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Leshan is a mid-sized city in Sichuan province best known for the Leshan Giant Buddha, the 71-metre statue carved into a river cliff between 713 and 803 AD and listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site with nearby Mount Emei in 1996. The city sits where the Min, Dadu and Qingyi rivers meet, with a humid subtropical climate that gives it mild, foggy winters and hot, wet summers. Average temperatures run from about 10°C (50°F) in January to 31°C (88°F) in July, and the 1,202mm of annual rain falls mostly between June and September.
Leshan Weather at a Glance
Leshan has four distinct seasons. Winters from December to February are mild and damp, with January highs around 10°C (50°F) and only 14mm of rain, but persistent fog cuts sunshine to about two hours a day. Springs warm quickly from 17°C (63°F) in March to 26°C (79°F) in May. Summers are the challenge: July and August both average 31°C (88°F) highs with 256 to 296mm of monthly rain and 80% humidity. Autumn cools from 26°C (79°F) in September to 16°C (61°F) in November and is the driest, clearest stretch of the year. The Leshan weather by month guide has the full monthly table.
Leshan Seasonal Snapshot
- Spring (March to May): warming and green, 43 to 105mm of rain, the Buddha area at its most photogenic
- Summer (June to August): hot, humid and wet, 146 to 296mm monthly rain, peak crowds in July and August
- Autumn (September to November): cooling and clearing, the best weather from late September onward
- Winter (December to February): mild but foggy, quietest and cheapest season except around Chinese New Year
Leshan Travel Guides
These focused guides cover everything you need to plan a trip, from monthly climate data to specific hotels.
- Leshan weather by month: temperatures, rainfall, humidity and sunshine hour by hour
- Best time to visit Leshan: the exact months for good weather, low prices and fewer crowds
- Things to do in Leshan: the Giant Buddha, temples, tombs and Mount Emei with prices and hours
- Leshan events and festivals: the lunar-calendar calendar from New Year to the Dragon Boat races
- Leshan neighborhoods: Shizhong, the old town, the scenic area and the rail gateway
- Where to stay in Leshan: hotels by area and budget with verified Booking.com links
- Leshan travel tips and FAQ: airports, trains, payments, tipping, visas and safety
Where Leshan Sits and What Shapes Its Weather
Leshan lies at 29.6°N in the southern Sichuan Basin, about 140km south of Chengdu and roughly 350 metres above sea level. The basin’s bowl shape traps moisture and blocks wind, which is why the region is one of China’s cloudiest and why Leshan gets so much rain concentrated in summer. The three-river confluence at the city’s edge adds local humidity and morning fog, especially in winter.
Leshan Quick Facts
- Best months to visit: April, May, October and early November
- Warmest months: July and August, both averaging 31°C (88°F) highs
- Coolest month: January, averaging 10°C (50°F) highs and 5°C (41°F) lows
- Wettest month: August, with about 296mm of rain
- Driest month: December, with about 14mm
- Annual rainfall: roughly 1,202mm across about 150 rain days
- Giant Buddha ticket: 80 RMB walking route, 70 RMB river boat
Where to Stay in Leshan
Most visitors stay in the Shizhong District city centre for its restaurants and transport, or near the Giant Buddha to beat the opening-time queues. The where to stay in Leshan guide lists specific hotels by area and budget, and the Leshan neighborhoods guide explains which area suits each type of trip.
Suggested Hotels in Leshan
HUALUXE Leshan, an IHG Hotel
A five-star IHG property at 888 West Baiyang Road with an indoor pool, fitness centre and full-service rooms. Best for couples and travellers who want premium comfort. Check rates and availability
Hilton Garden Inn Leshan Shizhong
A well-reviewed mid-range hotel at 388 Luyou Road, rated 9.6 on Booking.com, with a restaurant, fitness centre and free WiFi. Best for travellers who want reliable Western-standard comfort at a mid-tier price. Check rates and availability
Holiday Inn Express Leshan City Square
An IHG budget brand near the high-speed rail station, rated 9.3 on Booking.com, with free breakfast and clean, modern rooms. Best for one-night stopovers and solo travellers. Check rates and availability
