Chongqing Weather: Climate, Forecast & Best Time to Visit

Chongqing weather, in brief, is as following: early spring, hot summer, cool autumn, and cold winter, with an annual average temperature of 18°C and average rainfall of 1,000 to 14,00 mm. Known as “capital of fog”, Chongqing has about 100 foggy days annually. Snow is pretty rare in Chongqing. But in some hot summer days, it may be really hot, with a highest temperature for about 44°C (111°F).

In general, Chongqing's weather is changeable. The seasons change gradually and winter can appear to still be hanging on when it should be spring, but except some noon hours in hot summer, the weather in Chongqing is never so bad to stop you from planning to get out and about. There are so many Things to do in Chongqing, both indoors and outdoors that you'll never have to worry about the weather spoiling your plans!

Best Time to Visit Chongqing City

Chongqing is a year-round destination to be visited, and major attractions of Chongqing City are not affected by seasonality, including Ciqikou Ancient Town, Three Gorges Museum, Hongya Cave, House-crossing Trains at Liziba Station, Dazu Rock Carvings, Wulong Karst Landscape... However, if you want to avoid overcrowding in the city, you are suggested to do more research when planning your Chongqing City Trip during Chinese holidays like Labor Day and National Day, because there is typically an increase in visitors during that time. The best time to visit Chongqing is usually in spring and autumn.

Best Time to Cruise Yangtze River

Taking a relaxing cruise on the cool Yangtze River is the best way to escape the hot summer and to enjoy the picturesque riverside scenery with ample sunlight. And the weather in autumn is neither too cold nor hot, giving you a pleasant weather condition, especially when you do the shore excursions. Therefore, the best time to experience the Yangtze River cruise must be in summer and fall. Late November and early December are also recommended if you are looking for the unbeatable price around the year.

Average Chongqing Temperature by Month

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Chongqing Seasons to Go

Chongqing has four distinctive seasons. Spring from March to May in Chongqing is usually covered by mysterious fog, with sharp and frequent intervals of temperature changes. Summer is usually long and hot, lasting from June to August and even September. Autumn from September to November is relatively short and pleasant. The weather in winter is similar with spring, but the temperature is much lower.

Spring (March - May)

Spring in Chongqing is quite unpredictable, with weather that can range from warm to chilly and damp days. And the city is always full of mist and fog. The average temperature during the days of Spring in Chongqing City Area is about 15°C (59°F), and about 9°C (48°F) at night. And the weather in the suburb area of Chongqing is a little bit colder than the city area, especially in the mountainous scenic area like Wulong Karst Landscape.

What to Wear

A thin overcoat, long-sleeve shirts, thin long pants and an umbrella. Bring a wind coat with you when you take side trips to the scenic spots in the mountainous area, like Dazu Rock Carvings and Wulong Karst Landscape.

Chongqing Spring Activities

1. Have a 1~2 Days Chongqing City Tour to capture the highlights in the city, like Hongya Cave, Liziba Metro Station, Ciqikou Ancient Town, Jiefangbei, Three Gorges Museum, Chongqing Zoo. Know more about Chongqing Attractions if you are interested;

2. Take a One-whole-day Trip to Dazu Rock Carving to appreciate the brilliant art gallery there;

3. Experience the Yangtze River cruise to enjoy the misty scenery of Yangtze River;

4. Spend 1-2 days to Wulong Karst Landscape to explore the charming natural world;

5. Treat yourself with an authentic Hot Pot meal;

6. Take a side trip to Chengdu to have sweet hours with adorable pandas.

Spring of Yangtze River

Hot Pot Chongqing

Hottest Chosen Chongqing Spring Tours:

Peter's Family - Relaxing Yangtze River Cruise

4 Days Chongqing Essence Tour with Yangtze River Cruise

Itinerary: Chongqing / Yangtze Cruise / Yichang
Highlights: Luxury Yangtze River Cruise Sailing along Three Gorges, Three Gorges Dam, Shibaozhai Pagoda, Shennv Stream, Three Gorges Museum, E'ling Park, Hongya Cave

2 Days Chongqing Dazu Tour with UNESCO Heritage Site Dazu Rock Carvings

Itinerary: Chongqing/Dazu
Highlights: Dazu Rock Carvings, Baodingshan Rock Carvings, Beishan Rock Carvings, Hongya Cave, Three Gorges Museum, Chongqing Light Rail, Ciqikou Ancient Town, E'ling Park, etc.

