Sichuan Weather in January

Season: Winter

What is the weather like in Sichuan in January?  

1. The weather of Sichuan in January is the coldest of the year, making warm clothing essential, except the southwestern area, where is like in early spring. 

2. Sichuan experiences the driest air of the year in January, so don’t forget to stay hydrated and pack lip balm. Chengdu Plain is an exception, where is very humid throughout most time of the year. 

3. January is usually considered the low travel season in Sichuan, meaning fewer tourists and lower travel costs. But if Chinese New Year holiday falls in, the situation is quite different. 

Wuhou Temple

Within Sichuan, northwest area is the coldest. Take Daocheng as an example: the lowest temperature significantly drops to around -17 - -13°C (1-9°F), while the highest temperature solely remains between 8 and 17°C (46-63°F). Jiuzhaigou Valley National Park is exceptionally cold in January, where the low temperature always remains below freezing. It is so cold that waterfalls would freeze over, which creates a breathtaking icy landscape. 

Frozen Waterfall in Jiuzhaigou

Chengdu: 8 mm over 7 days 

Jiuzhaigou: 4 mm over 5 days

Daocheng: 12 mm over 4 days

Panzhihua: 21 mm over 6 days
 

Overall, Sichuan witnesses the least precipitation of the year in January. You are likely to experience occasional snowfall in the Sichuan Basin and the northwestern plateau area, and hardly see any rainfall in the southwestern valleys. 

Low-water Season for Lakes in Jiuzhaigou

Chengdu: 78 %

Jiuzhaigou: 55 %

Daocheng: 53 %

Panzhihua: 51 % 
 

Chengdu, situated in the Sichuan Basin, experiences plenty of overcast days, so the humidity level is a bit high. However, the western part of Sichuan undergoes a quite dry climate, with an average humidity level of around only 50 %. Given the low humidity level, it’s a smart move to pack lip balm and hand cream to add comfort. 
 

In January, Sichuan witnesses shortening daylight hours, less than 11 hours, which makes a wise travel plan essential. You are highly recommended to prioritize key attractions early, as some of them would shorten the opening hours in winter. For example, the close time of Dujiangyan Irrigation System is advanced half an hour earlier to 17:30. 
 

In terms of sunshine hours in January, the western area enjoys much more generous sunshine hours - about 9 hours per day. Besides, high altitudes and thin air make ultraviolet rays very intense, so sun protection is extremely important. In contrast, Chengdu, due to the endless overcast days, only experiences very short sunlight periods: less than 2 hours per day on average. 

Top Clothing: Thermal underwear, a thick hoodie, and a fleece-lined jacket or a down coat are usually warm enough for your daily visit. If you plan to explore natural scenic spots in the western area, ensure the out coat is windproof. 
 

Bottom Clothing: It’s advisable to wear long johns paired with thick jeans or hiking pants. 
 

Footwear: Non-slip hiking boots or sneakers are your best choices, especially in the mountain area, where the road surface may freeze on snowy days. 
 

Accessories: 

Prepare scarves, gloves, and warm hats for extra warmth. 

Pack sun protective items: sunglasses, sunscreen and a sun hat if you plan to visit the northwestern plateau. 

It’s a good idea to take supplemental oxygen and altitude sickness meditation before entering mountainous areas, especially in the northwest of Sichuan. 
 

1. In most cases, January is the off-peak season in Sichuan, so you can have a calmer and more budget-friendly travel experience. But if Chinese New Year falls in this month, expect an increase in tourists and travel cost. 

2. Even in off season, many popular attractions require early booking, including the Chengdu Giant Panda Base, Sanxingdui Museum and Dujiangyan Irrigation System. 

3. Considering the cold climate, you are highly advised to arrange indoor attractions in the early morning, such as Sanxingdui Museum and Jinsha Site Museum, and outdoor sites around noon. 

4. Despite the relatively short daylight hours, you’ll never feel bored at night in Chengdu. Why not taste the local hot pot, the best match for winter climate? Besides, Chengdu’s bar culture is well-established, so it’s a good idea to sip drinks and enjoy local folk music. Last but not least, enjoy the mysterious face changing opera. 

5. If you plan to soak in the outdoor hot springs, make sure to pack a thick bathrobe to keep warm, as you might feel pretty cold getting out from the water. 

6. Make sure to monitor the weather forecast frequently if you are planning a trip to the western areas, because the snowstorm might happen and disrupt your visit.