Chengdu · Month comparison
February vs March
March ranks #1 overall vs February at #7. Spring breakthrough — the Basin's clearest skies of the year, peach blossom at Longquanyi, panda cubs emerging, the best month overall.
February
#7 of 12 months
Best match
Chinese New Year window — disruption then a brief calm, lantern decorations across Jinli, Wuhou Temple Lantern Festival lights up the old town.
- ↑Wuhou Temple and Jinli Lantern Festival: spectacular displays during CNY 2 weeks
- ↑Post-CNY 10-14 days: emptiest the city ever gets, easy bookings everywhere
March
#1 of 12 months
Best match
Spring breakthrough — the Basin's clearest skies of the year, peach blossom at Longquanyi, panda cubs emerging, the best month overall.
- ↑Longquanyi peach blossom festival (mid-March): 100,000 trees in pink bloom
- ↑Cleanest skies of the year — finally consistent sun for Leshan Giant Buddha day trip
| Factor | February | March |
|---|---|---|
| Weather score | 4 | 7 |
| Value score | 6 | 5 |
| Crowd score | 5 | 6 |
| Events score | 9 | 7 |
| Atmosphere | 8 | 9 |
| Avg high temp | 12°C | 16°C |
| Monthly rain | 13mm | 25mm |
| Daily sunshine | 3hrs | 4hrs |
February trade-offs
- ↓CNY peak week: trains/flights overbooked, smaller restaurants close
- ↓Air pollution spikes during firework period
- ↓Still grey, cold and damp
March trade-offs
- ↓Spring temperature swings — pack layers, 16C/8C
- ↓Longquanyi blossom weekend draws 200,000+ visitors
- ↓Plum-rain showers starting late month
Scores compare months within Chengdu. Climate data: Open Meteo ERA5 30-year normals (1991–2020). Methodology →