Chengdu Weather – What is the Weather in Chengdu Really Like?

What is the Weather in Chengdu? Our Guide to Chengdu Weather

Weather in Chengdu

Weather (天气 tiān qì), always such a talked about topic no matter what the situation!

So what is Chengdu weather really like? Is it always hot, does it ever rain, can I expect a white Christmas there?

Time to answer those all important weather based questions!

Weather in Chengdu – Your questions, answered

Chengdu (成都) is the capital of Sichuan province and one of three most-populous cities in Western China.

Located in central Sichuan, the plain that surrounds it is called the “Country of Heaven” and the “Land of Abundance”.

Well, that can’t be bad, right?

Chengdu is now one of the most important economic, cultural and commercial centres in China.

It is growing as a city and cultural and economic centre and is bound to become more and more important in China.

Chengdu is definitely one of the “to watch” cities in China and a hub of opporunity. Not to mention good food.

Also, pandas! Don’t forget the pandas!

Weather in Chengdu – The Seasons

Chengdu has a monsoon-influenced subtropical climate, but what does that mean?

Chengdu Pandas – whatever the weather, you’ll often see them doing this

Well, that means that the city is largely warm and very humid throughout the year.

It has four distinct seasons:

Spring – short and warm

short and warm Summer – hot and looooong

hot and looooong Autumn/Fall – cool and rainy

cool and rainy Winter – cold and foggy

The seasons in Chengdu are therefore very defined. Some parts of China are like this and some are not.

For example, in Beijing, the weather almost has just two seasons. A very cold and long winter, and a very hot and long summer.

Spring and Autumn only last a few weeks at most, which boasts the most comfortable weather.

However, the weather in Chengdu is much more defined into four equal, and clear seasons.

Quick Weather Lesson

It’s always good to learn some vocabulary so here goes:

Spring (春天 chūntiān)

(春天 chūntiān) Summer (夏天 xiàtiān)

(夏天 xiàtiān) Autumn/Fall (秋天 qiūtiān)

(秋天 qiūtiān) Winter (冬天 dōngtiān)

Weather in Chengdu – When is the Best Time to Visit Chengdu?

The best time to visit Chengdu is from March to June and from September to November.

Spring in Chengdu starts in March and ends in May and these are the periods when it is not too warm and not too cold. In a word – perfect.

Chengdu is famous for its tea houses. Enjoy a nice cup of tea and a massage while you’re there.

Spring is also a good time to appreciate the flower blossom!

Also, if you visit Chengdu in spring, the bamboo garden in the Chengdu Panda Base is especially nice!

July and August are the hottest months in Chengdu, so it is better to avoid travel these months if possible.

Nonetheless, we recommend visiting Chengdu no matter what, so if this is the only time you can get time off work – don’t hesitate, go to Chengdu!

September to November is also a nice time to visit Chengdu, some would say the best.

But, be careful. The weather can be tricky – warm sometimes, then followed by a few colder days. So don’t forget to pack a couple of early winter clothes items, just in case.

Average temperature in winter is between 3 and 8 degress Celsius, with January being the coldest month. Average temperature in the summer is between 22 and 29 degrees Celsius.

Let’s take a more pictorial look at temperatures to get an idea of when the best time to travel to Chengdu is.

Minimum and Maximum Temperatures in Chengdu each month. Graphic courtesy of

Of course everyone has different preferences. If you are from some of the colder areas of the world you will consider Chengdu to be hot all year around, whereas if you are perhaps from somewhere that boasts year long heat, Chengdu might be just the norm for you.

Adjust the time of year of your visit accordingly, but this gives you a rough guide.

As you can see, the warmest month of the year is August, and the coolest is January.

Weather in Chengdu – Rainfall

What about that pesky rain? It’s always out to get us!

Let’s make sure we are fully prepared by checking out the annual rainfall in Chengdu.

Annual Rainfall in Chengdu – courtesy of

As you’ll see Chengdu weather is hot and rainy in the summer months with about 18 days of rainfall in July, the most out of any month in the year, so pack accordingly!

December and January, despite being the coolest months also have the least amount of rainfall, averaging 6 days a month between them.

Weather in Chengdu – Does it Snow in Chengdu?

If you are dreaming of a white Christmas, or the chance to build a snowman in Chengdu, this probably isn’t the place unfortunately.

If snow is what you are after, heading towards the north of China is probably more wise.

