Jiuzhaigou Valley is located at the height of between 2,000 and 3,000 m of the southern end of the Minshan Mountain, having a warm temperate climate which belongs to West Sichuan plateau climate. The climate of Jiuzhaigou Valley is subtropical to temperate monsoon with a mean annual temperature of 7.8 °C, with means of -3.7 °C in January and 16.8 °C in July. Total annual rainfall is 761 mm but in the cloud forest it is at least 1,000 mm. 80% of rainfall occurs between May and October. In summer the winds blow predominantly from the south and in the winter from the north. The following table shows the average monthly temperature and rainfall.

Four seasons are available for tours in Jiuzhaigou, autumn especially in mid-to-late October recommended as the best time to pay a visit. In consideration of all these climatic factors, umbrellas and wet weather clothing as well as sun protection and hats are highly recommended as the weather at these altitudes can be fickle.