Weather: January is the coldest month. The average daily high temperature is 1 °C (34 °F), and the average nightly low temperature is -6 °C (21 °F). There is about a 1,000 meter difference between the peaks and lower regions of the park where the temperature is about 6 °C (11 °F) degrees warmer.
The average precipitation is 79 mm, and it snows or rains about 14 days of the month. So you can enjoy the beautiful snow all around, but be cautious hiking on the icy mountain paths. At higher altitude, the wind blows strongly sometimes.
You can generally expect much foggy or cloudy weather. Often, the fog impedes visibility.
Clothing: Wear a thick coat, gloves, thick socks, head coverings, and good slip resistant shoes. Waterproof snow boots, and crampons that are hirable/buyable at the foot, are recommended for ice and snow.
Things to Do in Huangshan in January
Enjoy the Hike up the Yellow Mountains in Winter
Huangshan winter hikeThe Yellow Mountains are one of China's famous, legendary mountain ranges, and many Chinese aspire to climb the 1,800m+ mountains once in their lives, almost like a pilgrimage. The scenery can be safely enjoyed in virtual solitude in winter, unlike in the churning crowds of summer.
Walking safety: If paths are treacherously slippery, the management will restrict access for safety reasons. Generally however, workers continuously clear off the paths every day.
See the Yellow Mountain Peaks by Cable Car
Many people find the three or four hour climb up to the highest peaks difficult even in fine weather. Take one of two cable routes from the main gate zone, or the record-breaking telpher from the north, to fly above the amazing snowy scenery and alight comfortably at the 1,400m+ (5,000 feet) area near a hotel. The three cableways alternately shut for maintenance in winter.
Visit Tunxi in Winter
Tunxi Ancient Street is a favorite sightseeing and shopping street in old Huangshan city. You can get gifts, souvenirs, and knick-knacks, and appreciate the architecture.
Touring the Yellow Mountains in January
Low Travel Season
Yellow Mountain National Park in WinterPrices for tickets and accommodation are lower, and you can avoid noisy Chinese tour groups. Good discounts on hotel rooms and Huangshan flights are available, and train tickets are readily available except during Chinese Year. Tourism picks up if the major holiday week falls in January.
Our Yellow Mountains Tours for Your Inspiration
3-Day Ancient Villages and Yellow Mountain Tour: Enjoy the Yellow Mountains' natural beauty and discover the beauty of an ancient Chinese village as well.
See our spectrum of Yellow Mountains tours or contact us to tailor-make your own.
Further Reading
Huangshan Climate Information by Month
- Huangshan Weather in January
- Huangshan Weather in February
- Huangshan Weather in March
- Huangshan Weather in April
- Huangshan Weather in May
- Huangshan Weather in June
- Huangshan Weather in July
- Huangshan Weather in August
- Huangshan Weather in September
- Huangshan Weather in October
- Huangshan Weather in November
- Huangshan Weather in December
