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Leshan sits in the southern Sichuan Basin at 29.6°N and about 350m above sea level, where the Min, Dadu and Qingyi rivers meet. It has a humid subtropical monsoon climate (Köppen Cwa) with mild, damp winters and long, hot, wet summers. The annual average temperature is around 17°C (63°F) and total rainfall averages 1,202mm, with roughly 70% of it falling between June and September. If you are planning around the Giant Buddha, see the best time to visit Leshan guide before booking.
Leshan Weather by Month: Monthly Breakdown
The table below shows average conditions across the year. Note that the Sichuan Basin is one of the cloudiest parts of China, so even the sunniest months only average about 5 hours of sunshine a day. For a broad overview of the city, see the Leshan travel guide.
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low | Rain (mm) | Rain Days | Humidity | Sun Hours |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 10°C (50°F) | 5°C (41°F) | 14 | 7 | 77% | 2 |
| February | 12°C (54°F) | 7°C (45°F) | 22 | 9 | 76% | 2 |
| March | 17°C (63°F) | 11°C (52°F) | 43 | 12 | 74% | 3 |
| April | 22°C (72°F) | 15°C (59°F) | 85 | 14 | 74% | 4 |
| May | 26°C (79°F) | 19°C (66°F) | 105 | 16 | 75% | 4 |
| June | 29°C (84°F) | 22°C (72°F) | 146 | 16 | 79% | 4 |
| July | 31°C (88°F) | 24°C (75°F) | 256 | 17 | 81% | 5 |
| August | 31°C (88°F) | 24°C (75°F) | 296 | 16 | 80% | 5 |
| September | 26°C (79°F) | 20°C (68°F) | 132 | 16 | 81% | 3 |
| October | 21°C (70°F) | 16°C (61°F) | 60 | 15 | 80% | 2 |
| November | 16°C (61°F) | 11°C (52°F) | 30 | 11 | 78% | 2 |
| December | 11°C (52°F) | 6°C (43°F) | 14 | 8 | 78% | 2 |
Leshan Weather by Month: Spring (March to May)
March starts cool and damp with highs around 17°C (63°F) and 43mm of rain across 12 days. By May, highs reach 26°C (79°F) and rainfall climbs to 105mm. April and May are two of the best months for the things to do in Leshan, with clear-enough skies to photograph the Buddha and daytime temperatures between 22°C and 26°C. Pack a light rain jacket and layers for cool mornings.
Leshan Weather by Month: Summer (June to August)
Summer is hot, humid and very wet. July and August both average highs of 31°C (88°F) with lows staying around 24°C (75°F) overnight. July gets 256mm of rain across 17 days and August 296mm across 16 days, most of it in heavy afternoon downpours. Humidity sits at 80 to 81%. Crowds at the Giant Buddha also peak during school holidays, so if you visit in summer, arrive before 08:00 and check the Leshan events and festivals calendar to avoid holiday spikes.
Leshan Weather by Month: Autumn (September to November)
September is still warm and wet at 26°C (79°F) highs and 132mm of rain, but October cools to 21°C (70°F) with 60mm and November to 16°C (61°F) with 30mm. October and early November are the driest, most comfortable stretch of the year after spring, making them ideal for walking the Nine Turns Plank Road. See the Leshan neighborhoods guide to pick a base for autumn visits.
Leshan Weather by Month: Winter (December to February)
Winter is mild and damp rather than truly cold. January, the coolest month, averages a high of 10°C (50°F) and a low of 5°C (41°F), with only 14mm of rain. Frost is rare and snow is almost unknown in the city. Persistent fog and low cloud cut sunshine to about 2 hours a day, and indoor heating is limited in budget hotels, so pack warm layers. Winter is the quietest season at the Giant Buddha, and prices for where to stay in Leshan are at their lowest.
For day-by-day averages across the year, the monthly table above covers high and low temperatures, rainfall in millimetres, rainy days, relative humidity and sunshine hours for every month from January to December. For how to reach Leshan by train and plane, read the Leshan travel tips guide.
