Chengdu Weather in August

Season: Summer 
Overview: 
1. Chengdu’s weather in August is hot and the humid air makes the perceived temperature higher, leading to unbearable daytime hours. Nighttime and rainy days feel a bit cooler. 
2. August is the peak of the rainy season, with a large amount of rainfall. But it usually falls at night, rarely impacting your daytime travel plans. 
3. August, the summer vacation in China, has lots of tourists and expensive travel costs. 
 Chengdu in August is quite hot, with daytime highs ranging from 30°C to 35°C (86-95°F). When the hot waves strike, you might experience several days of approximately 38 degrees Celsius (100 degrees Fahrenheit) in a row, particularly in early August and mid-August. Occasionally, the highest temperature can even reach 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit). By late month, the hot weather eases a bit, with daytime highs dropping to about 28°C (82°F). 

Chengdu seems to be a bit cool after sunset in August, with nighttime lows of 22-26°C (72-79°F). But humid air may lead to the perceived temperature rising about 3-5°C (5-9°F) higher than the displayed figure and intensify the muggy and sticky feeling. Brief showers help to cool things down. Sometimes, you may even feel a bit cool when you wear T-shirts and shorts. 

Nearby mountain areas offer lower temperatures than the city center. For example, especially from mid-August to late August, Mount Qingcheng experiences the daytime highs of 22-28°C (72-82°F). Boasting lush forests and high altitudes, this place is a popular getaway for a one-day trip around Chengdu. 
 August is the peak time of Chengdu’s rainy season, seeing an average precipitation of 201 mm over 16 rainy days. You need to know that 80% of August rain occurs from 20:00 to 9:00. Even if it rains during the daytime, it’s usually just localized showers. It’s common to see rain falling for about 10 minutes in one area, followed immediately by sunshine. So as long as you carry an umbrella, daily travel and sightseeing on a rainy day won't be a problem.

However, be aware that severe convective weather is possible this month, with intense regional downpours. This can cause urban flooding and landslides and mudslides in mountainous areas. Fortunately, these heavy rains typically last no longer than half an hour and are preceded by early warnings. Therefore, you are advised to regularly pay attention to weather alerts and adjust your plans accordingly.
 In August, caused by frequent rain and the basin topography, the average humidity level of Chengdu hit a staggering 80%. So you can imagine how stiflingly hot this air is, especially during midday hours in the city center. 

If you cannot stand this oppressive weather, it’s a good idea to visit Mount Qingcheng or Dujiangyan Irrigation System, where the air feels much cooler and fresher.  
 As Chengdu experiences lots of cloudy or rainy days in August, the UV rays are relatively weaker than in most Chinese cities. But it doesn’t mean you can totally ignore this feature, and you are still advised to take some sun-protection measures before your daily outing. 

Long daytime hours mean ample travel time, so you don’t have to rush between attractions or scramble with your travel plans. But starting your day early is highly recommended to avoid crowds and hot temperatures. If you intend to catch a sunset view, it’s best to check the sunset time in advance and arrange the schedule accordingly. 
 Not really. As mentioned above, Chengdu’s climate in August can be quite oppressive and muggy. Besides, August is the peak travel season, and Chengdu is one of the most popular travel cities in China, so there is no doubt that Chengdu sees overcrowded attractions and skyrocketing travel costs in August. Even eating lunch might cost you waiting a long time. So it’s best to avoid visiting here this month. 

However, if you are only available this month, late August is a decent choice: tourists ease a bit as some schools start their new term and the weather becomes slightly cooler.