Rilong Weather Guide

Rilong is a small town that is mostly used as a base for climbing Mount Siguniang. It is also known as Siguniangshan town and is just a couple of hundred kilometres from Chengdu. This authentic little Tibetan town is located in Ngawa Tibetan and Qiang Autonomous Prefecture of Sichuan. Even though it is small it sees a steady flow of tourists. The town is known for its pretty doors and authenticity. This town is the perfect base for hikers to explore the surrounding mountains. There are plenty options for accommodations ranging from hostels and guesthouses to proper hotels. There are also shops from which mountaineering gear can be purchased.

Rilong Town

5 Days Mt. Siguniang Changping Valley to Bipeng Valley Hiking Tour

Rilong Weather Condition

Rilong is located in the Sichuan-Tibetan plateau and the so it experiences a range of climate changes from subtropical monsoon to continental plateau climate. The altitude in the surrounding mountains ranges from 3,400m to 6,250m. The winters are cold, the summers are cool. During the summer most of the day is cool but the afternoons can get pretty hot.

Rilong in Winter

December, January, and February are the winter months in Rilong. The average temperature of Rilong in winter is -2°C and the temperature in the highest viewing point might go as low as -10o C. These are the coldest months in Rilong and are also perfect for ice climbing in Shuangqiaogou Valley of Mount Siguniang. Even the boardwalks in the valleys will be covered with ice. And all the local hotels and hostels all provide heating in winter.

Rilong in Winter

Rilong in Spring

March, April, and May are the spring months in Rilong. The average temperature is about 7°C. There is less rainfall and perfect amount of sunshine. The mountains will be still covered with snow and the nights get cold.

Rilong in Spring

Rilong in Summer

June, July, and August are the summer months in Rilong. The average temperature is 12°C. Even though the days are chilly and nights are cold, afternoons get hot. It is important to wear warm clothing during nights.

Rilong in Summer

Rilong in Autumn

September, October, and November are the autumn months in Rilong. It is during these months that the leaves are brighter, the skies are clearer, the mountain views are better. There are a lot of flowers around this time. The contrast of fresh flowers with the silver mountains as background is the most beautiful sight you could see. The average temperature is about 7°C.

Rilong in Autumn

Best Time to Visit:

Every season brings out different beautiful views in this place. Each season has its own charm. But the best and most hassle free tome to visit Rilong would be the months of June, July, August, October, or November. It is during these months that the colours pop and the views are clearer. The lakes in the valleys are like a mirror, the leaves are brighter, the flowers bloom, and overall the sights are just postcard perfect. During the winter also the sights are undeniably beautiful but it might be too cold and too hard to trek the mountains.

Best Time to Visit Rilong Town

6 Days Mount Siguniang Dafeng and Erfeng Climbing Tour

Travel Tips for Visiting Rilong:

1. Pack warm clothing no matter what season you choose to go. Even if the days are warm the nights get cold.

2. Almost all the hostels and hotels have a heating system, so you do not have to worry about cold nights.

3. Apply sunscreen even if it is not too hot as the sunlight might be harsh due to strong UV rays. Don’t forget to bring sun glasses and mountaineering glasses especially if you are hiking.

4. Wear layered clothing when you head out. It will be easier to remove or add on clothing if the weather suddenly gets too hot or too cold.

5. When you are hiking or visiting the valleys pack some food for the day as there are no proper restaurants inside the valley. There are only a few Tibetan snack shops.

6. If your trekking one or two of the Four Sister Mountains give yourself time to acclimatize as the altitude ranges from 3,400m to 5, 500m.

7. To avoid altitude sickness drink a lot of water eat lots of fruits, don’t drink wine. Get doctor prescribed medications before starting the trip.

8. If you are climbing the Four Sisters Mountain ensure you have some experience and basic mountaineering skills as it is not an easy hike. This hike is strongly not advisable for those who haven’t done serious mountaineering and hiking before.