Chongqing Weather: the Best Time & Seasons to Visit & Travel

Overview

Chongqing City has a subtropical monsoon humid climate, with an average annual temperature ranging from 16°C to 18°C. The hottest months see average temperatures between 26°C and 29°C, while the coldest months average 4°C to 8°C. Annual precipitation is abundant, with most areas receiving between 1,000 and 1,350 millimeters of rainfall, and around 70% of this precipitation occurs between May and September.

The city’s average annual relative humidity typically ranges from 70% to 80%, placing it among China’s high-humidity regions. With annual sunshine hours between 1,000 and 1,400, Chongqing has one of the lowest annual sunshine durations in the country, with sunshine percentages of only 25% to 35%. Its main climatic characteristics can be summarized as: warm winters and early springs, hot summers and cool autumns, distinct seasons, long frost-free periods; humid air and abundant rainfall; weak solar radiation and short sunshine hours; frequent clouds and fog, rare frost and snow; the synchronous occurrence of sunlight, heat, and rainfall within the same season.

Under the combined effects of its topography and climate, Chongqing is especially prone to nighttime rain during the transition from spring to summer, a phenomenon famously known as “Bashan Night Rain”. The city is also renowned for its frequent fog, earning it the nickname “Fog City”, with averages foggy days of 104 per year, and to put that in perspective, London, the world-famous “Fog Capital”, averages just 94.

The Best Time and Seasons to Visit Chongqing

In terms of climate, the best time to travel to Chongqing is spring and autumn. In spring, Chongqing’s weather is relatively humid, with occasional light drizzles that seem to drape the city in a veil of mystery, elegant and romantic. By autumn, the scorching heat of summer fades away, and the weather turns cool and pleasant. As the autumn breeze sweeps through, it paints the mountain city’s hillsides and valleys in a riot of vibrant colors.

Chongqing Weather in Four Seasons

Spring (March to May)

Spring in Chongqing is like a gentle, refined artist, delicately adorning this mountain city with vibrant colors. Sunlight filters through layers of thin clouds, sprinkling down onto the streets and alleys, making every green leaf and every flower petal shimmer and glow. Peach blossoms and cherry blossoms along the roadsides stand as the messengers of spring, charming and radiant, their captivating fragrance drawing the attention of passersby. The rippling waters of the river, sparkling under the caress of the spring breeze, mirror the lush green mountains on both banks. Strolling through the streets and alleys of Chongqing, it feels as though you can hear the breath of nature and sense the pulse of life itself.

Summer (June to August)

Fog city, mountain city, river city, when one speaks of Chongqing’s beauty, it often seems shrouded in a misty haze. Yet it’s the arrival of summer that reveals another side of this city, as temperatures soar to a sweltering 40°C. Known as one of China’s famous "furnace cities," Chongqing’s summers are intense and long. With blue skies and white clouds as a backdrop, every landscape here appears unbelievably stunning. The best way to escape the heat is to head for the mountains. Whether it’s the Karst wonders of Wulong, the scenic Wu River Gallery in Youyang, or the Huangshui Forest in Zhuzhi, each offers refreshing coolness brought by Chongqing’s unique layered climate.

Autumn (September to November)

Chongqing’s autumn feels like a lavish yet understated feast. Compared to the vibrant blossoms of spring, autumn carries a deeper, quieter charm, but that doesn’t mean it’s dull. Brilliant, colorful leaves burst into life, painting the city like a scene from a fairytale. Strolling along the narrow, steep streets, one is surrounded by the gentle sunlight filtering through trees and the mottled patterns it casts on old walls. When the slanting rays of the sun touch the golden ginkgo leaves, the shimmering light and shadow seem to stir up an endless stream of thoughts, sending the mind on a wistful, wandering journey.

