Chongqing in April

April weather, activities, events & insider tips

April Weather in Chongqing

27°C (81°F) High Temp

18°C (64°F) Low Temp

85mm (3.3 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is April Right for You?

Advantages

Perfect visibility for mountain city photography - April's clear mornings before 10am offer impressive shots of the Yangtze River confluence and city skyline without summer haze
Ideal hotpot weather - temperatures cool enough in evenings (18°C/64°F) to enjoy Chongqing's signature spicy hotpot without overheating, plus spring vegetables are at peak freshness
Shoulder season pricing - accommodation costs 30-40% less than peak summer months, with hotels averaging ¥200-400 ($28-56) versus ¥350-600 ($49-84) in July
Blooming spring flowers transform the city - cherry blossoms at Nanshan Botanical Garden peak in early April, while rape flower fields within 50km (31 miles) of downtown create golden landscapes

Considerations

Notorious April fog can disrupt river cruise schedules and obscure mountain views - visibility drops to less than 100m (328 ft) on 8-10 days throughout the month
Unpredictable rain showers make outdoor market exploration challenging - afternoon downpours lasting 30-45 minutes occur without warning on 60% of days
High humidity (70%) combined with pollution creates uncomfortable sticky conditions by midday, particularly in the dense downtown areas between Jiefangbei and Chaotianmen

Best Activities in April

Yangtze River Three Gorges Day Tours

April offers the best river conditions with moderate water levels and clearer skies in early morning hours. Spring temperatures make deck viewing comfortable, and you'll avoid the summer crowds and intense heat. The famous fog that shrouds Chongqing actually enhances the mystical gorge experience.

Booking Tip: Book 14-21 days ahead for best cabin selection. Day tours typically cost ¥180-320 ($25-45), while overnight cruises range ¥800-1,500 ($112-210). Choose morning departures before 9am to maximize clear weather viewing. See current tour options in the booking section below.

Dazu Rock Carvings UNESCO Site Tours

Spring weather is ideal for this outdoor UNESCO World Heritage site 90km (56 miles) from downtown. April's mild temperatures and lower tourist numbers mean you can properly appreciate the intricate Buddhist sculptures without battling summer heat or crowds. The 2.5km (1.6 mile) walking circuit is comfortable in 27°C (81°F) highs.

Booking Tip: Half-day tours typically cost ¥150-250 ($21-35) including transport and entrance fees. Book 7-10 days ahead through licensed operators. Afternoon tours work well as morning fog doesn't affect this inland site. Current tour options available in booking section below.

Wulong Karst Landscape Adventures

April is perfect for exploring the Three Natural Bridges and Furong Cave system. Temperatures are ideal for the 1.5km (0.9 mile) hiking circuit through the bridges, and spring brings lush green vegetation that makes the limestone formations even more dramatic. Recent rains keep the underground river systems flowing beautifully.

Booking Tip: Day trips typically cost ¥280-420 ($39-59) including high-speed train transport and entrance fees. Book 10-14 days ahead as this is increasingly popular post-COVID. Weather backup plans essential due to April's rain variability. Check current tour availability below.

Traditional Sichuan Opera and Teahouse Culture Tours

April evenings are perfect for indoor cultural experiences when afternoon humidity becomes uncomfortable. Face-changing performances in traditional teahouses offer authentic local culture, and you'll appreciate the air conditioning. Many venues serve seasonal spring teas that pair perfectly with the cooler evening temperatures.

Booking Tip: Cultural evening tours range ¥120-200 ($17-28) and include tea service and performance. Book 5-7 days ahead for better seating. Late afternoon starts (4pm) let you experience traditional tea culture before evening performances. Browse current cultural tour options below.

Hongyadong and Jiefangbei Night Markets

April's cooler evenings make street food exploration comfortable after 7pm when temperatures drop to 20°C (68°F). The famous stilted building complex is less crowded than summer months, and you can actually enjoy hot street food without overheating. Evening photography conditions are excellent with spring's clearer air.

Booking Tip: Food walking tours typically cost ¥100-180 ($14-25) for 3-4 hours including tastings. Start after 6pm when temperatures cool and vendors are fully set up. Independent exploration works well, but guided tours help navigate language barriers. Current food tour options in booking section.

Ciqikou Ancient Town and Pottery Workshops

This Ming Dynasty town is delightful in April's mild weather, perfect for wandering the stone-paved streets and watching traditional pottery making. Spring brings fewer crowds, so you can actually appreciate the architecture and crafts. The 1.2km (0.7 mile) main street walk is comfortable in moderate temperatures.

Booking Tip: Half-day cultural tours cost ¥80-140 ($11-20) including pottery workshop experience. Morning tours beat afternoon humidity and occasional rain showers. Independent visits work well, but guided tours provide historical context most tourists miss. Check current workshop availability below.

April Events & Festivals

Early to Mid April

Chongqing Cherry Blossom Festival

Nanshan Botanical Garden hosts the city's main cherry blossom celebration with over 10,000 trees in bloom. Evening illumination events and traditional performances create a magical atmosphere that locals treasure. The festival combines Chinese and Japanese cultural elements unique to this region.

Late April

Yangtze River International Tourism Festival

Annual celebration highlighting Chongqing's river culture with boat parades, cultural performances, and food festivals along the waterfront. Local families participate in traditional dragon boat training, and evening fireworks displays reflect spectacularly off the confluence waters.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Lightweight rain jacket with hood - April's sudden downpours last 30-45 minutes and occur without warning on 60% of days

Breathable cotton or linen clothing - avoid polyester in 70% humidity as it becomes uncomfortable by midday temperatures

SPF 50+ sunscreen - UV index reaches 8 even on partly cloudy days due to altitude and reflected light from rivers

Comfortable walking shoes with grip - wet limestone steps in Bratislava areas become slippery during frequent rain showers

Light layers for temperature swings - mornings start at 18°C (64°F) but afternoons reach 27°C (81°F), a 9°C (16°F) difference

Compact umbrella - more useful than rain jacket for quick market visits and outdoor dining when light rain starts

Moisture-wicking undergarments - essential for comfort in high humidity, especially when climbing the city's many stairs and hills

Light scarf or shawl - river breezes in evening can feel cool after warm humid days, plus helpful for temple visits

Portable phone charger - frequent weather checking and GPS navigation drain batteries faster in humid conditions

Anti-humidity pouch for electronics - cameras and phones can fog up when moving between air-conditioned spaces and outdoor humidity

Insider Knowledge

Visit outdoor attractions before 10am when morning mist clears but afternoon humidity hasn't built up - locals call this the 'golden window' for photography

Download the Chongqing Metro app with offline maps - April fog can disrupt GPS signals in the mountainous terrain, and the app works underground

Book hotpot restaurants for 6:30-7pm - this timing lets you enjoy the experience before evening humidity peaks, and you'll avoid the 8pm dinner rush

The new Line 9 metro extension to Wulong opened in 2024, cutting travel time to the karst landscapes from 3 hours to 90 minutes - most guidebooks haven't updated this information yet

Avoid These Mistakes

Scheduling outdoor river activities for afternoons when fog typically rolls in - morning departures have 80% better visibility rates

Packing only light summer clothes - April evenings drop to 18°C (64°F) and air conditioning in restaurants can feel cold after outdoor humidity

Not checking weather hourly during the day - conditions change rapidly in April, and a sunny morning can become a foggy, rainy afternoon within hours