Weather in Chongqing

Stay up to date with the current weather conditions in Chongqing. In this section, you will find fresh data, forecasts, and useful charts to ensure your stay is as comfortable as possible.

The climate of Chongqing is classified as a humid subtropical type, which means it has four distinct seasons. The city is known for its hot and very humid summer months, while winters here are generally mild but characterized by high humidity and frequent cloudiness, making Chongqing one of China's "foggy cities".

Summer in Chongqing, lasting roughly from June to August, is characterized by high temperatures that average 25-30°C, with maximums potentially rising to 32-34°C. This period is also notable for high humidity. Winters, from December to February, are quite mild with average temperatures around 8-10°C; frost occurs rarely. Spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November) are pleasant transitional seasons. In spring, temperatures gradually rise, and the number of rainy days increases noticeably, peaking in May (about 20 days). In autumn, the weather becomes cooler and drier.

Although the data indicates a small amount of precipitation in millimeters monthly, pay attention to the number of "wet days". From March to September, it rains quite often in Chongqing, with the number of rainy days reaching 17-20 per month in May, June, and July. This highlights the high humidity characteristic of the city year-round and contributes to the formation of its famous fogs, especially during the spring and autumn months.

The temperature regime in Chongqing demonstrates a distinct change of seasons. The year begins with cool weather, where January is the coldest month with an average temperature of about 8.1°C, and minimum values can drop to 5.2°C. Gradually warming up, spring gives way to a hot summer. The peak heat occurs in August, when the average temperature reaches 30.0°C, and maximum daily temperatures regularly rise to 34.1°C. Autumn brings a gradual cooling, returning the city to more moderate winter figures.

Summer months in Chongqing, especially July and August, are characterized as hot and sultry. In July, the average temperature is 28.7°C (minimum 25.1°C, maximum 32.3°C), and in August these figures are even higher: average 30.0°C, with nighttime lows around 25.9°C and daytime highs reaching 34.1°C. Even in June, the "coolest" of the summer months, the average temperature holds at 25.1°C, with a range from 22.0°C to 28.2°C. High temperatures combined with the humidity characteristic of the region create a sensation of intense stifling heat.

Winter in Chongqing, covering December, January, and February, is distinguished by its mildness. The coldest month is January with an average temperature of 8.1°C (from 5.2°C at night to 11.0°C during the day). December and February are slightly warmer: average temperatures are 9.0°C and 10.1°C respectively, with maximum daily values usually not exceeding 11-14°C. Daily temperature fluctuations throughout the year in Chongqing are moderate, with the difference between daytime highs and nighttime lows most often ranging from 5 to 8 degrees Celsius, ensuring relatively stable temperatures throughout the day.

In Chongqing, the precipitation pattern is interesting because, despite a relatively small average annual rainfall in millimeters, the city experiences a significant number of rainy days, especially in certain seasons. Precipitation here falls predominantly as rain, given the mild subtropical climate where temperatures rarely drop to freezing values.

The wettest period in Chongqing lasts from spring to early autumn, roughly from March to October. During this time, the number of rainy days increases noticeably. The peak frequency of precipitation falls in May, when about 20 rainy days are recorded on average, followed by June with 19 days. April and July are also distinguished by a high frequency of rain, counting 17 wet days each. Although in terms of volume, July stands out as the wettest month with 6 mm, the general picture points to frequent but not always heavy rains, which help maintain the high air humidity characteristic of the city.

A drier season in Chongqing is observed from November to February. During these months, the number of rainy days decreases significantly: January, February, and December are the "driest" months both in frequency (only about 8 rainy days in each) and in volume (approximately 1 mm in each of these months). November is also relatively dry, with 11 rainy days and 2 mm of precipitation. Despite the decrease in the amount and frequency of rain, the overall humidity in the city remains elevated even during the winter period.

When planning a trip to Chongqing, it is important to choose your wardrobe correctly, taking into account its humid subtropical climate with distinct seasons. Regardless of the time of year, comfortable walking shoes will be your best friend, as the city is known for its hilly terrain. The principle of layering in clothing is the key to comfort, allowing you to easily adapt to temperature changes throughout the day and when moving between the outdoors and air-conditioned spaces. Given the large number of wet days, especially from March to September, a compact umbrella or a light waterproof jacket will be very useful.

In summer (June-August), Chongqing is hot and very humid, with average temperatures reaching 25-30°C, and maximums potentially rising to 32-34°C. Pack light, breathable clothing made from natural fabrics such as cotton or linen: t-shirts, shorts, and skirts. Don't forget sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses. Winter (December-February) here is mild but cool, with average temperatures around 8-10°C. You will need warm items: sweaters, a fleece jacket, a warm jacket or coat, as well as a scarf and possibly gloves, especially if you are sensitive to the chill exacerbated by high humidity.

Spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November) are transitional seasons with pleasant but changeable weather. In spring, the temperature gradually rises, but the number of rainy days is significant, especially in May. In autumn, it becomes cooler and drier. For these seasons, jeans or trousers, long-sleeved t-shirts, light sweaters or cardigans, as well as a windbreaker or mid-season jacket are ideal. Don't forget an umbrella, as rain is still likely. In general, be prepared for high air humidity year-round, which can be felt even at moderate temperatures.