Chengdu Weather in February 2026: A Festive Month

Weather: February in Chengdu is still quite cold, with temperatures around 5–11°C (41-52°F), but on about 10 days in this month, daytime temperatures can rise to around 15°C (59°F).

Most of the time, it's cloudy or rainy (about 25 days), with a few sunny days. The rain is usually light, totaling around 39mm for the month. Snow rarely falls in downtown Chengdu, but you can occasionally see it on nearby Xiling Snow Mountain, Jiuzhaigou, and Emei Mountain.

What to wear: Pack winter clothes such as a down jacket or wool coat, sweaters, thermal layers, and leggings. Don't forget hats, scarves, gloves, and other warm accessories. If you're heading to snowy spots, remember to bring snow boots and a waterproof jacket.

Is Chengdu Worth Visiting in February?

If you consider the weather and crowds, I would tell you that February is not a good time to visit Chengdu, due to the cold temperatures (5-11°C), as well as Spring Festival and winter holiday crowds. If you have a flexible schedule, the warmer March is more recommended.

But if you've decided to visit Chengdu in February, there are still some highlights worth seeing, such as the seasonal snow, hot springs, blooming red plums, and lantern shows.

Ski, red plum blossoms, and a lantern show

Visiting a giant panda base is also a good idea, as the pandas are more active in the cool weather. Afterward, you can warm up with spicy Sichuan dishes and enjoy the season's freshest fruit, the sweet and juicy papa gan (dekopon orange).

Panda, maocai, and dekopon oranges

Actually, the crowds in February are mainly concentrated in the week before and after the Spring Festival (in 2026, it falls on February 17). Outside of this period, it's mostly off-season, with lower hotel and flight prices.

If you don't like the cold weather, you can plan your trip after February 20. The weather will be milder, and with schools back in session, the crowds will be smaller.

Will it be Inconvenient to Travel During Chinese New Year?

Chengdu is lively and festive during the Spring Festival, offering an atmosphere you won't find at other times. It's especially great if you want to bring along elderly family members or children to experience the cultural celebrations.

Attractions, hotels, transport, and restaurants generally operate as usual, especially near major scenic spots. Only some local eateries in residential areas may close, so you don't need to worry about not being able to find food.

The biggest disadvantages are the crowds and higher prices. Hotels and flights can cost double or more, train tickets are in high demand, and many tour guides are unavailable since they return home for the New Year. It's best to book your trip 1–2 months in advance.

You should also expect large crowds at popular spots, such as Kuanzhai Alley, Jinli Ancient Street, as well as nearby Dujiangyan, Leshan Giant Buddha, Mount Emei, and Jiuzhaigou.

Top Things to Do in Chengdu in February

1. Chase the Grand Celebrations of Spring Festival in Chengdu

Traditional Iron Water Fireworks

Chengdu is one of China's top ten destinations for celebrating the Spring Festival. If your goal is to spend the holiday here, you'll find plenty of festivities waiting for you, such as:

These activities usually take place within a week before and after the Spring Festival, but the exact dates vary each year. Detailed locations and times are only confirmed close to the festival, so it's a good idea to check social media before your trip.

If you'd like to experience them, just let us know. We can plan your visit based on the latest schedule.

2. Spend Winter with Your Family at Xiling Snow Mountain

Xiling Snow Mountain

Xiling Snow Mountain is perfect for a family trip. Active kids and adults can enjoy skiing, playing in the snow, and hiking to see ice forests and cloud sea over the snow mountain. Meanwhile, elders can relax at their own pace, strolling through Snow Reflection Plaza or soaking in the hot springs.

And February is the last prime time for skiing and enjoying the snow at Xiling Snow Mountain. By March, the snow starts melting, lakes begin to thaw, and ski resorts gradually close.

So if you miss February, you might have to wait until next year to experience the best winter snow activities again.

3. Experience the Magic of Zigong's Lantern World

Zigong Lantern Festival

There will be many lantern shows in Chengdu this month, but I'd still recommend you head to Zigong (about 3 hours from Chengdu) to see one of the largest lantern shows in China.

Every step here takes you deeper into a wonderland of light. From cascading waterfalls and grand pavilions to dragons, peacocks, pandas, and even characters from Chinese legends, only when you see them in person will you realize these massive lanterns are truly real, not just AI renderings.

When to Visit and Take Photos

The lanterns are lit from 6:30 to 10:30 pm, with blue-hour shots best around 7–8 pm. And after 8 pm, when the sky turns completely dark, you'll get a brighter view of the lanterns.

The Zigong Lantern Festival runs from just before the Spring Festival until March, so you can visit after the holiday when it's less crowded.

4. Discover the Winter Joy and Local Life in People's Park

People's Park

Even in the cold, People's Park remains bustling. As you enter the park, you'll see flower lanterns set up for the Spring Festival month, along with people singing, dancing, and chatting, keeping the park lively and making the chilly weather feel warmer.

Of course, it's not just about looking. You can sit down with a steaming bowl of gaiwan tea, catch a face-changing and fire-breathing show that IShowSpeed also saw when he visited Chengdu, or savor local snacks like Zhong dumplings, egg cakes, and dan dan noodles.

5. Trace the Red Plum Route that Lasts for Thousands of Years

Red Plum Blossoms

Plum Blossom Route: Dufu Thatched Cottage → 10-minute walk → Huanhuaxi Park → 10-minute drive → Qingyang Palace → 10-minute drive → People's Park

"For twenty miles, the fragrance never ceases, from the Qingyang Palace to Huanhuaxi." February is the red plum blooming season, and these lines were written by the famous Song Dynasty poet Lu You when he admired plum blossoms in Chengdu.

Today, when you visit Chengdu in February, you can also embark on a plum-blossom journey across a thousand years and see for yourself why this scenery has been celebrated for so long.

Each Spot Gives You a Different Plum Blossom Experience:

• Dufu Thatched Cottage: catch red plum with an authentic garden setting
• Huanhuaxi: feel a natural vibe, with lines of red plums and flocks of wild ducks and egrets.
• Qingyang Palace: soft pink plum flowers complement the tranquil temple atmosphere
• People's Park: soak in the fragrance of plum blossoms while experiencing the leisurely life of old Chengdu

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