Typical temperature range
°C, daily low to high
Weather
15–23°C; cool, clear, low humidity
Crowds
Very high during National Day (Oct 1–7); moderate later
Weather and what to wear
October is the pick of the year: temperatures from about 15°C to 23°C, lower humidity, and more sunny days. Evenings are cool. Late October brings the first golden ginkgo leaves, especially in parks and temple courtyards.
Wear layers: a light sweater or long-sleeve shirt during the day and a jacket for evenings. Comfortable shoes for walking. A light scarf is useful for temples and air-conditioned spaces.
- Light sweater
- Evening jacket
- Walking shoes
National Day: the big crowd warning
The National Day holiday runs from October 1 to 7 and is one of the busiest travel periods in China. Expect packed trains, high hotel prices, and long queues at major attractions. The Panda Base and Leshan are especially crowded.
If your trip overlaps the holiday, book everything well in advance and visit major sights at opening. If you have flexibility, travel after October 8, when crowds drop sharply and the weather remains excellent.
What to do
October is ideal for the Panda Base, city walks, and day trips. Qingcheng Mountain is comfortable for hiking, and Dujiangyan is pleasant. Leshan is manageable after the holiday week.
Look for ginkgo trees in parks and temple grounds later in the month. The food scene is excellent in the cool weather: hotpot, teahouses, and outdoor dining all feel right. Book a Sichuan opera evening if you want a cultural break.
- Panda Base at opening
- Ginkgo in late October
- Hotpot and teahouses
Keep planning