Wulingyuan, in Hunan Province, features a humid subtropical climate with four distinct seasons. The region is known for its dramatic sandstone pillars, lush forests, and abundant rainfall, especially in late spring and summer. With mild winters, hot humid summers, and frequent mist, Wulingyuan offers ever-changing scenery and a unique experience for nature lovers year-round.
The best times to travel section shows how the months compare for a visit, so you can find the time of year that fits what you want to do.
Background colours of the months:
The colour shows the typical temperature: yellow (hot), green (mild) and blue (cold). How strong the colour is shows the travel season: full colour means high season, soft colour means shoulder season and soft-striped means off season.
Weather symbols:
Each month has one symbol showing what the weather is typically like, such as hot and sunny, freezing or a rainy or snowy season. Use them to quickly spot months that match the weather you want, or to avoid the ones that don't.
Crowdedness:
The people icon shows how busy the place usually is. The more people, the more crowded it gets.
Additional notes:
The grey info boxes point out special things worth knowing, like recurring weather issues or seasonal events.
Wulingyuan’s climate is classified as humid subtropical (Cfa), with significant seasonal variation. Annual temperatures typically range from 4°C in winter to 26°C in summer, but can occasionally drop to –6°C or rise to 35°C. Winters (December–February) are mild, with average highs of 6–9°C and lows of 2–3°C, and occasional snow. Spring (March–May) brings rapidly warming temperatures, from 11°C in March to 20°C in May, and marks the start of the rainy season. Heavy precipitation is concentrated from May to July, with each month seeing up to 255–290 mm of rain and frequent mist, creating ethereal mountain vistas. Rainfall is lowest in winter, with only 43–77 mm per month.
Summers (June–August) are hot and humid, with daily means of 23–26°C and highs reaching 30–35°C. Rain remains frequent but gradually decreases by August. Autumn (September–November) is cooler and drier, with daily means dropping from 22°C in September to 12°C in November, and fewer rainy days. Wulingyuan enjoys about 2,617 hours of sunshine per year, with the sunniest months in summer (over 9 hours/day) and the least in winter (about 5.5 hours/day). Winds are generally light (1–1.5 m/s), but can be breezier from February to April. UV levels are highest in spring and summer. The region’s climate, combined with its unique topography, results in frequent fog and mist, especially after rain, enhancing the area’s mystical beauty.
| Average climate data for Wulingyuan, China | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | Year |
| Average maximum temperature (°C) | 8 | 9 | 12 | 15 | 18 | 21 | 25 | 26 | 23 | 18 | 12 | 9 | 26 |
| Average minimum temperature (°C) | 2 | 2 | 3 | 5 | 7 | 10 | 12 | 13 | 11 | 9 | 5 | 3 | 2 |
| Average precipitation (mm) | 65 | 47 | 43 | 46 | 51 | 52 | 32 | 29 | 27 | 32 | 79 | 37 | 543 |
| Average rainfall days (days) | 16 | 12 | 16 | 19 | 18 | 17 | 16 | 15 | 15 | 13 | 16 | 13 | 186 |
| Average snowfall (mm) | 32 | 90 | 30 | 7 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 9 | 41 | 209 |
| Average snowfall days (days) | 4 | 6 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 15 |
| Average relative humidity (%) | 84 | 82 | 78 | 80 | 81 | 81 | 78 | 75 | 75 | 76 | 82 | 83 | 80 |
| Average wind speed (km/h) | 12 | 13 | 12 | 10 | 9 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 9 | 11 | 11 | 10 |
| Average daily daylight hours (h) | 9 | 10 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 15 | 13 | 12 | 11 | 9 | 9 | 12 |
| Average daily sunshine hours (h) | 5 | 5 | 6 | 6 | 8 | 8 | 9 | 8 | 8 | 7 | 4 | 5 | 7 |
| Average cloud coverage (%) | 54 | 54 | 49 | 52 | 50 | 47 | 45 | 38 | 40 | 39 | 53 | 48 | 47 |
| Average UV index | 2 | 2 | 3 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 4 | 4 | 2 | 2 | 3 |
The best time to visit Wulingyuan is in spring (April–May) and autumn (September–October), when temperatures are mild, rainfall is moderate, and the scenery is at its most vibrant. These months offer comfortable weather for hiking, fewer crowds than summer, and stunning views of mist-shrouded pillars or colourful autumn foliage.
