Leshan Weather in September

Leshan’s weather in September is getting cooler and cooler, and visitors are totally ok with it. But it’s variable and day-night temperature difference is growing larger, so remember to add an extra layer in the early morning. In terms of rainfall, the peak rainy season has passed, but brief downpours still occur, making rain gear essential. September is also a shoulder travel season, with fewer tourists and lower travel costs; but Mid-Autumn Festival Holiday is an exception. 
 Leshan in September experiences the transition period from summer to autumn, with daytime highs generally ranging from 25 to 32°C (77-90°F). Early September shows the traces of a hot summer, with daytime highs over 30°C (86°F) sometimes, and the highest temperature can reach 36°C (97°F). From mid-month on, temperatures fluctuate downward, with daytime highs dropping to 20-28°C (68-82°F) generally. But it’s possible to experience a rebound in hot temperatures. If there are frequent showers, the climate cools a bit, with daytime highs of only 20-23°C (68-73°F). 

There is a significant temperature difference between day and night, as large as 10 degrees Celsius (18 degrees Fahrenheit). At night, the low temperatures usually range from 19 to 25 degrees Celsius (66-77 degrees Fahrenheit). 

Due to the high altitude, Mount Emei enjoys cooler weather. On top of the mountain, the daytime highs range from 15-20 degrees Celsius (59-68 degrees Fahrenheit); at night, the lowest temperature can drop to as low as 5 degrees Celsius (41 degrees Fahrenheit), making a down coat necessary. 
 Compared with previous summer months, the precipitation begins to decline in September, but is still considerable, with an average monthly precipitation of 149 mm, from 20 around rainy days. 

The main rainfall type is short-duration heavy downpour, occasionally accompanied by lightning and gusty winds. The maximum hourly rainfall intensity can reach 30-60 mm. In addition, the rain is highly localized - it’s common to see the eastern area being sunny while the western area experiencing heavy rain. Therefore, visitors are advised to monitor short-term local forecasts and be on the lookout for sudden heavy rain warnings. 

The highland area, like Mount Emei, tends to receive more rainfall. And September is a peak period for flash floods and geological disasters, especially when sudden heavy rain falls after a prolonged drought. When traveling to mountainous attractions such as Mount Emei and Heizhu Valley, check the meteorological warning beforehand. 
 Due to the frequent rainy weather, Leshan in September experiences a relatively high humidity level, about 82% on average. In the early morning and after rain, it may even reach over 90%, approaching saturation levels. Influenced by this high humidity and fluctuating temperatures, muggy feelings alternate with cool sensations. 
 Sunrise Time: 6:43-6:57
Sunset Time: 18:59-19:30

Leshan in September receives limited sunshine hours, about 3-4 hours per day on average. If you want to watch the sunrise on Mount Emei without too much effort, we recommend staying at Leidongping the night before, the closest accommodation stop to the Golden Summit. However, catching a perfect sunrise over a sea of clouds requires a bit of luck, as September tends to be rainy, often accompanied by fog.

Although September has many cloudy and rainy days, the intensity of the sun’s rays should not be underestimated, especially around noon. On clear and partly cloudy days in particular, the UV index ranges from 6 to 7. If you plan to take a boat tour to see the Leshan Giant Buddha, be sure to apply sunscreen as there is no shade on the deck.
 Yes, September is one of the best months to visit Leshan. 

On the one hand, September is no longer sweltering hot as in the midsummer. Although it’s still a bit hot in early September, the temperatures are already much more comfortable. Rainfall has also decreased significantly; even though brief downpours are common, they have little impact on outing plans. 

On the other hand, September is a shoulder travel season. School summer holiday ends, so there is a significant decrease in tourist numbers. Visitors can enjoy a relatively quiet and budget-friendly trip in Leshan, except during Mid-autumn Festival holiday, which often falls in September. 
  Upper Clothes: As Leshan’s climate in early September is a bit hot, we recommend light summer clothing, like breathable T-shirts. But remember to add a light jacket to deal with cool moments in the early morning. By the end of the month, you might need to refer to this outfit: a long-sleeved shirt paired with a thin hoodie or a light jacket. If you intend to reach the summit of Mount Emei, a 3-in-1 windbreaker with a down liner is highly recommended. Considering the variable weather on the mountain, choose waterproof and windproof one. 

 Bottom Clothes: For relaxed city tours, visitors can wear shorts, skirts, dresses or light pants. If you want to visit mountainous areas, it’s best to wear waterproof hiking pants. 

 Footwear: Comfortable sneakers are perfect for various travel activities. If you’re to go hiking, wear non-slip hiking boots, as some sections can be very steep, and the trails can be slippery when it rains.

 Accessories: 
1. Considering the frequent downpours, it’s essential to take rain gear with you. 
2. Don’t forget to pack sunscreen, sunglasses and a sun hat. 
3. Mosquitoes are prevalent in the mountainous area, so it’s best to keep mosquito repellent on hand. 
 As mentioned before, September is a good time to visit Leshan. However, to ensure a more comfortable and seamless travel experience, please refer to the following travel tips:
1. Although September is an off-peak season, the Mid-Autumn Festival, which falls from the 25th to the 27th of September 2026, is excluded. This holiday will provide a brief boost to the tourism industry, leading to a surge in visitor numbers in Leshan and causing hotel and airfare prices to rise. Therefore, try to avoid traveling during this period. If you cannot, you are advised to book accommodation and flights at least two weeks earlier. 
2. If you want to take a boat to watch the Leshan Giant Buddha, it’s best to go to Wuyou Temple Pier. Service at Jiazhoudu Pier has been suspended due to low water levels since 10 November 2025.
3. The weather on Mount Emei is unpredictable; sometimes it rains heavily during the hike, but by the time you reach the summit, the sky is clear and sunny. Be prepared for this.