Winter (December to February)

As winter arrives, a chill gradually settles over the land. While the north is draped in a blanket of snow, Chongqing the mountain city, reveals a different kind of winter charm. In Chongqing, winter is a sea of mist. At dawn, the world is shrouded in a thick layer of fog; distant mountains and nearby buildings alike appear and disappear in the haze, as if part of a celestial realm. And when snow falls, the hillsides and trees don their white coats, turning the entire landscape into a world of pure white, with the shimmering rimes adding yet another layer of beauty.

Chongqing Weather by Month/Year Round

If you can freely choose when to travel to Beijing, it is recommended to select the most suitable month based on your interests and preferences. If you don't have the flexibility to choose, it is advisable to understand the advantages and disadvantages of traveling to Chongqing in each month. According to them, you can be better prepared in advance.

View your month: January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, December

January: is January a Good Time to Visit?

In January, although the temperatures in Chongqing may not seem very low, the damp chill in the air rivals that of northern China. Whenever a cold snap arrives, Jinfo Mountain in Nanchuan and Fairy Mountain in Wulong are blanketed in snow. Snowflakes and frost reflect on the lake’s surface, accompanied by rime ice and seas of clouds, creating a scene straight out of a fairy tale. Despite the cold, nothing beats a steaming hot Chongqing hotpot to chase away the winter chill.

The average temperature in Chongqing in January ranges from 4°C to 11°C, with lows reaching 0°C and highs up to 19°C. The monthly average precipitation is about 19.7mm, with a mix of cloudy, sunny, overcast, and rainy days, little dust haze, accompanied by occasional snowfall, not good for travel.

January is the off-season for tourism in Chongqing, meaning fewer crowds, lower prices, and more flexibility in travel plans, making it a cost-effective time to visit. However, some attractions may temporarily close due to weather conditions, so it’s important to plan your itinerary accordingly.

What to Wear/Bring in January

• The weather in January is cold, so it’s important to wear warm clothing such as windproof jackets, down coats, and to bring along gloves and scarves, with a thermos to ensure a supply of hot water.
• Since there are many mountainous areas, it’s recommended to wear comfortable hiking shoes when climbing.
• There is often sand haze, so it is best to prepare masks in case.
• The sunlight can be strong while sunny, so if needed, prepare a sun hat.
• When playing in the snow, it’s best to wear sunglasses to prevent snow blindness.
• Rainfall is unpredictable, with frequent nighttime showers, so it’s wise to bring rain gear to avoid inconvenience.

February: is February a Good Time to Visit?

In February, traces of winter still linger in Chongqing’s air, yet the city already begins to show the signs of spring. After the Beginning of Spring solar term, life slumbered through the cold season awakens, and quietly bursts into bloom. Snow-white pear blossoms outshine the lingering frost, rapeseed flowers blaze with vibrant warmth, and peach blossoms blush with tender charm. The hot springs and the delicate pear blossoms of Yubei Tongjing are hidden gems you simply can’t miss when visiting Chongqing in February.

The average temperature in Chongqing in February ranges from 8°C to 15°C, with lows reaching 3°C and highs up to 24°C. The monthly average precipitation is about 23.3mm, with mostly rainy and cloudy, partly sunny and overcast days, frequent dust haze, accompanied by occasional snowfall, not good for travel.

February is the off-season for tourism in Chongqing, meaning fewer crowds, lower prices, and more flexibility in travel plans, making it a cost-effective time to visit. During the Spring Festival, Chongqing is filled with a strong festive atmosphere and is rich in folk activities, and attractions used to be closed successively open, so it may be a fine time to travel.

What to Wear/Bring in February

• The weather in February is cold, so it’s important to wear warm clothing such as windproof jackets, down coats, and to bring along gloves and scarves, with a thermos to ensure a supply of hot water.
• Since there are many mountainous areas, it’s recommended to wear comfortable hiking shoes when climbing.
• There is often sand haze, so it is best to prepare masks in case.
• The sunlight can be strong while sunny, so if needed, prepare a sun hat.
• When playing in the snow, it’s best to wear sunglasses to prevent snow blindness.
• Rainfall is unpredictable, with frequent nighttime showers, so it’s wise to bring rain gear to avoid inconvenience.

