax (total 2 pax)

    Should I arrive in Changsha and stay one night and then proceed with a local pick up from your booking ?

    Or should I arrive at Changsha airport and then immediately proceed with a local pick up ?

  7. Hi, am planning to visit Zhang Jia Jie either on 6 Sept or 7 Oct. Kindly advise which would be better, please?
    Would 7 Oct still be crowded due to China National holiday?
    Thank you.

  8. I am planning a trip to Zhangiaje either on 12th Oct’19 or 26th Oct’19.Which date is good time for fall foliage?

  9. Dear Vivien Heu,

    Thanks for your inquiry! Not big difference between 12th Oct’19 and 26th Oct’19 in terms of foliage. But for me, I prefer the date of 26th Oct’19. Have a nice time in Zhangjiajie!

  10. Dear Jessica,

    Yes, there will be more domestic tourists on 7 Oct than 6 Sept. But basically the views you will expect on 7 Oct are more beautiful when you can catch a glimpse of the early fall foliage in Zhangjiajie. Have a good time in Zhangjiajie!

  11. Hi, we are considering a family (with 3 teens) tour this December 26. Is it safe for all of us? Is it that cloudy or foggy for us to enjoy the sceneries? Will the kids enjoy the food?

  12. Dear Jojo,

    Basically it is safe to travel Zhangjiajie in winter. But you should wear warmly, a big temperature difference between day and night. If snowing, it is a bit slippery on the mountain roads, please take good care of your walking on your trip. If you are lucky, you will have clear and fine days. Most of the hotels in Zhangjiajie offer clean and delicious food. Enjoy your trip!

  13. Dear Daniel,
    Between Jan to May and between Oct and Nov, when is the best month to visit Zhangjiajie if I want to have the feel of fog passing by me and at the mountain be able to see the cloud right below me. Your kindness advise pls. Thanks.

    Best regards

  14. Dear 有发,

    Thanks for your inquiry!

    But I’m very sorry that I cannot predict the fog or the clouds possibly flying under you. Have a nice time in Zhangjiajie!

  15. Dear Daniel,
    We of 4 paxs planning a trip to ZHANGJIAJIE this March/April. We prefer less crowd. What is your advise for the best date to travel? 🤔. Also we like to know which part of ZHANGJIAJIE that the movie Avatar was shot 🤭🤭🤭. Thanks.

  16. Dear Shuyin,

    Thanks for your inquiry!

    Not sure about the exact place in Zhangjiajie where the movie Avatar was shot, sorry!

    It is all right to this March/April. But Zhangjiajie is a hot tourist destination. Basically, it is always crowded during travel season. But just avoid May 01 – 03, and Oct 01-07, 2020.

    Have a nice time in Zhangjiajie!

  17. Pls quote 8days 7 night tour for 2 pax. Travel date 1/11 or 5/11.is still autumn.

  18. We are planning for a trip to zhangjiajie and would like to see the fall foliage and red and yellow leaf. Can you suggest which is better to see the fall foliage, either in mid oct or 2nd Nov?
    Pls quote a trip for 8d6n at zhangjiajie and nearby attractions

    for 2 pax.
    Thanks

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