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Overview of Chongqing Climate
Chongqing, an inland city in the subtropical zone, experiences four distinct seasons. The climate is humid, foggy, and characterized by few sunny days. The annual average temperature ranges from approximately 18°C to 20°C. Summers (June to August) are particularly hot, with average temperatures exceeding 27°C and extreme highs sometimes surpassing 40°C. Winters (December to February), while relatively mild with an average temperature around 7°C, can feel colder due to high humidity.
Chongqing receives abundant rainfall, with annual precipitation typically ranging from 1000 to 1400 millimeters. Rainy days are concentrated from May to September. The city experiences a significant number of overcast or rainy days, averaging between 150 and 170 days per year. Renowned as China's "Fog City," Chongqing has over 100 foggy days annually and fewer sunny days.
What to Consider When Choose the Best Time to Visit Chongqing?
1. Climate: Chongqing, often dubbed the "Furnace", experiences extremely hot summers. Spring and autumn offer more comfortable temperatures.
As a mountainous city with numerous steps and slopes, especially in the Yuzhong district (home to popular attractions such as Jiefangbei, Hongya Cave, Chaotianmen, Changjiang Cableway, and Qiansimen Bridge), visitors spend a significant amount of time walking uphill and downhill. Traveling during milder seasons can help avoid excessive sweating and fatigue, ensuring a more relaxing trip.
2. Crowds: Major tourist attractions in Chongqing can become extremely crowded during holidays and weekends, particularly during long Chinese holidays like May Day and National Day. To avoid long queues and enjoy a more comfortable sightseeing experience, it is advisable to visit outside of peak seasons.
3. Natural Scenery: Natural attractions such as the Wulong Karst and the Three Gorges Gorge offer different scenic views throughout the year. Autumn is the best time to admire the autumn foliage, while spring is ideal for enjoying the blossoming flowers.
Yangtze River Cruise: Cruise the Yangtze River in Chongqing during spring and autumn to witness stunning seasonal changes. Admire blooming peach and apricot trees in spring and vibrant maple leaves in autumn.
Best Time to Visit Chongqing China
The best time to visit Chongqing is during the spring months of March to May and the autumn months of September to November. These periods offer the moderate climate perfect for outdoor activities and sightseeing in Chongqing.
Best Time to Visit Chongqing: March to May & September to November
March to May:
In spring (March-May), as the weather gradually warms, Chongqing is adorned with a vibrant display of flowers. This is an excellent time to explore the city's urban areas, hike, and visit botanical gardens such as the Ciqikou Ancient Town, South Mountain Botanical Garden, Chongqing World Horticultural Expo Park, and Eling Park. A leisurely stroll through Chongqing's layered steps offers unique perspectives of the city. Engaging with the friendly locals while wandering through the streets can add to the experience.
September to November:
Another most ideal time to visit Chongqing is during the autumn (September-November) . It brings a cooler climate and transforms Chongqing into a palette of orange hues. This season is ideal for enjoying the natural beauty, such as taking a Yangtze River cruise to admire the red leaves of Wushan or the Kui Gate in Fengjie. Autumn is also the perfect time to start a culinary adventure. Enjoy a warm and spicy hot pot on a cool evening, and explore local night markets like Minxin Jiayuan or Chengnan Jiayuan to savor seasonal delicacies.
Contact Chongqing travel expert at Asia Odyssey Travel and pick your own best time to visit Chongqing.
Visit Chongqing by Season
The feeling of the seasons in Chongqing changes a lot. To make the most of your trip, check out things to do in Chongqing each season. Spring (March-May) is mild, summer (June-August) is super hot, autumn (September-November) is cool, and winter (December-February) is cold and damp.
Chongqing Weather in Spring (March to May)
Chongqing Temperature: 10°C to 20°C (50°F to 68°F)
Humidity: High, around 70%-85%
Rainfall: Frequent rain, likely 40%-50% of the days.
Feels Like: lightly cooler due to high humidity. It can make you feel cooler than the actual temperature.
Travel Highlights in Chongqing:
Spring is the best season to visit Chongqing.
- Visit Ciqikou Ancient Town and Baolun Temple (where the Ming Dynasty sought refuge).
- Stroll through Eling Park, a scenic spot popular with tourists.
- From April onwards, visit the Dazu Rock Carvings (Tang and Song Dynasty stone carvings).
- Explore the Three Gorges Museum and learn about the Yangtze River.
- See the train pass through a residential building at Liziba Station.
- Enjoy the night view of Hongya Cave.
- Take Yangtze River Cruise. Read Best Time to Cruise Yangtze River->>
What to Wear:
Clothing: Layers are key! T-shirt, light denim jacket, and a light jacket or windbreaker.
Footwear: Comfortable shoes with good grip.
Rain Gear: Raincoat or umbrella is essential.
Chongqing Weather in Summer (June to August)
Chongqing Temperature: It's usually around 25°C to 30°C on average, but it can get really hot during the day, often topping 35°C. In fact, it's been getting even hotter in recent years, with temperatures sometimes reaching over 40°C.
Humidity: High, humidity is usually around 70% to 90%.
Rainfall: The rainy season sees concentrated rainfall, with rainy days making up 40% to 60% of the summer.
Feels Like: The heat and humidity are unbearable. It feels like living in a sauna, and clothes never dry.
Travel Highlights in Chongqing:
- It's too hot outdoors during the day to do prolonged activities. Escape the heat in Chongqing Wulong Karst. Visit the Wulong Three Natural Bridges and Longshuixia Gap.