March: is March a Good Time to Visit?

Spring’s footsteps quietly arrive upon the land of Chongqing, and everything seems to awaken from a long slumber, brimming with vitality and life. In March, tender green leaves begin to adorn the fields, releasing the softest, most delicate breath of spring. Before you even realize it, the city is already awash in blooming flowers and vibrant spring scenery.

The average temperature in Chongqing in March ranges from 11°C to 20°C, with lows reaching 6°C and highs up to 34°C. The monthly average precipitation is about 43.2mm, with mostly rainy and cloudy, partly sunny and overcast days, rare dust haze, accompanied by occasional snowfall in mountains, good for travel.

March is the shoulder season for tourism in Chongqing, meaning moderate crowds and prices, and more flexibility in travel plans, making it a cost-effective time to visit. During this time, Chongqing launches many spring-outing activities, and attractions used to be closed successively open, so it’s the best time to visit Chongqing.

What to Wear/Bring in March

• The weather in March is cool, so it’s important to wear warm clothing such as jackets and sweatshirts, with a thermos to ensure a supply of hot water.
• Since there are many mountainous areas, it’s recommended to wear comfortable hiking shoes when climbing.
• There is often sand haze, so it is best to prepare masks in case.
• The sunlight can be strong while sunny, so if needed, prepare a sun hat.
• Rainfall is unpredictable, with frequent nighttime showers, so it’s wise to bring rain gear to avoid inconvenience.

April: is April a Good Time to Visit?

Springtime in Chongqing always holds unexpected scenery along the way. In the early morning, a light mist shrouds the city like an ink-wash painting. Beneath the ancient eaves of Huayan Temple, wisteria vines wind their way up the dark tiles. In the most beautiful days of April, chinaberry flowers begin to bloom across the city. Their pale purple blossoms hang in delicate clusters, scattered like stars, so exquisitely fine that they feel almost dreamlike. As the breeze stirs the petals, a gentle fragrance lingers in the air.

The average temperature in Chongqing in April ranges from 16°C to 26°C, with lows reaching 10°C and highs up to 35°C. The monthly average precipitation is about 95.2mm, with mostly rainy and cloudy, partly sunny and overcast days, accompanied by occasional dust haze, good for travel.

April is the high season for tourism in Chongqing, meaning more crowds, higher prices, and less flexibility in travel plans. During this time, Chongqing launches many spring-outing activities especially during the Tomb Sweeping Day holiday, so it’s the best time to visit Chongqing.

What to Wear/Bring in April

• The weather in April is pleasant, so it’s recommended to wear comfortable clothing such as jackets and sweatshirts, and pay attention to the cool night.
• Since there are many mountainous areas, it’s recommended to wear comfortable hiking shoes when climbing.
• There is often sand haze, so it is best to prepare masks in case.
• Mosquitoes are present, so mosquito repellent measures are necessary.
• The sunlight can be strong while sunny, so if needed, prepare a sun hat.
• Rainfall is unpredictable, with frequent nighttime showers, so it’s wise to bring rain gear to avoid inconvenience.

May: is May a Good Time to Visit?

May is the season of jacarandas in Chongqing. The leaves of the jacaranda are slender like those of a mimosa, while its blossoms burst forth like flames under the sunlight, brilliant and radiant. Against a backdrop of deep greenery, the branches and leaves stretch toward the sky, appearing pure and graceful. While rainy, a fine, silken rain softly drapes over the sharp edges of the high-rise buildings, softening them into gentle silhouettes, while the flagstone pathways, cleansed by the rain, take on an especial tranquility.

The average temperature in Chongqing in May ranges from 17°C to 26°C, with lows reaching 10°C and highs up to 38°C. The monthly average precipitation is about 145.9mm, with mostly rainy and cloudy, partly sunny and overcast days, good for travel.

