Zhangjiajie Weather in December
Season: Winter
In short: cold; low precipitation; slack season
When December comes, Zhangjiajie steps into winter and the weather gets colder and colder. On average, the temperature of the downtown areas ranges from 4 - 12 degrees Celsius (39 - 54 degrees Fahrenheit). During the first a few days of the month, the temperature may reach around 20°C (68°F) at its highest; whereas toward the end of the month, it may drop below 0°C (32°F) at its lowest. So never forget to check the weather forecast before and during your trip.
The average elevation of the scenic areas of Zhangjiajie is around 1,000 meters (3,300 feet), resulting in significantly lower temperature than that in urban areas. In the daytime, the temperature is generally above freezing but rarely exceeds 10°C (50°F). Once the sun sets, the temperature drops rapidly below 0°C (32°F). Staying warm is of utmost importance when visiting Zhangjiajie in December.
Zhangjiajie receives both rain and snow in December, but not much. On average, the precipitation of Zhangjiajie in December is only 28 mm, the lowest among the 12 months. This 28 mm of precipitation is distributed across an average of 9 rainy days and 2 snowy days. Rain or snow, neither will be heavy most of the time. So, it’s quite rare to see Zhangjiajie turn into a white fairyland: pure, charming, and attractive. It is important to note that whether on rainy or snowy days, there is a high likelihood that the temperature will drop.
The air is still a little humid, though the humidity is at the lowest level all year round, 73%. You won’t feel dry in general during your stay, even in hotels where heating equipment is working.
Average daytime length are only 10 hours, shortest among the 12 months. Due to the short daytime, parts of the attractions begin to shorten their opening time.
Rainy moments become shorter, but because fogs are frequent, the average daily sunshine hours are only 3. But don’t put aside sun protection. Although the UV index is relatively low at 4, prolonged exposure to the sun can still damage your skin. Additionally, when traveling to mountainous areas, the sunshine will become more intense as altitude rises.
Cons:
Clothes: In December of Zhangjiajie, the clothes for travel should be light but warm. For the innermost layer, you are advised to wear quick-drying and breathable thermal underwear to prevent chills after sweating. Over this, you can layer a sweater and a windproof down jacket; alternatively, opt for a three-in-one jacket with a down-filled inner layer. This layering wearing approach not only provides warmth but also allows you to adjust clothes flexibly. Windproof and insulated climbing trousers are highly recommended.
Shoes: Roads often turn slippery in winter, especially in mountain areas after snow. You’d better bring anti-slip and thick hiking shoes and snow boots.
Others:
Further Reading: Best Time to Visit Zhangjiajie
In short: cold; low precipitation; slack season
How Cold Is Zhangjiajie in December?
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| Cold but Sunny Zhangjiajie in December |
The average elevation of the scenic areas of Zhangjiajie is around 1,000 meters (3,300 feet), resulting in significantly lower temperature than that in urban areas. In the daytime, the temperature is generally above freezing but rarely exceeds 10°C (50°F). Once the sun sets, the temperature drops rapidly below 0°C (32°F). Staying warm is of utmost importance when visiting Zhangjiajie in December.
Does it Snow in Zhangjiajie in December?
Humidity
Daylight & Sunshine Hours
Rainy moments become shorter, but because fogs are frequent, the average daily sunshine hours are only 3. But don’t put aside sun protection. Although the UV index is relatively low at 4, prolonged exposure to the sun can still damage your skin. Additionally, when traveling to mountainous areas, the sunshine will become more intense as altitude rises.
Averages for Zhangjiajie Weather in December
Temperature: 7°C / 45°F
High Temperature: 12°C / 54°F
Low Temperature: 4°C / 39°F
Humidity: 73%
Rainfall: 28 mm
Sunrise: 07:14 ~ 07:32
Sunset: 17:40 ~ 17:51
Air Quality in December
Average AQI:73
Average AQI:73
Pros and Cons of Visiting Zhangjiajie in December
Pros:
1. December is the off season of Zhangjiajie. The prices of airplane tickets and hotels are lowered, which will save travel budget for you. The number of tourists is apparently less than it is in the peak seasons, so you can enjoy the trip more quietly.
2. In December, if you visit scenic areas like Zhangjiajie National Forest Park in the morning, you are likely to see breathtakingly beautiful rime ice clinging to the trees. Of course, you also have a chance to catch the snowy landscapes this month.
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| Less-crowded Tianmen Mountain in December |
Cons:
1. The weather of Zhangjiajie at this time of the year is clearly cold, especially in mountain areas with occasional winds.
2. The sun rises late at 07:14 - 07:52 and sets early at 17:40 - 17:51, meaning that you will have a relatively tight and rushed tour.
3. Though December doesn’t have many days with precipitation, once it rains or snows, you may experience slippery mountain trails and get your visibility obstructed by fog. Occasionally, cable cars and certain areas in attractions may also be closed for safety reasons.
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| Foggy Weather in December |
So, a trip to Zhangjiajie in December will indeed provide you with unique scenery and a quiet experience, but will also be full of challenges. The following shows some tips and advice accordingly.
What to Wear in Zhangjiajie in December？
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Clothes: In December of Zhangjiajie, the clothes for travel should be light but warm. For the innermost layer, you are advised to wear quick-drying and breathable thermal underwear to prevent chills after sweating. Over this, you can layer a sweater and a windproof down jacket; alternatively, opt for a three-in-one jacket with a down-filled inner layer. This layering wearing approach not only provides warmth but also allows you to adjust clothes flexibly. Windproof and insulated climbing trousers are highly recommended. Shoes: Roads often turn slippery in winter, especially in mountain areas after snow. You’d better bring anti-slip and thick hiking shoes and snow boots. Others:1. Hats, scarves, and gloves are essential in this cold winter month.
