The best time to visit Chengdu is from March to June and from September to November.

July and August are the hottest months in Chengdu. Mt.Qingcheng, Xiling Snow Mountain, Mt. Tiantai and Longchi Forest Park are ideal places close to Chengdu for escaping the summer heat.

The subtropical monsoon climate influenced by Sichuan Basin brings the annual average temperature in Chengdu to about 16 C (61 F). Another distinctive feature is humidity with clouds and mist and little sunlight.

Chengdu's summer is sultry with low temperature morning and evening, but high after noon. To avoid strong ultraviolet radiation and to stay dry, take a raincoat.

The average temperature in winter is about 5 degrees Centigrade. However, due to the clouds and moist weather, it feels very cold.

In addition to traditional Chinese festivals such as Spring Festival, International Labor Day, and National Day, Chengdu has its own festivals such as the Lantern Festival. Held in Qingyang Palace (Gray Goat Palace), the festival is held once a year around the Spring Festival and features Sichuan folk opera, acrobatics, and other performances. During Flower Festival, a popular spring event, flower growers carry their flowers and exotic plants to exhibit and sell. Some other festivals such as the Dragon Boat Festival, Peach Meeting, and Setting Water Festival, enrich people's lives and provide foreigners opportunity to understand Chengdu.