In fact, the further north you go, the more you guarantee yourself a chance of seeing some of the white stuff!

Weather in Chengdu – The Best Time to See Pandas in Chengdu

Mr Panda, wondering what the Weather in Chengdu holds in store for him today

OK, so one of the most important reasons to visit Chengdu – apart from the amazing food and beautiful nature – are also pandas.

Chengdu boasts the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding Centre which covers an area of about 247 acres.

It is famous in both China and the world for its protection and breeding of these endangered animals.

In the Research Base they work on breeding giant and red pandas, which are endangered animals.

They also conduct scientific research and work on setting the pandas free into the wilderness.

But, although pandas are definitely a must-see, Chengdu is so much more and has a lot to offer!

Also the food, don’t forget the food! We definitely recommend the local snacks and the spicy hotpot!

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Weather in Chengdu – Tourism & Travel

Chengdu is widely regarded as one of China’s most relaxed and enjoyable cities to be

During the summer stay indoors, enjoy a up of tea in Chengdu tea houses or visit summer resorts, such as Mount Emei, Dujiang River, or Jinsha Ruins.

Spring is a good time to visit the Leshan Buddha, see the pandas and explore Chengdu streets, because the weather is pleasant.

Autumn/Fall is one of the best periods to visit Chengdu – the weather is nice, with a bit of rain. Explore Chengdu and everything it has to offer!

Winter is a good time to explore cultural sites, such as Wuhou Temple or Jinli Ancient Street. After having finished exploring cultural sites, warm yourself up with Chengdu hot pot!

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Weather Vocab

We touched on some of the seasons earlier, but as we are talking about the weather, let’s give you a few more useful words to drill home.

Hot 热 rè

热 rè Cold 冷 lěng

冷 lěng Rain 雨 yǔ

雨 yǔ Snow 雪 xuě

雪 xuě Cloudy 多云 duō yún

多云 duō yún Temperature 温度 wēn dù

Chengdu Weather – FAQ’s

When is the best time to visit Chengdu? The best time to visit Chengdu is from March to June and from September to November.

Spring and Autumn are the most comfortable seasons in Chengdu Does it snow in Chengdu? If you are dreaming of a white Christmas, or the chance to build a snowman in Chengdu, this probably isn’t the place unfortunately. Snow in Chengdu is very rare indeed. Does it rain in Chengdu? Yes, rain is relatively common in Chengdu, in the Summer months you can expect at least 15 rainy days a month.

In the winter although it does rain, it is more rare, perhaps 6 days a month roughly. How do you say Weather in Chinese? Weather in Chinese is 天气 tiān qì.

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Chengdu Weather, What to Wear and Things to do in each season

How is the weather in Chengdu?

Chengdu enjoys mild weather all year round, featuring four clear-cut seasons, a long frost-free period, abundant rainfall and less sunshine. The hottest season here is during July and August, which is also the rainy season. The coldest month is January, and the rainfall in December and January is scant. Insufficient heat, heavy rain, and less sunshine all year round have created this cloudy and misty weather. Chengdu has a typical mountain climate: a long spring with low temperatures, a short overcast summer, a cool and rainy autumn, and a cold and snowy winter.

4-Day Chengdu Weather Forecast Day Night Description Temperature

Chengdu Average Climate by Month

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec High (℃) 10 12 16 22 26 28 30 30 25 21 16 11 High(℉) 50 53.6 71.6 78.8 78.8 82.4 86 86 77 69.8 60.8 51.8 Low (℃) 3 5 9 13 17 20 22 22 19 15 10 5 Low(℉) 37.4 41 48.2 55.4 62.6 68 71.6 71.6 66.2 59 50 41 Rain (mm) 7 11 20 47 82 110 223 227 115 40 16 6

Spring

Weather: The temperature rises early, but it is unstable, and periods of continuous low temperature might appear. In early spring, there are usually cold spells, and people might feel that the winter is not over yet. After April, stormy weather might appear.

Clothing: People with sensitive skins should wear dust masks before going out in spring, or take anti-allergy drugs according to their health conditions. People who are afraid of being cold should bring their winter clothes.

Things to do: Spring is the season of flowers. In spring, large areas of flowers bloom in urban Chengdu and the surrounding suburbs, and the temperature is pleasant, fit for an outing. Tourists can try volunteering for the pandas, or go visit the Leshan Buddha.

