Leshan Weather in May

Leshan’s weather in May is pleasantly warm in the day and cool at night. Despite slightly increasing rainfall, the rain usually won’t last for too long, bringing limited impact on your outdoor travel plan. Plus, with lush vegetation, various blooming flowers, and relatively fewer tourists, Leshan in May is a perfect spot to enjoy a light excursion. 
 Temperatures gradually rise in Leshan in May, with warm and comfortable daytime hours. The daytime highs range from 22 to 34°C (72-93°F). By mid- to late May, it feels slightly hot at noon, and daytime highs frequently exceed 30°C (86°F), which typically marks the official arrival of summer. The highest temperature at this time can reach 37°C (99°F) when the sun peaks its high. The temperature difference between day and night is moderate, with cooler mornings and evenings, and nighttime lows ranging from 16 to 21°C (61-70°F).  

Temperatures at the foot of Mount Emei are similar to those in downtown Leshan. Still, in areas above 3,000 meters (9,800 feet) in elevation, such as the Golden Summit, its daytime temperatures are usually 10-15 degrees Celsius (18-27 degrees Fahrenheit) lower than in the city, making it feel cooler, even a bit cold, especially in the early morning, at night or after rain coupled with heavy fog, so be sure to bring warm clothing. In rare cases, cold fronts may bring snowfall up on the summit.
 Rainfall in Leshan increases significantly in May, with frequent rain marking the early onset of the rainy season. Total precipitation reaches 114 millimeters this month, with rain occurring on 16 days. Scattered showers or thunderstorms are common. From mid- to late May, the number of rainy days and rainfall intensity will increase, with moderate to heavy rain possible. 

Rainfall on Emei Mountain is not particularly heavy, but the weather is changeable there, especially in high-altitude areas, where sudden showers or thunderstorms are common, often occurring in the afternoon. But these events are usually short-lived. However, you should notice that the rainy weather is often accompanied by thick fog, high humidity, and low air visibility. It is nearly impossible to see any scenery if the forecast shows it will be rainy or cloudy all day. Under this condition, risk levels also increase: it is particularly dangerous for hiking on the slippery mountain paths. 
 The climate of Leshan in May is humid, with an average humidity level of 63%. However, May is actually one of the local least humid months throughout the year: in most cases, it won’t feel uncomfortable or sticky. After rain, and when it’s windless, the humidity rises significantly, making you feel a bit damp and muggy.  

Mount. Emei has a relatively higher humidity, averaging 80%. After rain, the humidity level rises further, often exceeding 90%. 
 At the start of the rainy season, the duration of sunshine in Leshan decreases, averaging 4-5 hours per day. Although sunlight hours are short, the intensity of UV radiation should not be overlooked. Between 10:00 and 4:00, the UV index ranges from 6 to 8. Even on cloudy or rainy days, it’s still essential to take sun protection measures, as cloud cover does not completely block UV rays.

Sunrise times on Mount Emei in May range from 6:10 to 6:20, and sunset times range from 19:43 to 19:59. Since sunrise on Mount Emei is very early, visitors who want to conserve energy are advised to choose a hotel near Leidongping- located halfway up the mountain. This allows you to set out around 2:30 at midnight, hike to the Golden Summit, a journey that takes approximately 2-3 hours. 
 Yes, May is one of the best times to visit Leshan. 

In terms of weather, the temperature is quite warm, the amount and intensity of rainfall are acceptable, and the air feels comfortably humid. 

Moreover, benefiting from the lovely weather in Leashan in May, though there has been a slight increase in foot traffic, May is not as busy as the summer holiday months - July and August, except the early days of May Day holiday. And the travel cost is not the highest. 
  Upper Clothes: If you are going to visit the urban area of Leshan, considering that mornings and nights are cool, midday hours are warm or a bit hot, you are advised to wear a short-sleeved shirt paired with a light jacket to stay warm. Girls can wear a long dress coupled with a light sun-protective shirt or a jeans jacket. 

If you want to conquer Mount Emei, please follow this guideline: Wear a lightweight long-sleeve shirt at the base of the mountain - prioritizing comfort and breathability - then add a windproof jacket halfway up the mountain. Once you reach the summit at high altitude, throw on a lightweight down jacket as well. If it rains or the temperature drops, remember to add a quick-drying base layer.

 Bottom Clothes: Visitors are recommended to wear lightweight pants or jeans in the city center. For a mountain climbing tour, it’s best to wear windproof and waterproof hiking pants. 

 Shoes: Comfortable sneakers are suitable for various travel activities. The weather in high-altitude mountainous areas is unpredictable, and roads can be slippery when it rains, so be sure to wear professional, slip-resistant, waterproof hiking boots. 

 Accessories: 
1. Due to the increasing rainfall, it’s necessary to pack a raincoat or an umbrella. 
2. As temperatures rise, mosquitoes become more prevalent. We recommend keeping mosquito repellent on hand to avoid mosquito bites. 
 1. In May, the rhododendrons are in full bloom along the trail from Leidongping to the Golden Summit on Mount Emei and the surrounding area of the Leshan Giant Buddha, making it one of the best times to enjoy the beautiful natural scene and take impressive photos. However, it’s important to check the weather forecast in advance and avoid rainy or overcast days, as heavy fog on such days makes it difficult to see the scene. 
2. Early May, from the 1st to the 5th of May, coincides with the May Day Holiday, which is one of the busiest travel periods in China. Leshan, as a popular tourist city, will definitely become pretty crowded and cost you a lot. If you mind this, try to visit Leshan out of the time period.