May is the peak season for tourism in Chongqing, meaning more crowds, higher prices, and less flexibility in travel plans especially in the May Day holiday. Many spring-outing activities are launched, so if you can accept the high cost or avoid the holiday crowds, you can enjoy the best time to visit Chongqing.

What to Wear/Bring in May

• The weather in May is pleasant, so it’s recommended to wear comfortable clothing such as jackets and sweatshirts, and pay attention to the cool night.
• Since there are many mountainous areas, it’s recommended to wear comfortable hiking shoes when climbing.
• There is often sand haze, so it is best to prepare masks in case.
• Mosquitoes are present, so mosquito repellent measures are necessary.
• The sunlight can be strong while sunny, so if needed, prepare a sun hat.
• Rainfall is unpredictable, with frequent nighttime showers, so it’s wise to bring rain gear to avoid inconvenience.

June: is June a Good Time to Visit?

As temperatures gradually rise, summer in Chongqing seems to arrive more fiercely and directly than in other cities. The arrival of the rainy season bathes this mountain city in lush greenery, draping it in vivid shades of green. Though June in Chongqing can be hot, it’s also the perfect time to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and head to the surrounding mountains for a refreshing summer retreat.

The average temperature in Chongqing in June ranges from 22°C to 31°C, with lows reaching 17°C and highs up to 38°C. The monthly average precipitation is about 192.6mm, with mostly rainy and cloudy, partly sunny and overcast days, acceptable for travel.

June is the high season for tourism in Chongqing, meaning more crowds, higher prices, and less flexibility in travel plans. Many travel activities are launched, so if you can accept the high cost or avoid the crowds, you can enjoy a good time to visit Chongqing.

What to Wear/Bring in June

• The weather in June is warm and rainy, so it’s recommended to wear breathable and moisture-absorbent clothing such as shirts and T-shirts.
• Since there are many mountainous areas, it’s recommended to wear comfortable hiking shoes when climbing.
• Mosquitoes are present, so mosquito repellent measures are necessary.
• The sunlight can be strong while sunny, so if needed, prepare a sun hat.
• Rainfall is unpredictable, with frequent nighttime showers, so it’s wise to bring rain gear to avoid inconvenience.

July: is July a Good Time to Visit?

July in Chongqing is a scorching month that truly lives up to the city’s reputation as one of China’s “Four Furnaces”. Even while standing in the shade, sweat seems to drip down effortlessly. Despite the intense heat and humidity, it’s this very warmth and passion that fill the city with energy and vitality. The dazzling and bustling nightlife adds even more brilliance to Chongqing’s fiery charm.

The average temperature in Chongqing in July ranges from 27°C to 37°C, with lows reaching 19°C and highs up to 42°C. The monthly average precipitation is about 186.0mm, with a mix of cloudy, sunny, overcast, and rainy days, not good for travel.

July is the peak season for tourism in Chongqing, meaning more crowds, higher prices, and less flexibility in travel plans. As the summer holiday begins, the amount of tourists reaches its peak, so if you can accept the high cost and carefully plan your itinerary, you can enjoy Chongqing in a good travel time.

What to Wear/Bring in July

• The weather in July is hot and rainy, so it’s recommended to wear breathable and moisture-absorbent clothing such as shirts and T-shirts.
• Since there are many mountainous areas, it’s recommended to wear comfortable hiking shoes when climbing.
• Mosquitoes are present, so mosquito repellent measures are necessary.
• The sunlight can be strong while sunny, so if needed, prepare a sun hat or a sunshade.
• Rainfall is unpredictable, with frequent nighttime showers, so it’s wise to bring rain gear to avoid inconvenience.

August: is August a Good Time to Visit?

