Temperature: Chengdu in September is not very hot. Temperatures range from 22-32°C (72-90°F). It's a transitional period into autumn. The weather is warm and rainy at the beginning of the month, but it cools down and stops raining so often as the days of September go by.
From Sept 1-10, temperatures can still hit 35°C (95°F) and feel very sweltering like summer, so it's not so recommended if you mind the heat.
If you prefer cool weather, consider visiting between Sept 15-30. The daytime temperatures usually range from 21-34°C (70-93°F), and drop to the low 20s°C (68°F) by the end of the month.
Rainfall: There's much less rain compared to summer. While heavy downpours are rare, you may still encounter light autumn drizzles, which often bring a refreshing coolness.
Is September a Good Time to Visit Chengdu?
Absolutely. September is one of the best times to visit Chengdu.
You would experience good weather in Chengdu if you travel in September. So that you can comfortably take part in almost any activity, especially if you're traveling with elderly family members or young kids. You won't need to worry too much about them getting tired.
You could also expect fewer crowds in popular attractions in September. The peak summer crowds are gone, so you'll get to enjoy a quieter, more relaxed travel pace.
September is also a more moderate travel period to visit Chengdu. You'll find airfares and hotel prices that aren't as high as in July and August or early October.
Chengdu Top Things to Do in September
1. Chengdu City Walk
Chengdu is a great city for city walks, especially if you enjoy shopping, love food, and want to experience the local street culture and lifestyle.
September is an especially great time to explore Chengdu on foot, as the weather is pleasantly mild with more sunny days, and the summer crowds have faded.
Explore Kuanzhai Alleys, without too many crowdsIf it's your first time in Chengdu, we recommend this route:
Tangba Street → Taikoo Li → IFS → Shuwa Street → Binsheng Street → Wide and Narrow Alleys (Kuanzhai Alley)→ Xiaotong Lane → Jinli Old Street
This route covers some of Chengdu's must-visit spots, like the IFS panda sculpture, Kuanzhai Alley, and Jinli Old Street.
In September, these popular places are much less crowded, so you won't have to queue for a long time just to snap a photo or try a popular snack, which is often the case during the summer holidays.
Jinli Old Street at nightYou can explore at your own pace and really enjoy the atmosphere.
If you look for more options, you can refer to our Chengdu City Walk Guide.
2. See Lovely Giant Pandas
If you're visiting Chengdu in September, you'll have a better chance of seeing panda cubs.
Since most panda births happen between June and August, by September, you can see more adorable, few-month-old cubs, and Chengdu Panda Research Base is the top choice to visit.
Panda cubs in Chengdu Panda BaseCompared to the peak months of July and August, the crowds are smaller in September, though it can still get a bit busy with some lines.
We recommend going on a weekday if you can. It's less crowded, and you'll have a better view of the cubs.
If you prefer a quieter setting, Dujiangyan Panda Base with fewer crowds is another option. You can still see panda cubs there, although they're fewer in number, and most are a bit older, usually around 1 to 2 years old.
If you're interested in a deeper panda experience or traveling with family, mid to late September is also a great time to sign up for panda volunteer programs.
Our guests are cleaning the panda enclosureIt's much easier to book a spot with less competition, and the cool weather makes your volunteer experience more comfortable while sweeping or cutting bamboo for pandas.
3. Explore Chengdu's Scenic Surroundings
For outdoor and nature lovers, September in Chengdu is ideal. You can enjoy beautiful green scenery, refreshing weather, and with the rainy season over, you don't have to worry about heavy storms or floods disrupting your plans.
Jiuzhaigou is the most recommended. September is a golden shoulder month to visit Jiuzhaigou, as you can avoid both summer holiday crowds and the National Day/autumn foliage rush.
You can still enjoy verdant scenery, full water levels, fewer crowds, and bullet train tickets are easier to book than in summer.
Jiuzhaigou is still verdant in SeptemberIf you love hiking or wild nature, Mt. Siguniang is a great choice.
In September, you can enjoy that nice, cool early autumn breeze, but still get to see all the lush, green summer scenery around you in Mt. Siguniang.
Also, the mild light makes it easy for you to snap stunning photos.
Mt. SiguniangIf you enjoy a mix of culture and scenery, Leshan Giant Buddha is a great day trip from Chengdu.
In September, the hiking trails to the top are much less crowded, so you can get a closer look at the Buddha without squeezing through narrow paths.
If you prefer a more relaxed river cruise option, you won't need to queue for a long time either.
With fewer cloudy days in September, you'll also have a better chance of getting great photos of the Buddha, along with the surrounding water and greenery.
Take a cruise to see the Buddha4. Enjoy Chengdu's Mid-Autumn Festival Activities
The Mid-Autumn Festival usually falls in September, sometimes in early October.
If you are visiting Chengdu during this time, you can enjoy diverse lively festive celebrations, such as the lantern fairs, Hanfu parades, concerts, anime expo, fireworks, and more.
- Qinhuang Lake: You can dress in Hanfu and join the parade, and enjoy the amazing shows like moonlit water dances, a moonrise ceremony, and music fountain.
- Jinjiang River: It's brilliant to explore the traditional night market and watch the mid-autumn festival-themed parades and performances
- Chengdu Twin Towers: At 8 or 9 pm, you can witness the festive-themed light show and drone show.
- Hejiang Pavilion: It's great and beautiful for you to admire the full moon and take photos. You can also see the panoramic view of the Jiuyan Bridge.
What to Wear in Chengdu in September
Bring both summer clothing and a light jacket/pullover for the cool weather. If you go out at night or encounter rainy days, long trousers, a long shirt and a sweater or jacket will keep you warm.
Although September sees far less rain than in July and August, an umbrella is recommended.
Chengdu Climate Information 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
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