Jiuzhaigou in Summer: Is Rainy Season (Jun. - Aug.) a Bad Time for a Visit?

If you are after a quick answer, then no - Jiuzhaigou is a good destination to visit in summer. During the rainy season, which lasts from June to August, verdant mountains and green alpine lakes will mesmerize you.

However, the Jiuzhaigou Valley National Park features much more than that in summer. This season is the time of contrasts, allowing you to admire snow-capped peaks and multicolored flowers. Also, waterscapes featuring colors ranging from dark blue to light green are exceptional photo spots. Since summer is the high season in Jiuzhaigou, you are likely to encounter a lot of travelers. However, the national park is far from overcrowded since there is much to see and do there. Maybe the fact that this period is rainy makes you keep reconsidering a visit. Still, rains are short from June to August. And thanks to them, the alpine scenery is at its best.

Jiuzhaigou Weather in Rainy Season (Jun. - Aug.)

Jiuzhaigou is a great summer resort because you won't feel hot here in summer. With the rise of temperature, Jiuzhaigou becomes warm, but not hot in summer. The daily average temperatures range from 19 °C/66 °F to 23 °C/73 °F. In the morning and evening, you need to wear a thin coat or sweater because it is cool. Temperature variations are big in summer. During the day, the sunlight is intense. At night, it feels cool. Summer is the rainy season in Jiuzhaigou. July and August are the rainiest months. Hence, you should have rain gear at hand.

The stunning scenery of Jiuzhaigou in summer

Jiuzhaigou weather in June

In June, the temperature in Jiuzhaigou is from 14°C/57°F to 26°C/79°F. It is not cold, but cool. So, you can wear spring clothes. For visiting the national park during this month, prepare thin coats and trousers and T-shirts.

Jiuzhaigou in June

Jiuzhaigou National Park features approximately 180 mm/7.1 in of rainfall during June. On average, the number of rainy days is 19. So, you might not need a raincoat or umbrella at all on some days.

>> Check detailed Jiuzhaigou weather condition in June.

Jiuzhaigou weather in July

In July, the highest daily temperature increases up to 30°C/86°F while the lowest temperature can drop down to 10°C/50°F. So, there is a big temperature difference in July.

Jiuzhaigou in July

At noon, you can wear a short-sleeved T-shirt and feel comfortable. But, in the early morning, in the evening and on a rainy day, you need to wear a thin coat to keep yourself warm. Precipitation virtually doubles in July compared to June. On average, Jiuzhaigou receives around 370 mm/14.6 in of rainfall during this month. However, the number of wet days (20) remains almost identical to June.

Jiuzhaigou weather in August

In August, the temperature ranges from 15°C/59°F to 30°C/86°F. Therefore, it doesn't feel very hot. During the daytime, you can wear short-sleeved clothes and short pants. If it rains, you can switch to long-sleeved blouses.

Jiuzhaigou in August

August is the third month of the rainy season. But it does not rain all the time. As usual, the rain stops soon and then the weather clears up. Compared to July, the rainfall intensifies in August in Jiuzhaigou. On average, around 435 mm/17.1 in of liquids fall this time of year. However, the number of rainy days decreases to 18. So, you are recommended to take rain gear and sunscreen products for a trip this time of year.

Is it safe to visit Jiuzhaigou in the rainy season?

Coming to Jiuzhaigou in summer is perfectly safe. Rain doesn't cause any safety issues if you wear proper rain boots and other equipment. Besides, you need to have good sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat with a wide rim. Apply sunscreen regularly to avoid sunburns. The sunlight is especially strong in Jiuzhaigou NP because of the elevation. Finally, don't exhaust yourself much and rest well.

Things You Can Enjoy Only in Rainy Season

You can enjoy a great many things in Jiuzhaigou National Park during the rainy season. Walking, taking photos of scenic sights, and participating in cultural events are some.

Enjoy marvelous Nuorilang Waterfall in summer

Due to abundant rainfall, numerous waterfalls of Jiuzhaigou Valley are at their best in summer. And, Nuorilang Waterfall is the most magnificent among them. After all, the name of the waterfall, which is of Tibetan origins, refers to a mighty god.

The magnificent Nuorilang Waterfall in Summer

Jiuzhaigou Waterfall in Summer

Flanked by verdant mountains, Nuorilang is 270 meters/885 feet wide and 20 meters/66 feet high. You can observe the waterfall in its full magnificence from the nearby viewing platform. For the best experience, plan to visit Nuorilang Waterfall by the end of the rainy season.

