Chongqing Weather in October

Cool Weather in October

Season: Autumn
Overview: 
1. Chongqing’s weather in October is gradually cooling down, showing the arrival of autumn.

2. Chongqing receives frequent drizzles, adding a touch of misty feeling. This kind of rain won’t largely impact your outdoor explorations. 

3. October is one of the best times to visit the city, with comfortable weather, a relatively quiet travel environment, and an amazing autumn scene. 

4. Early October coincides with the National Day Holiday, meaning crowded scenic spots and soaring travel costs. It’s best to avoid this period. 
 

People's Liberation Monument at Night

October officially marks the beginning of the autumn season, accompanied by noticeably cooler temperatures. The daytime highs generally range between 19 and 24 degrees Celsius (66-75 degrees Fahrenheit), while nighttime lows fall to around 14-20 degrees Celsius (57-68 degrees Fahrenheit). In some years, early October still carries a hint of late-summer heat; the coolness of autumn does not become noticeable until mid-October. There is a significant temperature gap between day and night, which can even reach 10°C (18°F) sometimes. 

Mountainous and suburban areas experience lower temperatures, and you may even feel cold at night. For example, high-altitude areas like Wulong feel 6°C (11°F) lower than the city center. 

In addition, Chongqing’s weather in October can be changeable and unstable: sudden temperature drops would occur occasionally. Visitors should prepare well for that. 
 In October, Chongqing receives moderate rainfall, with an average precipitation of 96 mm over 11 days, during which period drizzles dominate. So, although rainy days are very common this month, your outdoor travel plans won’t be affected significantly as long as you carry an umbrella. 

You also need to know that Chongqing’s autumn rainfall pattern is variable annually. Some years would experience persistent drizzles throughout the month, while others would see limited precipitation. Therefore, it’s advised to check the weather forecast in advance. 

Misty View of the Three Gorges

 Influenced by frequent showers and dropping temperatures, October is one of the most humid months in Chongqing, with an average humidity level of 84%. 
 Chongqing has a decreasing daylight period: approximately fewer than 12 hours. Moreover, the average sunshine hours are only 47 hours monthly, and around 1.5 hours per day: the city is usually shrouded with misty fog this month, especially in the early morning and late afternoon, earning its name of “Fog City”. All these factors require visitors to make reasonable travel plans. For a more leisurely trip, get up early each day. For a clear city skyline view, take the Yangtze River Cableway after 9:30 when the mist dissipates. 

Night View on the River

 Yes, October is one of the best times to travel to Chongqing.

1. Chongqing’s mild climate in October makes it ideal for various travel activities, ranging from city walks in Liberation Monument to river cruises passing by Hongya Cave and Raffles City. Even on misty and rainy days, you can still enjoy a unique 8D cityscape night view in the urban area. 
2. Apart from early October, the period of the “Golden Week” in China, other periods have fewer visitors, lower hotel prices, and less-crowded and quieter attractions. 
3. Late October offers stunning and colorful leaves in Chongqing. In the city center, you are advised to visit Central Park for the golden ginkgo leaves and Nanhuduocai Botanical Garden for the red maple leaves. Mountain areas also provide an amazing fall foliage view, such as Wulong Karst National Geology Park and Jinfo Mountain.