Weather: May in Chengdu is already quite warm, mostly around 29–35°C (84–95°F) during the daytime, but it also drops to around 22°C (72°F) occasionally. It's about 18°C (64°F) in the mornings and evenings, so you'll also feel it a little chilly and need to add a coat.
You can expect around half the month to be cloudy or drizzly in Chengdu this month. But it's not the heavy rain, just that light misty drizzle that makes you feel the air is soft and moist.
What to wear: Short sleeves are ideal for the daytime, paired with long or short pants, or skirts. Bring a light jacket or long-sleeved shirt in case the temperature suddenly drops, and don't forget essentials like sunscreen and an umbrella.
May Is a Good Time to Visit Chengdu, Except for May Day Holiday
May is still a shoulder season to visit Chengdu if you consider the crowds and costs. Except for the first week, May in Chengdu is not too crowded, flights and hotel prices are generally normal, too.
Also, it's a pleasant flower season for you to admire the seasonal blooms, such as jacarandas along Kuanzhai Alleys and rhododendrons at Emei Mountain and Mount Siguniang.
Although the weather is getting hotter over 30°C (86°F), it's still much more pleasant than the peak summer months of June to August.
Avoid Visiting During May 1-5: Crowded and Expensive
The May Day Holiday is one of Chengdu's busiest travel periods. Airfares and hotel rates soar, and attractions get packed with long queues.
For example, metro stations are crowded with long lines, and Taxis around Chunxi Road can take 30 minutes to move 1 km during peak hours.
Popular sites like Leshan Giant Buddha, Dujiangyan, and Emei Mountain may require at least one hour of queueing. Restaurants often have wait times of over an hour during mealtime.
So, if you're visiting during May Day:
- Book flights and hotels at least two months in advance to avoid last-minute price hikes.
- For panda viewing, head to Dujiangyan or Wolong Panda Base instead of Chengdu Panda Base, which gets very crowded.
- Visit the Leshan Giant Buddha by VIP sightseeing boat to skip long queues
- Crowds usually thin out on May 4–5 compared to May 1–3.
- Use restaurant apps to take a queue number in advance and check live waiting times.
Why not book a private tour? That way, you don't have to worry about traffic or logistics, and a guide makes everything run much smoothly. Just contact us.
What are the Best Things to Do in Chengdu in May?
1. Visit the Cooler Wolong Panda Base
The panda cub and its keeper that I saw at WolongIn May, Chengdu often rises above 26°C (79°F) in daytime. It makes pandas not so comfortable.
That's why Wolong Panda Base is a better choice. It's usually 3–5°C (5–9°F) cooler and much more shaded, so you'll often see pandas staying outdoors.
Unlike the Chengdu Panda Research Base or Panda Valley, high temperatures there can send pandas indoors behind glass. At Wolong, however, you can get a better outdoor view.
I'd still suggest visiting around 8–10 am. That's when pandas are most active, and you can even see the keepers tidying up or feeding them.
2. Stroll Through Flower-Filled Kuanzhai Alley
Blooming bougainvillea in Kuanzhai Alley in MayKuanzhai Alley is one of Chengdu's must-see spots. It's perfect for strolling and taking photos. But what makes it special in May?
That's when the flowers are at their best: purple jacaranda blooms before mid-month, followed by bougainvillea throughout May. They add vibrant colors to your walk and photos.
It can get crowded during the May Day holiday and on weekends, so if possible, visit on a weekday.
Discover popular Chengdu tours, incluing Kuanzhai Alley:
3. Chase the Fully Blossoming Alpine Azaleas at Mt. Emei
May is the best month to see rhododendrons in full bloom. They'll stay vibrant well into June, so you won't miss them even if you visit later in the month.
azalea bloomTrail 1: Walk from Xixiangchi — Leidongping — Yijingxiangtong. You'll be surrounded by layers of pink azaleas wrapping the mountain trail.
Trail 2: Take the scenic bus to Leidongping, then hike the 1 km stretch to the Golden Summit cable car. You'll spot azaleas in shades of white, purple, and pink, and even a few cheeky monkeys.
Remember to bring a jacket as it's a bit chilly at the top. As you hike higher, temperatures can drop from 30°C (86°F) to 10–15°C (50–59°F), and it can feel even colder when it rains.
4. Breathe in the Spring Air at Mount Siguniang
Mount SiguniangIn May, spring has just begun at Mount Siguniang. The forests have turned green, and you can enjoy stunning views of snow-capped peaks, meadows, rivers, and wildflowers all in one frame.
It's comfortably cool, so you still need a thin long-sleeved top and a windbreaker.
The weather's also more stable than the rainy season from June to August. That means in May, you can enjoy better hiking conditions and clearer mountain views.
Chengdu Weather by Month
- Chengdu Weather in January
- Chengdu Weather in February
- Chengdu Weather in March
- Chengdu Weather in April
- Chengdu Weather in May
- Chengdu Weather in June
- Chengdu Weather in July
- Chengdu Weather in August
- Chengdu Weather in September
- Chengdu Weather in October
- Chengdu Weather in November
- Chengdu Weather in December
(10,000+ reviews)