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Jiuzhaigou sits between 2,000 and 4,500 meters above sea level in the Aba Tibetan and Qiang Autonomous Prefecture of northern Sichuan. The valley has a humid plateau climate, so temperatures stay cool all year, the sun is strong, and the temperature swing between day and night is wide. The Nuorilang visitor center at 2,400 meters averages 7.3°C (45°F) across the year and receives about 600 to 760 mm of rain, most of it falling between May and October. Start with the Jiuzhaigou travel guide for the full picture of the valley.
Jiuzhaigou Weather by Month: Temperatures and Rainfall
| Month | Avg Temp | Rainfall |
|---|---|---|
| January | -1°C (30°F) | 15 mm |
| February | 2.5°C (37°F) | 24 mm |
| March | 4°C (39°F) | 36 mm |
| April | 8.7°C (48°F) | 43 mm |
| May | 11°C (52°F) | 87 mm |
| June | 14°C (57°F) | 96 mm |
| July | 17°C (63°F) | 104 mm |
| August | 16°C (61°F) | 82 mm |
| September | 12°C (54°F) | 76 mm |
| October | 8.3°C (47°F) | 53 mm |
| November | 2.4°C (36°F) | 26 mm |
| December | 2.3°C (36°F) | 18 mm |
Jiuzhaigou Weather by Month: January to March
January is the coldest month at -1°C (30°F) as an average, but nights drop to -10°C (14°F) and the lakes freeze over. Snowfall runs heaviest from December to February, and only 15 mm of precipitation falls in January, so skies stay clear and dry. February warms slightly to 2.5°C (37°F) with 24 mm of rain or snow. By March the valley reaches 4°C (39°F) and 36 mm of moisture as snowmelt begins to feed the waterfalls. Roads up from Chengdu stay open in winter, but you need a down jacket, gloves, and a hat.
Jiuzhaigou Weather by Month: April to June
April climbs to 8.7°C (48°F) with 43 mm of rain as wildflowers start along the trails. May averages 11°C (52°F) and rainfall jumps to 87 mm, the first of the wetter months. June reaches 14°C (57°F) with 96 mm as the monsoon pushes up the valley. These months bring the biggest day-to-night swings, so a jacket over a t-shirt is the standard outfit. Check the best time to visit Jiuzhaigou guide for the exact windows to go, and see the events and festivals in Jiuzhaigou page for what is on the calendar each season.
Jiuzhaigou Weather by Month: July to September
July is the warmest and wettest month at 17°C (63°F) and 104 mm of rain, with afternoon showers and the occasional thunderstorm. August stays at 16°C (61°F) with 82 mm, and September cools to 12°C (54°F) with 76 mm. Roughly 80 percent of the annual rain falls between May and October, concentrated in July and August, so pack a waterproof layer and expect short downpours rather than all-day rain. The lakes still look clear in summer, and the things to do in Jiuzhaigou guide lists what stays open in the rain. For where to base yourself near the gate, read the best neighborhoods in Jiuzhaigou page.
Jiuzhaigou Weather by Month: October to December
October is the clearest month of autumn at 8.3°C (47°F) with 53 mm of rain, and the trees turn gold and red around the lakes, peaking mid-month. November drops to 2.4°C (36°F) and 26 mm as the first snow dusts the ridges. December averages 2.3°C (36°F) with just 18 mm and frozen waterfalls, giving the valley a quiet, low-crowd feel. See the Jiuzhaigou travel tips and FAQ page for what to carry in each season, and the where to stay in Jiuzhaigou guide for hotels that stay open through winter.
