Sichuan Climate

Generally, with location in the transitional zone between Qinghai-Tibet Plateau and the eastern plains, Sichuan Province has tremendous climatic difference resulting from the different regions and vertical changes. In the eastern basin, it is characterized by warm winter, early spring, hot summer, and rainy autumn. It has much cloud and fog, while little sunshine and a long growing season. while the western part is characterized by coldness, long winters, almost no summer, sufficient sunshine, concentrated rainfall and distinct dry and rainy seasons.

Climate of Sichuan

Subtropical Humid Climate Zone in Sichuan Basin

Mainly in Sichuan basin and surrounding mountains. Warm and humid all year, annual average temperature 16 ~ 18℃, the accumulated temperature of 4000 ~ 6000 ℃, daily range is small while annual range is large, warm winter and hot summer, frost-free period of 230 ~ 340 days. There are many clouds in the basin and less in the sunny days. Abundant rainfall, annual precipitation of 1000 ~ 1200 mm.

Subtropical and Semi-humid Climate Zone in the South of Sichuan

Daily range is large while annual range is small, cold morning and warm afternoon, no obvious seasons, but with distinctive dry and wet seasons. The precipitation is relatively low. Less cloud, more sunny days, and longer sunshine, more than 2,000 to 2,600 hours of sunshine. The river valley area is influenced by the foehn wind to form the typical dry hot valley climate, and the mountainous area forms a remarkable stereo climate.

Alpine Climate Zone in Northwest Sichuan

The elevation difference of the area is large, and the climate change is obvious. From the valley to the ridge, the subtropical zone, warm temperate zone, temperate zone, cold temperate zone, subfrigid zone, cold belt and permafrost are presented. Cold temperate zone is given priority as a whole, dry and warm valley, cold and wet mountains, cold winter and cool summer, annual average temperature of 4 ~ 12 ℃, annual rainfall of 500 ~ 900 mm. Clear weather and abundant sunshine, with annual sunshine of 1600 ~ 2600 hours.

Four Seasons in Sichuan

Spring

The temperature of spring in Sichuan Basin rises early, at the end of February and the beginning of March, while spring in Western Sichuan is in the middle of March or at the end of March. Spring is the beginning of new life for plants, and different flowers blossom accordingly. Spring is a good time for outing. 

Summer

The summer in Sichuan Basin is very hot. When you travel to Sichuan, if you want to stay away from the heat and find a cool place, Qingcheng Mountain and Shunan Bamboo Forest are cool places. 

Autumn

When September comes, Sichuan's world is gradually turning into a golden world with yellow and red leaves. It's a great time to enjoy the cool weather. At this time, Jiuzhaigou, Huanglong, and Yading Scenic Area in Daocheng are all places worth visiting.

Winter

It doesn't snow very often in most parts of Sichuan. If you want to see the snow-covered world, you can go to Xiling Snow Mountain, where you can go skiing. Or you can visit Mount Emei to view the silver world. 

Best Time to Visit

Sichuan is a relatively large province with very large differences in climate and different scenery in each season. Therefore, the best time to travel in Sichuan often depend on the destinations you want to go.

Generally from April to May, and September to October that is tend to be the time with the beautiful scenery in Sichuan, especially in the fall season, it is often the most beautiful time throughout the year.

Dressing Tips for Sichuan Travel

• Dress normally in spring and autumn. Due to great temperature difference between morning and night, it is better to wear a thin sweater and windbreaker to avoid catching cold.
• The summer days has strong ultraviolet rays. Visitors who spend a long time outdoors should wear suncaps and use anti-frost to protect their skin.
• Sometimes it is below zero in winter but with few snow. Thick clothing and thick socks are necessary for it is wet and cold, especially in rainy days.
• The plateau area of Northwest Sichuan is a high altitude area. Please don't do strenuous exercises, walk fast or run. Visitors are advised to bring rain gear and commonly used medicines.