In Chengdu, the timing of winter vacation for students is closely tied to the Lunar New Year, which varies each year. For 2026, the Spring Festival falls on February 17, meaning winter vacation typically begins approximately one week before this date, around February 10, and lasts for three to four weeks. During this period, which often extends from mid-January to mid-February, the city experiences its coldest and dampest weather, with average temperatures ranging from 3°C to 12°C. This window is one of the busiest travel periods in the region as residents participate in annual family reunions and festive traditions like eating dumplings and setting off fireworks. For those in specialized academic or international programs, such as those hosted by local universities, the winter break may start earlier, with some programs concluding their instruction by early December and ending their formal move-out period by mid-December.