Chongqing in December

December weather, activities, events & insider tips

December Weather in Chongqing

18°C (64°F) High Temp

8°C (46°F) Low Temp

20mm (0.8 inches) Rainfall

78% Humidity

Is December Right for You?

Advantages

Perfect hotpot weather - December's 8-18°C (46-64°F) temps make Chongqing's famous spicy hotpot incredibly satisfying, and locals say winter hotpot tastes better
Crystal clear Yangtze River views - winter's low humidity (compared to summer's 85%) means exceptional visibility for photographing the Three Gorges and city skyline from cable cars
Comfortable walking weather for exploring - cool temps ideal for climbing the city's famous staircases and hillside neighborhoods without breaking a sweat
Winter citrus season - local Chongqing oranges and tangerines are at peak freshness, available at street markets for ¥5-8 per kilogram

Considerations

Persistent mist and drizzle - expect overcast skies 80% of December with light rain on 10+ days, making outdoor photography challenging
Early darkness - sunset by 6pm means shorter sightseeing days and limited golden hour photography opportunities
Damp cold penetrates clothing - the humidity makes 8°C (46°F) feel much colder than dry climates, requiring more layers than expected

Best Activities in December

Yangtze River Cruise Tours

December offers the clearest views of the Three Gorges with minimal summer haze. The cool weather makes deck time comfortable, and winter water levels reveal rock formations hidden during high-water months. Mist creates dramatic photography opportunities at dawn.

Booking Tip: Book 2-3 weeks ahead for better cabin selection. Multi-day cruises cost ¥1,200-2,800 depending on cabin class. Choose heated cabins and confirm winter sailing schedules - some operators reduce frequency in December.

Mountain City Walking Tours

Cool December temperatures make climbing Chongqing's famous staircases and steep neighborhoods comfortable. The city's nickname 'Mountain City' comes alive when you're not battling summer's 35°C (95°F) heat and 85% humidity. Morning walks offer the best visibility through winter mist.

Booking Tip: Self-guided walking is ideal in December weather. Guided cultural walking tours cost ¥80-150 per person for 3-4 hours. Start early (8-10am) for clearest visibility before afternoon mist rolls in.

Cable Car Scenic Rides

December's lower humidity provides the year's best visibility for the this destination and Jialing River views. Winter mist creates ethereal cityscape photos impossible during clear summer months. The cool air keeps cable cars comfortable without summer's stifling heat.

Booking Tip: Purchase tickets on-site to avoid booking fees - rides cost ¥20-30 per direction. Best visibility typically 10am-2pm before heavier afternoon mist. Avoid weekends when local families take advantage of cool weather.

Traditional Tea House Experiences

December's cool, damp weather makes Chongqing's traditional tea houses incredibly appealing. Locals flock to century-old tea houses in Ciqikou Ancient Town during winter months. The atmosphere is authentic as you'll sit alongside residents escaping the chill rather than just tourists.

Booking Tip: No advance booking needed - pay per pot of tea (¥15-40). Arrive mid-morning when locals settle in for long tea sessions. Bring cash as traditional tea houses rarely accept cards. See current cultural tour options in booking section below.

Spicy Hotpot District Tours

December weather makes hotpot consumption peak season for locals - the contrast between cool air and fiery Sichuan peppers is perfect. Hongyadong district and Jiefangbei hotpot restaurants are busiest during winter months, creating the most authentic atmosphere for visitors.

Booking Tip: Food tours cost ¥200-400 including multiple hotpot tastings. Book 1 week ahead as December is peak hotpot season. Look for tours including traditional vs. modern hotpot styles. Evening tours (6-9pm) capture the winter dining culture best.

Dazu Rock Carvings Day Trips

Cool December weather makes the 1.5-hour journey and outdoor walking at this UNESCO site comfortable. Winter's softer light enhances the carved stone details, and fewer summer crowds mean better photography angles of the 1,000-year-old Buddhist sculptures.

Booking Tip: Day trips cost ¥300-500 including transport and guide. Book through licensed operators with heated vehicles - December mornings start at 8°C (46°F). Tours typically run 8am-5pm. See current options in booking section below.

December Events & Festivals

Mid to Late December

Chongqing Winter Hotpot Festival

Local celebration of winter hotpot culture with outdoor hotpot competitions, traditional Sichuan pepper ceremonies, and street food markets throughout the main districts. Locals gather for communal hotpot meals despite the cool weather - it's considered the most authentic time to experience Chongqing's food culture.

Late December

New Year River Light Show

The city illuminates both Yangtze and Jialing Rivers with LED displays on skyscrapers leading up to New Year. December's clearer air makes the light show more visible than during summer's hazy months. Best viewed from cable cars or riverside walkways in Jiefangbei district.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Waterproof walking shoes with good grip - Chongqing's steep streets become slippery during December's frequent light rain and morning dew

Multiple thin layers rather than heavy coats - indoor heating is inconsistent, and you'll move between warm restaurants and cool 8°C (46°F) outdoor temperatures

Compact umbrella - not for heavy downpours but for the persistent mist and light drizzle that occurs on 10+ December days

Moisture-wicking base layers - 78% humidity makes cotton feel damp and clammy against skin during long walking days

Portable phone charger - cool temperatures drain batteries faster, and you'll use GPS extensively navigating the multi-level city streets

Hand warmers - essential for early morning cable car rides and outdoor sightseeing when temperatures drop to 8°C (46°F)

Light scarf or neck covering - the damp air makes wind chill more noticeable, especially on river cruises and elevated viewpoints

Cash in small bills - traditional tea houses, street food vendors, and local transportation often don't accept cards, especially in older districts

Digestive aids - if you're not used to Sichuan spicy food, December's hotpot season will test your stomach more than usual

Quick-dry clothing - the combination of mist, light rain, and high humidity means clothes take longer to dry in hotel rooms

Insider Knowledge

Locals eat hotpot most frequently in December - follow the crowds to packed restaurants rather than empty tourist-oriented ones for the real feel and better quality ingredients

The best river views happen between 10am-2pm in December before afternoon mist becomes too thick - time your cable car rides and riverside walks accordingly

December is renovation season for many tourist sites - check attraction websites 1-2 weeks before travel as some temples and viewpoints may have scaffolding or limited access

Chongqing's famous '8D magic city' navigation is even more confusing in December mist - download offline maps and allow 50% more time than GPS estimates for walking between locations

Avoid These Mistakes

Underestimating how cold 8°C (46°F) feels with 78% humidity - visitors from dry climates pack too few warm layers and spend money buying clothes locally

Planning too many outdoor activities for afternoons - December mist typically rolls in after 2pm, making photography and sightseeing less rewarding than morning visits

Skipping hotpot because of the heat - December is actually the perfect time to experience authentic Sichuan hotpot culture when locals eat it most frequently and restaurants have peak quality