Weather and Climate of Minya Konka in Autumn: September, October and November

Autumn is considered the best season to travel to Minya Konka by many due to its stable weather, relatively high visibility and not so cold weather. We have been using the term “golden fall” to describe the trees of yellow color over the mountains in clear days. Autumn is usually the most favored season by photographers.

Central Minya Konka in Early September

North Minya Konka in Late September

Central Minya Konka in Early October

North Minya Konka in Mid October

Climbing Mt. Nama in early November

North Minya Konka in Late November

By Hailuogou Base (1600m) during daytime it gets to around 10-20C or above and during night time it gets to around 10C or above. By Kangding (2500m) during day time temperature gets to around 5-15C or above and during night time it gets to around 5C or lower. By Tsemed (3400) it gets to around 0-5C or higher during daytime and 0C or lower during night time. By anywhere at above 4000m it gets to around between 5C and 10C or above during day time and around 0C or lower during night time.

Usually September will see more rain than October although overall it will still be much less than that of summer time. Mountain will still be a bit green by September. In this month when the rain comes down it will probably be snow especially at places of high altitude over 3500m. September is actually a quiet season to travel in Minya Konka when less are traveling. It has possible cloudy or even misty days but will be a lot drier than July.

From October the color of the trees starts to turn into yellow and red. The prime time for the “golden color” is from the second week of October until the third or even fourth week of October. By different elevation the time when trees’ color turn is different. Some have said when you have good weather while traveling in western Sichuan, everywhere is very beautiful and worth to stop to see. October provides the best balance of visibility of views and a proper temperature. Later you go into the year you get clearer days but also lower temperature. Earlier in the year you get warmer days but possibly lower visibility of views.

By November temperature will drop dramatically by night time but days will get even clearer. November is an underestimated season for traveling to Minya Konka since it is much clearer and quieter while the temperature is still acceptable that most of the day temperature will be above 0C. Some years you get consecutive weeks of good weather in November without any rainy or snowy days.

From 2020 the local authority of Minya Konka in Kangding has banned any camping inside the mountains due to fire restrictions. It is unfortunately regulated and stopped many hikers into the mountain from the north side of Minya Konka. From second week of October it will shut off. Hopefully it will change in the future. By south and west of Minya Konka it is okay to travel to until December.

From September to November it is also the climbing season in Minya Konka. Expeditions to Minya Konka are mostly planned in this season.

October will usually see more people traveling since it is the golden season especially the first week of October. First week of October is called “Golden Week of October” is strongly recommended to be avoided since it is the longest holiday in China by when lots of people will be traveling. We strongly suggest you to avoid the first week of October for traveling in China if you are flexible with time.

September: Best

October: Best

November: Best