[Anhui Huangshan] Suitable for Travel in All Seasons, Choose the Right Travel Date

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1. The spring rain period starts in April and ends in May. The average number of rainy days from March to May is 17.9, 17.3, and 18.2 days respectively.

2. In summer (June to August), the average temperature at the top of Huangshan is around 15–17°C, with an average maximum of about 18–20°C. The weather is cool, making it an ideal summer resort.

3. September to October is the best time to watch sunrise, as there are more sunny days and fewer rainy or overcast days.

4. November to May is the season with a higher probability of sea of clouds, especially after rain or snow when the sky suddenly clears, forming a colorful and magnificent sea of clouds.

"After visiting the Five Sacred Mountains, one finds no mountains worth seeing; after visiting Huangshan, one finds the Five Sacred Mountains no longer impressive." Huangshan, a famous mountain worldwide, has been a sacred place for countless literati and artists throughout history to express their creativity. With its majestic, magnificent, and unique beauty, it attracts visitors from all directions.

Huangshan is suitable for travel in all seasons. Each season offers different scenery. If you encounter cloudy or rainy weather and cannot enjoy the views, the trip will be greatly diminished, with less delight and more regret.

Huangshan has three major climate characteristics: frequent clouds and fog, high humidity, and abundant precipitation.

Huangshan has a subtropical monsoon climate, with warm springs, cool autumns, hot summers, and cold winters, and distinct seasons. The average annual precipitation is about 2,500 mm. Spring rain starts in April and ends in May. The rainy period is long, accounting for about 25% of the annual precipitation. June enters the plum rain season, which generally lasts 20–30 days, with an average annual precipitation of about 460 mm, the highest of the year. From October to February, autumn and winter precipitation is relatively low.

Huangshan's climate features frequent clouds and fog, high humidity, and abundant precipitation, often forming "sea of clouds" landscapes. Seasonally, summer has the most rainfall, followed by spring, with winter having the least. Winter rainfall accounts for more than 10% of annual precipitation, a relatively high proportion, and spring rainfall is the most abundant. The average number of rainy days per month is the lowest in December at 7.4 days, while all other months exceed 10 days, with June and August reaching nearly 20 days.

Due to abundant rainfall, the monthly average humidity is above 60% throughout the year.

In summer, influenced by the temperature difference between land and sea, Huangshan experiences southeast winds; in winter, it experiences northwest winds from Siberia. These two wind patterns alternate seasonally, forming monsoons. The monthly average wind speed is around 5 m/s, with an average maximum wind speed of about 10 m/s. In August, extreme wind speeds exceed 35 m/s.

Spring Scenery (March–May): Watch all flowers bloom, grass grow, and orioles fly.

In March, the average temperature in Huangshan is 3.1°C, with an average maximum of 6.2°C, when grass and wildflowers begin to sprout. By April, the average temperature is 8°C, with an average maximum of 11.8°C, when the foothills are already lush with grass, and azaleas and peach blossoms begin to bloom. In May, the average temperature is 11.9°C, with an average maximum of 15.7°C, when peach blossoms are in full bloom, branches are brilliant, and the landscape is a sea of pink—truly a beautiful spring day.

Spring in Huangshan has heavy and long-lasting precipitation. The average number of rainy days from March to May is 17.9, 17.3, and 18.2 days respectively; the monthly average precipitation is 190.45 mm, 237.15 mm, and 313 mm. In spring, one often experiences the drizzle described in the poem: "The rain of the imperial street is as smooth as cream; the grass is seen from afar but not up close."

Hot Summer (June–August): Watch the magnificent sea of clouds, escape the heat, and relax.

Huangshan has about 240 days of cloud and fog coverage and about 60 days of clear weather per year, allowing visitors to see stunning sea of clouds. The sea of clouds in summer is the most beautiful. In July and August, under the control of the subtropical high, there are many sunny days and the highest frequency of high temperatures. The high-altitude areas of Huangshan have no summer at all. There is only a cold season (winter) and a warm season (spring and autumn). At Bright Summit, Jade Screen Pavilion, and North Sea, the cold season lasts over 7 months, while the warm season is less than 5 months. From June to August, the average temperature is around 15–17°C, with an average maximum of about 18–20°C. The weather is cool, making it an ideal summer resort.

Summer in Huangshan is a rich green painting and a melodious tune. When standing on the mountaintop and looking down, the sea of clouds envelops everything, as if walking on clouds into a fairyland. In June, the average number of rainy days is 18.9, with monthly average precipitation of 465.4 mm; in July, 16.9 days and 348.55 mm; in August, 19.1 days and 322.6 mm.

June average humidity is 88.9%; July average humidity is the highest of the year at 92%; August average humidity is 91.5%.

Golden Autumn (September–November): Watch colorful maple forests, beautiful mountains and rivers.

Autumn in Huangshan is also vibrant with dense forests, fresh colors, bird songs, and floral fragrances, full of life. In August, while the plains are still hot, Huangshan gradually enters autumn. In September, the monthly average temperature drops to 13.7°C; in October, it continues to fall to 9.8°C; and in November, it reaches 4.9°C, approaching winter.

Every year in mid-October, Huangshan enters the best period for viewing autumn leaves, with mountains covered in colorful hues. From September to November, the average number of rainy days and precipitation decrease month by month, entering a season of clear skies and crisp air.

Cold Winter (December–February): Watch ice and snow, rime ice, and silver-covered landscapes.

