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Best time to visit Chengdu: month by month
Short answer
March to June and September to November are the most comfortable, with highs of about 17–27°C. Summer is hot and humid (about 30–31°C) with frequent rain, and winter is damp and grey at 10–13°C, although pandas are often more active in cool weather. Avoid the national holidays, when every sight is packed.
Month by month
| Month | High | Low | Rainy days | Crowds |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 10°C | 2°C | 6 | medium |
| Feb | 13°C | 5°C | 10 | high |
| Mar | 19°C | 10°C | 12 | medium |
| Apr | 22°C | 13°C | 15 | medium |
| May | 26°C | 17°C | 15 | high |
| Jun | 30°C | 21°C | 12 | medium |
| Jul | 31°C | 23°C | 16 | high |
| Aug | 31°C | 23°C | 15 | high |
| Sep | 27°C | 20°C | 16 | medium |
| Oct | 21°C | 15°C | 17 | very high |
| Nov | 17°C | 9°C | 8 | medium |
| Dec | 11°C | 3°C | 4 | low |
Temperatures and rainy days: Copernicus ERA5 averages, 2021–2023. Crowd levels are our estimate.
Season by season
Spring (Mar–May)
Highs rise from about 19°C in March to 26°C in May, with 12–15 rainy days a month; pleasant for walking and day trips.
Summer (Jun–Aug)
Hot and humid, with highs of 30–31°C, lows of 21–23°C and 12–16 rainy days; summer school holidays bring crowds to the Panda Base.
Autumn (Sep–Nov)
Highs fall from about 27°C in September to 17°C in November; September and October are the rainiest days but mild, and November is dry and pleasant.
Winter (Dec–Feb)
Cool and grey, with highs of 10–13°C and lows of 2–5°C, but few rainy days; quiet sights and active pandas.
Events worth planning around
- Spring Festival (Chinese New Year) — January or February, dates vary
- Labour Day holiday — 1–5 May
- National Day Golden Week — 1–7 October
When to avoid
Avoid the Spring Festival and the 1–7 October Golden Week, when sights such as Leshan and the Panda Base are packed and hotel prices rise. July and August are hot, humid and busy with school holidays.
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Common questions
When is the best time to visit Chengdu?
March to May and September to November, with highs of about 17–27°C.
When are the pandas most active?
In the first two hours after opening, and on cooler days. Pandas are often livelier in winter than in summer.
Should I avoid Golden Week in Chengdu?
Yes. From 1 to 7 October, sights are extremely crowded and prices rise.