When you think of autumn in Chongqing, picture a season that’s always in flux. The hot, muggy air of summer finally gives way to cooler, drier days. Skies start to clear, and you’ll notice more sunshine peeking through.
Average daily highs drop from the upper 80s °F in early September to the upper 50s °F by late November. That’s a pretty comfortable range for city walks or river cruises.
The air shifts as humidity falls sharply. Early autumn feels sticky and damp, but by late season, it’s crisp and pleasant.
Rain doesn’t show up as often, and the chance of overcast skies drops too. That makes outdoor plans a lot easier to enjoy.
This seasonal shift affects how you pack and when you might want to visit the Yangtze River. Whether you’re drawn to bustling city streets or the quieter countryside, fall gives you mild weather, fewer rainstorms, and clearer skies. Exploring Chongqing just feels better this time of year.
Overview of Fall Weather in Chongqing
Fall in Chongqing brings a steady temperature drop and less rainfall than summer. As the season moves forward, skies clear up a bit more.
Humidity levels ease, and the shorter days bring a noticeable change. These shifts affect both your comfort and outdoor activities.
Typical Fall Climate Patterns
You’ll notice a cooling trend as fall goes on. Average highs start around 88°F (31°C) in early September and fall to about 58°F (14°C) by late November.
Nighttime lows drop from the mid-70s °F (24°C) to the low-50s °F (11°C). Bring a jacket—especially for evenings.
Rain doesn’t stick around as much. Early September averages 4.5 inches (115 mm) of rain per month, but by late November, it’s only 0.7 inches (18 mm). The later months feel much drier.
Cloud cover decreases too. At first, skies stay overcast more than half the time. By late November, you get more clear or partly cloudy days.
Humidity drops off fast. Early fall can feel muggy, but by late November, the air is much drier. Walking and sightseeing feel a lot more comfortable.
Comparison to Other Seasons
Compared to summer, fall feels cooler and less humid. Summer highs can reach the mid-90s °F (35°C), with heavy rain and lots of cloud cover.
Fall gives you milder temperatures and steadier weather. Most visitors find it easier to handle.
Winter in Chongqing isn’t harsh, but it’s damp and chilly. Average highs in January hover around the upper 40s °F (8–10°C).
Spring is somewhat similar to fall, at least in terms of mild temperatures. But spring brings more rain showers, while fall usually stays drier. That’s a plus if you want predictable weather for outdoor plans.
Key Weather Influences
Chongqing’s fall weather comes from its humid subtropical climate and its spot along the Yangtze River basin. The mountains around the city trap warm, moist air in summer, but by fall, shifting air masses cool things down and clear the skies.
The East Asian monsoon loses strength in autumn, so rainfall and humidity drop off. That explains why wet days fall sharply from September to November.
The city sits in a basin with hills and rivers, which can trap fog and haze—especially in the mornings. Rainfall drops, but you might still spot mist lingering in low areas.
Wind patterns stay light, averaging 5 mph (8 km/h), and usually blow in from the east. These gentle breezes help push out humidity, though they don’t bring a strong cooling effect.
Average Air Temperature in Autumn
Chongqing’s autumn brings a steady cooling trend. You’ll notice high humidity easing as temperatures shift from hot and muggy in September to cool and mild by November.
Monthly Temperature Ranges
In September, daytime highs often hit 30°C (86°F), while nights stay warm near 23°C (73°F). Early autumn pretty much feels like summer’s encore.
By October, average highs drop to about 25°C (77°F) and lows fall near 18°C (64°F). The change is obvious, and evenings finally feel more comfortable.
November brings the sharpest drop. Highs average 18°C (64°F), and lows settle near 11°C (52°F). Mornings and nights can feel chilly, especially compared to September.
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low |
|---|---|---|
| September | 30°C / 86°F | 23°C / 73°F |
| October | 25°C / 77°F | 18°C / 64°F |
| November | 18°C / 64°F | 11°C / 52°F |
Daytime vs Nighttime Temperatures
The gap between day and night grows as autumn moves on. In September, the difference is small since nights stay humid and warm. You might still want air conditioning at night.
By October, cooler evenings arrive and the daily range widens. Nights are fresh enough for a light jacket, but afternoons remain mild.
This balance makes October one of the most comfortable months to be outside.
In November, the contrast is bigger. Daytime highs feel pleasant under the sun, but nights drop quickly into the low teens Celsius. You’ll want warmer clothes, especially for early mornings.
Temperature Trends from September to November
The big trend is a steady cooling of both highs and lows. From early September to late November, average highs drop by more than 12°C (22°F). Lows fall by around 12°C (21°F) too.
As temperatures drop, humidity goes down too, so the air feels drier and more comfortable. The heat of September gives way to crisp November mornings, and you can tell winter is on its way.