Admire green forests and lakes in summer

During summer, the national park of Jiuzhaigou brims with greenery. And this relates not only to lush forests and green mountainsides but to lakes, as well. Only flowers and snowy mountain peaks break this ubiquitous greenery here and there. Hence, exploring the scenery of Jiuzhaigou is especially rewarding during the wet season. Don't forget to bring your camera, you will be able to take countless postcard-quality photos.

Jiuzhaigou summer is a great time to take pictures of the beauticul lakes.

Forests, crisscrossed by streams, offer shelter from the summer heat. As you get around, you will unavoidably come across ponds. Some of them will feature incredible emerald color. However, alpine lakes are the stars of the Jiuzhaigou rainy season. They brim with algae this time of year, which lend these lakes various hues of green. So, save some memory card gigabytes for taking photos of them.

Escape the hot summer and enjoy the lively scene

Dubbed as the “Heaven on Earth” and a "Fairytale World," Jiuzhaigou National Park combines many benefits. Escaping the summer heat is just one of them, while rich culture and diverse wildlife are some others. Jiuzhaigou Valley is a place where local Tibetan people practice ancient religions and safeguard rich culture. Therefore, you will have a lot of options to spend an incredible summer vacation here.

Traveler can admire the lively scene of Jiuzhaigou valley in summer.

The area is home to around 140 bird species. Furthermore, botanists can find various rare plants in different corners of the park. Among other animals, pandas and Sichuan Takins inhabit the national park. There are nine villages around, whose colorful houses contrast against the green backdrop. Local people believe in Tibetan Buddhism, Bon, and Bembo-Sec religions. And the influences of these mark the local culture and folklore.

Experience Risang Festival, a local Tibetan cultural event

Taking place in June, the Risang Festival is one of the most important public events during summer in Jiuzhaigou Valley. People wear the outfit in contrasting colors and walk around the local temple. While they walk around, they spin prayer wheels for good luck. Besides, cultural performances, such as dance, are part of the Risang Festival.

Expert’s Advice on Traveling in Jiuzhaigou in Rainy Season

To ensure that your Jiuzhaigou summer tour goes off without a hitch, stick to the following recommendations:

Make an advanced booking to avoid higher prices

Maybe the rainy season doesn't sound like a high season. However, this is far from the truth when it comes to the Jiuzhaigou national park. July and August are the summer holiday in China, so you can expect there to be more travelers and high prices. Therefore, make sure to book early to secure the accommodation and lower fares. Even several months in advance may not be too early.

Be ready for the sun, rain and altitude sickness

Albeit you will have ample options to escape the heat, you will unavoidably spend some time exposed to sunlight. Because of high altitude, the sun will probably burn more intensely than you are used to. Therefore, having a quality sunscreen, light clothing with sleeves, and sunglasses is a must. Also, pack a hat to avoid sunstroke. Boots, a raincoat and an umbrella are also mandatory equipment for a rainy season tour of Jiuzhaigou NP. Although you are likely to have days without rain from June to August, most days will be wet.

Finally, altitude sickness is another thing you need to count on. Most of the valley is between 2000 and 3000 meters (6560 to 9840 feet) above the sea level. Altitude sickness symptoms are the outcome of lower oxygen and atmospheric pressure. Usually, this happens at elevations over 2500 meters/8200 feet. Some Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) symptoms are dizziness, heavy breathing, and headache. Increase the height slowly, keep yourself from exertion, and eat quality food to avoid altitude sickness.

Do not arrange a hike in Jiuzhaigou on rainy days

The rainy season grants various benefits to Jiuzhaigou’s nature. However, you should avoid taking a long hike or trek when it is possible to rain. There are a few walking trails throughout the valley that require a lot of time to be covered. Since the "Fairytale World" is a protected area, you won't find accommodation once you put some distance between yourself and your base. As you probably guess, being caught in a heavy downpour in such circumstances isn't how you wish to remember your Jiuzhaigou summer vacation. >> Check when is the best time to hike in Jiuzhaigou.

More useful tips for your Jiuzhaigou tour in summer

1. Jiuzhaigou is a popular tourist destination visited by travelers from all over the world. During the high tourist season, arrive early to avoid queuing and enjoy the nature without crowds for a while.

2. Pick your favorite spots and visit them as early as possible. Otherwise, you risk having many visitors passing between you and the scenery you wish to take photos of.

3. Prepare yourself for any weather and temperature. Bring layered clothing, rain gear, and sun protection. Don't wear footwear that isn't suitable for a long walk.

Conclusion

The summary of the Jiuzhaigou rainy season tour is - for the price of a short, occasional downpour, you cherish alpine nature at its best. When you think of it, that's something you deal with wherever you go.

So, visiting Jiuzhaigou from June to August isn't much different from visiting most other popular tourist destinations throughout the world. After all, you seldom let, if at all, a little rain spoil your plans, right? So, why give in now?