Chengdu Weather: Weather Condition By Month

Chengdu is located in the western part of the Sichuan Basin and has a subtropical humid monsoon climate. Its climatic features are early springs, hot summers, cool autumns, and wet and cold winters.

The average annual temperature is 16℃, and the annual rainfall reaches 1000 millimeters. The hottest month of the year is July, with an average high temperature of 30 ℃, while the coldest month is January, with an average low temperature of just 3 ℃.

Best Time to Visit Chengdu

The best times to visit Chengdu are from March to May and from September to November. These two periods are Chengdu's spring and autumn seasons, with cool weather and little rain. Except for September, the other months are the off-peak tourist seasons, so the scenic spots are not crowded, greatly enhancing your travel experience.

You can go hiking at Mount Qingcheng and Dujiangyan from March to May, and see the red leaves in Jiuzhaigou Valley from September to November.

Chengdu Weather By Month

From June to August, it is hot and humid, with frequent short-term heavy rainstorms. From December to February of the next year, it's damp and cold, and occasionally plagued by smog.

The climate is pleasant from March to May and from September to November. However, there may be a late spring cold snap in April, and a period of sudden hot weather in autumn in October.

Spring Weather: March to May

What to wear: a thin sweater, a long-sleeve T-shirt, a jacket, and gloves.

Chengdu experiences rapid temperature rises, concentrated precipitation, and significant day-night temperature differences. The average temperature climbs from 8℃-18℃ in March to 17℃-29℃ in May, but cold air frequently sweeps in, often bringing "late spring coldness".

From March to May, the total precipitation is about 130 millimeters, and severe convective weather becomes more frequent in April and May, with short-term rainstorms and thunderstorms with gales occurring often.

In March, Chengdu has an average temperature ranging from 8℃ to 18℃. It's quite cold at the beginning of the month, around 5℃, but rises to between 15℃ and 25℃ by the end.

There's about 20 millimeters of rainfall this month, mostly light rain, and there are 17 cloudy days. Snow is possible in mountainous areas in the first ten days, while the middle and late parts of the month see a mix of sunny and rainy days.

In April, the average temperature in Chengdu is from 13℃ to 22℃. However, there are big temperature swings during the month. It can reach 29℃ on April 8th and drop to 21℃ on April 25th.

There's about 47 millimeters of rainfall, mostly moderate rain, and the air is quite humid, over 80%. There may also be a "late spring cold snap" in the late part of the month, causing a sudden temperature drop of 5℃ to 8℃.

In May, Chengdu's average temperature is between 18℃ and 29℃. It may get as hot as over 35℃ by the end of the month, but drop below 20℃ after rain. There's a large amount of rainfall, about 160 millimeters, and more days with heavy rain. Moreover, severe convective weather such as thunderstorms, strong winds, and hail often occurs.

Spring is the best season for flower viewing. Every year on the 25th day of the first lunar month, Tongyang Guan becomes a bustling flower market. The streets are full of bright yellow winter jasmine, fiery red camellias, and pink and white plum blossoms, with the scent of wintersweet in the air.

Longquan Mountain is covered with pink peach blossoms, some in bud and some in full bloom, with petals carpeting the ground. From a distance, the pink and white flowers against the green mountains look particularly beautiful.

At this time, the pear blossoms in Xinjin also bloom. The white flowers cover the branches like snow, and when the wind blows, it's like fragrant snow falling.

Dan Jing Mountain's peonies are the most beautiful, with red ones like fire, pink ones like clouds, and white ones like jade. The layers of petals make them appear especially elegant.

On Wawu Mountain, you can see alpine rhododendrons; purple-red, pink-white, and pale yellow flowers bloom among the pine trees. When the mist drifts by, it feels even more mysterious, as if you've entered a fairyland.

Summer Weather: June to August

What to wear: Wear a short-sleeved shirt, shorts, a sun-protective jacket, waterproof sneakers, and sunglasses.

Summers in Chengdu are typically hot and rainy, with pronounced heat and humidity. The average temperature ranges from 25℃ to 33℃, with extreme highs exceeding 37℃. Humidity often surpasses 70%, making it feel muggy.

In June, Chengdu enters its rainy season, with cloudy and rainy weather and high humidity. The average temperature ranges from 22℃ to 30℃. The first half of the month is relatively cool, while temperatures quickly rise to around 33℃ in the latter half, with frequent light or moderate rain lasting over half the month.

