Is February a good time to visit Chongqing? Honestly, not for the weather. February usually comes with gray skies, misty days, and drizzle. That's why it's the Fog City of China.
That said, February still has its perks. You'll see fewer crowds, better prices, and still amazing cyberpunk night views. If you want to visit Chongqing around this time, it helps to know what to expect. We'll share some practical travel tips to make the most of it.
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- Weather
- How to Deal with Fog
- What to Wear
- Crowds and Cost
- Wulong Karst Region in Feb
- Yangzte River Cruise in Feb
What's the Weather and Temperature Like
Temperature Overview
- Daytime: 8-16℃/46-61℉
- Mornings and evenings: 6-10℃/43-55℉
February in Chongqing is not freezing like northern China, but it usually feels cold and damp, with a high humidity of around 70-85%.
Temperatures sometimes climb up to 20°C (68℉), giving you a few days of warm winter weather. But most of the time, the temperature falls within the ranges shown above.
But Wulong is a bit colder. On Fairy Mountain, temperatures can even drop to -5 to 0℃ (23-32℉) when it snows.
Weather Conditions
February is one of Chongqing's foggiest months. Most days are overcast, with very little sunshine.
Chongqing is usually a grey vibe in winterBased on the past 5 years, Chongqing usually sees 8-15 days of light rain in February. But don't worry. It's often just drizzle or short showers, and it doesn't last long.
Snow is possible in higher areas like Fairy Mountain, Jinfo Mountain, and Three Natural Bridges.
Our guides will monitor the weather in real time and adjust your itinerary accordingly, so you still enjoy the best views.
Just let us know your interests, and we'll tailor the plan for you.
How Does Rain and Fog Affect Your Visit?
- You usually don't need an umbrella, but mist may moisturize your hair and clothes.
- Roads can be slippery, and Chongqing has many slopes and stairs. Watch your steps.
- Fog may affect daytime city views, but night views are largely unaffected.
- In Wulong, fog can reduce visibility on grasslands and some mountain scenery.
In heavy fog, Chongqing is gloomy like thisHow to Deal with Foggy Weather during the Day
If you wake up to fog, don't worry. Foggy weather doesn't mean boring days. You just need to know which spots work best when visibility drops.
| Prioritise attractions less affected by fog | Limited Visibility on Foggy Days |
|---|---|
|
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The attractions listed on the left are largely unaffected by fog. If daytime visibility is low, you can start with these spots.
Our guests at Ciqikou Ancient TownMeanwhile, the attractions on the right are mostly along the Yangtze and Jialing rivers. Both river views and skyscrapers can be blocked by fog. Some days it's just a filter-like haze, other days it's a complete whiteout.
Shancheng Alley on a cloudy day, without heavy fogAt this time, you might want to consider visiting these spots later in the day, as afternoons usually clear up a bit.
And you can visit the night views with confidence. Fog is rare at night, so your visit to spots like Hongya Cave, Xiahaoli, and WFC Observation Deck is still brilliant in February.
Hongya Cave. The night view is still clear.On rainy days, you'll capture a more cyberpunk photo on Deyi World, with the puddles reflecting the neon lights like mirrors. But just note that drone shows may be delayed or cancelled in rainy weather.
No matter rain, fog, or shine, a private tour always gives you flexibility. The local guide and private car will also help schedule your visit more smoothly.
Join a well-arranged 8-Day Chengdu, Chongqing, and Jiuzhaigou Tour.
What to Wear in Chongqing in February
For city exploring, medium-weight outerwear works fine, such as wool coats, cotton jackets, or light down jackets. And don't wear too few layers. Bring sweaters and thermals. Indoor heating in Chongqing is limited, and it can still feel cold inside.
Also, pack an umbrella and waterproof shoes. You'll still need them if it's raining lightly.
When you go for snow or skiing, bring a thick down jacket to handle the freeze on the mountains.
If you're on a private tour, your travel advisor will remind you of the local weather before departure and help you pack the right clothes and essentials for your trip.
What about the Crowds and Costs in February
February is off-season in Chongqing. Hotels stay affordable, restaurants have open tables, and you can explore major sights without battling crowds and long queues.
But Spring Festival changes everything. In 2026, the holiday runs from February 15-23, and Chongqing transforms into a bustling festival hub.
During the Spring Festival Week
- Hotel prices go up 60-80% the normal rate
- Train tickets sell out quickly, especially the week before (February 9-15)
- Popular attractions get packed (like Hongya Cave and Ciqikou Ancient Town)
- Many local, family-run restaurants close, but chain restaurants stay open
But if you come for the Spring Festival in 2026, you'll catch nightly drone shows from February 15 to 22, starting at 8:30 pm, along with citywide lantern displays.
Is Wulong Worth Visiting in February?
Absolutely. If you visit Three Natural Bridges, Longshuixia Gorge, and Furong Cave, the scenery in February looks much the same as in other seasons. They remain stunning year-round.
Three Natural Bridges, still greenAnd most of your exploring happens in valleys or inside caves, so surface fog barely affects your viewing. There is no fog at the bottom of the mountains.
Especially inside Furong Cave, it stays warm (20℃/68℉) inside even when it's freezing outside. But you still need to watch out for the damp steps.
But Fairy Mountain in February is a different story. When snow falls, it's magical. Think frozen forests, skiing, and pristine white landscapes. But skip it on non-snowy days. You're more likely to see bare grasslands and heavy fog in the freezing wind.
Explore Cyberpunk 8D Chongqing and spectacular Wulong Karst Scenery in one trip. Join our 6-Day Chongqing, Wulong and Wujiang Gallery Tour.
Is February Good for a Yangtze River Cruise?
Yangtze River Cruise in winterFebruary isn't peak cruise season, but that works in your favor. Fewer passengers mean quieter decks, fewer crowds on the excursion attractions, and more budget-friendly prices.
The Yangtze River stays green and full, not brown in summer. Although there are fewer cruises in winter, ships still run, especially the Century and Victoria lines.
During your mountain excursions, like Wu Gorge and Three Gorges Summit, you're more likely to catch dramatic cloud seas and mist-wrapped peaks, not the vision-blocking city fog.
The downside? It's cold and windy on deck. Your outdoor time won't be as comfortable as spring or fall sailings, so pack warm layers if you plan to spend time outside your cabin.
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