Chengdu Weather

Located in the subtropical monsoon climate zone, Chengdu has four clear-cut seasons - short and warm spring, long and sultry summer, cool autumn, and cold but not chilly winter. Other distinctive characteristics of Chengdu weather are high humidity and short sunlight duration. Rich rainfall mainly occurs in June to September.
The temperature in Chengdu fluctuates obviously throughout the year, with a high value of 30 - 35 degrees Celsius (86 - 95 degrees Fahrenheit) and a low value of 1 - 5℃ (33.8 - 41℉). There is no severe cold weather, but scorching days do appear.

 What is the hottest month in Chengdu?
With an average high temperature of 28 - 30℃ (82.4 - 86℉), July and August are the hottest months in Chengdu, particularly the middle 10 days of this period. According to historical data, a total of 15 days see temperatures above 35℃ (95℉) in the two months on average, and the figure shows an increasing trend in the recent 5 years with global warming, which reached 23 days in the past 2025. Although it is not very high statistically, people always feel muggy due to humid air. 

 What is the coldest month in Chengdu?
January is the coldest time of a year in Chengdu, but it’s not frigid on the whole. The average temperature lies in 3 - 9℃ (37 - 48℉), and the low value hardly drops below 0℃ (32℉). Under the influence of high humidity and rare sunny days, the actual feeling is often colder with a lower perceived temperature than the forecast says.
 Chengdu has a high annual precipitation of about 1,000 mm (39.4 in). June to September is the rainy season, seeing half of the annual rainfall. Frequent night rain is a unique climatic phenomenon here. It seldom snows in Chengdu urban area. In a few years, sleet comes to visit. High altitude mountainous areas around, such as Mount Qingcheng and Xiling Snow Mountain, often have snow in winter. ‌
 Cloudy or overcast days account for the most in Chengdu, about 200 days in total each year, making sunshine a rare thing in this city. It receives about 1,000 hours of sunlight in a year on average. From November to January, it’s bathed in the sun for only 2 hours a day averagely. Once encountering a sunny day, you find local people flock to the park to enjoy the rare moment of “photosynthesis”.
 Due to high rainfall and short sunshine duration, the climate of Chengdu is humid all year round. The humidity always remains above 70%, and in the rainy season, it can even reach over 80%. 
 Chengdu weather is often foggy in the early morning after rain in late autumn to winter, that is, November to February, averaging around 5 - 7 days per month. Usually, the fog gradually dissipates when the temperature increases. Haze is also possible, particularly in January to February.
 The best times to pay a visit to Chengdu are March to May and September to November, when the weather is pleasant overall: moderate temperature and humidity as well as a few rainy days serve as the ideal conditions for going out to appreciate charming natural scenes, including various blooming flowers and colorful autumn leaves, or have an in-depth cultural tour.
 Similarly, March to May and October to November are good times to visit pandas in Chengdu. The main reason lies in that pandas stay outside for a long time during this period as they love coolness rather than heat and coldness. The Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding is the best place to see pandas in Chengdu. Visiting in October or November, you also have the chance to see lovely baby pandas who have just started crawling. Besides, there are not a lot of tourists, offering opportunities to view them up close. 

 Average temperature: 8 - 26℃ (46 - 79℉)
Total rainfall: 143 mm (5.6 in) from 39 days

The weather warms up in spring, but it often sees a temperature fluctuation due to cold air waves at the beginning and doesn’t get steady until April. A big temperature difference also lies between day and night, exceeding 10℃ (18℉) always. Light rains sometimes occur.
 Wearing layers is the best choice. You can wear a knitwear or hoodie for the daytime sightseeing, and add a trench coat after sunset. For the bottom, jeans or sweatpants can be chosen; comfortable sneakers or casual shoes are suitable for long-term outdoor activities. 
 1. Other than must-go destinations, you can appreciate blooming plum blossoms at Wangjiang Pavilion Park and Thatched Cottage of Du Fu, Malus spectabilis, cherry blossoms, peonies, and roses at Botanical Garden, azalea blossoms on Mount Qingcheng, and peach blossoms on Mount Longquan.

2. People allergic to pollens are advised to wear a mask during the whole outdoor trip and pack some anti-allergy medicine in case of need. Besides, don’t stay a long time at scenic spots with flowers.

