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Best Time to Visit Huangshan Mountain
Huangshan Mountain (Yellow Mountain), the number one among top 10 famous mountains in China, is an immensely popular destination in China. This UNESCO World Heritage site is renowned for its stunning natural scenery and the Four Wonders of Huangshan. Determining the best time to visit Huangshan has been a subject of debate among travelers.
Some argue that winter is the best time to visit Huangshang Mountain due to the breathtaking snowy landscapes and the higher likelihood of witnessing the mesmerizing sea of clouds. Others suggest spring and autumn as the best seasons because of the pleasant weather, ideal for hiking, and the vibrant colors that enhance the beauty of Huangshan. Additionally, some prefer summer when Huangshan serves as a natural summer resort, offering relief from the heat.
In reality, Huangshan can be visited and enjoyed throughout the year. However, spring and autumn are widely regarded as the most beautiful seasons with favorable conditions for outdoor activities. During these times, the weather is generally pleasant, and the landscapes showcase their captivating charm.
Whether you choose to visit Huangshan in winter, spring, summer, or autumn, each season offers its own unique experiences and visual delights. Ultimately, the best time to visit Huangshan depends on your personal preferences and the specific features of the season that appeal to you.
The Best Time for Hiking in Huangshan Mountain
Hiking on the Huangshan Mountain is the best thing to do in Huangshan . Whether you choose a 1-day hiking tour or a 2-day hiking tour, You can get a wonderful and amazing beauty with the Wonders of the mountain.
For a better experience and scenery, you should choose a period with warmer weather, less rain, and fewer visitors. The following periods are the times we recommend for hiking in Huangshan Mountain :
Mid-May to early June: During these days, Huangshan experiences pleasant weather conditions. The temperatures are mild, ranging from around 15°C to 25°C (59°F to 77°F), creating an ideal environment for hiking. The days are usually sunny, with clear skies and lower chances of rainfall.
Mid-October to November: During these days, Huangshan experiences cool and crisp autumn weather. Temperatures range from approximately 10°C to 20°C (50°F to 68°F), providing a refreshing atmosphere for hiking. With clear skies and reduced chances of rain, hikers can fully appreciate the stunning vistas and natural beauty.
Additionally, both seasons offer excellent visibility for panoramic views. The clear skies during these periods allow hikers to witness the grandeur of Huangshan's iconic peaks, deep valleys, and sea of clouds. The unobstructed vistas enhance the overall hiking experience, making it truly unforgettable.
The Best Time to Admire Sea of Clouds
Huangshan gets foggy on more than 200 days of the year. The sea of clouds is regarded as one of the Four Natural Wonders of the Yellow Mountain . You are most likely to view this breathtaking sight from November to May due to the lower temperature in the mountain area, especially on the first clear day after rainy or snowy weather.
The best view locations: Celestial Capital Peak (1,800 m / 5,900 ft), Lotus Peak (1,873 m / 6,145 ft), and Bright Summit (1,841 m / 6,040 ft)
Tips: Lotus Peak will be closed from 2024 to 2029, while Celestial Capital Peak will reopen during these five years, providing visitors an opportunity to witness the awe-inspiring beauty of the seas of clouds.
The Best Time to Appreciate Sunrise and Sunset
Appreciating a sunrise and sunset is one of the top things to do in Huangshan Mountain . You’d better plan a 2-day Huangshan tour and stay overnight in the mountains to have the chance to enjoy the spectacular views.
To increase your chance of seeing the sunrise and sunset, it is recommended to plan your Huangshan tour from November to March. The best time of day to witness the breathtaking sunrise and sunset on Huangshan Mountain varies depending on the weather and season.
Best Viewing Locations of Sunrise: Lion Peak (狮子峰), Begin-to-believe Peak (始信峰), Stone Monkey Watching the Sea (猴子观海), Refreshing Terrace (清凉台), Purple Cloud Peak (丹霞峰), Bright Summit (光明顶)
Best Viewing Locations of Sunset: Bright Summit (光明顶), Lion Peak (狮子峰), Refreshing Terrace (清凉台), Purple Cloud Peak (丹霞峰), Fairy Walking Bridge (步仙桥), Cloud Dispelling Pavilion (排云亭)
Bright Summit (光明顶) is the best place to see both sunrise and sunset.
The different times to watch the SUNRISE and SUNSET:
| Season | Time for Sunrise | Time for Sunset |
|---|---|---|
| Spring | 5:30--6:00 | 16:00--19:00 |
| Summer | 4:40--5:10 | 16:00--19:00 |
| Autumn | 4:50--5:20 | 17:10--18:30 |
| Winter | 5:30--6:00 | 17:10--18:30 |
The Best Time to Visit Ancient Towns Around Huangshan
There are a lot of ancient towns located around the base of Huangshan . These towns were built during the Ming Dynasty and Qing Dynasty by the rich Huizhou merchants after their retirement. Among them, the most two famous are Hongchun and Xidi, which are UNESCO World Heritage sites.
