Chongqing Weather in July

Season: Summer 
Overview: 
1. July is one of the peak months of summer in Chongqing, bringing almost the most intense heat. Fortunately, high-altitude areas enjoy a relatively cooler climate, making it a perfect place to escape the summer heat. 
2. Chongqing receives abundant rainfall this month, mostly in brief showers with occasional heavy thunderstorms. 
3. July marks the peak travel season in Chongqing, seeing countless visitors and soaring travel costs, so it’s not a good time to visit. 
 

Hot Weather in July

Chongqing is well-known for its scorching summer, earning the nickname of “one of China’s three major furnaces”. In July, its daytime temperatures generally range from 32 to 37°C (90-99°F), while nighttime lows are slightly lower at 25-30°C (77-86°F). It frequently experiences consecutive days of high heat exceeding 35 degrees Celsius (95 degrees Fahrenheit) this month. In extreme cases, the maximum temperature can approach 40°C (104°F). 

Moreover, what makes trips in July more challenging is the even higher perceived temperature. Due to the high humidity and urban heat island effect, sometimes, the temperature may feel like around 43°C (109°F). Even after sunset, the summer heat still lingers, and the perceived temperature can reach around 38°C (100°F) at its highest. 

Luckily, Chongqing’s surrounding mountain and forest areas provide natural coolness. Places like Fairy Mountain in Wulong Karst National Geology Park are usually 3-5°C (6-9°F) lower than urban districts, relatively comfortable for visiting in July. 
 Chongqing’s weather in July is quite rainy, with an average precipitation of 188 mm over 7 days. The city mainly experiences light to moderate rain, mixed with four to five heavy thunderstorms throughout the month. 

Daytime rain is usually brief and scattered, rarely disrupting your sightseeing plans. In fact, this kind of short shower can temporarily relieve the heat. 

Thunderstorms typically occur in the evening or at night, accompanied by strong winds, lightning and heavy downpours. Under this condition, it’s best to stay indoors. If you still wish to enjoy nighttime city views during rainy evenings, consider booking a river-view hotel. 

Green River and Vegetation in the Mountain Area

 Chongqing experiences a fairly humid climate in July, with an average humidity level of 73%. Combined with high temperatures this month, such humid air creates a muggy and sticky environment. Therefore, it’s strongly advised to stay indoors with air-conditioned equipment during mid-day hours. Alternatively, visiting the nearby mountainous attractions is a great option, which can greatly improve overall comfort and travel experience. 
 July sees quite long daytime hours, ranging from 13.5 to 14 hours per day. This means you are allowed to enjoy your travel at a relaxed pace, but longer daylight periods also extend the heat, requiring regular breaks for outdoor activities. 

For Chongqing, which is known as one of the least sunny cities in China overall, July and August account for a large amount of its annual sunshine hours. July receives about 170 hours of sunshine on average. This is because it’s rare to witness heavy fog in Chongqing during July, especially in the main urban area. As a result, there is excellent visibility this month, which is beneficial for watching the city skyline. 

Furthermore, UV radiation becomes extremely strong, with an average UV index as high as 12. Direct sunlight can cause sunburn in a short time, making sun protection essential this month. Even though it’s an overcast day, UV rays remain high.

Yangtze River Cableway on a Sunny Day