Chengdu features a humid subtropical monsoon climate characterized by four distinct seasons and high humidity throughout the year. The city is often shrouded in clouds or fog due to its location in the Sichuan Basin, resulting in relatively low sunshine hours. Summers are typically long, hot, and muggy, with peak temperatures in July and August reaching around 30°C to 37°C (86°F to 99°F) and significant rainfall. Winters are generally cold, damp, and grey, with average temperatures around 5°C (41°F) and rare snowfall. Spring and autumn serve as transitional periods with milder, more pleasant temperatures, making them the most popular times for visitors. The annual average temperature is approximately 16°C (61°F), and the region receives about 40 inches (1,000 mm) of precipitation annually, with the majority falling during the summer months.