Chengdu Weather in December 2025 (5 Best Things to Do)

December is one of the coldest months in Chengdu, around 11°C (52°F) during the daytime and (4°C/39°F) at night. Although rainfall is limited, Chengdu's winter is often gray, damp, and chilly, with little sunshine.

It rarely snows in downtown Chengdu, but you can see snowy peaks in nearby Dujiangyan, or more snow views at Xiling Snow Mountain, Jiuzhaigou, or Bipenggou.

What to Wear: Bring warm clothing like a thick sweater and an overcoat if you plan to be outside for a long time. Also, wear gloves and a hat or scarf to avoid catching a cold.

Is December a Good Time to Visit Chengdu?

If you don't mind the damp and chilly weather, December is a good time to visit Chengdu, especially if you prefer quieter visiting experiences and budget-friendly travel.

December is Chengdu's off-season, so you can get flights and hotels for about half the peak-season price, as well as the off-season ticket discounts for Jiuzhaigou.

Chengdu is home to one of the largest ski resorts in Southwest China, making it perfect if you want to enjoy snowy landscapes and winter sports. You can also join the city's Christmas and New Year festivities.

So, while December's weather isn't ideal, it's still great for fewer crowds, budget-friendly trips, festive vibes, and snow activities. Or if you look for cool but not cold weather, you can consider visiting a bit earlier in November.

Best Things to Do in Chengdu in December

In Chengdu, December is best for golden ginkgo, hot and spicy Sichuan food, playful pandas, snow, and hot spring experiences, as well as a festive vibe for Christmas and New Year.

1. Chase the Best Golden Ginkgo Leaves

Golden Ginkgo Leaves in Wenshu Monastery

Compared to late November, ginkgo leaves are at their most vibrant in December. The best viewing period is usually early to mid-December, though if the weather is right, you can still see golden ginkgo groves later in the month.

You don't need to hunt for hidden spots, as while visiting popular spots like People's Park, Wenshu Monastery, Daci Temple near Chunxi Road, Qingyang Palace, and Du Fu Thatched Cottage, you'll catch the golden ginkgo views and take in local and historical vibe.

2. Warm Yourself Up with Hot Pot and Sichuan Food

Enjoy Sichuan Hot Pot

The food in Chengdu is known for its bold and spicy flavors. 

On cold winter days, nothing beats gathering around a steaming hot pot with your family or friends, dipping fresh ingredients, and warming up bite by bite.

If it's your first time in Chengdu, we recommend visiting Kuanzhai Alley and Jinli Ancient Street. These must-see spots are also foodie hubs, offering a variety of snacks and Sichuan dishes. With fewer crowds in December, you can also enjoy the old street atmosphere more comfortably.

3. See Pandas at Chengdu Panda Research Base

Chengdu Panda Research Base

Pandas prefer the cold instead of the heat, so they're more active in winter. You're more likely to see them playing outside, munching on bamboo, or climbing trees in adorable and more.

Unlike in summer, when you have to get up very early (6-7 am) to see pandas, in December, you don't need to wake up too early. The best times to visit are around 10 a.m. or 2 p.m., which coincide with feeding time when pandas are most active.

Plus, winter mornings are quite cold, so it's more comfortable to go a bit later, and you'll still see most pandas staying outdoors.

Although the trees and grasses at the panda base aren't as lush and green now, it actually makes it easier for you to see and photograph the pandas without many branches getting in the way.

Except for panda Hua Hua, most panda enclosures are quiet. You can enjoy watching the pandas in peace, and you won't have to wait long for the shuttle bus.

4. Enjoy Skiing and Hot Springs at Xiling Snow Mountain

Ski at Xiling Snow Mountain

By mid to late December, Xiling Snow Mountain usually has thick snow, frozen lakes, and more snowy days, making it perfect for spending a day or two skiing, sightseeing, and soaking in hot springs.

It's one of the few natural powder snow ski resorts in Southwest China, with complete facilities. Whether you're a beginner, an experienced skier, or visiting with kids, it's a great place to hit the slopes.

You can also enjoy more than 20 other snow activities, like husky sledding, snow tubing, snowmobiling, snow flying discs, banana boats, and more.

Or wander through the frosty forests, snap gorgeous photos in front of the Swiss-like Red Castle, then end your snowy adventure by soaking in the warm, soothing hot springs. You can only enjoy such an experience during these two months of the year, so it's quite precious.

5. Celebrate Christmas and Ring in the New Year

During Christmas, many business areas in Chengdu, such as IFS, Taikoo Li, and MixC, are decorated with Christmas displays and host various activities.

While it's not as grand as in Europe or the US, the atmosphere is still lovely for you to stroll around and snap pictures.

Chengdu also has plenty of New Year's Eve celebrations. You can join the crowd with your family, friends, or partner, count down together, watch fireworks, release balloons, enjoy iron firework shows, light displays, and artificial snow as you welcome the new year.

New Year celebrations are mainly held in shopping areas like MixC, Tianfu Animation City, and Guanghuan. If you're traveling with kids, theme parks like Sunac, Happy Valley, or Guose Tianxiang are also great places to enjoy the festive atmosphere and spend quality family time.

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