July is the hottest time of the year, with average temperatures rising to 25℃ to 35℃. The latter half of the month often sees temperatures exceeding 37℃, and nights remain muggy. Afternoons to evenings frequently bring thunderstorms, accompanied by short-lived strong winds and hail.

August sees a clear alternation between high temperatures and heavy rain. Early August brings sustained heat, while temperatures drop slightly in the latter half, though heavy rain becomes frequent, with single-day rainfall exceeding 150 millimeters.

Mt. Qingcheng is Chengdu's closest summer retreat, covered in greenery. Ancient trees block the sunlight, making it cool as you walk along the flagstone paths. The mountain streams have clear water, with small yellow wildflowers by the water's edge, and occasionally, you can spot squirrels jumping in the trees.

A bit farther away is Siguniang Mountain, which is even cooler. The rivers formed by melting snow are incredibly refreshing, with clear visibility of the stones at the bottom. The surrounding meadows are dotted with purple and white wildflowers, while distant snow-capped peaks peek through the clouds like white hats.

Autumn Weather: September to November

What to wear: Light Sweater, Shirt, and Trench Coat

In Chengdu, autumn temperatures gradually drop, and rainfall decreases. The weather alternates between sunny and rainy, shifting from humid and warm to dry and cold. Average temperatures decrease from 22℃-28℃ in September to 8℃-15℃ in November.

Rainfall reduces from about 120 mm per month to less than 30 mm. The temperature difference between day and night increases, and humidity drops, but occasional "autumn tiger" heatwaves can occur.

In September, Chengdu is at the end of the rainy season, with average temperatures of 22℃-28℃. Early in the month, temperatures may exceed 30℃ due to "autumn tiger" heatwaves, but cooler air starts to influence the weather later. There are about 120 mm of rain, mostly as showers, with 10-12 rainy days and high humidity.

In October, Autumn begins, with average temperatures dropping to 15℃-22℃. Over 60% of days are sunny, with clear skies and a temperature difference of 8℃-10℃ between day and night. Early October might warm up briefly, but cooler air strengthens later, with lows around 12℃.

In November, cold air frequently moves south, with average temperatures of 8℃-15℃. Early frost occurs, and mountains may see snow. Rainfall is about 30 mm, mostly cold rain, with 5-7 rainy days. Humidity is low, but winds increase.

Autumn is neither cold nor hot, making your trip more comfortable and allowing you to enjoy the stunning autumn scenery. At Wenshu Monastery, tall ancient trees and red walls glow warmly in the sun, with the fragrance of osmanthus filling the air.

Occasionally, you might see monks in dark robes walking slowly, adding a sense of tranquility. The ginkgo trees at Qingyang Palace are stunning, with golden leaves against the blue sky.

Jiuzhaigou in autumn is like a fairy tale! The water is crystal clear, surrounded by fiery red maple leaves and golden birch trees. The colorful forest reflects in the water, blending seamlessly. Waterfalls cascade through the forest, with droplets sparkling in the sunlight.

Huanglong's calcified pools are even more magical. In autumn, the water is clear, with pools in shades of light blue, deep blue, and green layered like a vibrant carpet. Snow-capped mountains peek through clouds, framed by the colorful forest.

Winter Weather: December to February

What to wear: thermal underwear, a sweater, a down jacket, and a scarf.

In Chengdu, winter is cold and damp, with fog but little snow. Due to the geography, cold air tends to accumulate, making temperatures lower. From December to January, temperatures drop from 5℃-10℃ to 2℃-8℃, slightly rising in February.

Precipitation mainly comes as light rain, with monthly rainfall around 20-40 mm and 10-15 rainy days. Humidity often exceeds 80%.

In December, Chengdu officially enters winter, with average temperatures between 5℃-10℃. It might warm up slightly in early December, but cold air strengthens mid to late month, causing temperatures to drop. Total rainfall is about 30 mm, mostly light rain, with 12-15 rainy days and high humidity.

January is the coldest month, with average temperatures from 2℃-8℃, dropping to -2℃ at times. Mountain areas might see snow. Total rainfall is about 20 mm, mostly light rain or sleet, with 8-10 rainy days. There may be several overcast days when cold air pauses, with little sunshine.

In February, temperatures gradually rise, averaging 4℃-9℃, but cold air can still frequently move south, causing temperature fluctuations. Total rainfall is about 25 mm, mainly light rain, with 10-12 rainy days.

Winter is a great time for skiing and enjoying plum blossoms. Xiling Snow Mountain is like a winter fairy tale. Take a cable car to the top for stunning views of the sea of clouds and snowy peaks. The sunrise and sunset at Riyueping are breathtaking, with sunlight turning the snow golden.

