Chengdu Weather in December

Season: Winter
Overview: 
1. December marks the winter of Chengdu, but its temperatures are much higher than those of most northern cities in China. Despite that, Chengdu’s weather in December still feels cold, caused by high humidity. There are significant day-night temperature differences. 
2. Rainfall is rare, but overcast days are pretty frequent. It’s possible to spot snowy scenery in the mountain areas by late month. 
3. December is a shoulder travel season in Chengdu. Moreover, if you visit the city during this time, you will not only spend less and encounter fewer crowds, but also have the chance to enjoy the autumn scenery. 
 In December, Chengdu enters the beginning of winter with relatively low temperatures, and visitors would feel cold, especially when the sun is absent. The daytime highs normally range from 8 to 13 degrees Celsius (46-55 degrees Fahrenheit). Sometimes, they can reach 19°C (66°F) and it’s totally ok for visitors to wear a hoodie or a sweater. However, after the night falls or before dawn breaks, the weather feels pretty cold, with the lows of only 0°C (32°F). Moreover, Chengdu’s weather in winter is humid, so the perceived temperature can be a bit lower than the actual temperature. 

In addition, winter brings frequent cold air activities. You need to be aware of a sudden temperature drop, with daytime highs even down to 5 degrees Celsius (41 degrees Fahrenheit). Therefore, it’s necessary to check the forecast in advance and prepare warm clothing. 
 In terms of precipitation, Chengdu’s climate in December is not rainy at all, with an average precipitation of 5 mm over 5 days. If you encounter a rainy day, no worries, these light showers will not impact your travel plans. It’s also possible to experience light snow in the city center, but it will generally melt upon hitting the ground and will not accumulate. Want to enjoy the snowy scene? Visit Mount Qingcheng by late December, where snow is more likely to accumulate with more snowfall and lower temperatures. 

Despite rare rainfall, Chengdu experiences a wet climate in December, with an average humidity level of 79%, since there are frequent overcast days, and the basin terrain tends to collect moisture. In addition, it’s worth noting that the probability of fog is very high during the early morning and late evenings. In high-altitude mountain areas, heavy morning fog may dramatically reduce visibility and may even lead to freezing roads. Therefore, remember to check road conditions before setting out. 
 The daytime duration in Chengdu gradually decreases in December to 10-11 hours. Plus, sunshine hours are also very short, resulting in limited prime sightseeing periods. But don’t be upset: Chengdu is a trendy city that combines traditional culture, and there are lots of travel activities that can be visited in the urban areas regardless of the weather. You can experience ear cleaning at Wide and Narrow Alley, appreciate Sichuan Opera and drink tea at Jinli Street, take impressive photos with the iconic panda statue at Taikoo Li business zone, and taste authentic hotpot, perfectly matched with the cold December. 
 I would say December is not a bad time to explore Chengdu. 

Firstly, Chengdu’s climate in December is stable: Despite many overcast hours, there is limited rainfall. The temperature is milder than in many northern Chinese cities, like Beijing and Xi’an, and you will not feel very cold. As long as you wear proper clothes, you’ll be able to enjoy sightseeing at various attractions with ease, though gray skies might make the scenery a bit less impressive. 

Secondly, December is a quiet month for visitors: attractions are less crowded, hotels are easy to book at a nice price, and so are flight tickets. 

Thirdly, colorful autumn leaves still linger in the city, particularly in the first half of the month, thanks to its relatively milder temperatures. Visitors still have the last chance to enjoy an amazing fall foliage view at the following places: Qingyang Palace, Thatched Cottage of Du Fu, People’s Park and Wenshu Monastery.