Daocheng Yading Climate and Weather

Daocheng Yading enjoys an alpine monsoon climate with mild sunny days all around the year. Daocheng Yading is the kind of a place where it is real warm and fuzzy when the sun is out and the minute sun sets or disappears it gets real cold. So expect vast temperature differences no matter which time of the year you go. The average temperature annually ranges from 90C to 110C. The coldest point in a year could go as low as -200C in January and the hottest point is as high as 120C in July. From late June to early September you can expect heavy rains and thick fogs. The months of January, February, and March is considered the coldest and sometimes the attractions are closed as most of Yading is above 4,000m and such temperatures are not suitable for tourism.

Monthly Average Temperature of Daocheng Yading

Tourism is not really encouraged in the months of January, February, and March because of the harsh, cold weather. Most of the attractions are closed during these months because of hardship in accessibility.

Spring of Daocheng Yading

Daocheng Yading usually has a very short spring. April and May are the spring months. The transition from freezing cold to chill warm starts during the last week of March. The air becomes lighter and skies get clearer. The colours start popping again and the birds start chirping loudly. The rivers start flowing and trees start swaying. The clouds don’t hide the peaks anymore and they suddenly look higher than ever. Hiking would amongst a sea of yellow fully bloomed flowers all around you. The white mountains and colourful terrains make a good contrast for photography. The sun peaks out although only for a very short time for the day.

Daocheng Yading Spring

What to Wear when Visit Daocheng Yading in Spring

Even though the cold winters are gone, it is chilly enough to wear thermal base wear during April and May. The nights are drastically colder than the day time so take layers of clothing. Use thick woolen socks, neck warmers, and gloves to keep yourself warm. Covering your neck, hands, and feet always helps in keeping you warm even if you don’t wear any down jackets. Take mountain climbing glasses while trekking to protect your eyes against mild winds as you go higher.

What to See in Spring

All attractions are accessible during spring. Lakes are full of water and very colorful in this season. Attractions like Chonggu Temple, Five color lake, and Milk lake look lovely more than ever during spring.

Summer of Daocheng Yading

June, July, and August are the summer months of Daocheng Yading. Funnily, summer months are also rainy months in Daocheng Yading. Almost 80% of the annual rains happen during these three months. But mind you, these are not the kinds of rain that dampen your mood. These are the kind of rains that make everything brighter in the aftermath. Everything is one shade darker and greener during these months. The mountains and planes are filled with azaleas and plants with different shades of green. A lot of wild flowers grow during this season. The reflection of green on lakes almost makes them look like green colored water. So deep are the hues of green in these months.

In summer, the reflection of green on lakes almost makes them look like green colored water.

What to Wear when Visit Daocheng Yading in Summer

The highest temperature in summer during the day can go as high as 200C. The sun stays out longer than any other seasons. It is sufficient to wear a think jacket during the day, but nights are cold as ever. Take UV protection layered sun glasses as the sun rays might be harsher than on plains. It is very important to use sun screen as it is common for tourists to get sun burns there because of the harsh rays. As it also rains heavily during these months, wear water proof bags, jackets, shoes, and other clothing. You never know when it might start raining, so carry rain essentials with you especially if you going for a trek. As you climb higher the wind also starts to get stronger sp wear protective glasses to see through the rain and winds.

What to See in Summer

All the attractions are accessible but it is best to avoid trekking during summer because of the rains. Attractions like Pearl Lake and Luorong Pasture are its best during summer. You can see all the three mountains from Luorong Pasture.

4 Days Chengdu Daocheng Yading Flight Tour

Autumn of Daocheng Yading

September and October are the best months when Daocheng Yading charms its visitors with the prettiest views. All the bright green leaves turn into golden yellow over night and there is a perpetual golden glow over the trees, forests, and valleys. This golden glow doesn’t just make the place prettier but also makes bit more welcoming for the visitors and the local wildlife. It is also best time to visit the famous red grasslands of China. All the aquatic plants and marsh turn bright red and the lake looks like a bed of red plants. This stunning red grassland is one of the photographers’ favorite in this place. All said autumn is the most favored time to visit Daocheng Yading. Especially, from late September to October when the colours have changed and the mountains look golden bathing under the sun rays in all its glory. The first week of October is a national holiday for people of China and during this week the tourist inflow becomes tenfold and the prices also increases tenfold. Avoid going in that time if you want to explore the place freely.

Daocheng Yading Autumn

What to Wear when Visit Daocheng Yading in Autumn

Even though September and October don’t see as much sunshine as summer, it is still the best time to visit Daocheng Yading as a tourist. As there not much rain as the summer season, it is more favorable to everyone. As most of Daocheng Yading is above 3,500m, the temperature differences are high between day and night. Even if you are visiting Daocheng Yading during autumn take your winter gear to use them at night.

What to See in Autumn

All the attractions are accessible but here are some of the things that look the best during autumn. Autumn is the best time to go trekking in Yading as the weather is clear and the views are great. Chonggu Temple lawn is another attraction that looks gorgeous with a stream running by, trees, and marnyi stone.

8 Days Chengdu Daocheng Yading Tagong Danba Loop Tour

Winter of Daocheng Yading

The cold harsh winter months of Daocheng Yading are January, February, and March. Winter in Daocheng Yading is embodied with heavy snow and chilly winds. All of Daocheng Yading is covered in a layer of pristine white snow. The lakes, rivers, and other small water bodies are completely frozen and you will hardly see any cars or movement on roads.

Winter in Daocheng Yading is embodied with heavy snow and chilly winds.

What to Wear when Visit Daocheng Yading in Winter

Layer yourself with how many ever clothes you can. Wear the thermal base wear at all times. The temperature dips as low as -200C at nights. Keep your hands and feet covered at all times to avoid frost bites.

What to See in Winter

It is not advisable to go outside during winters and most of the attractions are closed during this season, mainly because of temperature and thick snow.