By late autumn, Chongqing shifts from muggy late-summer air to cool, dry conditions that set you up for the colder months ahead.
Humidity and Atmospheric Conditions
Chongqing’s fall weather has high humidity, lots of cloud cover, and not much sunshine. These factors change how warm or cool the air feels and can really affect your comfort outdoors.
Average Humidity Levels in Fall
Humidity in Chongqing stays high year-round, and fall doesn’t break the trend. Average relative humidity during September, October, and November usually ranges from 75% to 85%.
October often hits the highest mark, around 85%, while September and November are just a bit lower.
This much moisture in the air makes early fall feel warmer and late fall feel cooler. Even if the thermometer says it’s mild, the dampness can make the air feel heavy.
Laundry and fabrics take forever to dry because of all the moisture. If you’re traveling, packing quick-dry clothing is a smart move.
Fog and Cloud Cover
Chongqing is famous for its fog and low sunshine hours, especially in fall. The city often wakes up to dense morning fog that cuts visibility on roads, rivers, and around town.
This happens because of high humidity, cooler overnight temperatures, and the city’s river valley geography.
Cloud cover sticks around for much of the season. Sunshine is limited, with Chongqing ranking low in China for annual sunlight. In fall, expect gray skies and diffused daylight instead of clear, sunny days.
If you’re hoping to snap photos of the skyline or river, prepare for hazy conditions and softer light. You probably won’t get those postcard-blue skies.
Impact on Outdoor Activities
Humidity, fog, and cloud cover all play into how you plan your time outside. High humidity can make hiking or walking feel like more work, even on cooler fall days. Carrying water and taking it slow can help.
Fog can mess with transportation, too. Morning flights or drives might face delays because of low visibility. If you’re taking a river cruise, expect some slow starts on foggy mornings.
On the bright side, the softer light and misty air give the city a unique look for photography and sightseeing. If you like cooler weather without harsh sun, fall in Chongqing feels pretty good for exploring parks, temples, and riverfronts.
Precipitation Patterns During Fall
In fall, Chongqing’s rainfall drops off as the city moves from a wet summer toward a drier winter. You’ll see changes in both total rainfall and the number of rainy days, making it easier to enjoy the outdoors compared to the soggy summer.
Monthly Rainfall Averages
Rainfall in Chongqing during fall goes down each month. September averages about 62 mm (2.44 in) of rain. October drops to around 52 mm (2.05 in).
By November, it falls further to about 26 mm (1.02 in).
| Month | Average Rainfall |
|---|---|
| September | ~62 mm (2.44 in) |
| October | ~52 mm (2.05 in) |
| November | ~26 mm (1.02 in) |
You can really see how quickly the city leaves behind heavy summer rains.
Rainy Days and Frequency
Rainy days get fewer as fall goes on. September usually brings rain on 15–16 days, but most are light showers, not downpours.
By October, rainy days drop to about 12–13. November changes the most, with only 7–8 days of measurable precipitation.
Light rain is the norm in fall. Unlike summer’s heavy storms, autumn showers are more scattered and gentle. That makes it easier to plan travel and outdoor time.
Shorter rain events mean you get more clear skies between showers. You’ll have more chances to get out and explore without long delays.
Transition from Wet to Dry Season
Fall acts as a bridge between the monsoon-driven summer and the dry winter. September still feels the effects of the wet season, but each month gets drier.
By November, Chongqing only sees a fraction of the rain from July or August. If you like drier conditions, this marks the start of the low-rainfall period that lasts into winter.
As rain drops off, humidity does too. The air feels cooler and lighter, making it more comfortable for walking, sightseeing, and outdoor fun.
Wind and Sunshine in Autumn
During autumn in Chongqing, you’ll notice calmer winds than in summer and shorter days than in spring. Cloud cover eases up as the season goes on, and sunlight becomes a bit more reliable in October and November.
Prevailing Wind Patterns
In autumn, Chongqing’s winds shift as the humid summer monsoons fade and cooler continental air moves in. You’ll notice breezes from the northeast and north as drier air replaces the muggy southern flows.
These winds aren’t strong, but they help take the edge off the humidity. By late October, the air feels fresher, and the city’s skyline is easier to see.
Chongqing sits in a mountain basin, so wind circulation is limited. Breezes stay light and aren’t as steady as in coastal cities. Valleys and river corridors shape where the wind goes.
Average Wind Speeds
Autumn wind speeds stay gentle, usually between 5 km/h (3 mph) and 7 km/h (4 mph). You’ll rarely feel strong gusts, which makes outdoor activities more comfortable.
November often brings the calmest air, after the rainy season ends. That’s when you can expect more stable weather and fewer surprises.
The downside? Light winds sometimes let haze hang around, especially in early autumn when humidity is still high. By late autumn, though, clearer air is more common as cooler, drier winds take over.