Recommended Tour: 5-Day Chengdu and Leshan Tour

Summer

Weather: In early summer, the temperatures are moderate, but they vary greatly during the same day. Midsummer is hot and rainy, and the temperature will be around 30°C with intense sunlight. Summer rainfall is the highest, accounting for 50-60% of the whole year’s rainfall.

Clothing: For summer clothes, choose short sleeves and shorts that will keep you cool, with one or two long sleeves in case of rainy, cold days. Rain gear, sunshade, sunglasses, and sunscreen are also essential as it is important to protect the skin against sunburn.

Things to do: As the weather in summer is stuffy, you might want to stay indoors or visit some cool summer resorts, such as Mount Emei, Dujiang River, or Jinsha Ruins.

Recommended Tour: 5-Day Chengdu and Mt. Emei

Autumn

Weather: Autumn is short and cool. There are rainy days and clear days. From September to October, the temperature does not vary much from summer. Not until late October or early November will you feel the coolness of autumn.

Clothing: Wear summer clothes and bring your long sleeves, trousers, overcoats, and wind-proof coats, in case the temperature drops.

Things to do: Autumn in Chengdu is more scenic compared to other seasons. It is the best time to visit Chengdu at this time of the year.

Recommended Tour: 7-day Chengdu, Jiuzhaigou Valley

Winter

Weather: In winter you won’t experience extreme coldness. Chengdu will enter the winter season around late November or early December, when the temperature gradually decreases, and the weather becomes dry and cold as sunshine becomes scant.

Clothing: Cold-proof overcoats, down coats, cotton-padded clothes, and cotton-padded trousers.

Things to do: If you visit Chengdu in winter, you can choose to go to some cultural sites such as Wuhou Temple or Jinli Ancient Street. The snow in Dufu Cottage is uniquely charming. You can also have a try at the Sichuan hotpot.

Recommended Tour: 4-Day Chengdu Tour

Seasons in Chengdu: Weather and Climate

Chengdu is the city in south-western China. It is the center of Sichuan Province. Chengdu is situated on western edge of vast plain of the Sichuan Basin at elevation of 500 m (1640 ft). The city has humid subtropical climate. Qinling mountain range protects the city from cold air masses, so local winters are milder than in some other southern localities.

Summers are humid and hot, but not as hot as in Shanghai of Guangzhou. Temperatures below freezing and snow are extraordinary. Summer is the rainiest season, but overall amount of precipitation is relatively moderate. In general climate of Chengdu is comfortable for living and agriculture; therefore it is comfortable for visiting too.

Seasons

Contents:

Spring is time of gradual warming in Chengdu. March is rather chilly with its range of daily temperatures between 8 °C (46 °F) and 16 °C (61 °F), though it is rather dry. In April approach of rainy season becomes apparent, but temperatures grow two. Afternoons of second spring month are usually as warm as 21 °C (70 °F) and evenings are cooler with around 13 °C (55 °F).

May is nominal beginning of rainy season. Chengdu receives up to 90 mm (3.5”) of precipitation through this month. Daily temperature reaches marks of 17 °C (62 °F) and 26 °C (79 °F) at night and day respectively. So spring weather in Chengdu improves with progression of the season, but it is pretty shifty.

Climate of the Spring Months

March

Max average t°: +16 °C (61 °F)

Min average t°: +8 °C (47 °F)

Sundial in the day: 7.5 hours

Rainy days: 1 day

Precipitation: 17 mm (3.9")

April

Max average t°: +21.5 °C (71 °F)

Min average t°: +13 °C (55 °F)

Sundial in the day: 8 hours

Rainy days: 4 days

Precipitation: 53 mm (2.1")

May

Max average t°: +25.5 °C (78 °F)

Min average t°: +17 °C (63 °F)

Sundial in the day: 8.5 hours

Rainy days: 5 days

Precipitation: 77 mm (3.0")

Spring Holidays

March 8 – International Women’s Day.

March 12 – Arbor Day.

April 4 (5 in a leap year) – Tomb Sweeping Festival.

April 5 – Dujiangyan Water Releasing Festival.

May 1st – Labor Day.

Summer in Chengdu is rainy. More than half of annual amount of precipitation falls during this season. Monthly amount of rainfall is 100 mm (4”) for June and 230 m (9”) for each of following months. Daytime temperature hivers between 28 °C (82 °F) and 30 °C (86 °F) while nights has more pleasant temperature of 20-22 °C (68-71 °F). There are lots of rain and warmth in summer.