The best time to visit Hongcun and Xidi is during the spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November). During these periods, the weather is mild and pleasant, perfect for exploring the villages' paths and enjoying their beautiful natural surroundings.
Spring and autumn not only offer ideal lighting conditions for capturing stunning photographs of these unique and picturesque towns but also provide a perfect opportunity for outdoor activities like hiking, biking, and exploring ancient villagers' residences.
Huangshan Weather by Season: Highlights & Activities
Huangshan has a subtropical monsoon climate, characterized by abundant rainfall and distinct seasons. Spring is short but damp and chilly. Summer is long and cool with plentiful rains. Autumn is comfortable but brief. Winter is dry, cold, and long. The majority of rainfall occurs during the spring and summer seasons. Here are the suggestions when you visit Huangshan in different seasons.
Visiting Huangshan in Spring (March to May)
Huangshan Weather in Spring
Spring in Huangshan is renowned for its brilliantly blooming flowers and fresh, crisp air with foggy and light rain. It's short from late March to early May but poetic and romantic with wonderful mountains, rivers, and traditional villages.
Yellow Mountain in Spring
Mt. Huangshan comes alive with vibrant colors and blooming azaleas, rhododendrons, and cherry blossoms in Spring. You can explore the various trails and pathways to admire the strange-shaped stones and twisting old pine trees.
Ancient Towns in Spring
The well-preserved Hui-style buildings in the ancient towns of Huangshan are a charming destination to explore. In spring, the weather is mild and pleasant, perfect for leisurely walks and discovering the intricate architecture. The surrounding countryside is a burst of colors, with golden cole flowers, cherry blossoms, and peach blossoms painting a breathtaking backdrop for photographers. Whether strolling through the towns or taking a ride along the country roads, you'll be captivated by the stunning scenery at every turn.
Tips
Average Temperature: 5°C - 15°C (41°F - 59°F)
Clothes: padded jackets, sweaters, sweatshirts, waterproof shoes, and raincoats
Visiting Huangshan in the Summer (June to August)
Huangshan Weather in Summer
Summer in Huangshan is cool, wet, and long. It lasts from late May to mid-September. During this time, it might be hot at the base of Huangshan, but it will get colder when you go higher up the mountains. This makes it an excellent choice for tourists seeking a refreshing retreat during the summer season. The rainfall in summer is abundant. Due to the rains, summer is a unique time to appreciate the breathtaking scenery of Huangshan — you will be swept away by the sea of clouds and thundering waterfalls.
Yellow Mountain in Summer
Mt. Huangshan will experience a peak tourist season during the summer, with narrow and steep hiking trails crowded with sightseers. Even queuing for cable cars is necessary. However, despite these circumstances, Huangshan is still worth a visit in summer due to its pleasant weather and unique landscapes. The abundant rainfall provides the conditions for the formation of the sea of clouds. Hike to Lion Peak or Cloud Dispelling Pavilion to see the magnificent sea of clouds and then take the Yungu Cabel Car back to the city.
Ancient Towns in Summer
Visiting Hongcun or Xidi in the early morning of summer provides another experience to explore the ancient villages. It's a time when the villages awaken, and you can witness the daily routines of the local residents, such as farmers tending to their fields or fishermen preparing for their day on the river.
Night in Hongcun is much different from those in prosperous Shanghai . Instead of bright city lights and skyscrapers, Hongcun unveils a tranquil and serene ambiance. As you wander through the ancient alleys, you are transported back in time, almost as if you've stepped into the prosperous era of the Ming and Qing dynasties when Huizhou merchants were at their peak.
Tips
Average Temperature: 20°C - 30°C (68°F - 86°F)
Clothes: jackets, t-shirts, waterproof shoes, raincoats, and sunhats
Visiting Huangshan in Autumn (September to November)
Huangshan Weather in Autumn
The autumn season in Huangshan is quite short from late September to mid-November. Nevertheless, it’s the best time to appreciate the natural landscape awash with the reds and greens of verdant pine forests, red maples, and wild chrysanthemums. As the weather is quite pleasant at this time, autumn is considered the best time to travel to Huangshan.
Yellow Mountain in Autumn
Autumn is the perfect season for hiking Huangshan Mountain . With mild temperatures and breathtaking foliage, the mountain showcases stunning landscapes. Clear skies provide excellent visibility, while fewer tourists create a more peaceful experience. Xihai Grand Canyon provides the best hiking experience with its awe-inspiring vistas, deep gorges, and breathtaking rock formations. It is also a good time to reach the peaks of the mountain, such as Lotus Peak and Celestial Capital Peak, which would be closed in winter.
