Best Time to Visit Chengdu
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Peak Season: March to November
Considering the high occupancy rate from March to November, it would be advisable for tourists to book the hotel and plane ticket in advance. Though the travel expense is a little bit higher than that of the slack season, the more beautiful natural landscapes are worth every penny.
Slack Season: December to February
Less tourists choose to visit Chengdu in Dec. to Feb, for the low temperature and cloudy weather cannot let them enjoy outdoor attractions to the full. However, it will be a different case for those who prefer quietness and dislike crowds. Also, the fare for transportation, accommodation and dining is much cheaper in slack season, which meets the needs of budget travelers.
Times to Avoid Travel
Overseas tourists should avoid visiting Chengdu during Chinese holidays, especially the Chinese New Year in late January or February, and the National Day from October 1st to 7th. Other holidays worth noticing include the Qingming Festival in early April and the Dragon Boat Festival in June. Swarms of tourists and the higher-than-usual ticket fare may prevent you from heartily enjoying the places of interest.
See more about the National Holidays in China
Travel to Chengdu in Four Seasons
Spring: Mid-February to Mid-May
Generally, the weather of spring is warm and pleasant. But the day/night temperature difference is big and you’d better dress accordingly.
Average temperature: 9-16℃ (48-60℉)
Clothes: sweater, jacket, blouse, windbreaker
In February, tourists may visit the Wuhou Temple and the Jinli Street to feel the atmosphere of the Chinese New Year. During the daytime, one may taste Chengdu snacks and watch traditional acrobatic or opera performances. In the evening, the colorful lantern show lights up and adds more festival atmosphere. Besides, Chengdu Botanical Garden is an oxygen bar one cannot miss. Pink cherry blossoms and white pear blossoms tell everyone that spring is coming. Thanks to the neither chilly nor hot temperature, February to April is the Chengdu best time to visit cute pandas. At the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, tourists may have opportunities to feed milk to baby pandas, feed bamboo to larger ones, and take photos with them.
Summer: Mid-May to August
The summer of Chengdu is very sultry, and tourists need to be wary of downpour in July and August.
Average temperature: 20-29℃ (68-84℉)
Clothes: T-shirt, dress, short pants, skirt
Now, it is the best time to visit Chengdu’s summer resorts, and the most popular one is Jiuzhaigou. Though 280km (170mi) north of downtown, many tourists still want to feel its coolness of lakes and waterfalls. Another two options with shorter distance are the Mount Qingcheng and the Dujiangyan Scenic Area. Both provide tourists with natural shelters from summer heat, and people may go camping by the waterside at the latter. Find more water recreations at the Chengdu Happy Valley, or say hello to marine creatures at the Haichang Polar Ocean World. How could one miss indoor attractions with AC on in summer? At Sanxingdui Museum and Jinsha Museum, tourists could gain knowledge while having fun.
Autumn: September to October
Moderate weather and brisk wind make September and October the best months to visit Chengdu.
Average temperature: 17-24℃ (62-75℉)
Clothes: jacket, thin sweater, hoodies, thin knitwear
Autumn is a good season to visit Jiuzhaigou in a blaze of color. Then, you may visit other hisotical sites in pleasant weather. The first stop is the Thatched Cottage of Du Fu, where tourists can know more about the poems of the Tang Dynasty (618-907). If you are curious about ancient Chengdu in the Ming and Qing Dynasties (1368-1911), the old streets, temples and residences at the Huanglongxi Ancient Town will not let you down. Another famous historical site is the Wenshu Monastery, and more than 300 Buddhist statues inside are truly an eye-opener. In the evening, it is time to feel Chengdu’s modern vibe. Shopping malls at the Chunxi Road and night bars at the Wide and Narrow Alley are young people’s favorites.
Winter: November to Mid-February
Winter days of Chengdu are cloudy and chilly, and it barely rains.
Average temperature: 6-12℃ (43-54℉)
Clothes: overcoat, thick jacket, windbreaker, padded trousers
In winter, one should not miss the pure white landscape at the Xiling Snow Mountain. After feasting your eyes, you may try various activities such as skiing, snowmobiling and dog sledding. However, for those who cannot bear the chilly weather, Nov. to Feb. is the best time to visit Chengdu’s indoor attractions, and warm museums are certainly high priorities. At the Chengdu Museum and Sichuan Museum, tourists may comfortably visit all kinds of bronzeware, statue, calligraphy, and painting etc. At the end, why not top off your day tour by having tasty Hot Pot? Many well-known restaurants can be found around the Tianfu Square, downtown Chengdu.