Chongqing Weather in January

Chongqing Overcast Days in January

Season: Winter
Overview: 
1. The weather in Chongqing in January is cold. It is mainly overcast and foggy with rare sunny days, making the perceived temperatures lower. 

2. The downtown receives slight rainfall, while high-altitude suburban areas may have considerable snowfall.
 
3. Due to its overcast and cold weather, January is a low travel season here, but the 8D cityscape and colorful night views are amazing as well. 
 Chongqing has a subtropical monsoon climate, so temperatures are not particularly low, even though January is the coldest month. The daytime high temperatures typically range from 9 to 15 °C (48-59°F), while nighttime lows range from 5 to 8 °C (41-46°F). 

However, the damp air intensifies the feeling of cold, making the perceived temperature 5 degrees Celsius (41 degrees Fahrenheit) lower than the weather forecast indicates. Especially in the early morning and late afternoon, or on overcast or rainy days, you might feel pretty cold, which makes a downcoat necessary for your journey.   

In addition, there is a considerable temperature gap between the main city area and the surrounding mountainous regions with the average altitude over 1,000 meters (3,280 feet). Sometimes, the maximum temperature difference can reach up to 10 °C (50°F). Thus, if you plan to explore the high-altitude areas, remember to wear more.   

Cold Temperatures in Chongqing

Overall, Chongqing in January receives limited precipitation, with an average of 23 mm over 7 days. 

In the downtown of Chongqing, the rain is usually light drizzles. Sometimes, you don’t even need an umbrella. But it can last for a long time. 

In contrast, suburban mountain areas see frequent snowfall and the snowfall can be heavy, with accumulation reaching up to 3-15 cm. In addition, the snowfall can linger for extended periods in some high peaks, like Fairy Mountain of Wulong Karst National Geology Park. But for the most pristine snowy scenery, plan your visit within a day or two after a snowfall. When there, be careful of the icy roads.  
 Despite sparse precipitation in January, Chongqing’s air remains humid. The average humidity level reaches 82%, that your freshly laundered clothes won’t dry easily. It’s a good idea to prepare disposable sets of underclothes for changing. 
 In January, there are 21 overcast days on average in Chongqing, and it experiences minimal sunshine hours throughout the year, with only 16 hours on average for the whole month. 

In addition, it often sees foggy weather in the early mornings of January, which often doesn’t clear until 10:00 or even later, greatly blocking your eyesight to admire the cityscape and scenery.