When is the Best Time to Travel to Sichuan

Discover the best time to travel to Sichuan with our seasonal guide. The best seasons to visit Sichuan are Spring (March-May) with its splendid sea of flowers in full bloom, and Autumn (September-November) featuring golden rice fields and colorful forests. Each season offers unique landscapes and climate characteristics, allowing you to choose based on your preferences and plans.

Peak Season

• Spring (March to May)

During this period, Sichuan enjoys mild weather with blooming flowers, especially in lower altitudes, making it ideal for outdoor activities and sightseeing. Spring is when vegetation thrives across Sichuan, presenting lush green landscapes adorned with wildflowers and peach blossoms, which are particularly picturesque. In contrast, summer brings a rainy season to Sichuan, potentially affecting some areas and making the travel experience less comfortable compared to the pleasant conditions of spring.

• Autumn (September to November)

Autumn in Sichuan offers pleasant and refreshing weather, ideal for outdoor activities. During this season, temperatures are moderate, avoiding the sweltering heat of summer and the rainy spells of early autumn. Visitors can fully enjoy hiking, mountain climbing, and other outdoor pursuits, immersing themselves in the refreshing and comfortable embrace of nature. Moreover, Sichuan displays a vibrant palette in autumn, especially in its highlands and forests.  For instance, in Jiuzhaigou during autumn, lakes mirror the kaleidoscope of colorful leaves, creating breathtaking scenery. 

• Time to avoid Travel

During the Chinese New Year period (from the first day to the fifteenth day of the lunar calendar), which is the most important traditional festival for Chinese people and a nationwide long holiday, not only local attractions in Sichuan such as Jiuzhaigou and Emei Mountain will be extremely crowded, but also cities and transportation networks will face peak congestion due to many people choosing to travel or visit relatives. Labor Day on May 1st and National Day on October 1st are also statutory holidays in China and peak travel periods. Especially during the weekends and around these two holidays, popular attractions in Sichuan like Huanglong and Dujiangyan will experience a surge in visitors, which may lead to overcrowding and accommodation shortages. In addition, the summer vacation (July to August) and the Golden Week during the National Day holiday period should also be avoided. 

Travel to Sichuan in Four Seasons

Spring - March to May

Average Temperature：18℃-25℃

Recommended Attractions: 

Jiuzhaigou's lakes, waterfalls, and snow-capped mountains, as well as Daocheng Yading's glaciers, alpine meadows, and lakes, still maintain their beauty and grandeur in spring. Spring not only avoids the rainy season of summer but also steers clear of the cold weather in autumn, allowing visitors to comfortably enjoy outdoor adventures and sightseeing.

     Jiuzhaigou Valley                                                                              Daocheng Yading

Summer - June to August

Average Temperature：29℃-34℃

Recommended Attractions: 

In the summer, the mountainous regions of Sichuan, including Emei Mountain, Shunan Bamboo Sea, and Tagong Grassland, offer several compelling reasons to visit. In summer, Emei Mountain is lush and verdant, with abundant vegetation and refreshing mountain waterfalls. Shunan Bamboo Sea is dense and verdant in summer, offering shade and coolness, perfect for escaping the summer heat and a paradise for photography enthusiasts. Summer brings pleasant weather to Tagong Grassland, where herds of cattle and sheep roam under vast blue skies and white clouds, creating a serene and refreshing atmosphere. These destinations in Sichuan are not only known for their pleasant summer climates and unique natural landscapes but also offer a variety of outdoor activities such as hiking, photography, and cycling, allowing visitors to enjoy the fresh air and beautiful scenery.

Emei Mountain                                                                 Shunan Bamboo Sea

Autumn - September to November

Average Temperature：16℃-20℃

Recommended Attractions: 

In autumn, the regions of Wawu Mountain and Danba in Sichuan become exceptionally picturesque. Wawu Mountain's pristine forests and unique rock formations are adorned with golden and orange leaves that shimmer alongside clear streams, creating magnificent autumn scenery. Surrounding hills near Danba are bathed in hues of golden and deep red, making a profound visual impact. The climate in Wawu Mountain and Danba during autumn is pleasant with moderate temperatures, ideal for hiking and outdoor photography. Compared to the heat of summer and the cold of winter, autumn offers the perfect conditions for extended exploration and activities.

Wawu Mountain                                                                                           Danba

Winter- Desember to February

Average Temperature：5℃-10℃

Recommended Attractions: 

Winter is the best season to admire the magnificent snowscapes of Xiling Snow Mountain and Mount Siguniang in Sichuan. The peaks are draped in pristine white snow, and the glaciers and icefalls gleam under the sunlight, creating exceptionally stunning views. Visiting Xiling Snow Mountain and Mount Siguniang in winter not only allows you to enjoy spectacular snowy landscapes and unique winter scenery but also offers opportunities to participate in various snow and ice activities, making it an excellent choice for adventurers and photography enthusiasts alike.

Xiling Snow Mountain                                                               Mount Siguniang