Chongqing Weather in May

Season: Spring
Overview:
1. Chongqing’s weather in May is pleasant: warm during the day, cool in the morning and evening.
2. Despite the rainy season, the precipitation is mainly in the form of light drizzle, which rarely affects the outdoor travel plans.
3. Except for the May Day Holiday in early May, Chongqing sees not many tourists, which, together with the nice weather conditions, makes May one of the best times to visit the city.

Stunning Three Gorges River View

 

Chongqing Street View in May

In May, Chongqing generally experiences a warm climate, although temperatures can fluctuate. Most days see daytime highs of 24-30°C (75-86°F) and nighttime lows of 18-22°C (64-72°F).

Sometimes, temperatures soar dramatically, reaching highs of 35-37 degrees Celsius (95-99 degrees Fahrenheit), making you feel like the approach of summer. Luckily, such hot days only happen about twice this month. When you encounter a rainy day, it brings cooler temperatures, dropping to around 18-25 degrees Celsius (59-77 degrees Fahrenheit).

In high-altitude areas, like Wulong District, the temperature is lower than in the city center. The daytime highs remain around 19-26°C (66-79°F). If you plan to hike in the early morning, you may even need to wear a down coat to keep warm, with the lows of 12-19°C (54-66°F).
 May marks the rainy season in Chongqing, with an average precipitation of 145 mm over 12 rainy days. But don’t worry: it mainly features light drizzles and mist that won’t significantly impact your outdoor activities. However, the ground can become slippery, so watch your step during your journey. On the plus side, there are fewer tourists outside during rainy and misty days, and Chongqing’s cityscape looks more beautiful under these conditions.

It’s worth noting that severe convective weather may occur this month, bringing heavy downpours, short-duration intense rainfall, and thunderstorms. So always keep an eye on the weather forecast.

Additionally, May marks the start of the flood season. Thus, avoid visiting mountainous areas if the weather is forecast to be poor.
 In May, Chongqing experiences a medium humidity level, around 76%. Due to the rising temperatures, the city may suffer muggy weather this month, making it essential to stay hydrated and take breaks regularly during your trip.
 May in Chongqing experiences a longer daylight period, with the daylight duration ranging from 13 to 14 hours. This provides ample time for tourists to enjoy various outdoor activities. Even if you are going to explore the surrounding areas, you won’t feel pressed for time.

The average duration of sunlight reaches 110 hours monthly. Considering Chongqing is famous for its frequent foggy climate annually, May can be considered a month filled with considerable sunshine. With an average UV index of 11, it's essential to take essential measures to prevent sunburn.