Sichuan Weather & Best Time to Visit

Sichuan Province is located in the transition zone from the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau to the eastern plain, with complex and diverse climate types. The general Sichuan weather is characterized by the distinct monsoon climate and significant regional climate differences.

The eastern region enjoys four distinct seasons, and the western region can be divided into the dry season and the rainy season. In addition, there are many kinds of meteorological disasters in Sichuan Province, with high frequency and large impact range, mainly including extreme weather conditions such as drought, rainstorm, flood, etc.

Different climates can directly affect your Sichuan travel plans. Spring and autumn are popular tourist seasons due to their pleasant climate and gorgeous scenery. However, visiting Sichuan in summer or winter will also bring you unique travel memories and experiences.

Climate Zones in Sichuan

According to the differences in geographical environment and light condition, Sichuan weather is divided into three major climatic zones:

Subtropical humid climate zone: Sichuan Basin has a warm and humid climate with an average annual temperature of 16-18℃. The daily temperature difference is small, warm in winter and hot in summer. This area has more cloudy weather and less sunny days, and the sunshine time is shorter throughout the year. More than 50% of the annual rainfall is concentrated in summer, and it often rains at night.

Subtropical subhumid climate zone: The annual temperature in the southwestern mountains of Sichuan is high, with an average annual temperature of 12-20℃. The area has more sunny days and long sunshine hours. Dry and wet seasons are distinct, and seven months of the year are dry seasons. The annual precipitation is relatively small throughout the year, with 90% of the rain falling between May and October.

Alpine climate zone: There is a large elevation difference in southwest Sichuan mountains, and the climate difference from valley to ridge is obvious. These plateau areas are generally dominated by cold temperate climate, cold in winter and cool in summer, with an average annual temperature of 4-12℃. There are more sunny days and plenty of sunshine throughout the year.

Sichuan Temperature by Month

Sichuan Weather in Different Seasons

Spring (March to May)

Travel Guide

Spring‌ is one of the best times to visit Sichuan, when Sichuan weather is mild with the revivification of nature. In this time, you can enjoy various blooming flowers, such as pear flowers in Qingcheng Mountain and Dujiangyan of Chengdu, and cherry blossoms near Leshan Giant Buddha. In addition, there are some ethnic festivals, such as the Tibetan New Year, Liangshan Yi ethnicity Torch Festival, etc., providing tourists with opportunities for different cultural experiences.

The temperature in spring is pleasant and suitable for outdoor activities. You can go hiking in the Jiuzhaigou Valley and take pictures of the stunning Haizi scenery. Besides, Spring is the breeding season for giant pandas, and they generally become more active. Therefore, you can get a better experience of watching lively giant pandas, such as seeing them rolling around outside, roughhousing, having meals and so on. Bifengxia Panda Base and Dujiangyan Panda Center are both popular spots to see giant pandas.

Dress Advice

The temperature difference between morning and night is large, so you’d better bring some warm clothes. UV rays are intense in spring, so sunscreen is also necessary. Last but not least, if you are allergic to pollen, please take medications.

Summer (June to August)

Travel Guide

Sichuan is a great summer resort. You can go to the west Sichuan Plateau, Hialuogou National Park, Huanglong scenic area and other places to experience the cool climate and the magnificent scenery of the plateau. There are also a number of food festivals held in the summer, such as Chengdu Hot Pot Festival, Leshan Food Festival.

In addition, Mount Emei, located in Leshan City, is one of the four famous Buddhist mountains in China. The average temperature here is about 20℃ in summer, with the fresh air, making it a great place to escape the heat and admire the natural landscape.

Dress Advice

It is recommended that you wear breathable clothes, such as cotton, linen and other natural fiber materials. These clothes can effectively absorb moisture and sweat. Sun hats and sunglasses are also essential items, since they could protect you from direct sunlight and sunburn.

Autumn (September to November)

Travel Guide

Autumn ‌is another peak tourist season to travel around Sichuan. At this time, the climate is cool and comfortable, with the colorful and splendid natural landscapes. In Daocheng Yading, you will see a pastoral picture of golden meadows, green lakes and snow-capped mountains. The enchanting Siguniang Mountain, which is listed as a World Natural Heritage site, is covered with endless red leaf forests at this time. The hot springs, waterfalls, golden forests and snow scenery in Hailuogou National Park complement each other, to create a spectacular autumn picture.

Dress Advice

When traveling in Sichuan in autumn, you can adjust your clothing according to temperature changes. It is suggested to bring long sleeves, thin knitwear and trousers, etc. And it is convenient to wear a detachable outdoor jacket because it can be added or removed at any time.

Winter (December to February)

Travel Guide

Although it is cold in winter, you can still visit Emei Mountain, Hailuogou National Park, etc., to enjoy the charming snow views while soaking in hot springs. Chengdu Kuanzhai Alley is a good place to experience Sichuan culture. A large number of ancient buildings of Ming and Qing dynasties have been preserved well. Walking through them makes you feel like traveling back to that period. It is perfect for eating spicy Sichuan dishes in cold days, such as hot pot, skewered food and so on.

Dress Advice

You can bring thermal underwear, down jacket, sweater, hiking shoes or snow boots, etc., to keep you warm. Scarves, hats and gloves are also necessities to bring with you.

Recommended Sichuan Tours

• 3 Days Sichuan Hiking Tour from Leshan to Emei Mountain
• 3 Hour Hotpot Dinner and Sichuan Opera Show Night Tour
• 8 Days Jiuzhaigou Huanglong Tour with Leshan & Mt. Emei

You May Like:

Sichuan Transportation

Top Things to Do in Sichuan