Chongqing in October

October weather, activities, events & insider tips

October Weather in Chongqing

22°C (71°F) High Temp

17°C (62°F) Low Temp

96 mm (3.8 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is October Right for You?

Advantages

Golden autumn weather with comfortable 17-22°C (62-71°F) temperatures - perfect for walking Chongqing's notorious hillside streets without the summer's brutal 38°C+ (100°F+) heat
Peak persimmon and pomelo season - local markets overflow with cheap seasonal fruits, and hotpot restaurants add autumn vegetables like lotus root and winter melon to their premium selections
Clear mountain visibility on non-rainy days - the autumn air allows spectacular views from Nanshan Botanical Garden and Liberation Monument's observation decks that are impossible during summer smog
Shoulder season pricing with 30-40% lower accommodation costs compared to Golden Week chaos, plus locals return to normal routines after National Day holiday crowds disperse

Considerations

Unpredictable rainfall pattern with sudden afternoon downpours lasting 45-90 minutes - outdoor plans need flexible timing as weather apps are notoriously unreliable for Chongqing's mountain microclimate
Morning fog from Yangtze and Jialing river confluence can shroud the city until 11am on humid days, making early morning photography sessions disappointing
Peak university semester means popular student areas like Shapingba become crowded with local foot traffic, affecting restaurant wait times and metro congestion

Best Activities in October

Yangtze River Cable Car and Three Gorges Day Cruises

October's cooler temperatures and clearer air make this the ideal month for Yangtze River experiences. The autumn light creates perfect conditions for photographing the dramatic gorge landscapes, and the 70% humidity is comfortable for full-day river excursions. River water levels are stable after summer floods, ensuring smooth sailing.

Booking Tip: Book 7-10 days ahead through licensed operators at Chaotianmen Port. Day cruises typically cost ¥280-450 ($40-65), evening dinner cruises ¥180-280 ($25-40). Avoid operators without proper river permits. Check current tour options in the booking widget below.

Dazu Rock Carvings UNESCO Site Tours

The 90-minute journey to Dazu becomes pleasant in October's mild weather, and the reduced UV exposure makes exploring the outdoor carved stone Buddhist sculptures comfortable. Autumn's lower humidity prevents the oppressive heat that makes summer visits unbearable. Local tour groups resume regular schedules after Golden Week.

Booking Tip: Full-day tours typically cost ¥350-500 ($50-70) including transport and entry fees. Book through licensed operators with air-conditioned vehicles. Independent travel via high-speed rail costs ¥45-65 ($6-9) each way. See booking options below.

Traditional Sichuanese Hotpot Tours

October marks the unofficial start of hotpot high season - locals begin craving the spicy warmth as temperatures drop. The cooler weather makes sitting around bubbling oil cauldrons enjoyable rather than torturous. Autumn vegetables like fresh bamboo shoots and seasonal mushrooms appear in premium hotpot selections.

Booking Tip: Food tours typically cost ¥200-380 ($28-55) for 3-4 hour experiences including multiple restaurants. Look for tours that include local markets and tea houses. Book 3-5 days ahead for weekend tours. Current food tour options available in booking section.

Hongya Cave and Riverside Night Photography Walks

October's comfortable evening temperatures around 17°C (62°F) make extended night photography sessions along the Jialing River enjoyable. The clearer autumn air improves LED light visibility from Hongya Cave's traditional architecture. Reduced summer crowds mean better photography angles and longer setup times.

Booking Tip: Photography tours typically cost ¥150-280 ($22-40) for 2-3 hour sessions. Independent exploration is free but guided tours provide insider access to restricted viewpoints. Book evening tours 2-3 days ahead. Check current photography tour options below.

Wulong Karst National Geology Park Day Trips

The 2.5-hour journey to Wulong becomes worthwhile in October's stable weather conditions. Autumn provides ideal hiking temperatures for exploring the Three Natural Bridges and Longshuixia Fissure Gorge. Reduced rainfall compared to summer months means better trail conditions and clearer views of the dramatic limestone formations.

