Leshan Weather in February

The weather of Leshan in February gradually warms up, but it’s a little bit changeable. Overcast and rainy skies are common, and fog frequently forms in the early morning, leading to short sunshine hours. It’s quite cold at the Golden Summit of Mount Emei, but there are more sunny moments there.

The Chinese New Year holiday typically falls in February. During the holiday, Leshan is filled with a festive atmosphere, but major attractions tend to be very crowded. If you visit Leshan outside of the festival period, you will gain a quiet and leisurely travel experience.
 February, the last month of winter, marks the gradual retreat of the cold in downtown Leshan. In early February, cold air still lingers, with daily highs and lows ranging from 10-15 degrees Celsius (50-59 degrees Fahrenheit) and 5-10 degrees Celsius (41-50 degrees Fahrenheit), respectively, making it feel slightly chilly. By the second half of February, the weather of Leshan begins to warm up, with daily highs reaching 15-20°C (59-68°F) and daily lows typically stabilizing around 10°C (50°F). However, it is important to note that the temperature at this time is not stable. For example, in some years, such as 2024, daily highs in late February still fell below 10°C (50°F), while in other years, such as 2026, daily highs in late February once reached as high as around 25°C (77°F).

The temperature on Mount Emei requires special attention. The temperature at the base of the mountain is similar to that in downtown Leshan; at mid-mountain elevations, such as Qingyin Pavilion and Wannian Temple located at around 1,000-1,500 meters (3,281-4,921 feet) above sea level, the daily temperature range is about 2-8°C (36-46°F); whereas at the summit, the Golden Summit at 3,079 meters (10,101 feet) above sea level, the temperature hovers approximately -5-5°C (23-41°F), a quite cold level.

Street View in Leshan in February

 Although the average precipitation of Leshan downtown in February is only 25 mm, there are approximately 12 days of precipitation. So, in terms of precipitation patterns, it is almost exclusively light and there is no snow this month. Generally speaking, even on rainy days, the ground is only slightly damp, meaning that it’s fine for you to go out for visiting. At times, the rain is so fine, making it hard to tell it and fog apart. Although precipitation is not very high, the weather is quite humid, with an average monthly humidity of 79%.

Precipitation in the high-altitude region of Mount Emei also has its own unique characteristics. Rain predominates at the base of the mountain, mixed rain and snow at the mid-slopes, and snowfall at the Golden Summit. On average, there are about 10 days of snowfall at the Golden Summit this month. Furthermore, in February, snowy landscapes and rime ice are common sights at the summit.

Sea of Clouds on Mount Emei

 In February, the daytime in Leshan is gradually getting longer. At the beginning of the month, sunrise and sunset occur around 7:54 and 18:42, respectively, with daylight lasting only 10.5 hours. By the end of the month, sunrise comes earlier at 7:32, while sunset is delayed until 19:03, extending the daytime hours to about 11.3 hours.

In reality, however, the actual duration of sunshine is much shorter, averaging only about 2 hours per day. This is because rainy, cloudy, and foggy conditions dominate during February, with truly clear skies being rare. However, the air is clearer and the sunshine is more ample at the summit of Mount Emei, which sits at a higher elevation.
  Clothes and Shoes
For Downtown Leshan: During the first half of the month, it’s best to bring a lightweight down jacket. For layers underneath, you can wear a hoodie, a light sweater, or a knit top over a long-sleeve T-shirt. For pants, thicker jeans or sweatpants will do. In the second half of the month, when the temperature generally rises but is quite variable, you are recommended to bring the same items mentioned above, but also pack a lighter outer layer, such as a trench coat or leather jacket. As for footwear, comfortable and non-slip flat shoes are OK.

For Mount Emei: Whether in the first or second half of the month, you need to wear a quick-dry long-sleeve T-shirt, a hoodie, waterproof and windproof hiking pants, plus a down jacket or a waterproof and windproof 3-in-1 jacket. Non-slip hiking boots are a must.

 Others
1. You’d better bring umbrellas and raincoats.
2. Hats and gloves can make your tours to Mount Emei warmer and more comfortable.  

Leshan Giant Buddha

In fact, whether Leshan is crowded or expensive in February depends entirely on whether your visit coincides with the Chinese New Year holiday, which usually falls in late January or February.

If you travel to Leshan during the Chinese New Year holiday - for example, from February 4 to 12 in 2027 - you will inevitably encounter large crowds of tourists. It’s no exaggeration to say that major attractions such as Mount Emei, the Leshan Giant Buddha, and Suji Ancient Town will all be flooded with visitors. As a result, tickets for some attractions may be hard to come by, and some of them may require waiting in line for several hours just to enter. Furthermore, hotel prices will rise significantly during this period.

However, if your visits to Leshan do not coincide with the holiday, you’ll have a completely different experience: First, the crowds at the various attractions will be much smaller, allowing you to explore at your own leisure. Second, prices for accommodations will be more affordable.
 (1) In addition to the magnificent Great Buddha, red and white plum blossoms in full bloom can be spotted within the scenic area.
(2) If you visit the scenic area during the Chinese New Year period, you will find a variety of festival-related decorations and activities, allowing you to experience the lively festive atmosphere.
 (1) Snow still covers high-altitude locations such as the Golden Summit in February.
(2) At this time, there is a high chance of witnessing magnificent sea-of-clouds and the “Buddha Rays”, that is, a colorful circular rainbow, at the Golden Summit.
(3) Along the hiking trail, you will also see beautiful plum blossoms in full bloom.

Snow View on Mount Emei in February

 (1) In late February, visitors can admire thousands of acres of blooming rapeseed fields in this area.
(2) During the Chinese New Year period, lively and unique celebrations will be held, such as iron flower beating and fish-shaped lantern parade.
 1. If you decide to visit Leshan during the Chinese New Year festival period, you should:
(1) Book hotels and attraction tickets in advance to ensure that your trip can go on smoothly.
(2) Before heading to a restaurant, it’s best to check whether it’s open, as some owners may close their businesses for the festival.
2. If you plan to take a boat tour to see the Leshan Giant Buddha, be sure to check the attraction’s official updates. Since precipitation is low in Leshan during February, boat tours may be suspended sometimes due to low water levels.
3. In February, especially during the latter half of the month, the climate of Leshan fluctuates significantly, so be sure to check the weather forecast before deciding how thick to wear.  

Chinese New Year Decoration in Leshan