Best time to visit Chongqing

Chongqing is located in southwestern China, on the upper reaches of the Yangtze River. It is surrounded by mountains and foggy all the year round. Therefore, it is also known as "Mountain City" and "Fog City". When it is the best time to visit Chongqing? What is the best season to visit Chongqing? Cuisine, night scenes, and beauty are the three major business cards of Chongqing. Chongqing is a paradise for food, especially the spicy and fragrant hot pot, which is famous all over the world.

When it is the best time to visit Chongqing? According to our experiences, the best time to visit Chongqing is from March to May, September to October each year during which the temperature is mild and comfortable, not too hot or cold. Chongqing has a humid subtropical monsoon climate so it is during th Spring season from March to May with less rainy days. The average temperature is 20℃. It is suitable to organize a Chongqing tour during that period of time.

► The annual average temperature in Chongqing is 18.7 °C (66 °F).

► The coldest average temperature is 5 °C (41 °F) in Jan.

► The hottest average temperature is 35 °C (95 °F) in Aug.

► The driest month is Jan when on balance 17 mm (0.7 in) of rain

► The wettest month is Jun when on balance 182 mm (7.2 in) of rain

► The average sunshine time in Jan is 1.5 hours per day

► The average sunshine time in Aug is 7.2 hours per day

Best Chongqing tour recommended to you

Whether standing on the Nanshan Mountain or overlooking from the Yangtze River cableway , you can enjoy the bright night and panoramic view of the Yangtze River. In addition to the main urban area of Chongqing, the Wulong Tiankeng and Dazu Rock Carvings around Chongqing have also become famous in the past two years. They are only 2-3 hours away from Chongqing by car, but on the same day, tourists who come to Chongqing will almost always take a one-day trip to Wulong. Feel the supernatural craftsmanship of nature, and experience the exquisiteness of ancient cliff sculptures at Dazu Rock Carvings. Top China Travel offers our clients : 3 Days Chongqing to Wulong Tour and 4 Days Chongqing Dazu Rock Carving Tour. Details please click the tour name.

Chongqing Weather in Spring, Autumn and Winter

September and October which belong to the autumn season are the golden months to travel most of the cities in China, the same as Chongqing. With an average temperature of 25℃, it is suitable to do sightseeing around Chongqing. No matter you travel in March to May or September to October, you are suggested to bring a thick jackets to keep warm, becasue the temperature difference is sharp between the daytime and night time.

Winter in Chongqing starts in November. It will become wet and cold from November to February which is the low season for traveling in Chongqing.

Chongqing in Summer: Weather, What to See and Do

From June to September, Chongqing enters its hot and humid summer season. Average temperatures range from 25°C to 38°C, with humidity often exceeding 80%, making the heat feel even more intense. July and August are the peak of the heatwave, during which the urban area may reach temperatures of over 40°C. If you come to Chongqing during June, July and August, it is suitable to visit Wulong as it is a popular summer resort nearby Chongqing.

♦What to Do During Summer

Mountain Escapes: To beat the heat, many travelers choose to explore the surrounding highland areas. The Wulong Karst Scenic Area is a top choice, featuring the breezy grasslands of Fairy Mountain (Xianüshan), which averages a cool 22°C in summer. The area also includes spectacular natural landscapes such as the Three Natural Bridges and Longshuixia Fissure Gorge, ideal for hiking and immersing in nature. Another popular destination is Jinfo Mountain in Nanchuan, which sits at 2,251 meters above sea level and boasts over 95% forest coverage. It’s refreshing climate makes it a favorite spot for camping and stargazing under the clear mountain skies.

River Activities: In addition to the mountains, Chongqing's rivers offer cool relief during the hottest months. Cruising the Yangtze River, even in midsummer, allows travelers to enjoy pleasant breezes and stunning views of the Three Gorges. At night, a Two-River Cruise (Yangtze and Jialing Rivers) provides a magical experience, with dazzling city lights reflecting on the water. Popular landmarks like Hongya Cave and Chaotianmen light up the skyline, offering a unique blend of natural and urban scenery.

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Night Views & Food: When the sun sets, it’s also the perfect time to appreciate Chongqing’s vibrant nightlife. Spots such as Hongya Cave, Jiefangbei, Nanbin Road, Longmenhao, and Nanshan One Tree Viewing Platform are excellent for enjoying night views of the city. The cooler evenings not only offer relief from the daytime heat but also bring out the romantic charm of this mountainous riverside metropolis. And of course, summer nights in Chongqing would not be complete without hot pot. Locals continue to enjoy spicy hot pot even in the hottest months, often paired with icy sour plum juice or cold local beer—an invigorating and authentic taste of Chongqing’s culinary spirit.

♦Summer Travel Tips

When to Go: To make the most of your summer visit to Chongqing, consider planning your activities in the early morning (around 6–9 a.m.) or in the evening after sunset to avoid the intense midday heat. For daytime sightseeing, indoor attractions such as the Three Gorges Museum are great alternatives. Since sudden downpours are common during the rainy season, it’s recommended to carry a foldable umbrella or light raincoat at all times.

What to Bring: When packing, be sure to bring breathable quick-dry clothing, a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and high-SPF sunscreen (SPF 50+). As Chongqing is built on hills and many routes involve staircases and slopes, wear comfortable, anti-slip sandals or walking shoes.

Staying Healthy: It’s also advisable to prepare for the climate by carrying heatstroke prevention medicines or purchasing local remedies such as Huoxiang Zhengqi Liquid or Essential Balm from local pharmacies. Finally, as Chongqing cuisine is known for its bold and spicy flavors, those with sensitive stomachs should inform restaurant staff of their spice preferences in advance and consider carrying some stomach medicine just in case.

Climate Data Table for Chongqing

Month Item	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
maximum temperature (℃)	12	13.8	16.9	23.2	27.8	30.2	33.2	34.8	28.4	22.3	17.0	12.5
minimum temperature (℃)	4.8	7.7	11.0	15.2	18.6	21.8	25.6	25.4	21.3	16.5	11.6	7.9
Rainfall (mm)	20.2	21.4	36.6	105.4	153.1	170.8	175.5	154.7	128.4	93.2	46.6	25.6
Days of rainfall	10.2	10.8	12.1	15.6	16.9	16.7	12.1	11.2	14.2	15.0	12.3	10.2