In this paper, the spatial distribution and diurnal variation characteristics of 34 rainstorms in Chongqing are analyzed based on the precipitation data from 1981 to 2017 and the hourly precipitation data from 2005 to 2017 from 34 ground observation stations in Chongqing. The results demonstrate that Kaizhou, Youyang and Beibei were the rainstorm centers of Chongqing. The annual average rainstorm days in Kaizhou were up to 6.2 days. In Rongchang, Yubei, Liangping, Kaizhou, Pengshui and Youyang, the frequency of rainstorms was relatively high, while that was relatively low in Nanchuan, and Wansheng. Large average precipitation amount during rainstorm days was found in the main urban area, the western area and the northeast area, while the average precipitation amount in the southwest area was smaller. Rainstorms in Chongqing affected different main areas in different periods. Nighttime precipitation in Tongliang, Hechuan and Beibei during rainstorm days accounted for more than 75%. In the representative stations, the average rainfall intensity in the nighttime was higher than that in the daytime. The precipitation in Dazu, Shapingba and Fuling mainly concentrated in the period from 22:00 to the next 04:00, and the rainfall intensity in Youyang was higher from 03:00 to 06:00. The frequency of hourly precipitation of over 20 mm in rainstorm days was higher from 00:00 to 06:00 and from 13:00 to 18:00.