The least favourable time to visit is during the peak rainy season (May–July), when heavy rain and mist can obscure views and disrupt outdoor plans. July and August are also crowded with domestic tourists and can be hot and humid. Winter is quiet but can be cold and occasionally snowy, with some trails icy or closed.
Wulingyuan has a humid subtropical climate with four seasons. Winters are mild (4–9°C), summers are hot and humid (23–35°C), and rainfall is abundant from May to July. Mist and fog are common, especially after rain.
April–May and September–October are the best months, offering mild temperatures, moderate rainfall, and beautiful scenery. These periods are ideal for hiking, photography, and avoiding the peak summer crowds.
Wulingyuan receives about 1,855 mm of rain annually, with the wettest months from May to July (up to 290 mm per month). Winter is driest, with only 43–77 mm monthly. Rain often comes as showers or mist.
Snow is possible from December to February, but accumulations are usually light and short-lived. Winter temperatures can drop to –6°C, but most days are above freezing. Snow adds a magical touch to the mountain scenery.
Yes, July and August are peak tourist months, with large crowds and higher prices. It’s best to visit in spring or autumn for a more peaceful experience and to avoid the hottest, most humid weather.
Bring layers for changing temperatures, a waterproof jacket, sturdy shoes for slippery trails, and sun protection for high UV days. In summer, pack light clothing and a hat; in winter, bring warm clothes and gloves.
Hiking is possible year-round, but the best conditions are in spring and autumn. Summer can be hot, humid, and rainy, while winter may bring icy or closed trails. Always check weather and trail conditions before setting out.
The warmest month, with the highest average maximum temperature, is August (25.8 °C). The month with the lowest average maximum temperature is January (8.2 °C). Overall, the average maximum temperature over the whole year is 16.4 °C.
The month with the highest average minimum temperature is August (12.9 °C). The coldest month, with the lowest average minimum temperature, is February (1.8 °C). Overall, the average minimum temperature over the whole year is 6.8 °C.
The wettest month, with the highest amount of precipitation, is November (78.9 mm). The driest month, with the least amount of precipitation, is September (27.3 mm). Over the whole year there are 542.6 mm of rainfall on average.
The month with the most days of rain is April (18.5 days). The month with the fewest days of rain is February (12.4 days). Over the whole year there are 185.7 days of rain on average.
The month with the most snowfall is February (89.8 mm). The months with the least snowfall are May, June, July, August and September (0 mm). Over the whole year there are 208.9 mm of snowfall on average.
The month with the most days of snowfall is February (5.5 days). The month with the fewest days of snowfall is September (0 days). Over the whole year there are 14.8 days of snowfall on average.
The month with the highest average relative humidity is January (84.2 %). The month with the lowest average relative humidity is August (74.9 %). The overall average relative humidity over the whole year is 79.8 %.
The windiest month, with the highest average wind speed, is February (12.7 km/h). The calmest month, with the lowest average wind speed, is September (7.6 km/h). The overall average wind speed over the whole year is 9.8 km/h.
The month with the cloudiest skies, so the highest cloud coverage, is February (53.6 %). The month with the clearest skies, so the lowest cloud coverage, is August (37.9 %). Over the whole year there is an average cloud coverage of 47.3 %.
The month with the longest days, so the most daylight, is June (Average daylight: 15 h). The month with the shortest days, so the least daylight, is December (Average daylight: 9 h). Over the whole year there are 11.9 h of daylight per day on average.
The month with the most sunshine per day is July (Average sunshine: 9.2 h). The month with the least sunshine per day is November (Average sunshine: 4.1 h). Over the whole year there are 6.6 h of sunlight per day on average.
The months with the highest average UV index are June, July and August (UV index: 5). The months with the lowest average UV index are January, February, November and December (UV index: 2). Over the whole year the average UV index is 3.4.