After the snow, Emei Mountain looks like a fairyland. The Golden Summit is covered in snow, and the mountains appear and disappear in the sea of clouds. The sunrise is especially beautiful, with the red sun rising from the clouds, illuminating the snow-covered forests. The rime on the trees is crystal clear, like a crystal coat.

Though there isn't the spectacular snowy scenery of the mountains, Tazi Mountain Park in winter has its own charm. The winter sweet blooms in the cold wind, with golden flowers filling the trees, emitting a fragrant scent.

Chengdu Annual Air Quality Index

In winter, Chengdu often experiences hazy weather due to poor air circulation and vehicle exhaust emissions. You'd better avoid going out in such weather because visibility is low. If you have to go out, wear a mask.

An air quality index between 0 and 50 indicates excellent air; between 51 and 100, it means good air; and between 101 and 150, it represents mild pollution.

Where to See Snow Near

You can't see the snow scenery in downtown Chengdu. If you want to enjoy the snow in winter, you can go to Mount Emei or Xiling Snow Mountain.

Xiling Snow Mountain is closer to Chengdu, and you can see the snow scenery there. The Daxuetang Peak is the highest in Chengdu, with an altitude of 5,364 meters. There's always snow on its top. When you stand far away and look at this big mountain, you'll feel extremely small.

Around 8:00, you can watch the sunrise at the Golden Summit of Mount Emei. The scenic area has set up viewing platforms for tourists. The sunlight shining on the snow is so bright that it makes people squint. Walking on the mountain hiking trail, your shoes will make a crisp "crunch-crunch" sound as they step on the snow.

How to Get to Xiling Snow Mountain

By Taxi: It takes 2 hours and 30 minutes and costs CNY350 to get there by taxi.

By Coach: You can take a coach from Chengdu Chadianzi Passenger Transport Center to Xiling Snow Mountain. The departure times are 9:00 a.m. and 9:30 a.m. The journey takes about 2 hours, and the fare is CNY38.

By High-Speed Train + Coach: You can take a high-speed train from Chengdu East Railway Station, Chengdu South Railway Station, or Chengdu West Railway Station to Dayi Station, which takes about 40 minutes. The second-class seat fare is USD4.5/CNY32.

Then, take a tourist shuttle from Dayi Station to Xiling Snow Mountain, which takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes and costs CNY18.

How to Get to Emei Mountain

Take a high-speed train from Chengdu East Railway Station to Emeishan Railway Station. The journey takes 1 hour and 20 minutes, and the second-class seat fare is USD9.14/CNY65. Then, take a taxi from the railway station to Mount Emei, which takes about 10 minutes and costs CNY12.

You can find more trains on China Train Booking or book a private transfer. It is more convenient and saves a lot of time.

What to Eat in Chengdu

The most famous food in Chengdu is hot pot. The pot base is loaded with lots of chili peppers. You cook the ingredients in it and then dip them in chili oil-it's extremely spicy! The main ingredients include beef, mutton, duck blood, and tripe.

If you can't handle spicy food, order a yuanyang pot base, which is half spicy and half mild. Chengdu also has great snacks, like dan dan noodles, long chaoshou (wontons), and boboji (cold chicken in chili sauce).

Plan Your Chengdu Tour

When traveling in Chengdu, don't just focus on getting close to giant pandas! Besides giant pandas, there are many other fun places in Chengdu. For example, you can experience the charm of Chinese culture at Sanxingdui, try on Sichuan Opera costumes at Qingyang Palace, and taste all kinds of delicious food in Kuanzhai Alley.

In western Sichuan, there are even more beautiful landscapes waiting for you to enjoy. There's Daocheng Yading, known as "the last pure land on earth", and Jiuzhaigou, whose autumn scenery is simply breathtaking.

Contact us and tell us your needs. Our travel advisors will arrange an itinerary for you based on your budget and interests. The drivers and tour guides will do their best to make your journey smooth.

When unexpected situations arise, our professional travel consultants and tour guides will help you adjust the itinerary to ensure it doesn't disrupt your subsequent plans. At such times, our services become especially important, as we can handle things much more efficiently than if you were trying to figure it out on your own.

1-Day Giant Panda & Chengdu Highlights Tour

3-Day Jiuzhai Valley Fairyland Tour from Chengdu

5-Day Western Sichuan Tour to Daocheng and Yading

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