Chongqing Weather in March

Temperature: 14°C / 57°F
High Temperature: 17°C / 63°F
Low Temperature: 11°C / 52°F
Humidity: 76%
Rainfall: 36 mm
Rainy Days: 12 days
Sunrise: 06:44 ~ 07:420
Sunset: 18:53 ~ 19:12

Chongqing Weather in April

Temperature: 19°C / 66°F
High Temperature: 23°C /73°F
Low Temperature: 15°C / 59°F
Humidity: 77%
Rainfall: 105 mm
Rainy Days: 15 days
Sunrise: 06:12 ~ 06:43
Sunset: 19:13 ~ 19:30

Chongqing Weather in May

Temperature: 22°C / 72°F
High Temperature: 27°C /81°F
Low Temperature: 19°C / 66°F
Humidity: 78%
Rainfall: 152 mm
Rainy Days: 16 days
Sunrise: 05:55 ~ 06:11
Sunset: 19:31 ~ 19:49

Summer (June - August)

Chongqing is known as one of the “three furnace cities” in China because of its hot summer. The highest temperature of summer in Chongqing can reach to about 44°C (111°F). And the average in this season is about 30°C (86°F). The hottest month usually comes in July.

The noon hours during hot summer in Chongqing is so terrible, so you are not suggested to go outside for sightseeing then. However, it will be nice to have a morning tour, and then treat yourself a hot pot lunch meal in restaurants with air-condition. The rest hours of the day will still be hot, but never that awful than the noon heat. You can continue your city tour with your sunglasses and sun umbrella.

Wulong Karst Landscape in the mountainous area of Chongqing will be the one of the best choices for a Chongqing Summer Travel. While, the best choice to enjoy the summer sunshine must be taking a Yangtze River cruise.

What to Wear

T-shirt, shorts, sun-protective clothes, hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, umbrella and at least one bottle of water.

Chongqing Summer Activities

1. Experience the Yangtze River cruise to enjoy the best riverside scenery in China under bright sunshine;

2. Spend 1-2 days to Wulong Karst Landscape to explore the charming natural world;

3. Take a side trip to Chengdu to have sweet hours with adorable pandas;

4. Take a One-whole-day Trip to Dazu Rock Carving to appreciate the brilliant art gallery there;

5. Have a 1~2 Days Chongqing City Tour to capture the highlights in the city, like Hongya Cave, Liziba Metro Station, Ancient Town, Jiefangbei, Three Gorges Museum, Chongqing Zoo. Know more about Chongqing Attractions if you are interested.

Yangtze River in Summer

Wulong Karst Landscape

Hottest Chosen Chongqing Summer Tours:

4 Days Chongqing Essence Tour with Yangtze River Cruise

Three Natural Bridges-202407-Josh from USA

3 Days Chongqing & UNESCO Wulong Karst Wonder Tour with Fairy Mountain

Itinerary: Chongqing / Wulong / Chongqing
Highlights: Wulong Karst Geological Park, Fairy Mountain, Hongya Cave, Chongqing Rail Transit Experience, E'ling Park

Chongqing Weather in June

Temperature: 25°C / 77°F

High Temperature: 29°C / 84°F

Low Temperature: 22°C / 72°F

Humidity: 80%

Rainfall: 171 mm

Rainy Days: 16 days

Sunrise: 05:53 ~ 05:57

Sunset: 19:50 ~ 19:58

Chongqing Weather in July

Temperature: 28°C / 82°F

High Temperature: 32°C / 91°F

Low Temperature: 25°C / 77°F

Humidity: 76%

Rainfall: 175 mm

Rainy Days: 12 days

Sunrise: 05:57 ~ 06:13

Sunset: 19:47 ~ 19:58

Chongqing Weather in August

Temperature: 28°C / 82°F

High Temperature: 34°C / 93°F

Low Temperature: 25°C / 77°F

Humidity: 73%

Rainfall: 184 mm

Rainy Days: 11 days

Sunrise: 06:13 ~ 06:30

Sunset: 19:17 ~ 19:47

Autumn (September to November)

Autumn is somehow one of the best pleasant seasons to touring Chongqing, because it neither too cold nor too hot. The heat gradually drops. And the leaves of trees along the Yangtze River turns beautiful red with time goes by.

What to Wear

Wind coat or light jacket, thin sweaters, long pants, umbrella.

Chongqing Autumn Activities

1. Take the Yangtze River cruise to enjoy the spectacular red leaves on the mountains along the Yangtze River;

2. Spend 1~2 Days to capture the highlights in the city, like Hongya Cave, Liziba Metro Station, Ancient Town, Jiefangbei, Three Gorges Museum, Chongqing Zoo. Know more about Chongqing Attractions if you are interested;

3. Savor the authentic Hot Pot meal in Chongqing;

4. Catch a High Speed Train to Chengdu to see the adorable pandas;

5. Go to Dazu Rock Carving to appreciate the brilliant art gallery there.

Three Gorges in Autumn

Chongqing Hongya Cave

Hottest Chosen Chongqing Autumn Tours:

4 Days Chongqing Essence Tour with Yangtze River Cruise

Chongqing Weather in September

Temperature: 24°C / 75°F

High Temperature: 28°C / 82°F

Low Temperature: 21°C / 70°F

Humidity: 80%

Rainfall: 128 mm

Rainy Days: 14 days

Sunrise: 06:31 ~ 06:46

Sunset: 18:40 ~ 19:16

Chongqing Weather in October

Temperature: 19°C / 66°F

High Temperature: 22°C / 72°F

Low Temperature: 16°C / 61°F

Humidity: 84%

Rainfall: 92 mm

Rainy Days: 15 days

Sunrise: 06:47 ~ 07:06

Sunset: 18:08 ~ 18:39

Chongqing Weather in November

Temperature: 14°C / 57°F

High Temperature: 17°C / 63°F

Low Temperature: 12°C / 54°F

Humidity: 84%

Rainfall: 46 mm

Rainy Days: 12 days

Sunrise: 07:07 ~ 07:31

Sunset: 17:55 ~ 18:07

Winter (December - February)

Winter in Chongqing is normally from December to February of the next year. The coldest days of Chongqing come, but it seldom snows. It is foggy and gloomy. The average temperature in this season is about 4°C (39°F).