3. Be careful not to slip when visiting mountainous spots such as Dujiangyan Irrigation System and Mount Qingcheng in the morning when there is a lot of dew on the stairs.
 Average temperature: 21 - 30℃ (70 - 86℉)
Total rainfall: 533 mm (21 in) from 49 days

In Chengdu, the weather gets hot quickly and lasts for over 3 months, actually. The high temperature is about 28 - 34℃ (82 - 93℉) according to recorded data, and extremely high values of above 35℃ (95℉) appear nearly half of the season, particularly in the latter two months. It’s also the rainy season, more than half of which sees some rain, with thunderstorm as the main type. As a result, the humidity reaches its highest point, which strengthens the hot feeling: people often feel like they are in a steamer. 
 Breathable T-shirt, shorts or skirt, and summer dress are proper. If you plan to go to the mountainous areas, bring a thin coat. The UV index is the highest of the year, so sunglasses, sun-protective jacket, and a sunhat are also necessary. Besides, bring a portable raincoat to deal with sudden rain. Sandals and light casual shoes work well for city sightseeing and outdoor hikes, respectively.
 Set off early for Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, because pandas are more active in the relatively cool morning. At hot noon, go back to your hotel for a break or go to indoor spots like Sanxingdui Museum and Chengdu Museum. 

After dusk when the weather gets not that hot, it’s a good choice to enjoy the unique summer nightlife of Chengdu at Jinli Street, Wide and Narrow Alley, Chunxi Road, or Jiuyanqiao Bar Street. You can taste a cup of tea and watch a spectacular face-changing performance of Sichuan opera. At Yulin Night Market, all kinds of authentic snacks are available. 
 Average temperature: 10 - 26℃ (50 - 79℉)
Total rainfall: 170 mm (6.7 in) from 37 days

Entering autumn, it gets cool gradually with an enlarging day-night temperature difference. The average high temperature in September remains 23 - 29℃ (73 - 84℉) and drops by 10℃ (18℉) in November. It still rains a lot at first, but sees a decrease over time. Drizzles are common, which usually take place at night without much influence on outdoor activities during the daytime.
 Short shirts and a thin coat can be a good match in early autumn. If you go there in later times, prepare a blouse or long-sleeve shirt, with a windbreaker or leather jacket as the outer layer, which is needed for outdoor hiking on mountains. For the bottom, jeans will be OK. You can choose from casual shoes or light sneakers according to your preference.
 1. At Thatched Cottage of Du Fu and Qingyang Palace, you can see colorful leaves and ancient buildings in the same picture. Mount Qingcheng and Dujiangyan Irrigation System are also wonderful spots to enjoy autumn scenery. 

2. If you visit Chengdu during National Day holiday in 2026, the peak season, book tickets for flights, trains, hotels, and attractions early, as it is a popular destination.
 Average temperature: 3 - 11℃ (37 - 52℉)
Total precipitation: 25 mm (1 in) from 21 days

The temperature drops to the single digits in winter, with a low value of around 1 - 8℃ (34 - 46℉), which feels cold. It only rains a little, and snowfall or frost hardly appears. However, air humidity remains a high level, at least 75%, which leads to dank weather and much lower perceived temperature. There are only about 7 - 8 sunny days per month; on other days, the sky at noon looks the same as that before sunrise, both of which are gloomy. Fog visits frequently in this season.
 A sweater or thick hoodie with fleece jeans is advised. For the outer layer, put on a padded jacket or downcoat. If you plan to stay outdoors for a long time, add a bottoming shirt and long johns below. For those afraid of coldness, hats and scarves are useful. Long boots or sneakers with thick socks can help to keep warm. 
 1. You do not need to spend a lot of time queueing up to enter popular Wenshu Monastery, Sanxingdui Museum, Wuhou Temple, etc., and can visit these spots at your own pace, because it doesn’t belong to the high travel season.

2. It’s a good option to taste Chengdu hot pot in cold weather. 

3. If you cannot stand the cold, heat your room with air conditioning when going back to your hotel, if it’s not equipped with a heating system.

4. When visiting Mount Qingcheng and Dujiangyan Irrigation System, it’s advisable to experience nearby hot springs, which can both dispel cold and relax your body.
 
 See also: Sichuan Weather, Jiuzhaigou Weather