Last updated: August 21, 2025
May in Chongqing, China showcases a dynamic weather pattern that ranges from sizzling heat to welcomed rainfall. With maximum temperatures soaring up to 37°C (98°F) and an average warmth of 22°C (73°F), the month promises a mix of sun-soaked days and moderate evenings. The minimum temperatures can dip to 12°C (54°F), offering a respite from the heat. Despite the warmth, May experiences significant precipitation, totaling 169 mm (6.6 in) across approximately 18 days, contributing to the region's characteristic 82% humidity. This blend of heat and moisture not only shapes the local climate but also influences the lush greenery and vibrant flora typical of Chongqing during this season.
In May, temperatures in Chongqing begin to rise significantly, marking the transition to a warm summer. With a minimum of 12°C (54°F) and an average of 22°C (73°F), the city starts to shed its spring chill. The maximum temperature can soar to a sweltering 37°C (98°F), showcasing a remarkable increase from the cooler months before it. This upward trend reflects the city's overall climate shift as it moves deeper into the warm season, where afternoons become increasingly hot and the allure of outdoor activities beckons. As May progresses, the heat serves as a reminder of the intense summer months ahead, making it an ideal time for both locals and visitors to enjoy the vibrant atmosphere that Chongqing has to offer.
In Chongqing, May emerges as a significant month for precipitation, registering a robust 169 mm (6.6 in) over 18 days of rain. This reflects an upward trend in rainfall throughout the spring months, following April's 115 mm and marking a notable increase from the earlier months. The increased precipitation not only highlights May as the wettest month of the year so far, but also sets the stage for the subsequent summer deluges. As daytime temperatures rise and humidity levels climb, the lush landscapes of Chongqing flourish, corresponding with the city’s vibrant greenery that thrives on this ample spring rain.
In May, Chongqing experiences a notable uptick in humidity, reaching 82%, which marks a continuation of the spring trend towards a more humid climate. The month follows April's moderate 77%, indicating a transition as the region prepares for the sweltering summer ahead. As the humidity peaks in the subsequent months—reaching 85% in June and remaining consistently high throughout the summer—May offers a hint of what’s to come. This progressive increase paints a picture of Chongqing's climate, where humidity steadily rises from January's 72% to August's peak of 87%, setting the stage for the city's characteristic muggy summers.
In May, the UV Index in Chongqing, China, escalates to a striking 11, marking it as an extreme exposure category with a rapid burn time of just 10 minutes. This increase continues the upward trend observed since March, where the UV Index climbed from a moderate 5 to a very high 10 in April. The significant leap in May serves as a timely reminder for residents and visitors alike to take precautionary measures against sun exposure, particularly as the region transitions into summer. With consistently high UV levels not only in May but also through the following months of June, July, and August, being vigilant about sun protection is crucial. For more detailed insights, check out the Chongqing UV Index.
UV Risk Categories
As May blossoms in Chongqing, the city basks in an impressive 254 hours of sunshine, marking a delightful transition into the warmer months. This surge in sunlight builds upon the gradually increasing hours from January, where only 114 hours were recorded, to the significant 220 hours in April. May's brilliance is a prelude to the even sunnier days of summer, with June and July boasting 261 and 298 hours, respectively. The trend highlights a steady climb in sunshine hours leading up to the peak summer months, making May a perfect time for outdoor activities and enjoying the vibrant city life as the warmth envelops Chongqing.
When considering the likelihood of sunny weather in May in Chongqing, China, the trend reveals a notable dip in sunshine compared to earlier months. With only a 17% chance of sun, May stands out as a transition period, following the already diminished sunlight of April at 14%. This decrease is part of a broader pattern, as sunshine chances remain low throughout spring, only to bounce back later in the year, particularly in July with a more favorable 31% chance. Thus, while May may not be the sunniest month, it sets the stage for sunnier days ahead in the warmer months.