Sunlight Hours and Cloudiness
Daylight hours drop steadily through autumn. You’ll notice the days shrink from about 12.4 hours in September to 10.7 hours in November.
The length of the day changes quickly, especially after the equinox in late September.
Cloud cover lessens as rainfall eases up. In September, skies stay overcast nearly half the time, but by November, only about a third of days are cloudy.
You’ll spot more sunny breaks in October and November than you would during the humid summer. The softer light and better visibility make these months great for sightseeing along the Yangtze River or wandering the city’s hilly neighborhoods.
Travel Advice and Best Time to Visit Chongqing in Fall
Fall brings mild temperatures and clearer skies, making sightseeing a whole lot easier. You can take in cultural festivals, go for outdoor walks, and sample seasonal foods, all without the heavy heat of summer or winter’s damp chill.
Ideal Months for Tourism
If you’re planning a trip, aim for September through October. During these months, daytime temperatures usually sit between 18°C and 28°C (64°F–82°F).
Humidity drops off, and rainfall lightens up, so you get more stable weather for outdoor plans.
November cools down, with highs closer to 15°C (59°F), and fog rolls in more often. The damp air can feel pretty chilly at night, honestly.
If you like clear skies and warmer days, September and October are your best bet.
Try to avoid the National Day Golden Week (October 1–7). Crowds flock to major attractions like Hongya Cave and Wulong Karst National Park, and prices go up on hotels and transport. If you visit outside this week, you’ll find more space and better deals.
Recommended Clothing and Packing Tips
Pack light layers for daytime, plus a light jacket or sweater for cool evenings. A breathable shirt with a cardigan or thin jacket works since temperatures swing quickly between sun and night.
You’ll want comfortable walking shoes, especially if you plan to tackle hilly streets or hiking trails. The city has plenty of steps and steep paths, so shoes with good grip matter.
Bring a small umbrella or a lightweight raincoat. Autumn’s drier, but showers still pop up now and then.
A scarf comes in handy in November, when fog and damp air can make it feel colder than it looks.
If you’re hiking places like Mount Jinfo or Wulong, grab sturdier shoes and a warmer mid-layer. Rural spots can get chillier than downtown, especially in the shade.
Popular Autumn Activities
Fall’s just right for hiking and outdoor sightseeing. Clearer skies and cooler air make trips to Mount Jinfo and Wulong Karst National Geology Park a real treat.
Trails aren’t as slippery as in summer, and the autumn leaves add a splash of color.
Inside the city, you can wander Ciqikou Ancient Town or stroll the Mountain City Trails. The weather lets you explore at your own pace, without overheating or rushing for shelter.
Autumn brings out seasonal foods too. Street markets fill up with roasted chestnuts, fried potatoes, and fresh citrus fruits, especially in October.
If you’re around for the Mid-Autumn Festival, you’ll catch lanterns and local celebrations that show off the season’s cultural side.
Evenings are perfect for river cruises on the Yangtze and Jialing Rivers. Cooler air and clear skies make the city lights pop, and you get a whole new view of Chongqing at night.
Weather Along the Yangtze River in Autumn
Autumn along the Yangtze River brings cooler temperatures, less rain, and calmer travel. You’ll find more stable weather for cruising and catch colorful scenery in the gorges and port cities.
Typical Conditions for River Cruises
From September to November, daytime temperatures on the Yangtze usually range from 17–23°C (63–73°F). Early autumn can still feel warm, especially in September.
By November, you’ll want a jacket for those cooler mornings and evenings.
Rainfall drops compared to summer, so river levels stay steadier and flooding isn’t much of an issue. Humidity falls too, making the air feel nicer for walking tours and outdoor activities.
Packing’s pretty straightforward if you plan for changes. A light t-shirt works for sunny September days, but you’ll need sweaters or a light coat for October and November.
Don’t forget comfortable shoes for shore excursions—especially if you’ll be climbing steps at temples or scenic viewpoints.
Autumn skips the heavy summer rains and the cold of winter. That’s probably why so many people recommend this season for first-time Yangtze River cruises.
The weather lets you spend more time out on deck, just soaking in the views.
Seasonal Scenery and Attractions
The scenery along the Yangtze River changes a lot in autumn. In September, you’ll still spot lush green hillsides.
By late October, the maple and ginkgo trees in the Three Gorges area have turned red, orange, and yellow.
Wu Gorge stands out for its autumn colors. Steep cliffs get covered in bright foliage, so no wonder people snap so many photos here in fall.
Cooler weather makes shore excursions way more pleasant. If you visit Shibaozhai Pagoda or Fengdu Ghost City, you’ll climb steps, but the mild air helps a lot compared to the sticky heat of summer.
Chongqing and Yichang feel much more comfortable too. You can wander outdoor markets, stroll down historic streets, or check out cultural sites without sweating through your shirt.