Chongqing in November is often cool and damp. During the day, it usually stays around 14–22℃ (57–72℉). Not so cold, but the humidity is high, with 50% even if it doesn't rain. And it's a bit chill in early morning and late evening, around 7-16℃ (45-61℉).
You'll mostly get overcast, rainy, or cloudy days in November. Fog is more common, the sky is also grey even on sunny days. But the rain is usually drizzle or light rain. It won't really affect your outdoor visiting.
Is November a Good Time to Visit Chongqing?
Yes! I stayed there for a week in November last year. Indeed, it's a great time, with cooler weather, fewer crowds, and budget prices. High-end hotels are usually 200-500 RMB cheaper, and you can also catch some autumn leaves.
And here are also a few of my real experiences worth noting:
For example, daytime fog can sometimes block the view from high-floor hotel rooms. But that's usually fine, since you probably won't spend much time in the hotel during the day, and your sightseeing and night views are rarely affected.
Rain is often just a short morning drizzle, so you'll rarely need an umbrella. But the air does feel quite damp, so if you plan to do laundry, it's better to choose a hotel with a dryer.
Nearby Sichuan Province has an autumn break in November. Chongqing will see more visitors, too. It's not as crowded as public holidays, but if you prefer fewer people, you can avoid this period.
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Best 5 Things to Do in Chongqing in November
November's cool weather is not only perfect for exploring Chongqing's city highlights. You'll also discover the city's seasonal autumn scenery.
1. Experience Chongqing's Cyberpunk Vibes and Local Food
Without the peak-season crowds, November is a great time to slow down and enjoy Chongqing through both its city views and local food.
Start your day by exploring authentic street food in local neighbourhoods. You'll find food vendors in residential buildings or on the mountain steps. Savor the handmade snacks like Chongqing spicy noodles, tofu puddings, and baked cakes. Every taste is the real Chongqing flavor.
Take the Yangtze River Cableway across the river, watch the light rail pass through buildings at Liziba, then visit Kuixinglou, where you may wonder whether you're standing on the 1st floor or the 22nd. These places perfectly show you Chongqing's magical 8D mountain-city layout.
In November, the sky gets dark quite early. Hongya Cave usually lights up around 6 pm. It's the perfect time for a hot pot dinner with a night view. You're enjoying Chongqing's most iconic foods with your family, while overlooking the must-visit Hongya Cave across the water.
2. Enjoy the Ginkgo Leaves in Ciqikou Ancient Town
If you visit Chongqing in late November, don't miss Baolun Temple in Ciqikou Ancient Town.
The red walls and traditional rooftops, combined with golden ginkgo leaves scattered across the courtyard, create a peaceful and beautiful autumn atmosphere.
Near the entrance, you can also pick up free ginkgo-themed postcards and booklets, or buy seasonal ginkgo bracelets. They make cute little souvenirs and fun photo props.
It's about a 30-minute drive or around 1 hour by metro from Jiefangbei, the city center. If you look for a closer ginkgo spot, Nanbin Road near Xiahaoli is a good alternative. With two rows of ginkgo trees lined with European-style buildings, you can easily take photogenic pictures.
3. Take a Refreshing Stroll at Eling Park
Even in autumn, Eling Park still feels very verdant. Walking into this traditional Chinese garden park, you'll be pleased with the green ponds, shady trees, yellow walls, and red koi fish.
One fun photo tip: the park has many hollow "window-style" wall openings. Use them as a foreground frame, and you can capture some beautiful Chongqing mountain-city style photos.
My favorite spot is the hillside elevated walkway. As you walk along it, you can overlook the famous Liziba Station train passing through the building, the flowing Jialing River, and the skyscrapers across the river all at once.
4. Admire the Red Leaves on Three Gorges
The best time to see the Three Gorges' autumn leaves is from mid-November to early December. The green Yangtze water contrasts beautifully with the flaming red leaves. And the weather, 10–24℃, is cool and comfortable.
Autumn is also cloud-sea season. Imagine standing on a mountaintop, rolling white clouds in front of you, and red leaves behind. Mornings are the best time to catch this view.
Best Spots for autumn leaves:
- Wushan Goddess Scenic Area: Multiple viewpoints for different angles of red leaves
- Wushan Longji: you can hike among the red leaves on trails. It has steep, moderate and flat routes, so kids and older visitors seniors can also handle.
- Three Gorges Summit: you'll see red leaves framed with Qutang Gorge, ride a cable car across the red maple gorges, or walk on the glass platform above the red leaves.
Timing tips:
- Mid-Nov: leaves just starting, mostly on mountaintops, fewer crowds.
- Late Nov: fully red, peak tourist season.
- Early Dec: more red leaves at mid-mountain, top leaves fading, but colder and windier.
These spots are easy to reach. You can take shore excursions along your Yangtze River cruise, or bullet trains from Chongqing to Fengjie and Wushan.
5. Feel Summer, Autumn, and Even Winter Hue in Wulong
In November, you can focus on Three Natural Bridges, Longshuixia Gorge, and Furong Cave. These spots are less affected by fog, and cool around 14–22℃ (57–72℉). You just need regular autumn clothing.
At Three Natural Bridges, the deeper you walk into the valley, the scenery gradually changes from rich summer greenery to bright autumn forests, giving you that sudden "wow" feeling. Even on rainy days, the old courtyard houses and boats here feel like movie scenes brought to life.
Inside Longshuixia Gorge, you're still surrounded by green trees, moss, and ferns, with waterfalls so powerful that the splashing water can easily get you wet.
You can also stay for a while at Fairy Town, the tourist center. There is a golden ginkgo avenue. With the European-style buildings and red tower roofs, it feels a bit like a fairy tale town.
Is Fairy Mountain Worth Visiting in November?
If you're traveling with kids or elderly family members, I wouldn't recommend it. The grassland is often foggy and feels quite wintry in this month (can drop to 3–5℃/37-41℉), so it's not the most comfortable experience for families.
But for younger travelers, visiting with your partner or friends can feel a different cinematic vibe. Walk through the green grassland with evergreen pine tree forests in the mist, listen the bell rings of herd horse, and wait for the first snow falling silently on your palm.
What to Wear in Chongqing in November
November weather in Chongqing can feel cold, warm, or cool all within the same trip, so it's best to dress in layers, just like a sandwich. For example:
- A sweater with long pants
- A thermal base layer + shirt + knitted vest + long skirt
- A thick hoodie with long pants
- A thin long-sleeve top + light autumn jacket + long pants
And also bring a thicker coat or wool overcoat for chilly mornings and evenings.
I'd recommend packing a hat and a lightweight waterproof jacket, too. Chongqing often has light drizzles that feel too small for an umbrella, but after walking outside for a while, you'll notice your clothes getting slightly damp.
Waterproof shoes are also important. No with mesh or holes on the surface. When you visit Wulong, your shoes can get wet quite easily.
Chongqing Weather by Month
- Chongqing Weather in January
- Chongqing Weather in February
- Chongqing Weather in March
- Chongqing Weather in April
- Chongqing Weather in May
- Chongqing Weather in June
- Chongqing Weather in July
- Chongqing Weather in August
- Chongqing Weather in September
- Chongqing Weather in October
- Chongqing Weather in November
- Chongqing Weather in December