The climate of Chengdu
Situated in the southwest of
China,
Chengdu falls under the Köppen climate classification of Cwa, describing a humid subtropical climate with a dry winter. Gaining a comprehensive understanding of the city's climate reveals that seasonal variations play a significant part in shaping Chengdu's overall atmospheric conditions.
An analysis of the meteorological pattern manifests that temperatures oscillate from a low of 2.8°C (37°F) in
January, escalating to a sweltering peak of 31°C (87.8°F) in
August. These fluctuations reflect typical subtropical elements where the city experiences warm-to-hot summers while encountering mild winters.
The precipitation pattern holds noteworthy characteristics. In contrast to the decrescent temperature curve from summer to winter, the rainfall volume transpires inversely. The monsoon influences primarily culminate in the mid-summer months, as marked by the whopping 218mm (8.58") of rain in August.
November and
December, with just 5mm (0.2") and 7mm (0.28"), respectively, are the driest months.
The best time to visit Chengdu
Considering the climatic conditions,
April through
June forms the most pleasant span to visit
Chengdu. During this period, the temperature averages between 18.8°C (65.8°F) to 29.8°C (85.6°F). Aligned with the moderate heat, these months also bask in the ample sunshine, with daylight extending up to 13.7 hours in June. Simultaneously, the relative humidity figures hover around the 60% mark, presenting moderately dry conditions.
The worst time to visit Chengdu
By contrast, the least favorable time to visit
Chengdu roughly spans mid-summer to early autumn, specifically from
July to
September. In this interval, the precipitation level surges exponentially, registering a striking 151mm (5.94") in July that further expands to an enormous 218mm (8.58") in
August. Consequently, the frequency of rainy days also spikes, with August witnessing rainfall for nearly 22.5 days on average coupled with a heightened relative humidity exceeding 70%, highlighting a markedly wet and humid phase.
Spring weather in Chengdu
Spring, extending from
March to
May, greets
Chengdu with escalating temperatures - starting from 18.8°C (65.8°F) in March and reaching 27.8°C (82°F) by May. Parallelly, the city begins to receive a gradually increasing volume of rainfall, soaring from 10mm (0.39") in March to 45mm (1.77") in May. Daylight hours too increase proportionally, offering a comfortable 12.9 hours of sunshine by May.
Summer weather in Chengdu
Chengdu's summer takes hold from
June onwards, with maximum temperatures shooting up to 30.6°C (87.1°F) in
July. The city confronts its heaviest rainfall during this season, a force of monsoons driving the precipitation level from 44mm (1.73") in June to an overwhelming 218mm (8.58") in
August. Despite the rainfall, the city enjoys robust daylight, 14.1 hours in June, the longest for any month.
Autumn weather in Chengdu
Autumn, lasting from
September to
November, witnesses a swift drop in temperature from 25.8°C (78.4°F) to 16.2°C (61.2°F) as well as a sharp reduction in rainfall from 66mm (2.6") to 12mm (0.47"). Amid the season, daylight slightly decreases, resulting in approximately 10.6 hours of sunshine during November. The conditions typically present a cooler and drier atmosphere.
Winter weather in Chengdu
Chengdu’s winter welcomes both a dip in temperature and a substantial drop in precipitation levels. From
December to
February, the temperatures range from 11.4°C (52.5°F) to 2.8°C (37°F), while rain levels dwindle, falling as low as 5mm (0.2") in December and
January along with snowfall registered at minimal levels, 8mm (0.31") and 2mm (0.08") in December and January respectively. Despite its subtropical classification, Chengdu's wintertimes bear a striking resemblance to temperate climates.
Weather in January
Chengdu starts the year on a cooler note, with an average high of 10.2°C (50.4°F) and a low of 2.8°C (37°F). The chill in the air is coupled with moderate relative humidity and the bite of the wind at 6.7km/h (4.2mph).
January also brings occasional snowfall, with an average of 8mm (0.31") in total.
Weather in January » Weather in February
As
Chengdu transitions into
February, the rise in temperatures hints at the upcoming Spring. A minor increase in the average highest temperature to 13.1°C (55.6°F) and the lowest to 4.5°C (40.1°F) results in more pleasant afternoons.
Weather in February »Weather in March
With the arrival of
March,
Chengdu moves closer to Spring. A significant increase in the city's average high temperature to 18.8°C (65.8°F) and the low to 9.7°C (49.5°F) marks a distinct shift from the wintry weather. Precipitations patterns reveal a doubling of rainfall to 10mm (0.39"), which is a sign of the oncoming pre-monsoon period.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
April in
Chengdu signifies the peak of Spring. Average temperatures further rise to a comfortable high of 24.1°C (75.4°F) and a mild low of 14.8°C (58.6°F). On the flip side, there's a notable upsurge in precipitation figures as April sees 26mm (1.02") of rainfall, ushering in the pre-monsoon showers in full swing.
Weather in April » Weather in May
Chengdu witnesses the onset of summer in
May. With temperatures soaring up to an average high of 27.8°C (82°F) and a low of 18.9°C (66°F), the city truly begins to heat up. This month experiences a dramatic jump in precipitation levels, recording 45mm (1.77") of rainfall.
Weather in May » Weather in June
June further escalates the summer heat in
Chengdu, reaching an average high of 29.8°C (85.6°F) and a low of 21.5°C (70.7°F). Even as the temperatures continue to rise, so does the rainfall, albeit at a steady rate compared to the past month.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
As
July rolls in,
Chengdu reaches its peak summer with an average high temperature touching 30.6°C (87.1°F) and the low at 22°C (71.6°F). The city also endures its highest rainfall of the year, marking a whopping 151mm (5.94").
Weather in July »Weather in August
August witnesses a slight increase in the highest average temperature in
Chengdu, moving up to 31°C (87.8°F), while the lowest stays steady at 22.5°C (72.5°F). However, the monsoon reaches its peak in August with an all-time high of 218mm (8.58") of rainfall.
Weather in August » Weather in September
With the arrival of
September,
Chengdu begins to bid farewell to the hot summer, marking a drop in the average high temperature to 25.8°C (78.4°F) and the low to 19.3°C (66.7°F). A significant reduction in precipitation levels to 66mm (2.6") signifies the end of the monsoon season.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October is a transition period for
Chengdu as it moves from the hot and wet summer to cooler months, witnessing a drop in the average high temperature to 21.8°C (71.2°F) and the low to 16.3°C (61.3°F). This month also experiences a further decrease in precipitation with rainfall measuring up to 33mm (1.3") on average.
Weather in October » Weather in November
November sees
Chengdu gearing up for the winter, as temperatures decline to an average high of 16.2°C (61.2°F) and a low of 10.6°C (51.1°F). Precipitation further declines to 12mm (0.47"), making this month one of the driest in the year.
Weather in November » Weather in December
December brings winter in full swing to
Chengdu, with an average high temperature of 11.4°C (52.5°F) and a low of 5.2°C (41.4°F). This month has the least rainfall of the year at a mere 7mm (0.28"), with the rare possibility of snowfall.
Weather in December »