Chongqing Weather in March

Season: Spring
Overview:
1. In general, Chongqing’s weather in March becomes warm, despite occasional temperature fluctuations.
2. The rainfall is moderate, and it won’t affect your travel plans a lot. But visitors are advised to stay in the main city zone when a thunderstorm occurs.
3. March is one of the best times to visit Chongqing with pleasant weather, low foot traffic, minimal costs, and prosperous flowers.
 

Tram Through a Building

Chongqing’s temperatures in March show a clear upward trend overall. The daytime highs range from 15 to 25 degrees Celsius (59-77 degrees Fahrenheit), and late March sometimes feels like early summer, when the city may see consecutive days with the daily high temperature above 25°C (77°F). Occasionally, the daily high even surges to 30°C (86°F) during sunny mid-day hours. Yet once morning or evening arrives, the temperature drops quickly, and the difference between day and night frequently reaches 10 degrees Celsius (18 degrees Fahrenheit) or more.

However, the temperatures may fluctuate significantly sometimes since cold air can still occur in March. During this period, daytime highs may fall to 9-15°C (48-59°F), while nighttime lows drop to 2-5°C (36-41°F). Besides, as Chongqing’s humid air accelerates heat loss, the felt temperature can be 3-5°C (5-9°F) lower than the actual numbers. Thus, a warm jacket is still essential.
 March in Chongqing sees moderate rainfall. Luckily, it is mostly in the form of light and brief showers, and will not influence your trip a lot.

However, when cold waves occasionally strike the city in March, heavy downpours and strong winds will take place. Sometimes, the rain is so intense that a regular raincoat can only keep you dry for less than an hour. Therefore, if a thunderstorm is forecasted during your stay, it’s best to adjust your travel plans: visit some indoor attractions in the main city zone.
 Chongqing’s weather in March is pretty humid, with an average humidity level of 74 %. However, this won’t make visitors feel uncomfortable because of the mild temperature. In addition, the humid and fresh atmosphere nurtures vegetation revival, making it suitable for a light spring excursion.
 

River View at Sunset

In March, Chongqing enjoys plenty of daylight hours, about 11.5 – 12.5 hours, for a relaxed sightseeing tour without rushing your schedule. If you plan to catch a riverfront sunset, check the exact sunset time in advance. One of the best places to enjoy the view is the Yangtze River Cableway, though lines can be long around dusk. Thus, you are advised to arrive early to secure your spot.

Sunshine hours are limited, with around 73 hours in total this month, because foggy weather in the early morning and overcast days are quite frequent. But the mist actually makes for a perfect setting for scenic photography or light hikes.

However, don’t underestimate the UV rays, as the maximum UV index can still reach 8. Sunlight is strong enough to cause discomfort during your long-period outdoor activities, so sun-protection measures are a must.