In Chongqing, China, the shift in daylight duration throughout the year reflects the gradual transition from the cold of winter to the warmth of summer. Beginning with 10 hours of daylight in January, the days steadily lengthen, reaching an invigorating 13 hours by May. This extended sunlight not only brightens the environment but also invites residents to enjoy more outdoor activities. As summer approaches, June through August maintains this peak daylight, allowing for vibrant evenings beneath the sun. However, the days slowly begin to shorten again, dropping back to 11 hours in October and returning to 10 hours by December. This cyclical pattern showcases the beauty of nature's rhythm, highlighting how Chongqing experiences the joyful embrace of spring and summer before transitioning back into the quieter winter months.
In Chongqing during May, the wind embraces the city with a gentle breeze, averaging 1.5 m/s (or 3 mph). This slight lull in wind speed reflects a broader trend observed in the spring months, where the winds fluctuate minimally—hovering between 1.5 to 1.8 m/s. While March sees slightly more activity, May aligns closely with January and April, maintaining a tranquil atmosphere. As the summer approaches, the wind speed continues to subtly dip, foreshadowing the warmer months ahead. This consistency in the gentle winds not only enhances the comfort of outdoor activities but also creates a serene backdrop for the vibrant life of Chongqing, a city deeply appreciative of its mild May air.
Weather in Chongqing varies notably across the year, with each month offering distinct climate conditions. This page compares May’s weather to other months in Chongqing, focusing on differences in temperature, rainfall, humidity, and UV levels.
When comparing the weather in May and January, the differences are striking. May boasts a much warmer climate with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 12°C (54°F) to a scorching maximum of 37°C (98°F), averaging around 22°C (73°F). In contrast, January experiences much cooler temperatures, with a minimum of -2°C (29°F) and a maximum of 17°C (63°F), averaging only 9°C (48°F). Additionally, May sees significantly more precipitation, with 169 mm (6.6 in) over 18 days, while January has a mere 26 mm (1.0 in) spread over just 6 days. Humidity levels are also higher in May at 82%, compared to 72% in January. For more details on January's weather conditions, you can visit Chongqing weather in January.
May and February present stark contrasts in weather patterns. In February, temperatures oscillate between a chilly minimum of 1°C (35°F) and a pleasant maximum of 27°C (81°F), with an average of about 10°C (51°F). The month sees relatively low precipitation, accumulating only 35 mm (1.4 in) over an average of 7 days, along with a humidity level of 76%. Conversely, May experiences significantly warmer temperatures, ranging from a minimum of 12°C (54°F) to a scorching maximum of 37°C (98°F), with an average of 22°C (73°F). The month is characterized by higher precipitation levels of 169 mm (6.6 in) across 18 days and elevated humidity at 82%. For more details on February weather, you can explore Chongqing weather in February.
When comparing the weather in May and March, May tends to be significantly warmer, with average temperatures reaching 22°C (73°F) compared to March's average of 15°C (60°F). The maximum temperature in May can soar up to 37°C (98°F), while March peaks at 33°C (92°F). Additionally, May experiences more precipitation, averaging 169 mm (6.6 in) over 18 rainy days, which is an increase from March's 83 mm (3.3 in) across 14 days. Humidity levels are slightly higher in May at 82%, compared to March's 80%. For a more detailed look at March's climate, you can visit Chongqing weather in March.
In comparing the weather between April and May, May tends to be warmer overall, with an average temperature of 22°C (73°F) compared to April's 19°C (67°F). While both months experience high temperatures, May sees a peak of 37°C (98°F), just slightly above April's maximum of 36°C (97°F). Additionally, May is wetter, recording 169 mm (6.6 in) of precipitation over 18 days, compared to April's 115 mm (4.5 in) over 15 days. Humidity also rises in May to 82%, compared to 77% in April. For more detailed insights, you can check Chongqing weather in April.
In May, the weather presents a wider range of temperatures, with a minimum of 12°C (54°F) and a maximum reaching 37°C (98°F), ultimately averaging around 22°C (73°F). Rainfall is more significant in May, totaling 169 mm (6.6 in) over 18 days, accompanied by an average humidity of 82%. Conversely, June sees a warmer average temperature of 25°C (78°F), with a minimum of 17°C (63°F) and a maximum of 36°C (97°F). Precipitation decreases slightly to 145 mm (5.7 in) over 17 days, while humidity rises to 85%, creating a more humid atmosphere. For more details, you can check Chongqing weather in June.
