Zhangjiajie Weather and Climate in September

Zhangjiajie (张家界) weather in September is transitioning into the cooler months with an average temperature ranging from 20°C (68°F) to 29°C (84°F). This marks the shift from late summer to early autumn. Compared to July and August, there are fewer cloudy and rainy days, making it an ideal time for outdoor activities and exploration.

Zhangjiajie Weather in September

In September, the weather at the beginning of the month can still be quite hot, with temperatures reaching up to 37°C (99°F) during the day. However, evenings cool down, with an average temperature of 20°C (68°F). By the end of the month, the weather becomes more comfortable for outdoor activities. The leaves start changing color, making this a great time to witness the beautiful autumn foliage. The weather is particularly favorable for hiking and rafting activities.

September also marks the start of the dry season, with only about 90 mm of precipitation, and it rains for roughly ten days of the month. If you’re planning a trip to Zhangjiajie (张家界), it is recommended to check the current weather and forecast.

What to Wear in September

During the day, you can wear summer clothing, but it is advisable to bring long sleeves and trousers for the cooler evenings. For rafting, it’s recommended to wear a costume that covers your skin to prevent sunburn on sunny days. Don’t forget to bring sunglasses and a hat for extra protection.

What to Do in September

Mid-Autumn Festival (中秋节)

The Mid-Autumn Festival, one of the biggest holidays in China, usually falls in mid or late September. It coincides with the October 1st National Day holiday, creating a “golden week” for travel. During this time, you can expect large crowds, but you’ll also experience vibrant Chinese festivities and traditional celebrations of ethnic minority groups in the region. Be sure to try the local moon cakes, a traditional treat made from seasonal fruits and nuts.

See the Tujia People in Zhangjiajie

The Tujia (土家族) people have lived in Zhangjiajie (张家界) for centuries and have unique customs, especially during the Mid-Autumn Festival. One of the traditions involves stealing watermelons from local patches and gifting them to couples without children as a gesture of good luck for having a child. The best place to explore the Tujia culture is at the Tujia Folk Customs Park (土家族风情园) in downtown Zhangjiajie.

Explore Tianmen Mountain (天门山)

Tianmen Mountain (天门山), also known as Heaven’s Gate Mountain, is another great place to enjoy the fall scenery. The mountain is famous for its massive hole in the center, resembling a door to the sky. This hole stands 131 meters high, 57 meters wide, and 60 meters long. You can either hike up to the hole or take a cable car to the summit, which offers panoramic views of the surrounding area. The cable car ride takes around 30 minutes and is included in the entry ticket.

Enjoy the Scenery at Tianzishan (天子山)

Tianzishan (天子山) is located in the Wulingyuan Scenic Area (武陵源), a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and is another excellent location to witness the autumn foliage. The top of the mountain stands over 1,000 meters (4,140 feet) above sea level, providing breathtaking views. It is also a nature reserve where you can observe local wildlife. Hiking is a popular way to reach the summit, but there is also a tramway for easier access.

Zhangjiajie Tour in September

September is the peak travel season in Zhangjiajie (张家界), as the weather is pleasant, the fall foliage is at its peak, and major national holidays draw both local and international visitors. As one of the best times to visit, Zhangjiajie sees fewer tourists than in the summer months, making it a good time to enjoy the natural beauty without the summer crowds.

However, be aware that hotel accommodations and flight tickets might be more expensive during this time. To avoid waiting in long lines for tickets, it is advisable to book your travel arrangements in advance.

Zhangjiajie September Weather Averages

• Average Temperature: 23°C (73°F)
• High Temperature: 29°C (84°F)
• Low Temperature: 20°C (68°F)
• Humidity: 74%
• Rainfall: 91 mm
• Sunrise: 06:15 ~ 06:30
• Sunset: 18:25 ~ 19:00

Air Quality in Zhangjiajie in September

The average Air Quality Index (AQI) for Zhangjiajie in September is 28, indicating that the air quality is generally good during this time, with clean and breathable air.

What to Wear in Zhangjiajie in September

In the early days of September, the weather is still quite warm, and summer clothing such as short sleeves, shorts, or jeans is suitable for daytime. However, as the weather cools down toward the end of the month, it is important to pack long sleeves, trousers, and a jacket. Since September also marks the start of the rainy season, a raincoat is recommended for those days when it might rain.

Things to Do in Zhangjiajie in September

Fenghuang Ancient Town (凤凰古城)

Fenghuang Ancient Town (凤凰古城), known for its traditional charm, is another recommended place to visit in September. With fewer tourists during this time, you can experience the unspoiled customs and culture of the town. The weather is also more favorable for a leisurely walk around this scenic and historical area.

Zhangjiajie Glass Bridge (张家界玻璃桥)

The Zhangjiajie Glass Bridge (张家界玻璃桥) is one of the most thrilling attractions in the region. As one of the world’s longest and highest glass bridges, it offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. September’s cooler temperatures and less rain make it an excellent time to experience this incredible bridge.

Tianmen Fairy Fox (天门狐仙)

If you’re in Zhangjiajie during September, you can also enjoy the Tianmen Fairy Fox (天门狐仙) performance. This outdoor musical show, held in the Great Canyon of Tianmen Mountain, tells a touching story about the love between a person and a fox. Despite the outdoor setting, if it rains, the organizers provide free raincoats to all audience members.

Zhangjiajie Historical Weather in September

The following is a historical summary of the weather in Zhangjiajie (张家界) during September, showing the high and low temperatures, humidity, and sunrise and sunset times:

As you can see, the temperatures gradually start cooling as September progresses, making it an excellent time to visit Zhangjiajie (张家界) for both outdoor activities and sightseeing.