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Jiuzhaigou Weather in December

Season: Winter

In short: cold with a daily temperature difference of around 10℃ (50℉), dry

In December, the temperature drops to a low level in Jiuzhaigou, averaging from -1 - 9℃ (30 - 48℉). It should be noted that there is a large temperature difference between the day and night. On most days, the lowest temperature is below 0℃ (32℉), but when the sun is shining, the temperature may be around 10℃ (50℉) high at noon. It is quite dry this month, with an average humidity of 57% and almost no rainfall. But if there is precipitation, it can be snow, so you are advised to check the weather forecast before you leave for Jiuzhaigou. Besides, the daylight time is only about 10 hours, so it is recommended that you keep your itinerary compact so that you can make full use of the short daytime.

Five Flower Lake in Winter

Though Jiuzhaigou weather in December is not ideal, there are some advantages traveling there this month: the flight tickets and hotels are cheap; and the number of visitors is small, enabling you to enjoy a quiet visit and always have the best position to admire the view.

Packing List for a Jiuzhaigou Trip in December

Upper: Considering the cold Jiuzhaigou weather with a big temperature gap between day and night, you are advised to wear thick winter clothes. For the inner layer, you are recommended to wear a thermal long-sleeve T-shirt plus knitwear, or a sweater or hoodie. For the outer layer, padded jackets or overcoats, downcoats, and parkas are all good choices. You may need to take off the jacket around the noon when the sunlight is warm, so bring a lightweight one.

Bottoms: You can wear thermal pants plus thick sweatpants, which can not only keep you warm but also allow you to move conveniently. If you are afraid of coldness, you can also bring winter pants.

Footwear: There may be accumulated snow in Jiuzhaigou in December, so snow boots are suitable. Moreover, other non-slip and warm short boots, hiking shoes, and sneakers can also be chosen.

Others:

1. Sun protection items like sunscreen and sunglasses are better to be prepared because of the strong UV rays in the plateau area even in winter.

2. Hats, scarves, and gloves are recommended to cope with the cold winds in Jiuzhaigou Valley.

3. Moisturizers and water bottles are necessary in the dry December.

What to Do in Jiuzhaigou Valley in December

Tourism Rate:

1. Hiking and enjoying the beautiful winter view

With fewer tourists, Jiuzhaigou Valley at this time is suitable for a quiet hike. You can enjoy a leisurely walk and allow your mind to completely relax. During your hiking, you will see the beautiful and special winter scenery: most of the green-blue lakes are clear and sparkling, possibly surrounded by pure white snow; the Long Lake has frozen over like a mirror and reflects the snow-capped mountains; the waterfalls have frozen into icicles that glitter in the sunlight; and Reed Lake is full of bloomed golden reeds.

Ice Waterfall

2. Experience Tibetan customs and culture

Local People in Tibetan Costume

In the quiet winter, the Tibetan villages are more rustic. You can see distinctive wooden houses with red roofs and white walls and taste authentic Tibetan cuisine, experiencing their customs and culture.

Tips:

1. Generally speaking, late December to early January is the New Year holiday in China and the number of tourists in the scenic areas may increase a bit, but it’s still much less than that of the peak period. However, to be on the safe side, you’d better book tickets and hotel in advance if you plan to travel to Jiuzhiagou in late December, 2025.

2. There are many hotels in Jiuzhaigou with hot springs, which can give you a cozy and warm experience in cold and dry December in Jiuzhaigou.

Historical Jiuzhaigou Weather in December

Dec	Temperature		Sunrise / Sunset	Humi- dity (%)
Dec	High	Low	Sunrise / Sunset	Humi- dity (%)
1	10.8°C / 51.4°F	0.6°C / 33°F	07:49 / 17:56	64
2	10.7°C / 51.2°F	0.4°C / 32.7°F	07:49 / 17:56	35
3	10.5°C / 50.9°F	0.2°C / 32.3°F	07:50 / 17:56	37
4	10.4°C / 50.7°F	0°C / 32°F	07:51 / 17:56	56
5	10.2°C / 50.3°F	-0.2°C / 31.6°F	07:52 / 17:56	63
6	10.1°C / 50.1°F	-0.3°C / 31.4°F	07:53 / 17:56	62
7	10°C / 50°F	-0.5°C / 31.1°F	07:53 / 17:56	86
8	9.9°C / 49.8°F	-0.7°C / 30.7°F	07:54 / 17:56	79
9	9.8°C / 49.6°F	-0.8°C / 30.6°F	07:55 / 17:56	41
10	9.7°C / 49.4°F	-1°C / 30.2°F	07:56 / 17:56	40
11	9.6°C / 49.2°F	-1.1°C / 30°F	07:56 / 17:56	37
12	9.6°C / 49.2°F	-1.3°C / 29.6°F	07:57 / 17:56	48
13	9.5°C / 49.1°F	-1.4°C / 29.4°F	07:58 / 17:57	43
14	9.4°C / 48.9°F	-1.5°C / 29.3°F	07:58 / 17:57	54
15	9.3°C / 48.7°F	-1.6°C / 29.1°F	07:59 / 17:57	36
16	9.3°C / 48.7°F	-1.7°C / 28.9°F	08:00 / 17:58	61
17	9.2°C / 48.5°F	-1.8°C / 28.7°F	08:00 / 17:58	50
18	9.1°C / 48.3°F	-1.8°C / 28.7°F	08:01 / 17:58	38
19	9.1°C / 48.3°F	-1.9°C / 28.6°F	08:02 / 17:59	21
20	9°C / 48.2°F	-2°C / 28.4°F	08:02 / 17:59	23
21	8.9°C / 48°F	-2°C / 28.4°F	08:03 / 18:00	22
22	8.9°C / 48°F	-2°C / 28.4°F	08:03 / 18:00	31
23	8.8°C / 47.8°F	-2.1°C / 28.2°F	08:04 / 18:01	42
24	8.7°C / 47.6°F	-2.1°C / 28.2°F	08:04 / 18:01	21
25	8.7°C / 47.6°F	-2.1°C / 28.2°F	08:04 / 18:02	30
26	8.6°C / 47.4°F	-2.2°C / 28°F	08:05 / 18:02	53
27	8.5°C / 47.3°F	-2.2°C / 28°F	08:05 / 18:03	29
28	8.5°C / 47.3°F	-2.2°C / 28°F	08:05 / 18:04	26
29	8.4°C / 47.1°F	-2.2°C / 28°F	08:06 / 18:05	62
30	8.3°C / 46.9°F	-2.2°C / 28°F	08:06 / 18:05	41
31	8.2°C / 46.7°F	-2.3°C / 27.8°F	08:06 / 18:06	41