September in Chongqing is humid, often cloudy, and still hot. As a transition month, it can range from 20-41℃ (68-106℉) in daytime. So you may experience summer after heat or cool autumn feel in the same month.
- Hot (35-41℃/ 95-106℉): 5-10 days, mostly in early to mid-September
- Cool (22-29℃/ 68-84℉): 10-15 days, more common in mid-late September
- Moderate (30-34℃/86-93℉): around 10 days, spread across the month. Still a bit hot.
Rain isn't much this month. You may see 5-15 rainy days on the forecast, but it's mostly short, light showers, with total rainfall around 149 mm. It often goes from sunny to rainy and back to sunny again in a day, and warms up quickly after the rain.
Late September is a Good Time to Visit Chongqing
If your schedule is flexible, try coming in late September. Autumn rains bring a nice cool-down. You'll still enjoy more sunshine and blue skies, unlike October, which sometimes has fog.
Compared with summer holidays and the upcoming National Day (Oct 1-7), you'll find that most attractions are much less crowded. But popular spots like Hongyadong can still get busy. Visiting on a weekday works better.
Mid-Autumn Festival usually falls in this month (Sept 25-27, 2026). It's a small travel peak with more people, but just lively instead of crazily crowded. You can still enjoy it at your own pace and join in the local celebrations.
We'll tailor your Chongqing itinerary based on your travel dates, pace, and interests, making your September trip smoother. Feel free to contact us.
6 Best Things to Do in Chongqing in September
Whether you're here early or late in the month, there are plenty of ways to keep your days relaxed and cool and enjoy the city without fighting through crowds.
1. Experience the Mid-Autumn Festival in Chongqing
Without going out of your way to remote spots, you'll hit the classic sights, while naturally soaking in the Mid-Autumn celebrations, getting the best of both worlds in a single trip.
In Ciqikou Ancient Town, you can join a traditional "Baba Banquet", wander under glowing lanterns at night, taste mooncakes, experiencing the festival in a classic way.
You can also enjoy Chongqing's trendy Mid-Autumn celebrations.
Along Nanbin Road, the moon art installation shines in Yangtze River, giving you a "moon in the water" feel. Look up at the night sky, and you'll see drones forming Mid-Autumn-themed shapes like rabbits and mooncakes.
Or you can head up to the 339-meter-high WFC Huixianlou Observation Deck to watch the moon hang over Chongqing's cyberpunk skyline.
2. Take a Relaxing Two Rivers Night Cruise
After a full day of walking around Chongqing, your legs are probably begging for a break, so a Two Rivers Night Cruise is perfect to free your feet.
You can board and return directly at Chaotianmen No.7 Dock, no need to trek over to Danzishi on the far side of the river to catch the splendid night view of the confluence of the two rivers.
On September's 25℃ (77℉) evenings with the breeze, you settle on the open deck and enjoy views of Hongyadong, the Jiefangbei light rail, and the Yangtze River Cableway. No crowds to jostle through, just the lights, the river, and the cityscape unfolding around you.
On Saturday, board around 8:30 pm. You'll catch a drone show from the boat. And the VIP seats let you share a private table, keeping your experience more relaxed and personal.
3. Cool Off in Underground Air-Raid Shelters
In September's humid heat, wandering outdoor markets can be exhausting. Instead, plan part of your day in the 20℃ (68℉) underground spaces of a former air-raid shelter.
Start your morning at the lively market inside the shelter, where you can pick up fresh fruits from local vendors. Then take the light rail to the world's deepest subway station. You'll ride the escalators through 116 meters underground, like descending 40 floors.
Continue, stroll through a bunker-turned-bookstore, browsing old Chongqing artifacts like books, enamel mugs, and vintage door plaques. And finish your underground adventure with a meal at a bomb shelter hotpot restaurant.
Our guide will take you through each air-raid shelter and share their stories. You'll get a taste of both Chongqing's wartime history and local life, all while keeping cool.
4. Watch Hongya Cave from the Less Crowded Diamond Plaza
Hongya Cave can get crowded at night, even in September. Worried about being too tired to stand and take photos? Move over to the grassy area or the benches at Diamond Plaza instead. Around 7 pm, you can sit back and wait for Hongya Cave to light up across the river in the blue hour.
Afterwards, take a stroll with your partner along the riverside walkway. It helps digest your dinner, while you can soak in Chongqing's cyberpunk night views beside.
The well-lit path, railings, and smooth pavement make it safe and easy for everyone to walk. If you get tired, you can always sit on the benches and rest, and getting a taxi back to your hotel is also quick here without traffic jams.
You can also sit down at a boutique restaurant, having a hot pot dinner with the night view of Hongya Cave. See more on our 8-Day Chengdu, Jiuzhaigou, and Chongqing Tour.
5. Escape the After-Summer Heat in Wulong
While Chongqing city still bakes in the after-summer heat of around 35°C/95℉ in September, you can plan a 2-day trip to Wulong to enjoy a cooler 27°C/81℉.
The first day, gaze up at the mountain sky holes at Three Natural Bridge, the scenes in Transformers 4. Then feel the cool waterfall spray splash on your face at Longshuixia Gorge.
The next day, you can ride horses or have a picnic on the vast meadows of Fairy Mountain, explore the stalactite caves at Furong Cave, and take a relaxing boat ride along the Furong River to see green mountain and river landscapes.
If you've got lots of luggage or want to skip transfers, we can arrange a private car straight from your Chongqing hotel to Wulong's sights. The 2.5-hour drive is about the same as the bullet train.
6. Take Advantage of Lower Prices on a Yangtze River Cruise
September marks the start of China's autumn semester, so the crowds have thinned out. You can enjoy the cruise at a price about 200-500 CNY cheaper than usual.
Even if you don't want to go ashore due to the heat, there's plenty to do onboard: watch a movie, enjoy a massage, grab a drink at the bar, indulge in delicious food, or let the kids have fun in the children's play area. Everyone can have a comfortable and enjoyable time.
The ship lift in Three Gorges Dam is usually under maintenance this month. But you can still experience the traditional lock passage at Gezhouba in Yichang, keeping your itinerary complete without sacrificing comfort.
Join our 5-Day Chongqing and Yangtze River Cruise Tour. Secure your ship or cabin early.
What to Wear in Chongqing in September
You'll need both summer clothes and light layers for autumn.
During most of the day, you can dress like it's summer. T-shirts, shorts, skirts, or a light sun-protective jacket. Don't forget sunscreen, a compact umbrella, and breathable shoes.
In the mornings and evenings, temperatures can drop to 19–25℃ (66–77℉), or it might be cooler on rainy days, so it's a good idea to pack a long-sleeve shirt, a light jacket, and long pants to stay comfortable.
Chongqing Climate Information 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