- Enjoy the air-conditioned environment at the Three Gorges Museum and learn about the history of the Yangtze River.
- In the evening, enjoy the night view of Hongya Cave while eating ice cream.
What to Wear:
Lightweight short-sleeved shirts, breathable shorts, comfortable travel shoes, and medication for heatstroke.
Chongqing Weather in Autumn (September to November)
Chongqing Temperature: Around 21°C to 28°C on average.
Humidity: Because of the rainy season, it's very humid at first. But around mid to late October, when the sun comes out more, the humidity will go down.
Rainfall：Rainy season, continuous rainfall.
Feels Like：It's cold and damp on rainy days, but sunny days are mild and comfortable.
Travel Highlights in Chongqing:
Autumn is another great time to visit Chongqing.
- Chongqing City: Check out Ciqikou Ancient Town, the Three Gorges Museum, Liziba Station, and Hongya Cave for a taste of Chongqing.
- Chongqing Suburbs: Explore the Wulong Karst Geological Park for stunning autumn views.
- Yangtze River Cruise: Begin a Yangtze River cruise in mid to late November to see the beautiful autumn foliage at the Three Gorges. Read Best Time to Cruise Yangtze River->>
What to Wear:
Layer up with a thin long-sleeved top and either a trench coat or a lightweight down jacket.
Chongqing Weather in Winter (December to February)
Chongqing Temperature: Around 5°C to 12°C on average.
Humidity: Cold and clammy, with a humidity level of approximately 68% or above.
Foggy weather: Winters are very foggy, with only 1-3 sunny days in a month.
Rainfall: Rainfall is lower and it's mostly cloudy.
Feels Like: The sky is overcast nearly all the time, and the sun is a rare sight. A penetrating dampness chills you to the bone.
Travel Highlights in Chongqing:
- Winter is a budget-friendly season to visit Chongqing. There are fewer tourists during this time, so you don't have to worry about crowded attractions.
- Visit city attractions year-round: Ciqikou Ancient Town, Three Gorges Museum, Liziba Station, Hongya Cave.
- Go to Wulong Fairy Mountain to enjoy the snow. Camping is allowed within the scenic area.
- Check out the International New Year Garden Party at Eling Park in Chongqing. It happens every year in late December and early January. You can try Chinese calligraphy and enjoy shows and games.
What to Wear:
Put on heavy coats, like sweaters and down jackets.
Chongqing Weather by Month
If you're planning a trip to Chongqing, it's important to know that the weather changes throughout the year and to consider the overview of the best time to visit Chongqing. The coldest month is December and the hottest is August. Here's a quick guide to the average temperature in Chongqing:
Monthly Temperature in Chongqing
| Month | Average Temperature | Highest | Lowest | Weather Conditions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 5°C to 10°C | 10°C | 0°C | Overcast skies with occasional drizzle. |
| February | 7°C to 13°C | 19°C | 7°C | Frequent cloudy days and light rain mean less sunshine. |
| March | 11°C to 18°C | 30°C | 7°C | Temperature is gradually increasing, from cloudy to overcast. |
| April | 15°C to 23°C | 32°C | 16°C | Cloudy with moderate temperatures. |
| May | 19°C to 27°C | 37°C | 18°C | Warmer, with skies clearing to sunny. |
| June | 22°C to 30°C | 33°C | 20°C | Rainy |
| July | 25°C to 33°C | 39°C | 25°C | Hot and sunny, with some rain. |
| August | 25°C to 34°C | 43°C | 30°C | Persistent high temperatures with occasional rainfall. |
| September | 24°C | 42°C | 27°C | Early autumn remains hot, then gradually cools down. |
| October | 16°C to 22°C | 26°C | 11°C | More cool, sunny days. |
| November | 12°C to 18°C | 22°C | 10°C | Colder and cloudier. |
| December | 8°C to 12°C | 17°C | -1℃ | Cold and gray. |
When Not to Visit Chongqing: Avoid Long Holidays in China
Chinese New Year (in January or February): This is the most important holiday in China, and people from all provinces return to their hometowns. If you plan to visit Chongqing during this time, you might not be able to get a ticket for public transportation.
Labor Day (May 1st to 5th): The holiday falls within the peak travel season for Chongqing. Waiting times for attractions can be over 2 hours, and prices typically increase.
National Day (October 1st to 7th): This is another important holiday that lasts for a week, and there are even more travelers than during Labor Day. If you plan to visit Chongqing during this period, be prepared for crowds and long waits.
If your main goal is to avoid crowds and control travel expenses, the best time to visit Chongqing is in March, April, September, the rest of October, and November.
Plan Your Chongqing & Yangtze River Cruise Trip with Asia Odyssey Travel
Most tourists spend a day in downtown Chongqing, which is enough to experience the city's major highlights, including the ancient town of Ciqikou, the Three Gorges Museum, Liziba Station, and Hongya Cave.
Some tourists extend their trip by one more day to explore the rock art gallery at Dazu Rock Carvings in the suburbs. Alternatively, they may visit the Three Natural Bridges and Longshuixia Gap in the Wulong Karst Geological Park.
Many tourists also enjoy a 4-day-3-night Yangtze River cruise. Additionally, you can extend your trip to Chengdu to see cute pandas, visit Wenshu Monastery, and experience a more relaxed lifestyle. For a dramatic natural landscape, Zhangjiajie is another great option.
Get in touch with our Chongqing Travel Expert at Asia Odyssey Travel, let's build the ideal itinerary for you!
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