Chongqing Climate, Weather and Best Time to Visit
Whether you choose a Chongqing city discovery or will embark a Yangtze River cruise passing through the Three Gorges, you should understand China Chongqing weather and climate. Better yet, check chongqing weather forecast one to two weeks before your trip for the accurate temperatures.
To plan a Chongqing tour wisely, also know when is the best time to visit Chongqing with pleasant weather and beautiful scenery, as well as which dates you’d better avoid when it is overcrowded with tourists.
Chongqing Weather & Climate
At 105°17'-110°11' east longitude and 28°10'-32°13' west longitude, Chongqing is located in the heart of southwest China at the confluence of the Yangtze and Jialing Rivers. The unique geography endows Chongqing with a typical subtropical humid climate. The average annual temperature in Chongqing 18 degree Celsius and rainfall 1000-1400mm, with rainy weather accounting for over 60% of the year and a frost-free period exceeding 300 days. The city also experiences an average of 104 foggy days annually. Morning mists, evening hazes, and even persistent mists shrouding the mountain city are commonplace—so now you know why Chongqing is also known as the “Fog City.”
As for Chongqing weather in four seasons, it welcomes the spring early, warm in winter and hot in summer & autumn with plentiful rainfall. In winter, the lowest temperature is between 6 and 8 degree Celsius; In summer, the average temperature lasts 27-29 degree Celsius. To date, Chongqing's highest recorded temperature is 44.5°C (in Qijiang District), while its lowest recorded temperature is -13.2°C (in Chengkou County).
Due to frequent rainy and foggy weather, Chongqing receives only an average of 1,156.4 hours of sunshine annually, ranking among China's regions with the least sunlight. Additionally, the city experiences an average annual wind speed of 1.1 meters per second and a calm wind frequency as high as 45.5%.
Chongqing Weather by Month
In 2008, Chongqing experienced a prolonged period of “sauna weather” with temperatures consistently reaching 40°C. In recent years, the city has also seen recurring “plunge-like temperature drops.” Based on Chongqing weather data in history, we have compiled a comprehensive overview of Chonqqing's monthly weather conditions throughout the year, including temperatures in Celsius/Fahrenheit and precipitation levels.
| Average Data | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | June |
| Average High (°F) | 49/53 | 53/56 | 63/66 | 72/75 | 78/82 | 83/87 |
| Average High (°C) | 10/12 | 12/14 | 17/19 | 22/24 | 26/28 | 28/30 |
| Average Low (°F) | 40/44 | 43/46 | 50/54 | 58/61 | 64/68 | 69/73 |
| Average Low (°C) | 5/7 | 6/8 | 10/12 | 14/16 | 18/20 | 21/23 |
| Rain (in) | 0.7/0.8 | 0.8/0.9 | 1.5/1.6 | 3.5/3.6 | 6.0/6.1 | 6.7/6.8 |
| Rain (mm) | 15/20 | 20/25 | 40/45 | 90/95 | 150/155 | 170/175 |
| Average Data | July | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
| Average High (°F) | 90/94 | 91/95 | 81/84 | 70/73 | 61/64 | 52/56 |
| Average High (°C) | 32/34 | 33/35 | 27/29 | 21/23 | 16/18 | 11/13 |
| Average Low (°F) | 74/78 | 74/78 | 68/71 | 59/63 | 52/55 | 44/47 |
| Average Low (°C) | 23/25 | 23/25 | 20/22 | 15/17 | 11/13 | 6/8 |
| Rain (in) | 6.0/6.1 | 4.8/4.9 | 5.5/5.6 | 3.8/3.9 | 1.8/2 | 0.8/0.9 |
| Rain (mm) | 150/155 | 120/125 | 140/145 | 95/100 | 45/50 | 20/25 |
The Best Time to Visit Chongqing
Chongqing is one of China's most captivating cities and one of the best cities in China for food. Spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November) offer mild temperatures and crisp air, making them the ideal times to travel to Chongqing for sightseeing. However, the city delivers unique experiences year-round—from dazzling night tours in summer and winter hot springs to Chinese culinary adventures available all year long.
So what about the best time of day? In the early morning, head to mountains like Nanshan or Jinyunshan for fresh air. From evening into night, visit Hongyadong, Jiefangbei, or the banks of the Yangtze River on your Chongqing city tour to experience Chongqing's world-renowned night views.
Best Time to Take a Yangtze River Cruise
A 4-day, 3-night luxury Yangtze River cruise ranks among the top things to do in Chongqing. Similarly, spring and autumn are recommended for cruising due to comfortable weather and stunning scenery (spring blooms and autumn foliage). Summer coincides with peak season for domestic family travel in China (summer vacation), while winter offers lower prices but fewer departures and some closed attractions.
Chongqing in Spring: Mild climate, nature reawakening—the perfect season for sightseeing
Months: March–MayWeather
Chongqing's spring weather typically follows a “cold in the beginning and warm later” pattern. Persistent rain increases the probability of a “post-spring cold” to 45%. Late April marks the peak of the Peach Blossom Festival, where seas of mountain peach blossoms at locations like Jinyun Mountain and Nanshan create a vibrant spring atmosphere. In March 2023, there was a "mild spring" with temperatures above 30°C, resulting in a rare spectacle where people in Chongqing's Jiangbei area wore light clothes to enjoy the peonies.
