Located in southwest China, Chongqing boasts many beautiful natural landscapes and historical sites, and it has become a popular tourist attraction worldwide. When planning a Chongqing tour, you may be curious about the climate conditions in Chongqing. This article will guide you through the Chongqing weather in different seasons and the best time to visit attractions in this city.
Chongqing experiences a subtropical monsoon humid climate characterized by four distinctive seasons, with an annual average temperature of 16 to 18 degrees. Generally, it has early springs, hot summers, cool autumns, and warm winters. Besides, Chongqing is often referred to as “Fog City” due to its frequent fog. The city has an average of 104 foggy days per year, and Yunwu Mountain in Bishan District has up to 204 foggy days a year.
Best Time to Visit Chongqing
Chongqing welcomes visitors all year round, but the best time to visit there is during spring and autumn when the weather in Chongqing is mild and the surroundings are pleasant. What’s more, there are some attractions not affected by weather conditions, such as Ciqikou Ancient Town, Three Gorges Museum, Hongya Cave, and the CRT to Liziba Station, which can be visited anytime you want.
Best Time to Cruise Yangtze River
One of the best things to do in Chongqing is go on a Yangtze River cruise tour to see the most spectacular riverside scenery. During the summer days, you will see the river glimmering in the sunshine and experience the cool wind blowing especially at night. Besides, you can also enjoy the beautiful water views of the Yangtze River in autumn when the weather in Chongqing is mild and cool.
Chongqing Weather by Month
| Month | Highest Temperature (°C) | Lowest Temperature (°C) | Recommended Rate |
| January | 11 | 6 | ☆☆ |
| February | 13 | 8 | ☆☆☆ |
| March | 17 | 11 | ☆☆☆☆ |
| April | 23 | 15 | ☆☆☆☆☆ |
| May | 27 | 19 | ☆☆☆☆☆ |
| June | 29 | 22 | ☆☆☆☆ |
| July | 33 | 25 | ☆☆☆ |
| August | 35 | 25 | ☆☆☆ |
| September | 28 | 21 | ☆☆☆☆☆ |
| October | 22 | 16 | ☆☆☆☆☆ |
| November | 17 | 12 | ☆☆☆☆ |
| December | 12 | 8 | ☆☆☆ |
Chongqing Weather in Different Seasons
Spring (March – May)
Weather in Chongqing’s spring is relatively warm and pleasant with an average temperature ranging from 9°C (48°F) to 15°C (59°F). However, influenced by the dual function of the ocean currents and cold air, the weather is unpredictable and changes a lot, you’ll experience a sunny morning but a rainy afternoon on the same day, or see clouds in one district and snow in another.
What to Wear
Shirts, thin long pants, and a thin overcoat.
Recommended Activities in Spring
- Head for tourist attractions like Hongya Cave, Ciqikou Ancient Town, Three Gorges Museum, Chongqing People’s Liberation Monument, and other sites in Chongqing if you want.
- Marvel at the sea of flowers in Nanshan Botanical Garden. Besides, Hufeng Mountain and Tianping Mountain also present stunning views of flowers, which allows you to take beautiful pictures.
- Embark on a one-day tour to Dazu Rock Carving to admire the exquisite carvings there.
Recommended Chongqing Tours in Spring
Summer (June – August)
Chongqing is called one of the three oven cities in China, together with Wuhan and Nanjing, whose highest temperature reaches 43.8 degrees in summer. More often than not, July is the month with the highest temperature. Also, the noon hours in summer in Chongqing are not ideal for outdoor activities because it is too hot, so you can go on a Chongqing tour in the morning or late afternoon.
What to Wear
T-shirt, shorts, skirts, sun-proof clothing, hat.
Recommended Activities in Summer
- Take a cableway to fly over the Yangtze River, or start a Yangtze River cruise tour to marvel at the river scenery.
- Go on a summer retreat tour in Xiannvshan National Forest Park or drift in the Foyingxia Scenic Area.
- Embark on a one-day trip to see the Wulong natural bridges.
- Visit the Zhuoshui Ancient Town that greets visitors with enchanting night views.
- Get up close with pandas in Chongqing Zoo.
Recommended Chongqing Tours in Summer
- 2 Days Chongqing Tour with Wulong Karst Geological Park
- 5 Days Chongqing Yangtze River Cruise Tour with Wulong
Autumn (September – November)
Chongqing weather in autumn is cool with mild temperatures and it’s the best season for traveling. Moreover, the leaves of the Three Gorges turn red, making this city more charming. Just note that there might be a big temperature difference between day and night.
What to Wear
Shirts, thin sweaters, light jackets, long pants.
Recommended Activities in Autumn
- Take a cruise to appreciate the graceful landscape of Wushan Small Three Gorges.
- Hike the Jinfo Mountain to see the beautiful views. Also, you’ll get a chance to taste the fresh bamboo shoots there.
- Visit the Hongchiba to explore the golden larch trees. Besides, you’ll see stunning views of a sea of clouds.
- Head for places of interest famous for red leaves, including Baidicheng or Baidi Fortress and Qutang Gorge.
Recommended Chongqing Tours in Autumn
Winter (December – February)
Weather in Chongqing in winter is warmer than the cities in the same latitude like Wuhan and Nanjing, with an average temperature of 4°C (39°F). Besides, it tends to be foggy and cloudy with less frost and snow in winter.
What to wear
Sweaters, woolen coats or warm jackets, jeans.
Recommended Activities in Winter
- Try the local spicy hotpot in Chongqing, which is an icon of this city.
- Soaking in hot springs is also a must-do activity in winter. By the way, Ronghui Spring, Tianxing Spring, and Tongjing Spring are good places for you to go.
- Capture the beautiful snow views of Chongqing in Jinfo Mountain in Nanchuan, Fairy Mountain in Wulong, and Nantian Lake in Fengdu. Besides, they offer opportunities for you to attend ice activities there.
- Dive into the folk activities in Chongqing, such as the Food Festival, Temple Fair, and exhibitions of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Chongqing.
- Take a high-speed train to Chengdu to see the cute pandas.
Recommended Chongqing Tours in Winter
Times to Avoid
Though Chongqing weather influences the traveling experience a lot, to gain a better travel experience, avoid visiting Chongqing on China’s public holidays, during which the tourist attractions will be crowded. During holidays like the Spring Festival at the end of January or February, the May Day Holiday from May 1st to 5th, and the National Day Holiday from October 1st to 7th, the scenic sites are full of tourists and the prices for accommodation in hotels increase significantly.