In comparing the weather between May and July, we see a notable shift in temperatures and humidity levels. May starts with a minimum of 12°C (54°F) and reaches an average high of 22°C (73°F), while July presents a significantly warmer climate, with minimum temperatures of 21°C (71°F) and an average high soaring to 29°C (84°F). Additionally, July can peak at an impressive 41°C (106°F) compared to May's maximum of 37°C (98°F). Although May experiences more precipitation at 169 mm (6.6 in) over 18 days, July remains quite humid with 156 mm (6.1 in) across 16 days, bringing an even stickier atmosphere with 85% humidity. For more detailed insights into July's weather, you can visit Chongqing weather in July.
May and August exhibit notable differences in weather patterns. In May, temperatures range from a minimum of 12°C (54°F) to a maximum of 37°C (98°F), with an average of 22°C (73°F), while August sees higher temperatures, with minima starting at 20°C (67°F) and peaking at 42°C (108°F) on average around 30°C (86°F). Precipitation in May is more pronounced, with 169 mm (6.6 in) spread across 18 days, compared to August's 134 mm (5.3 in) over 14 days. Moreover, humidity is slightly higher in August at 87%, compared to May's 82%. For a deeper look at specific conditions during this month, you can check out Chongqing weather in August.
In May, temperatures in Chongqing range from a minimum of 12°C (54°F) to a maximum of 37°C (98°F), with an average of 22°C (73°F). The month experiences significant rainfall, with 169 mm (6.6 in) spread over 18 days and humidity levels averaging 82%. In contrast, September sees warmer temperatures, with a minimum of 17°C (63°F) and a maximum of 40°C (103°F), while the average is around 24°C (76°F). Interestingly, September also shares the same total precipitation of 169 mm (6.6 in), but over slightly fewer days (16), and a slightly higher humidity of 84%. For more detailed insights into September weather, visit Chongqing weather in September.
May and October in Chongqing exhibit notable differences in weather patterns. May tends to be warmer, with average temperatures reaching 22°C (73°F) and a maximum of 37°C (98°F), while October's average temperature is cooler at 18°C (66°F), with a maximum of 36°C (97°F). Both months experience significant rainfall, but May sees more precipitation at 169 mm (6.6 in) over 18 days compared to October's 113 mm (4.5 in) over 16 days. Humidity levels remain quite similar, with May at 82% and October slightly lower at 81%. For more detailed information, you can check out Chongqing weather in October.
May and November present strikingly different weather conditions. In May, temperatures range from a minimum of 12°C (54°F) to a high of 37°C (98°F), with an average of 22°C (73°F), making it significantly warmer than November. The month of May also experiences substantial rainfall, with 169 mm (6.6 in) spread over 18 days, resulting in a humidity level of 82%. In contrast, November has much cooler temperatures, with a minimum of 6°C (43°F), an average of 14°C (57°F), and a maximum of 25°C (78°F). Precipitation in November is considerably lower at 49 mm (1.9 in), occurring over just 9 days, and the humidity is slightly higher at 86%. For more detailed information about November weather, please visit Chongqing weather in November.
In May, the weather is significantly warmer and more humid, with average temperatures ranging from 12°C (54°F) to a sweltering 37°C (98°F). This month also sees considerable rainfall, accumulating 169 mm (6.6 in) over 18 days, contributing to a humidity level of 82%. In contrast, December experiences much cooler temperatures, averaging between 1°C (35°F) and 18°C (65°F) with only 28 mm (1.1 in) of rainfall over 7 days. The humidity remains slightly lower at 81%. For a more detailed look at December's weather conditions, you can check out Chongqing weather in December.
As May unfolds in Chongqing, it signifies a noticeable shift in the weather pattern, blending warmth with the onset of humidity and precipitation. Temperatures frequently rise, creating a vibrant atmosphere that's distinct from the cooler months preceding it. While the city typically experiences dry spells earlier in the year, May ushers in a humid environment, marked by a fair number of rainy days that contribute to the lush greenery Chongqing is renowned for. This transitional month is a reminder of the tropical climate's lushness, making it a unique period worth experiencing. For a deeper understanding of what to expect throughout the year, check out the full details on Chongqing Climate.