Weather in Songpan

Stay informed about any weather changes when traveling to Songpan. Here you will find all the necessary information: from current readings to detailed charts and forecasts for the coming days.

The climate in the city of Songpan is characterized by its harsh high-altitude nature with low temperatures throughout the year. There is practically no familiar summer heat here. Winters in the region are freezing but quite dry: in January and December, the average temperature drops to -9°C, and night frosts often reach -15°C.

The summer period is characterized by high humidity and frequent precipitation. Even in the warmest months, July and August, the air warms up during the day to an average of only +15...+16°C. Travelers heading to this part of China should be prepared for cool and overcast weather: from May to September, the number of days with precipitation consistently exceeds 20 per month, so warm clothing and a raincoat will be necessary in any season.

The climate in this high-altitude region is quite severe, so Songpan welcomes travelers with cool weather even at the height of the calendar summer. The winter period here is long and frosty: the coldest month is January with an average temperature of about -9.6°C. At night, the thermometer often drops to an extreme -15.4°C, and daytime readings in December and January remain negative, hovering between -3...-4°C.

The summer season brings warming, but there is never any sweltering heat here. The warmest months are considered to be July and August, when the air warms up on average only to +11.6°C...+11.8°C. During the day, the temperature is quite comfortable for active walks, reaching a maximum of +15.8°C, however, nights even in summer remain cold, with readings around +7...+8°C. This creates a noticeable daily temperature difference, which is worth remembering when packing for your journey.

Spring and autumn in the region are also distinguished by freshness and low temperatures. Already in October, the average temperature falls to +2.9°C, and in April it is only +1.3°C, often dropping below freezing at night. For a trip to China along this route, it is strongly recommended to bring warm layered clothing regardless of the season, as the weather here remains brisk all year round.

The nature of precipitation in the city of Songpan has a distinct seasonality, which manifests not so much in the volume of falling moisture as in the frequency of inclement weather. The driest period is winter, especially December and January, when precipitation levels tend toward zero, and the number of "damp" days is minimal (only about 6 per month). Given the low winter temperatures, only light snow is likely at this time.

From May to September, a peculiar rainy season is observed. During this period, a record number of days with precipitation is recorded — from 22 to 24 per month, which means almost daily overcast weather. However, judging by statistics, rains here are rarely torrential; most likely, travelers can expect frequent drizzle or short-term but regular precipitation.

Transitional seasons are also characterized by high humidity. In April and October, the number of days with precipitation reaches 18–21. Due to the climatic features of the region and temperatures close to freezing, rain in the spring and autumn months can often change to wet snow, so when planning a trip, you should take care of reliable waterproof clothing.

When packing for a trip to Songpan, it is important to remember the harsh high-altitude climate of this region. Winters here are freezing, with temperatures dropping significantly below zero (down to -15°C), so from November to March you will definitely need a high-quality down jacket, thermal underwear, a warm hat, and gloves. Even in spring and autumn, the air remains quite cool, so warm clothes will be relevant for most of the year.

Summer in this corner of the country is not hot at all: the average temperature hovers around +9...+12°C, and maximums rarely exceed +16°C. During this period, as well as in late spring and early autumn, a large number of rainy days is observed (more than 20 days a month). It is recommended to use the principle of layering: wear a T-shirt, a warm sweater or fleece, and a windproof windbreaker on top. Be sure to bring a raincoat or a sturdy umbrella, as well as waterproof shoes.

Despite the general coolness, the high-altitude sun can be very active, so do not forget to put sunscreen and sunglasses in your suitcase. Comfortable trekking shoes with thick soles will become your best companion, as the terrain and frequent precipitation require reliable grip and protection of your feet from moisture and cold.