Typical temperature range
°C, daily low to high
Weather
5–12°C; still damp, occasional sunshine, early plum blossoms
Crowds
Low early; very high around Spring Festival
Weather and what to wear
February is a transition month. Temperatures creep up to 5–12°C, and there are more clear days than in January, but rain and gray skies are still common. Plum blossoms begin to open in parks and temple gardens, a small sign of spring.
Dress in layers with a warm outer coat. If you are visiting during Spring Festival, add comfortable shoes for temple fairs and crowded streets. A light rain jacket is more useful than a heavy umbrella in the city's drizzle.
- Layers and a warm coat
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Light rain jacket
Spring Festival: the big variable
Spring Festival (Chinese New Year) is the busiest travel period in China. The date changes each year, usually falling in late January or February. During the week around the holiday, trains and flights sell out, major attractions are packed, and some local restaurants close.
If you want the festival atmosphere, book everything early and expect crowds at temples and old streets. If you want a quiet trip, avoid the festival week entirely. Check the official dates and the public holiday schedule before you book.
What to do
Visit People's Park and Wenshu Monastery for plum blossoms and temple atmosphere. The Panda Base is still a good morning outing; go at opening. Hotpot and teahouses are ideal in the cool weather.
For a day trip, choose Leshan or a museum rather than a mountain. Qingcheng is cold and wet, and the trails are less enjoyable. If you are in Chengdu for the Lantern Festival (the 15th day of the lunar new year), check for lantern displays and temple events.
- Plum blossoms at parks and temples
- Panda Base at opening
- Hotpot and teahouse afternoons
Keep planning