Clothing advice
During the day, you can wear a light jacket, long-sleeved shirt and casual pants. If you feel cold at night, you can add a light sweater or a windbreaker. It is recommended to carry a folding umbrella or a waterproof coat with you.What to do
The spring weather in Chongqing is very suitable for outdoor activities. If you want to enjoy flowers, the ten-thousand-acre rape flower sea in Tongnan, the peony and cherry blossom plantation in Diangang, the plum blossoms in Central Park, the wild cherry garden on Yun Guishan, as well as the Nan Shan Botanical Garden and the Garden Expo Park are all great places to enjoy flowers in spring.
Spring is also an excellent time to explore the natural wonders of Chongqing, such as the Wulong Karst (a World Natural Heritage Site), the Xiaotianquan Scenic Area in Wushan, and other places. It allows you to experience the unparalleled creativity of nature.
>> Recommended One Day Wulong Karst from Chongqing
Chongqing in summer: The Unique Charm of the “Furnace City”
Months: June - August
Weather
Chongqing is one of the "Furnace Cities" in China. It is hot and humid in summer with intense sunlight. It enters the "urnace mode" in late June. The Jiefangbei business district once experienced an extreme high temperature of 48.3℃. However, in the summer of 2023, a rare "combined heat and humidity" weather occurred, with an average humidity of 85% in July, causing outdoor air conditioner units to become rainwater drains. In the past five years, the number of summer rain days in Chongqing has increased by 30%. In June 2022, the single-day rainfall exceeded 200 millimeters, causing urban flooding.
Clothing advice
It is recommended to wear short-sleeved shirts, shorts, skirts, breathable casual shoes or sandals. A sun hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, as well as an umbrella or raincoat are essential items.
What to do
The evenings and nights are cooler, making it a good time to go out. When visiting Chongqing at night, don't miss Hongya Cave, Liberation Monument, the Yangtze River Cableway and the Two Rivers Night Cruise.
Want to experience the coolness of Chongqing in summer? Wulong Karst, Nanquan Jinfoshan and Sifan Mountain are good choices if love nature. Eating hot pot in summer, paired with cold beer, is also a wonderful experience. Moreover, during the Chinese Dragon Boat Festival (usually in early June), you can watch the dragon boat races and experience the Ba-Yu folk culture.
>> Recommended 2-day Highlights of Chongqing Tour
Chongqing in Autumn: Romantic Autumn Atmosphere
Months: September – November
Weather
The autumn weather in Chongqing features relatively dry and crisp air with lower humidity (typically between 50% and 70%). September brings about 20 days of clear, cool autumn weather. October marks the start of both the pickled mustard season and hotpot season. In November, the Wushan Lesser Three Gorges offer views of red foliage.
Clothing advice
You can wear long-sleeved T-shirts, lightweight knitwear, shirts, sweaters, hoodies, windproof jackets or light coats, and long pants. Although rainfall is relatively low in autumn, it's still advisable to bring an umbrella or raincoat.
What to do
With clear skies and crisp air, autumn is Chongqing's most ideal season for tourism, perfect for hiking, city sightseeing, and cultural exploration. Climb to the One Tree Viewing Platform on Nanshan Mountain or E'ling Park for panoramic views of Chongqing. Stroll through Hongyadong and Jiefangbei Pedestrian Street to experience the blend of history and modernity. At Ciqikou Ancient Town, sample local delicacies like Chen's Sesame Twists, ancient town chicken offal, and glutinous rice cakes. Marvel at the exquisite ancient stone carvings at the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Dazu Rock Carvings. And visit giant pandas at Chongqing Zoo.
>> Recommended Dazu Grottoes Day Tour from Chongqing
Chongqing in winter: Spicy hot pot and warm hot spring experiences
Months: December - February
Weather
In Chongqing, winters are damp, cold and foggy with less sunlight. Due to the high humidity, the perceived temperature often drops below 3℃. January being the coldest month. In 2022, there were five consecutive days of "damp cold attacks" in December, and the section of the Yangtze River Bridge was 2 kilometers long with ice formation. However, in January 2023, there was a "warm winter miracle", with 10 consecutive days of sunny weather above 15℃.
Clothing advice
You can wear a thick coat, a down jacket, a sweater, a scarf, gloves, and slip-on shoes. Umbrellas/raincoats are still necessary.
What to do
The high-altitude mountainous areas surrounding Chongqing are excellent places to go in China in winter. In the Fairy Mountain of Wulong, the rare forest and snow landscape in the south of the country, you can go skiing and play with snow. While in the eastern, southern and northern hot springs of Chongqing, you can warm yourself up from the cold winter.
Of course, winter is the best season to eat Sichuan hot pot and various spicy food in Chongqing. If you don't want to engage in outdoor activities in the cold winter, you can visit the Three Gorges Museum of China, Arhat Temple and General Stilwell Museum.