"Huangshan is beautiful in all seasons, but winter scenery is the finest." Winter is the season with the most sea of clouds in Huangshan, sometimes lasting for three days without dispersing. The most striking winter scenery in Huangshan is rime ice. During the severe cold of winter, the entire mountain is covered in silver trees and icy flowers. Huangshan rime ice is more beautiful, more peculiar, and more colorful.

Huangshan has an average of about 50 days of snow cover, with the average first snow date at the end of December and the last snow date at the end of March of the following year. In December, the average temperature is -0.2°C; January is the coldest month with an average of -2.1°C; February has an average of -1.1°C. The extreme minimum temperature in December reaches -22.7°C.

Winter precipitation (snow) in Huangshan is still abundant. December has the fewest rainy days of the year at 7.4 days, with monthly average precipitation of 67.1 mm (the lowest of the year); January has 14.2 rainy days and 82.4 mm; February has 14.7 days and 121 mm.

"Climbing Huangshan, there is no mountain under heaven." These ink-wash landscape paintings are deeply etched in the mind, unforgettable for a long time.

Recommended Travel Routes for Huangshan

Day 1: Huangshan Scenic Area > Yungu Temple > Shixin Peak > Lion Peak > Paiyun Pavilion > Bright Summit

A two-day trip to Huangshan mainly aims to watch evening glow and sunrise. With ample time, there is no need to rush. Suitable for families with elderly and children, allowing everyone to recharge and enjoy the green mountains and clear waters at ease. Depart from the South Gate of Huangshan, take scenic transport to Yungu Temple, then take the Yungu Cable Car up the mountain. Pass by Harp Pine and Mushroom Pavilion to reach Shixin Peak. Then proceed from Shixin Peak to Lion Peak, passing Cooling Terrace and Monkey Gazing at the Sea. From Lion Peak, head to Paiyun Pavilion, passing Unity Pine on the way. As you need to reach Bright Summit to watch sunset and evening glow, quicken your pace from Paiyun Pavilion. The first day's itinerary concludes with the splendor of the twilight glow.

Dining: Since all supplies on the mountain are carried up manually, items are expensive. It is recommended to buy lightweight, energy-packed snacks at the base before ascending.

Accommodation: As you need to wake up very early the next day to watch sunrise, you must stay overnight at Bright Summit or nearby mountain hotels. During peak season, hotels are in high demand, so book in advance—preferably together with your base hotel reservation before arriving at Huangshan.

Day 2: Bright Summit > Aoyu Peak > Lotus Peak > Jade Screen Pavilion > Flying Rock > Greeting Pine > Ciguang Pavilion

The main task on the second day is to watch sunrise and descend. Check the sunrise time in advance, get up to watch the sunrise at Bright Summit. If you can, go back to sleep to recharge. After waking up, prepare your gear and head to Tianhai Scenic Area, climbing Aoyu Peak, the first of Huangshan's 36 minor peaks. Then proceed to Lotus Peak, the highest peak of Huangshan (Note: Lotus Peak and Tiandu Peak close alternately; check which peak is open in advance). Then reach Jade Screen Pavilion, known as the "finest spot of Huangshan." Here, view the "Jade Screen Reclining Buddha" and Greeting Pine, receiving this belated greeting. Take the cable car down to Ciguang Pavilion. After a brief visit, take a vehicle down the mountain (Note: If Lotus Peak is closed, you can choose to climb Tiandu Peak. That is, after Aoyu Peak, go to Jade Screen Pavilion to see Greeting Pine, then climb Tiandu, then descend on foot. If climbing Tiandu, you cannot take the cable car down.)

Dining: Continue the principle of traveling light and bringing your own food, enduring the last day on the mountain. After descending, you can eat at restaurants in Tangkou Town at the foot of Huangshan. However, choose restaurants carefully—many advertise extremely low prices but charge exorbitant amounts.

Accommodation: You can choose hotels at the base. Book in advance during peak season; during low season, walk in.

Ciguang Pavilion > Jade Screen Pavilion > Greeting Pine > Flying Rock > Bright Summit > Shixin Peak > Yungu Temple

The Huangshan Scenic Area has over 200 scenic spots. It is unrealistic to visit all, especially in a one-day trip. Therefore, choosing representative spots is a smart choice for all travelers. This route covers the top five important scenic spots in Huangshan. Even if you just skim the surface, you can still have a fulfilling itinerary. Enter the scenic area from the South Gate, follow signs to climb to Ciguang Pavilion, then take the Jade Screen Cable Car up to Jade Screen Pavilion Scenic Area. View Jade Screen Pavilion and Greeting Pine. Then walk up the mountain, passing Flying Rock, reaching Tianhai Scenic Area to see Aoyu Peak, then continue to Bright Summit. The stretch from Greeting Pine to Bright Summit involves many ups and downs and is very difficult. Stay at Bright Summit for a while, then enter Beihai Scenic Area and reach Shixin Peak. From Shixin Peak, descend via the Yungu Cable Car to Yungu Temple Scenic Area, then walk along the road down the mountain to complete the Huangshan trip.

Dining: Due to transportation costs, prices on the mountain are very high. Therefore, it is recommended to buy some lightweight, filling food before ascending, both saving money and conserving energy.

Accommodation: Hotels within the Huangshan Scenic Area are very expensive, especially during peak season, and may not be available even if you have money. So booking accommodation at the base in advance is an excellent choice for day-trippers.

Local Specialties of Huangshan: Stinky Mandarin Fish, Mao Doufu (fermented tofu), Wucheng Tea Dry Tofu, Huangshan Daobanxiang (salted pork), Hu Shi Yipin Guo (one-pot stew), etc.

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