Booking Tip: Full-day tours cost ¥480-680 ($68-95) including transport, entry fees, and lunch. Book 5-7 days ahead as tour groups fill quickly in good weather. Independent travel via bus costs ¥180-240 ($25-35) return. See current Wulong tour options in booking widget.

Ciqikou Ancient Town Walking and Tea Culture Tours

October's pleasant temperatures make exploring Ciqikou's narrow stone streets and traditional tea houses comfortable for extended periods. The autumn season brings special tea varieties like fresh osmanthus flower tea, and the reduced summer crowds allow for authentic interactions with local artisans and tea masters.

Booking Tip: Cultural walking tours typically cost ¥120-220 ($17-31) for 2-3 hours including tea tastings. Independent exploration is free with metro access via Line 1. Book guided tours 1-2 days ahead for weekend visits. Current cultural tour options available below.

October Events & Festivals

Mid October

Chongqing International Beer Festival

Annual celebration featuring local Chongqing Beer alongside international brands, held in Nan'an District riverside venues. Features live music, food stalls, and special autumn beer varieties. Combines well with cooler October weather for outdoor drinking.

Throughout October

Yangtze River Golden Autumn Photography Contest

Local photography competition that coincides with peak autumn foliage along the Yangtze riverbanks. Many photography walks and workshops run during this period, providing excellent opportunities to join local photographers exploring the city's best viewpoints.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Lightweight waterproof jacket with packable hood - October's sudden 45-90 minute downpours happen with minimal warning and Chongqing's steep streets offer limited shelter

Comfortable walking shoes with good grip - the city's famous hillside streets become slippery when wet, and you'll climb 200-300m (650-980 ft) elevation changes daily

Breathable cotton or linen layers - 70% humidity makes synthetic fabrics uncomfortable, even at moderate 22°C (71°F) temperatures

SPF 50+ sunscreen and hat - UV index reaches 8 on clear days, intensified by reflection from the Yangtze and Jialing rivers

Portable phone charger/power bank - extensive use of translation apps, maps, and mobile payments drains batteries quickly in humid conditions

Cash in small denominations (¥20-50 notes) - many local food stalls and traditional tea houses don't accept mobile payments despite widespread adoption

Antacid tablets or stomach medication - the combination of spicy Sichuan food and altitude changes affects many first-time visitors

Light scarf or sweater for air-conditioned spaces - shopping malls, metro stations, and restaurants often overcool to combat outdoor humidity

Waterproof phone case or ziplock bag - protect electronics during unexpected rain while photographing outdoor attractions

Comfortable daypack with water bottle - dehydration happens quickly in 70% humidity, and you'll need hands free for navigating steep streets and stairs

Insider Knowledge

Local office workers take extended lunch breaks (12pm-2pm) in October's pleasant weather - this creates perfect timing for visiting popular attractions like Liberation Monument without business district crowds

The best weather window is typically 10am-3pm before afternoon rain chances increase - plan major outdoor activities and photography during this golden period

Chongqing's metro Line 2 runs above ground with spectacular city views, but locals avoid it during rush hours (7-9am, 5:30-7:30pm) - use these quiet periods for scenic metro rides

Street food vendors in Jiefangbei and Hongya Cave areas increase prices by 20-30% during dinner hours (6-8pm) - eat like locals with late lunch (2-4pm) or late dinner (8:30pm+) timing for authentic prices

Avoid These Mistakes

Assuming weather apps are accurate - Chongqing's mountain microclimate and river confluence create unpredictable conditions that even local forecasts miss by 2-3 hours

Scheduling tight outdoor itineraries without rain buffer time - allow 2-3 hour flexibility daily for weather-dependent activities like river cruises and mountain viewpoints

Underestimating walking distances and elevation changes - GPS shows 1km (0.6 miles) distances that actually involve 150m (490 ft) elevation climbs taking 20-30 minutes