Weather in Chongqing

About Chongqing

This Yangtze megacity sprawls across mountains meeting the river in stunning topography—neon lights illuminate skyscrapers rising from fog-shrouded valleys creating dramatic nighttime scenery. The city's spicy hotpot culture dominates dining while underground passages connect shopping streets. Chongqing represents China's explosive economic transformation concentrated in pure intensity.

Country

China

Best months to visit

Year-round

Currency

CNY

Language

Mandarin

Things to do in Chongqing

Watch dramatic neon-lit nighttime cityscape Experience authentic Chongqing hotpot dining Explore underground shopping passages Ride Yangtze River cable car over river Visit Hongya Cave reconstructed historical district Shop in massive modern shopping malls

Weather by month

Click any month for detailed weather information and travel tips.

January

11C

Cool, with some rainy days.

February

13C

Cool, with occasional showers.

March

18C

Mild and comfortable, with some rainy days.

April

23C

Mild and comfortable, with regular rainfall.

May

25C

Warm and pleasant, with regular rainfall.

June

28C

Warm and pleasant, with regular rainfall.

July

31C

Hot and humid, with regular rainfall.

August

32C

Hot and humid, with some rainy days.

September

27C

Warm and pleasant, with regular rainfall.

October

22C

Mild and comfortable, with some rainy days.

November

17C

Cool, with some rainy days.

December

12C

Cool, with occasional showers.

Chongqing is a vertiginous city built into steep hillsides above the Yangtze, where buildings stack on top of each other, monorails pass through apartment blocks, and cable cars cross the river for the view alone. It's also the spiritual home of hotpot, with fiery, numbing Sichuan-style broths bubbling on tables across the city, and a popular starting point for Yangtze River cruises through the Three Gorges.

Best areas to stay in Chongqing

Jiefangbei

The central business district, with the Liberation Monument, shopping streets and night markets.

Hongyadong

A dramatic stilted building complex on the riverside, illuminated at night and packed with food stalls.

Ciqikou

An old town area of stone streets and traditional buildings, good for tea houses and snacks.

Yangtze riverside (Chaotianmen)

The departure point for river cruises and ferries, with views over the confluence of the Yangtze and Jialing rivers.

Getting to Chongqing

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Flights

Fly into Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport via a major Chinese hub.

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From London

~13-15 hours from London via a connection in China.

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Getting around

The metro and monorail cover the hilly city efficiently; cable cars across the rivers are popular for views as much as transport.

Frequently asked questions

What makes Chongqing's geography unusual?

The city is built across steep hills and multiple river levels, leading to buildings with entrances on different floors at street level, and famous oddities like the Liziba monorail that passes through a residential building.

Is Chongqing hotpot very spicy?

Yes - the local style is known for its intense, numbing heat from Sichuan peppercorns and chillies, though many restaurants offer a milder broth alongside the spicy one in a split pot.

Can I start a Yangtze River cruise from Chongqing?

Yes - Chongqing is the most common starting point for cruises through the dramatic Three Gorges towards Yichang, typically taking 2-4 days.

What is Hongyadong?

A multi-level traditional stilt building complex on the riverbank, now home to shops and restaurants, dramatically lit at night and a popular photo spot.

How do I get around Chongqing?

The metro and monorail system covers the hilly terrain efficiently, including some scenic above-ground sections with river views.

Traveler reviews

★★★★★

Chongqing was unlike anywhere else I've been - the monorail going through a building, the cable car over the river at night, and then the most intensely spicy hotpot of my life. Loved it.

Mark D. · November 2023

★★★★☆

Started a Three Gorges cruise from here and the city itself was worth a couple of days beforehand - Hongyadong at night was stunning.

Fang Y. · May 2024

★★★★☆

The geography genuinely messes with your sense of direction - streets at completely different levels everywhere. Ciqikou old town was a calmer contrast to the chaos of downtown.

Rachel P. · September 2023