This post may contain affiliate links. If you purchase through them, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thanks for supporting our small business.
Huangshan sits in southern Anhui province with a humid subtropical climate, but the weather splits in two. Huangshan City (also called Tunxi) at 200 metres (656 ft) averages 16.4C (61.5F) across the year, while the granite peaks of Yellow Mountain at 1,864 metres (6,115 ft) average only 7.8C (46F). Expect a 6 to 8C temperature drop between the base town and the summit, plus fog that rolls in and out all year. For the full picture of Yellow Mountain, start with our Huangshan travel guide. Use this guide to plan, then check the best time to visit Huangshan for the top windows to go.
Huangshan Weather by Month: Winter (December to February)
Winter is cold and often wet at the summit. January averages 4C (39F) in the city but drops to about -1C (30F) on the peaks, with overnight lows of -6C (21F) and frequent snowfall between December and February. Rime ice coats the pine branches after cold snaps, which photographers pay to shoot. Expect 10 to 14 rainy or snowy days per month and patchy fog. Paths and stone steps ice over, so bring microspikes (rental shops sit outside Tangkou’s South Gate) and check which cable cars run, as Yuping and Yungu cable cars close for scheduled maintenance in rotation during January and February. See the Huangshan travel tips guide for gear and transport specifics. Snowfall totals on the summit run 40 to 60cm across the season.
Huangshan Weather by Month: Spring (March to May)
Spring warms fast but stays damp. March averages 11C (52F) in the city and 3C (37F) on the summit, rising to May’s 24C (75F) and 12C (54F). Rainfall climbs through the season, from 140mm in March to 220mm in May, and the famous Huangshan azaleas bloom on the upper slopes in late April and May. Visibility is hit or miss: the sea of clouds appears after rain fronts pass, usually at dawn. This is a strong window for hiking before summer heat, but carry a poncho and expect morning fog on 4 to 6 days in 10. For the complete route list, see our things to do in Huangshan guide. Crowds build from late April with the Labour Day holiday.
Huangshan Weather by Month: Summer (June to August)
Summer is the hottest, wettest season. July averages 28C (82F) in the city and 17C (63F) on the summit, with humidity above 80 percent. The plum rain (meiyu) dumps most of June and early July’s rain, and annual rainfall peaks at 300 to 350mm in June and July combined, over 45 percent of the year’s 1,670mm total. Afternoon thunderstorms are common, and August can catch the tail of a typhoon. Cloud cover sits on the mountain for days, which blocks views but keeps temperatures comfortable for walking. If you go in summer, start hikes by 06:00, book a summit hotel for a clear dawn, and expect the highest ticket lines of the year in July and August school holidays.
Huangshan Weather by Month: Autumn (September to November)
Autumn is the best season for clear skies. September stays warm at 26C (79F) in the city and 15C (59F) on the summit, dropping to November’s 15C (59F) and 6C (43F). Rainfall falls from 170mm in September to 80mm in November, and the air dries out, so visibility opens up. This is peak sea-of-clouds season, especially October and November when cold air settles into the valleys after rain. Maple and beech foliage turns across the lower slopes from mid-October. The only drawback is crowds during the National Day Golden Week (1 to 7 October), when cable car queues can reach two hours, so check the Huangshan festivals and events calendar before you book. Go in late September or mid-to-late November for the light and empty trails.
Huangshan Weather by Month: Temperature and Rainfall Table
| Month | City High | City Low | Summit Avg | Rain (mm) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 9C (48F) | 1C (34F) | -1C (30F) | 75 |
| February | 11C (52F) | 3C (37F) | 0C (32F) | 95 |
| March | 15C (59F) | 7C (45F) | 3C (37F) | 140 |
| April | 21C (70F) | 12C (54F) | 8C (46F) | 180 |
| May | 25C (77F) | 17C (63F) | 12C (54F) | 220 |
| June | 28C (82F) | 21C (70F) | 16C (61F) | 300 |
| July | 32C (90F) | 24C (75F) | 17C (63F) | 230 |
| August | 32C (90F) | 24C (75F) | 17C (63F) | 190 |
| September | 27C (81F) | 19C (66F) | 15C (59F) | 140 |
| October | 22C (72F) | 13C (55F) | 10C (50F) | 90 |
| November | 16C (61F) | 7C (45F) | 5C (41F) | 80 |
| December | 11C (52F) | 2C (36F) | 0C (32F) | 60 |
Huangshan Weather by Month: Mountain versus City
The difference between the summit and Huangshan City catches first-timers out. When Tunxi is a mild 20C (68F), Bright Summit can sit at 10C (50F) with wind chill, and the drop runs roughly 0.6C per 100 metres of ascent. Rain at the base often falls as sleet or snow above 1,400 metres in winter. Check the live summit forecast before you pack, and layer rather than wearing one heavy coat. For practical detail on each base and summit district, see the Huangshan neighborhoods guide, and pick your overnight spot using the where to stay in Huangshan guide.
Huangshan Weather by Month: What to Pack
Bring a waterproof shell and quick-dry base layers every month of the year. From April to October add a hat, sunscreen and a poncho for afternoon storms. From November to March pack a warm mid-layer, gloves and a beanie, and add microspikes if snow is forecast. Sunrises on the summit start around 05:00 to 06:00, so a headlamp helps for pre-dawn walks to Bright Summit. You can buy bottled water and simple rain gear at stalls in Tangkou and near the cable car stations, but prices run double the city shops, so stock up in Tunxi first.