Ancient Towns in Autumn
Sun-drying (晒秋) is a unique but special activity in these ancient villages. Strolling through the village's streets, you will see colorful peppers, beans, corn, and other agricultural products drying under the sun on rooftops, balconies, or village paths, creating a picturesque autumn scene. During the sun-drying period, there are also special celebratory events and markets where visitors can taste local delicacies and unique products.
Tips
Average Temperature: 14°C - 24°C (57°F - 75°F)
Clothes: padded jackets, sweaters, sweatshirts, sports shoes, and sunhats
Avoid visiting Huangshan during the National Day Holiday in early October. It is also the peak season for Chinese tourists.
Visiting Huangshan in Winter (December to February)
Huangshan Mountain in Winter
Winter in Huangshan is long and dry from late November to early March. The weather is generally cold and chilly, with occasional frost and freezing temperatures. Winter can indeed be a favorable season to visit Huangshan due to lower costs and unique experiences.
Yellow Mountain in Winter
Winter snow, one of the Five Wonders of Mt. Huangshan , is the most beautiful scenery in winter, followed by the sea of clouds, sunrise, and sunset. Staying overnight at Huangshan Mountain offers a significantly lower cost compared to peak seasons, providing you with the opportunity to witness the breathtaking sunrise and sunset views of Huangshan. Hotels around the Bright Summit provide the best viewing position.
Ancient Towns in Winter
In winter, the ancient villages in Huangshan are characterized by their peaceful and quiet atmosphere. You can leisurely stroll through the narrow streets, admire the well-preserved architecture, and interact with the friendly locals.
Tips
Average Temperature: 0°C - 10°C (32°F - 50°F)
Clothes: down jackets, warm coats, sweaters, thermals, snow boots, scarves
It's important to note that winter temperatures in Huangshan can be extremely cold, so be sure to prepare appropriate clothing and gear to stay warm and comfortable during your visit.
Huangshan Average Temperatures by Month
The weather in Huangshan tends to vary, with warm summers and cool winters. The hot season lasts from mid-May to mid-September, and the average daily temperature during this season is about 27 °C (81°F). The cold season lasts from mid-November to mid-March, with an average daily temperature of 5°C (41°F).
| Month | Average Temperature | Month | Average Temperature |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 0°C to 8°C | July | 26°C to 32°C |
| February | 3°C to 12°C | August | 25°C to 30°C |
| March | 8°C to 15°C | September | 18°C to 26°C |
| April | 14°C to 20°C | October | 16°C to 24°C |
| May | 18°C to 25°C | November | 10°C to 18°C |
| June | 23°C to 28°C | December | 5°C to 10°C |
How to Plan a Huangshan Tour?
To fully experience the charm of Huangshan , it is best to explore Huangshan Mountain , as well as the surrounding ancient villages and the downtown area of Huangshan City.
3-Day Huangshan Hongcun Tour without Overnight on the Mountain
On the first day, after arriving in Huangshan , visit the downtown city to explore Tunxi Old Street.
The other day for the excellent natural scenery in Yellow Mountain , you can take a cable car to the back mountain and hike to the West Sea Grand Canyon to admire the sea of clouds, ancient pine trees, and oddly shaped granite peaks. Then back to the bottom of the mountain by the same cable car and visit the downtown city.
On the last day, you can go to the ancient villages such as Hongcun Village and the surroundings before leaving.
4-Day Huangshan Hongcun Xidi Tour with Overnight on the Mountain
On the first day, arrive in Huangshan by high-speed train from other cities.
The other day for the excellent natural scenery in Yellow Mountain , you can take a cable car to the back mountain and hike to the West Sea Grand Canyon to admire the sea of clouds, ancient pine trees, and oddly shaped granite peaks. Stay overnight on the mountain to admire the amazing sunset if weather condition allows.
On the third day, hike to the cable car station to go down the mountain after sunrise and breakfast. Then visit the Tunxi Old Street after lunch to explore the downtown city.
On the last day, you can go to the ancient villages such as Hongcun Village and the surroundings before leaving.
4 Days Best Huangshan Tour | Yellow Mountain and Hongcun & Xidi Ancient Villages3 Days Huangshan Essence Tour: Yellow Mountain & Hongcun Village, Tunxi Old Street3 Days Huangshan Budget Tour: Yellow Mountain & Hongcun Village - A Cost-Effective Way3 Days Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) In-depth Hiking Tour - Full Mountain Hiking Route4 Days Huangshan Relaxing Tour: Refresh Yourself in Yellow Mountain's Splendor & Idyllic Villag
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