What to Wear

Warm jackets or coats, sweaters and jeans.

Chongqing Winter Activities

1. Try the authentic and warm Hot Pot meal in Chongqing;

3. Catch a High Speed Train to Chengdu to see the adorable pandas;

4. Go to Dazu Rock Carving to appreciate the brilliant art gallery there.

Three Gorges in Winter

Hottest Chosen Chongqing Winter Tours:

4 Days Chongqing Essence Tour with Yangtze River Cruise

5 Days Chongqing, Wulong Karst & Yangtze Cruise Tour

Itinerary: Chongqing / Wulong / Chongqing / Yangtze Cruise / Yichang
Highlights: Wulong Karst, Yangtze River Cruise, Three Gorges, Three Gorges Dam, Three Gorges Museum, E'ling Park

Chongqing Weather in December

Temperature: 9°C / 48°F

High Temperature: 12°C / 54°F

Low Temperature: 8°C / 46°F

Humidity: 85%

Rainfall: 25 mm

Rainy Days: 10 days

Sunrise: 07:31 ~ 07:49

Sunset: 17:55 ~ 18:05

Chongqing Weather in January

Temperature: 8°C /46°F

High Temperature: 11°C / 52°F

Low Temperature: 6°C / 43°F

Humidity: 83%

Rainfall: 20 mm

Rainy Days: 10 days

Sunrise: 07:45 ~ 07:50

Sunset: 18:05 ~ 18:30

Chongqing Weather in February

Temperature: 10°C /50°F

High Temperature: 13°C / 55°F

Low Temperature: 8°C / 46°F

Humidity: 80%

Rainfall: 21 mm

Rainy Days: 10 days

Sunrise: 07:22 ~ 07:44

Sunset: 18:31 ~ 18:52

How to Plan a Chongqing Tour

Normally, most tourists will spend half day to one day in Chongqing City, and this is enough to experience most of the highlights in Chongqing city, including Ciqikou Ancient Town, Chongqing China Three Gorges Museum, Eling Park, Liziba Station and other highlights in the city center.

Some tourists also spend one day more to discover the Rock Art Gallery in Dazu Rock Carvings. For those who enthusiast magnificent natural Karst Landscape, they also leave themselves 2 days more to Wulong.

>> 2 Days Chongqing Highlights Tour with Dazu Rock Carvings

>> 2 Days Chongqing & Wulong Karst Landscape Exploration Tour

For most Chongqing visitors, they extend their journey to cruise along the longest and most picturesque river in China - Yangtze River that needs 4 or 5 days. Also, you can visit Chengdu to see the adorable giant pandas and feel the leisure lifestyle, which takes at least 2 days more to capture the highlights in the city.

>> 4 Days Chongqing Essence Tour with Yangtze Cruise

>> 3 Days Chongqing & Chengdu Essence Tour

Want to add more wonders you are interested to your tour, let’s customize your personal tour with the help of our experienced travel consultant now!

Yangtze River Cruise

Adorable Pandas in Chengdu

Travel Chongqing with China Discovery

Now that you know the weather & seasons of Chongqing, you can select your best travel time now. However, if you still feel annoying about visiting Chongqing by yourself, how about travelling with China Discovery and let us take care of everything for you? Our local drivers will help you travelling around Chongqing City in speed and convenience. Our professional travel consultant will choose the best hotel, restaurant and best travelling route for you. And our English-speaking tour guide will accompany you all the way, showing you the highlights and telling you beautiful stories of the city.

The tour can be tailor-made according to your group size, time, physical condition, plan, interest, budget and every special need. Please feel free to contact us if you need any help!

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Recommended Chongqing Tours

Top 3 Chongqing tours chosen by most customers to explore Chongqing in the best way. Check the detailed itinerary,or tailor your own trip now with us.

4 Days Chongqing Essence Tour with Yangtze River Cruise

Chongqing / Yangtze Cruise / Yichang

2 Days Chongqing & Wulong Karst Landscape Exploration Tour

Chongqing / Wulong / Chongqing

2 Days Chongqing Dazu Tour with UNESCO Heritage Site Dazu Rock Carvings

Chongqing/Dazu

Start planning your tailor-made holiday to China by contacting one of our specialists. Once inquired, you’ll get a response within 0.5~23.5 hours.

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