The urban district of Zhangjiajie City sits at an average altitude of about 183 meters, while its main scenic areas, such as Zhangjiajie National Forest Park and Tianmen Mountain National Forest Park, are situated at an average elevation of 1000 meters. Zhangjiajie experiences a subtropical humid monsoon climate with four distinct seasons. Summers are not excessively hot, and winters are not overly cold. The peak of summer, typically in August, sees average temperatures around 32°C, while the coldest period, usually in January, averages around 4.3°C. The annual average sunshine duration is about 1,440 hours, with an average temperature of approximately 16.6°C. Annual average precipitation reaches 1,400 mm, with the majority falling between April and September, accounting for 73% of the total. The rainy season typically spans June, July, and August. It is advisable for tourists to avoid mountain climbing on rainy days due to dense fog at the mountain peaks that may obstruct the view of natural beauty. The best time to appreciate the mountain scenery is usually about 1 or 2 hours after rainfall. During winter months, the unique quartz-sandstone pillars, peculiar rocks, valleys, trees, and peaks may be covered in snow and mist, resembling a magical wonderland.

Zhangjiajie officially recognizes four weather seasons: Spring (March, April, and May), Summer (June, July, and August), Autumn (September, October, and November), and Winter (December, January, and February). Travelers can refer to the following weather and packing guide to plan their trip to Zhangjiajie.

January

January is the coldest month of Zhangjiajie, with the temperature ranging from -3 ℃ to 10 ℃. It snows often but usually not heavily. The moderate north breeze and fresh north breeze are frequently in the early part of the month. The north wind and minimal rain make the weather dry and very cold.

February

The temperature remains low in February, ranging from 0 ℃ to 12 ℃. The scenic areas usually covered with snow, looking beautiful. 

March

The temperature continues to rise but it is not very warm. The temperature ranges from 5℃ to 20℃. There is increasing number of tourists coming to visit Zhangjiajie.

April

April sees a significant increase in temperature, with the temperature ranging from 8℃ to 25℃. April is known as the best month to visit Zhangjiajie. The natural scenery which is at its best and the weather is comfortable.

May

The temperature in May ranges from 15℃ to 30℃. The differences in temperature between day and night is great, thus, people should bring warm clothes in case of the low temperature. May is one of the tourist months of Zhangjiajie, especially in the first week. 

June

The temperature in June ranges from 15℃ to 33℃ and there are frequent rainy days. For packing, umbrellas, sun cream and sunglasses are needed.

July

July is Zhangjiajie's hottest month and rainy month, with the temperature ranging from 25 ℃ to 33℃. Many summer visitors flock to Zhangjiajie National Forest Park for its quite cool weather.

August

The temperature remains high in August, ranging from 28 ℃ to 38 ℃. It also rains a lot, but less than in July. As it’s the period of summer holidays, there are a large number of students traveling. Tourists who plan to visit Zhangjiajie should prepare for the journey in advance.

September

The heat is gradually eliminating in September and the weather is becoming comparatively cool and comfortable. The temperature ranges from 22 ℃ to 32 ℃. The evenings get a little cooler, with an average temperature of 20 ℃.

October

The temperature falls gradually during October, with the temperature ranging from 18 ℃ to 28 ℃. A good month to visit Zhangjiajie National Forest park but try to avoid the Chinese National Day (October 1 - 7).  

November

November's temperature ranges from 12℃ to 25℃. There is much fog in the national parks, making the mountains look mysterious and beautiful.

December

December is a dry and cold moth in Zhangjiajie, with the temperature ranging from 5 ℃ to 15 ℃. It occasionally snows lightly. For packing, warm clothes, such as down jackets and cotton-padded jackets are necessary.