Mountains in neighborhood of the city will provide shelter from afternoon heat and rains. In addition summer is the time of peak activity of giant pandas. Summer is good enough for visit, especially if frequent showers and high air humidity aren’t concerning.

Climate of the Summer Months

June

Max average t°: +27.5 °C (82 °F)

Min average t°: +20 °C (68 °F)

Sundial in the day: 9 hours

Rainy days: 6 days

Precipitation: 110 mm (4.3")

July

Max average t°: +29.5 °C (85 °F)

Min average t°: +22 °C (72 °F)

Sundial in the day: 8 hours

Rainy days: 17 days

Precipitation: 302 mm (11.9")

August

Max average t°: +29.5 °C (85 °F)

Min average t°: +21 °C (71 °F)

Sundial in the day: 8.5 hours

Rainy days: 13 days

Precipitation: 209 mm (8.2")

Summer Holidays

June 1 – Children’s Day.

July (or October) – International Food & Tour Festival of China.

July 11 – National Maritime Day.

7th of 7th lunar month – Double Seven Festival.

15th day of 7th lunar month – Ghost Festival.

August 1 – Army Day.

In general autumn is a great time to visit Chengdu. September is warm and still pretty rainy with its 130 mm (5”) of precipitation and 18-25 °C (64-77 °F) of daily range of temperature. In October rains come to neigh comparing to September and temperature shifts to lower range of 14-20 °C (57-68 °F). November is even drier and cooler with its average of 9-16 °C (48-61 °F).

In general autumn weather in Chengdu is bit shifty. Cooler and colder days are following each other in rather unpredictable way, but nature if the region is gorgeous despite any “surprises” of weather, so first half of autumn is the best time to visit the city.

Climate of the Autumn Months

September

Max average t°: +25 °C (77 °F)

Min average t°: +18 °C (65 °F)

Sundial in the day: 6 hours

Rainy days: 8 days

Precipitation: 117 mm (4.6")

October

Max average t°: +20 °C (68 °F)

Min average t°: +14 °C (58 °F)

Sundial in the day: 5.5 hours

Rainy days: 4 days

Precipitation: 51 mm (2.0")

November

Max average t°: +15 °C (50 °F)

Min average t°: +9 °C (49 °F)

Sundial in the day: 5 hours

Rainy days: 1 day

Precipitation: 23 mm (0.9")

Autumn Holidays

September 30 – Victory over Japan Day.

15th day of 8th lunar month – Mid-Autumn festival.

October 1-3 – National Day.

Chengdu is cloudy in general and especially cloudy in winter. Air is chilly, but there are few rains, but relative air humidity is pretty high. Snow or actual freeze are exceptionally rare. Daytime temperature hovers between 9 °C (48 °F) and 11 °C (52 °F) throughout the season. Nights are usually as cool as 4 °C (39 °F) and in January temperature may drop to 2 °C (35 °F) or even couple degrees below freezing. With appropriate layering winter vacation in Chengdu will be entertaining and comfortable. Winds and temperatures there are mild, rains are rare and clouds are creating special mood.

Climate of the Winter Months

December

Max average t°: +10 °C (51 °F)

Min average t°: +4 °C (40 °F)

Sundial in the day: 6 hours

Rainy days: 0 days

Precipitation: 10 mm (0.4")

January

Max average t°: +9 °C (48 °F)

Min average t°: +3 °C (37 °F)

Sundial in the day: 6 hours

Rainy days: 0 days

Precipitation: 7 mm (0.3")

February

Max average t°: +11 °C (52 °F)

Min average t°: +4 °C (40 °F)

Sundial in the day: 7 hours

Rainy days: 0 days

Precipitation: 7 mm (0.3")

Winter Holidays

1st day of 1st lunar month – Spring Festival (Chinesse New Year).

2nd-15th days of first lunar month – Huanglongxi Fire Dragon Festival.

15th day of 2nd lunar month (and around it) – Chengdu Flower Festival.

2nd lunar month – Plum Blossom Festival.

19th day of 2nd lunar month – Guanyin's Birthday.

2 week after Chinese New Year – Tazishan Lantern Festival.

January-March (Qinling Snow Mountain Ski Resort) – South China Snow and Ice Festival.

*Some observances, public holidays and other events are being held according to Chinese Lunar Calendar. Respective dates in Gregorian calendar are vary from year to year.