2. Bring raincoats or umbrellas to prevent getting wet.
Advice for Visiting Zhangjiajie in December
1. Considering the short daytime, be sure to check the opening hours of attractions in advance and make proper and compact visiting plans for your 2025 Zhangjiajie trip in December.
2. You are recommended to go down from the mountain before dark, as the temperature drops sharply after sunset and the visibility is not as good as during daylight hours.
3. Keep a close eye on weather forecasts for high-altitude scenic areas. If there is heavy rain or snow, adjust your itinerary flexibly - after all, this month is the slack season, and tickets for various attractions are easier to secure. As an alternative, experiencing hot springs is a great option under such weather conditions.
4. December has fewer visitors, so some scenic areas choose this time to perform maintenance on certain cable cars, rendering them unavailable. Therefore, it is advisable to monitor relevant notices in advance and plan accordingly.
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5. If you want to see rime ice, the early morning after rain or snow offers the best chance.
6. The cold climate of Zhangjiajie in December will cause devices like cameras and smartphones to drain their batteries faster. You’d better put these devices into your pocket after using them and prepare a power bank.
What is the temperature in Zhangjiajie in December?
High/Low Temperatures of Zhangjiajie in December
Air Quality of Zhangjiajie in December
Historical Zhangjiajie Weather in December
| Dec | Temperature | Sunrise / Sunset | Humi- dity (%) | |
| High | Low | |||
| 1 | 13.8°C / 56.8°F | 6.3°C / 43.3°F | 07:14 / 17:40 | 63 |
| 2 | 13.7°C / 56.7°F | 6.1°C / 43°F | 07:15 / 17:40 | 61 |
| 3 | 13.5°C / 56.3°F | 5.9°C / 42.6°F | 07:16 / 17:40 | 69 |
| 4 | 13.4°C / 56.1°F | 5.8°C /42.4°F | 07:17 / 17:40 | 56 |
| 5 | 13.3°C / 55.9°F | 5.6°C / 42.1°F | 07:18 / 17:40 | 49 |
| 6 | 13.2°C / 55.8°F | 5.5°C / 41.9°F | 07:18 / 17:40 | 50 |
| 7 | 13.1°C / 55.6°F | 5.3°C / 41.5°F | 07:19 / 17:40 | 58 |
| 8 | 13°C / 55.4°F | 5.2°C / 41.4°F | 07:20 / 17:40 | 37 |
| 9 | 12.9°C / 55.2°F | 5°C / 41°F | 07:20 / 17:41 | 50 |
| 10 | 12.8°C / 55°F | 4.9°C / 40.8°F | 07:21 / 17:41 | 44 |
| 11 | 12.7°C / 54.9°F | 4.8°C / 40.6°F | 07:22 / 17:41 | 39 |
| 12 | 12.6°C / 54.7°F | 4.7°C / 40.5°F | 07:23 / 17:41 | 37 |
| 13 | 12.6°C / 54.7°F | 4.6°C / 40.3°F | 07:23 / 17:42 | 66 |
| 14 | 12.5°C / 54.5°F | 4.5°C / 40.1°F | 07:24 / 17:42 | 84 |
| 15 | 12.4°C / 54.3°F | 4.4°C / 39.9°F | 07:25 / 17:42 | 94 |
| 16 | 12.3°C / 54.1°F | 4.3°C / 39.7°F | 07:25 / 17:43 | 57 |
| 17 | 12.2°C / 54°F | 4.2°C / 39.6°F | 07:26 / 17:43 | 40 |
| 18 | 12.1°C / 53.8°F | 4.1°C / 39.4°F | 07:26 / 17:43 | 41 |
| 19 | 12°C / 53.6°F | 4°C / 39.2°F | 07:27 / 17:44 | 37 |
| 20 | 11.9°C / 53.4°F | 3.9°C / 39°F | 07:27 / 17:44 | 41 |
| 21 | 11.8°C / 53.2°F | 3.9°C / 39°F | 07:28 / 17:45 | 36 |
| 22 | 11.7°C / 53.1°F | 3.8°C / 38.8°F | 07:28 / 17:45 | 39 |
| 23 | 11.5°C / 52.7°F | 3.7°C / 38.7°F | 07:29 / 17:46 | 46 |
| 24 | 11.4°C / 52.5°F | 3.6°C / 38.5°F | 07:29 / 17:46 | 43 |
| 25 | 11.3°C / 52.3°F | 3.6°C / 38.5°F | 07:30 / 17:47 | 35 |
| 26 | 11.1°C / 52°F | 3.5°C / 38.3°F | 07:30 / 17:47 | 36 |
| 27 | 11°C / 51.8°F | 3.4°C / 38.1°F | 07:31 / 17:48 | 41 |
| 28 | 10.8°C / 51.4°F | 3.4°C / 38.1°F | 07:31 / 17:49 | 58 |
| 29 | 10.6°C / 51.1°F | 3.3°C / 37.9°F | 07:31 / 17:49 | 71 |
| 30 | 10.5°C / 50.9°F | 3.2°C / 37.8°F | 07:32 / 17:50 | 47 |
| 31 | 10.3°C / 50.5°F | 3.2°C / 37.8°F | 07:32 / 17:51 | 44 |
7-Day Zhangjiajie Weather Forecast
Further Reading: Best Time to Visit Zhangjiajie
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- Last updated on Sep. 12, 2025 by Demi Li -