Walking through the streets of Chongqing in August, the sunlight filters through the narrow gaps between high-rise buildings, spilling onto the scorching ground, making even the air feel as if it’s ablaze. Apart from the riverside at night, where a hint of coolness lingers, Chongqing’s air-raid shelters have also become popular summer retreats for citizens and tourists. These underground structures, once built for defense, have now transformed into havens for locals to escape the sweltering summer heat.

The average temperature in Chongqing in August ranges from 30°C to 40°C, with lows reaching 19°C and highs up to 43°C. The monthly average precipitation is about 137.9mm, with mostly rainy and cloudy, partly sunny and overcast days, not good for travel.

August is the peak season for tourism in Chongqing, meaning more crowds, higher prices, and less flexibility in travel plans. During the summer holiday, the amount of tourists reaches its peak, so if you can accept the high cost and carefully plan your itinerary, or can avoid the holiday crowds in the late August, you can enjoy Chongqing in a good travel time.

What to Wear/Bring in August

• The weather in August is hot and rainy, so it’s recommended to wear breathable and moisture-absorbent clothing such as shirts and T-shirts.
• Since there are many mountainous areas, it’s recommended to wear comfortable hiking shoes when climbing.
• Mosquitoes are present, so mosquito repellent measures are necessary.
• The sunlight can be strong while sunny, so if needed, prepare a sun hat or a sunshade.
• Rainfall is unpredictable, with frequent nighttime showers, so it’s wise to bring rain gear to avoid inconvenience.

September: is September a Good Time to Visit?

In September, Chongqing has passed the peak of summer heat. Though the days are still warm and invigorating, you can already catch a hint of autumn in the air. Compared to the lively bustle of spring and summer, autumn in Chongqing feels more reserved, even a little introspective. It’s as if the whole city is cloaked in a soft, gentle filter, with crisp, refreshing air and sunlight filtering through the leaves, casting scattered shadows on the ground.

The average temperature in Chongqing in September ranges from 20°C to 29°C, with lows reaching 15°C and highs up to 42°C. The monthly average precipitation is about 48.2mm, with a mix of cloudy, sunny, overcast, and rainy days, good for travel.

September is the high season for tourism in Chongqing, meaning more crowds yet fewer than that in August, higher prices, and less flexibility in travel plans, so if you can accept the high cost, you can enjoy Chongqing in the best travel time.

What to Wear/Bring in September

• The weather in September is pleasant, so it’s recommended to wear breathable clothing such as shirts and T-shirts.
• Since there are many mountainous areas, it’s recommended to wear comfortable hiking shoes when climbing.
• Mosquitoes are present, so mosquito repellent measures are necessary.
• The sunlight can be strong while sunny, so if needed, prepare a sun hat or a sunshade.
• Rainfall is unpredictable, with frequent nighttime showers, so it’s wise to bring rain gear to avoid inconvenience.

October: is October a Good Time to Visit?

In October, autumn deepens. The sky over the mountain city turns a gemstone blue, and the forests begin to brew their seasonal colors. Autumn in Chongqing is a time when beauty lingers in every corner — maple leaves tinged with yellow, evergreens standing tall, and time leaving its traces in the dappled light. Egrets dance gracefully over the river, their silhouettes mirrored by the kaleidoscope of colors in the distant trees. In the early morning, when mist drifts and clouds curl through the mountains, a veil of hazy beauty descends, as enigmatic and captivating as the Mona Lisa’s mysterious smile.

The average temperature in Chongqing in October ranges from 16°C to 24°C, with lows reaching 12°C and highs up to 37°C. The monthly average precipitation is about 85.8mm, with mostly rainy and cloudy, partly sunny and overcast days, accompanied by occasional dust haze, good for travel.

October is the peak season for tourism in Chongqing, meaning more crowds, higher prices, and less flexibility in travel plans. Then after the end of National Day holiday, the tourist number decreases, so if you can accept the high cost and avoid the holiday crowds, you can enjoy Chongqing in the best travel time.

