Sichuan Weather

Sichuan is located in the subtropical zone. Due to the different topographies in the west and east Sichuan Province, Sichuan weather also differs a lot. The east basin where its capital Chengdu is located, has subtropical monsoon climate. The weather is generally warm, humid and foggy with much cloud, fog and rain but less sunshine. Most rain gathers from July to September. While in the west plateau, the weather is relatively cool or cold. The climate is featured by a long cold winter, a very short summer and rich sunshine but less rainfall.
 

The best travel time to Sichuan is March to May in spring, when the weather is sunny with little rain and neither too hot nor cold, convenient for traveling. September to October in autumn is also great for traveling around due to the pleasant climate and colorful autumn scenery.
 

 

Sichuan Climate - Seasons & Travel Advice

In spring, the weather is sunny with no much rain, comfortable for traveling. You can visit Chengdu, to see the cute pandas in Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, learn Chinese history in Sanxingdui Museum and Wuhou Temple; Leshan to appreciate Giant Buddha; Lugu Lake to enjoy the colorful wild flowers dotted around; or Shunan Bamboo Sea to see new greens and taste the delicacies made of fresh bamboo shoots.

What to Wear: shirt & blouse, thin sweater, trench coat, leather coat, jeans, sneakers…
 

The Sichuan weather in summer is hot and humid. To get a refuge from heat, Mount Emei, Mount Qingcheng, and Ruoergai Grassland are top places to go. You can play with water and visit the Buddhism temples on Mount Emei and Mount Qingcheng while getting shade from lush trees. The vast Ruoergai Grassland is dotted with beautiful wild flowers in summer and the Flower Lake is the best site to appreciate them. .

What to Wear: T-shirt, dress, shorts, thin overcoat, light pants, sandals, sun hat, sunglasses…
 

September to October is the ideal time to visit Sichuan. The west of the province has the best scenery in autumn, especially in Yading Nature Reserve and Jiuzhaigou Valley, which turn into “fairy worlds” of colorful leaves. In Yading of Daocheng, the “last pure land on earth”, you can embrace snow mountains, valleys, forests, grasslands, lakes and breathe pure fresh air as well. Jiuzhaigou in autumn has the most abundant colors with red, yellow and green trees reflected in the water, forming a breathtaking picture.

What to Wear: hoodies, trench coat, basketball jacket, jeans, casual shoes…
 

Winter in east Sichuan is not so cold but in the high west, the weather is cold. It is a good time to dip in the hot springs of Trumpet Shell Valley to warm up; to feast yourselves with hot pot and other spicy Sichuan cuisine; or go skiing on Taiziling Ski Resort or Xiling Snow Mountain. Also, you can go to Langzhong Ancient City around Chinese New Year usually in late January to middle February to feel the festival atmosphere and learn interesting folk customs.  

What to Wear: sweater, windbreaker, downcoat, winter pants, boots…