When is The Best Time to Visit Tiger Leaping Gorge

Weather in Tiger Leaping Gorge: The Best Season to Visit Tiger Leaping Gorge

About 100 km north from Lijiang, the Gorge is precisely located between the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain in the Yulong County, part of the city-prefecture area of Lijiang and the Haba Snow Mountain in the the Shangri-La City, part of the Diqing prefecture. As the deepest gorge in the world, the scenery of Tiger Leaping Gorge is spectacular. Foreign backpackers started hiking in the area in the 1980s and now Tiger Leaping Gorge Hiking Tour has been one of the most famous hiking tour all around the world.

Climate of Tiger Leaping Gorge

Tiger Leaping Gorge weather is generally mild, with abundant rainfall and plenty of sunshine. It has an average annual temperature between 13°C (55 F) and 20°C (68 F), without too much change from spring to winter. In summer, the temperature just falls between 10 - 26°C (50 - 79 F) low because of the continuous rain. Coming to winter, the high mountains block the cold air from northern China, so it is still as warm as spring for most of the days.

Spring:

By the end of February through May, temperature average is between 20℃ to 30℃. The afternoon sun already hints at a hot summer ahead. By March other colour of nature help paint the scene with soft creams and pinks as the first fruit trees flower. This period has the most comfortable weather with temperatures up to 20°C. Take a light jacket. May is even more warmer than April and there are more blooming flora. Try to avoid the Chinese Spring Festival due to the heavy pressure of transport and accommodation.

Summer:

It's the rainy season of Tiger Leaping Gorge from June to September. The heavy rain maybe result the gorge closed on certain days. After several days of rain, landslides may block the way, especially on the lower road. These landslides can range from the "very easy to across" to the totally impassable. Check this area's weather in advance.

Autumn:

The scenery from mid-autumn to November is also excellent. The treacherous summer rains ease, and the trails become firm and dry underfoot. Usually dry and sunny, bring a long-sleeve, light sweater and a coat.

Winter:

A good time to hike the gorge for the sunny weather, dry and clear. While it's cold at night and chilly at morning. There are much fewer travelers in winter, so it is cheaper to travel for this season. Prepare warm clothes such as down jacket and thick sweater.

Best Time to Visit Tiger Leaping Gorge

Tiger Leaping Gorge hike can be undertaken at any time around the year as it enjoys a mild climate even in winter (5-15 degrees Celsius), but the temperature difference of a day is great. Between April and June and the autumn time during September to October is the best time to travel. During these two periods it is suitable to go hiking on the Tiger Leaping Gorge, also can see the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain scenery. The late spring and early summer the temperature is moderate, flowers on the meadow blooming like a piece of brocade which is charming.

However, it rains a lot during the rainy season from July to September and there is some risk that paths could be blocked due to landslides. So try to avoid this rainy period.

Keep Reading:

Lijiang to Tiger Leaping Gorge Transportation
How to Travel to Tiger Leaping Gorge from Kunming
How to Get to Tiger Leaping Gorge from Shangrila
Where to Stay in Tiger Leaping Gorge
Tiger Leaping Gorge Hiking Tour Tips