What to Wear/Bring in October

• The weather in October is pleasant, so it’s recommended to wear breathable clothing such as shirts and T-shirts, and pay attention to the cool night.
• Since there are many mountainous areas, it’s recommended to wear comfortable hiking shoes when climbing.
• There may be sand haze, so it is best to prepare masks in case.
• Mosquitoes are present, so mosquito repellent measures are necessary.
• The sunlight can be strong while sunny, so if needed, prepare a sun hat or a sunshade.
• Rainfall is unpredictable, with frequent nighttime showers, so it’s wise to bring rain gear to avoid inconvenience.

November: is November a Good Time to Visit?

In November, autumn is in full swing in Chongqing, and the crimson leaves of Wushan stretch endlessly along the Wu Gorge. 150,000 mu of fiery red foliage drape the mountains like a glowing shawl, painting a breathtaking landscape of crimson hills and rivers. The crystal-clear Nine Lotus Summit at the edge of the clouds blends seamlessly with the brilliant colorful forests of Jinfo Mountain, forming a vivid, lifelike oil painting.

The average temperature in Chongqing in November ranges from 13°C to 20°C, with lows reaching 4°C and highs up to 26°C. The monthly average precipitation is about 48.3mm, with mostly rainy and cloudy, partly sunny and overcast days, accompanied by occasional dust haze, good for travel.

November is the off-season for tourism in Chongqing, meaning fewer crowds, lower prices, and more flexibility in travel plans, making it a cost-effective time to visit, so it’s the best time to visit Chongqing.

What to Wear/Bring in November

• The weather in November is cool, so it’s important to wear comfortable clothing such as jackets and sweatshirts, and pay attention to the cold night.
• Since there are many mountainous areas, it’s recommended to wear comfortable hiking shoes when climbing.
• There may be sand haze, so it is best to prepare masks in case.
• The sunlight can be strong while sunny, so if needed, prepare a sun hat.
• Rainfall is unpredictable, with frequent nighttime showers, so it’s wise to bring rain gear to avoid inconvenience.

December: is December a Good Time to Visit?

The cold wind gradually sweeps across the land, and most places begin to settle into the stillness of winter. The leaves along the streets have already fallen, yet the pines and cypresses remain verdant, adding a touch of winter color to the city. Hotpot, without a doubt, becomes Chongqing’s most comforting companion that lets people savor a unique kind of warmth and deliciousness in this chilly season.

The average temperature in Chongqing in December ranges from 6°C to 11°C, with lows reaching 2°C and highs up to 20°C. The monthly average precipitation is about 24.3mm, with a mix of cloudy, sunny, overcast, and rainy days, frequent dust haze, accompanied by occasional snowfall, not good for travel.

December is the off-season for tourism in Chongqing, meaning fewer crowds, lower prices, and more flexibility in travel plans, making it a cost-effective time to visit. There are fewer tourism activities, , so it’s important to plan your itinerary accordingly.

What to Wear/Bring in December

• The weather in December is cold, so it’s important to wear warm clothing such as down jackets and windbreakers, with a thermos to ensure a supply of hot water.
• Since there are many mountainous areas, it’s recommended to wear comfortable hiking shoes when climbing.
• There may be sand haze, so it is best to prepare masks in case.
• The sunlight can be strong while sunny, so if needed, prepare a sun hat.
• When playing in the snow, it’s best to wear sunglasses to prevent snow blindness.
• Rainfall is unpredictable, with frequent nighttime showers, so it’s wise to bring rain gear to avoid inconvenience.

Customize Your Mountain City Chongqing Tour

If you are interested in the Chongqing itineraries mentioned above, please contact us, and we will be happy to customize it and provide a quote tailored to your preferences.

Alternatively, if you would like to customize your Chongqing Tour, please visit our Chongqing Tour Customized Center. We assure you that you will receive a reply within 24 working hours.

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• Top destinations: best places to visit in Chongqing
• Travel itineraries: itineraries for your reference
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