Sichuan Weather in February

Key Points: 

1. Overall, Sichuan has a cold weather in February, but the southwestern region stays warm. 

2. Due to a large number of cloudy days, the Sichuan Basin appears quite humid while other regions are dry. 

3. Mid-February coincides with the Chinese New Year in 2026, so expect travel rush and soaring travel costs. 
 

The northwestern region and the eastern Sichuan Basin experience a cold climate in February, but the former is obviously much colder than the latter because of high altitudes: 
In Jiuzhaigou, a well-known tourist destination in the northwest, the extreme low temperature can drop to around -6 degrees Celsius (21 degrees Fahrenheit). However, thanks to its low precipitation and abundant sunshine hours, the mid-day temperature is not miserable, with the highest temperature reaching about 15°C (59°F), which means you can still have a relaxed hike wearing proper clothes. 
 

In Chengdu in Sichuan Basin, the highs range from 10 to 15°C (50-59°F) and the lows from 0 to 5°C (32-41°F) in most days. The perceived temperature is lower because of high humidity, which is caused by frequent cloudy days. The record highest temperature over the last five years once reached up to 26°C (79°F). 
 

Southwestern valleys have a warm climate in February. Plenty of sunlight hours make you feel warm and comfortable for outdoor activities, and the mid-day highest temperature comes to nearly 30°C (86°F). However, when the night falls, the temperature would drop to around 7-10 °C (45-50°F). 

See more about:

Chengdu: 12 mm over 9 days 

Jiuzhaigou: 7 mm over 6 days 

Daocheng: 11 mm over 3 days 

Panzhihua: 15 mm over 2 days 
 

Overall, Sichuan experiences pretty dry weather in February. The precipitation is limited, which can be considered an advantage for outdoor exploration. However, you are supposed to know that snowstorms might happen in the northwestern highlands this month, and some attractions may be closed due to transportation interruptions. Thus, it’s best to check the weather forecast at least a week earlier if you plan to explore such places: Mount Siguniangshan, Jiuzhaigou, and Daocheng. The humidity level in this area is only around 55 %, meaning stay hydrated is vital. 
 

Sichuan Basin experiences many overcast and foggy days in February, even though there’s hardly rainfall. Therefore, the outdoor scenery without ample sunshine might not be as wonderful as you imagine. And the average humidity level reaches up to 71 %. 
 

Southwestern valleys enter their dry season in February, and their humidity level remains only 38 %. 

Guanxian Ancient City

Sunrise Time: 6:43-6:55

Sunset Time: 17:35-17:49
 

Daylight hours in February are less than 12 hours. But don’t be disappointed. If you intend to catch a sunrise at Mount Emei or Mount Qingcheng, you don’t have to wake up so early. And even though the dark night falls a bit early, the city center in Chengdu offers lively night activities, including light shows and busy night markets. 
 

In terms of sunshine hours, the western area enjoys a quite long time, and the UV rays cannot be estimated. Eastern Sichuan is quite the opposite: the average daily sunshine hours are only 2 hours. 

Upper Clothing: In southwestern valleys, a hoodie paired with a trench coat or a woolen coat is usually enough for a daytime visit. As for other areas in Sichuan, it’s necessary to wear a down coat or a 3-in-1 windbreaker. 

Down Clothing: Thermal underwear and jeans or hiking pants go very well together, and they are suitable for various activities. Thermal leggings coupled with dresses are preferred by fashionable girls. 

Footwear: It’s a good idea to wear a pair of comfortable sneakers. Girls can also wear boots to look stylish. If you plan to explore the highland areas, be sure to wear non-slip hiking boots to stay safe and warm, especially on possible icy roads. 

Accessories: 

Scarves, gloves and a knitted hat are necessary items to add comfort. 

Lip balm and moisturizing cream are helpful for the dry climate in Sichuan. 

Intense UV rays at high altitudes need you to prepare sunscreen, sunglasses and a sun hat. 
 

Since the daylight time is a bit short, you need to arrange your trip wisely. It is highly recommended to visit attractions clustered together at once to make the most of daytime hours: like Wuhou Temple and Jinli Street together, and Jinsha Site Museum and Thatched Cottage of Du Fu together in Chengdu. If you want to explore surrounding spots in suburb, such as Chengdu Giant Panda Base, you’d better spare enough time, because they call for considerable travel time. 

1. Chinese New Year, the most important festival in China, falls on the 17th of February 2026, when there’s a huge influx of travelers. Therefore, it’s quite difficult to book transportation tickets and hotel rooms, meaning planning at least two weeks in advance is extremely important. 

2. Considering the variable climate in Sichuan, you are advised to monitor the weather forecast regularly. 

3. Most places in Sichuan have a significant temperature difference between day and night, so flexible layering helps a lot during your whole day outing.