Weather in Xichang

Stay up to date with the latest weather conditions in Xichang. In this section, you will find current data, detailed forecasts, and useful charts to help plan your stay.

The climate in Xichang can be described as temperate, with clearly defined seasons and significant humidity fluctuations throughout the year. Overall, the weather here is quite mild, making the city attractive to visit, though it is important to consider seasonal characteristics when planning a trip.

Winters in Xichang (December-February) are cool and relatively dry, with average temperatures around 5-7°C and minimal precipitation. Spring (March-May) brings gradual warming, with the air warming up to an average of 12-17°C, and the number of rainy days increases noticeably by the end of May. Summer (June-August) is the warmest and wettest period in Xichang. Average temperatures hover around 18-19.5°C, but these months also see the peak of precipitation. Autumn (September-November) is characterised by a gradual drop in temperature and a decrease in rain, although October can still be quite wet.

The most striking feature of Xichang's climate is the pronounced rainy season, which spans from May-June to September-October. During this time, the bulk of the annual precipitation falls, and the number of rainy days can reach 22-26 per month. If your trip falls during the summer months or early autumn, do not forget to take an umbrella and waterproof clothing with you. Outside the rainy season, the weather in Xichang is drier and sunnier.

The temperature pattern in Xichang demonstrates distinct seasonal fluctuations, offering visitors diverse weather conditions throughout the year. The coldest month is traditionally January, when the average air temperature holds at around 5.1°C. During this period, night temperatures can drop to -0.5°C, while daytime highs rarely exceed 10.8°C. Conversely, the peak heat occurs in July and August. In July, the average temperature is 19.5°C (with a minimum of 15.8°C and a maximum of 23.2°C), and in August it is 19.4°C (with a minimum of 15.4°C and a maximum of 23.4°C), making these months the hottest of the year.

Summer in Xichang, covering the period from June to August, is characterised by pleasantly warm weather. Average daytime temperatures range from 22-23.4°C, creating comfortable conditions for exploring the city, although this is also the period with the highest amount of precipitation. Nights remain quite warm, with minimum values around 15-16°C. Interestingly, daily temperature fluctuations in summer (the difference between the daytime maximum and nighttime minimum) are relatively small, amounting to approximately 7-8°C. This ensures a more stable temperature throughout the day compared to other seasons.

The winter months, from December to February, bring noticeable coolness to Xichang. Monthly average temperatures during this period vary from 5.1°C in January to 7.1°C in February. During the day, the thermometer can rise to 10-13°C, however, nights can be quite cold, especially in January when light frosts are possible. A characteristic feature of the winter and spring (March-April) periods are more significant daily temperature swings, which can reach 11-13°C. This means that even if it is relatively warm during the day, it can be significantly cooler in the morning and evening, which is important to consider when planning your wardrobe for the trip.

Xichang observes a pronounced seasonality in the distribution of precipitation throughout the year. The city experiences a distinct rainy season, which gives way to a prolonged dry period. Understanding these climatic features will help you better prepare for your trip and choose the most comfortable time to visit.

The rainy season in Xichang usually begins in May and reaches its peak in the summer months – July and August. During this period, the highest amount of precipitation falls, reaching 8 mm per month, and the number of rainy days can be very high: for example, in July precipitation is recorded on average 26 days out of 31, and in June and August – about 25 days. September and October also remain quite humid, with 7 mm and 4 mm of precipitation respectively, and more than 20 rainy days in each of these months. Rains during this period can be frequent, but not necessarily prolonged.

The dry season in Xichang falls during the winter and early spring months. The driest months are January, February, March, and December, when the average monthly precipitation is only 1 mm. The number of days with precipitation in these months is also minimal: from 6 days in March to 9 days in December. In November and April, a transition period is observed with a slight increase in precipitation (2 mm), but the weather still remains predominantly dry. Winter precipitation, considering low temperatures (especially at night, close to zero or below), may take the form of very light snow or drizzle, but overall the amount is insignificant.

When planning a trip to Xichang, it is important to choose the right wardrobe, considering the pronounced seasonality and significant humidity fluctuations. The key advice is to use the principle of layering. This will allow you to easily adapt to temperature changes throughout the day, especially during transitional seasons. Given that the rainy season lasts from May to October in Xichang with frequent precipitation (up to 26 rainy days in July and August), be sure to bring an umbrella and a light waterproof jacket or raincoat. Comfortable shoes for walking, preferably waterproof, will also become your faithful companion, especially if you plan long walks around the city and its surroundings.

For the summer months (June-August), when the average temperature holds around 18-19.5°C, light breathable fabrics are suitable. However, do not forget a raincoat, as this is the wettest period. In winter (December-February), the weather in Xichang is cool, with average temperatures of 5-7°C and nightly lows close to zero. You will need warm clothes: sweaters, fleece jackets, a warm coat, a hat, a scarf, and gloves, especially for the evening and morning hours. In spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November), the weather is changeable. It can be quite warm during the day (up to 18-21°C in April-May or 16-20°C in September), but evenings and mornings are cooler. Therefore, layered clothing, including t-shirts, long sleeves, a light sweater or cardigan, as well as a windbreaker or mid-season jacket, will be the optimal choice. Don't forget sunscreen and a hat, as the sun can be active even on cool but clear days.