Written by Catherine |
Hangzhou had for a long time been known as a true paradise. It served as one of eight ancient capitals and is a major historical and cultural city, among the first of China’s popular tourist destinations and an important center for silk, tea, and women’s clothing. There’s much more to Hangzhou than this distinctions, however, with year-round scenic options and attractions. Depending on individual preferences, travelers can choose their best time for visiting Hangzhou. The year-round climate of Hangzhou will be introduced in this article.
Overview of Hangzhou’s Climate
Influenced by the East Asian monsoon, Hangzhou features such climate that light, heat, and water hit a perfect blend in one season. There is plenty of rain, plenty of sun, and discrete seasons in a mild and moist weather. With a normal summer temperature of 28.6°C and a usual winter temperature of 3.8°C, the average yearly temperature is 16.2°C. The average yearly precipitation is 1,435 millimeter and the frost free season runs from 230 to 260 days. The average relative humidity is 74 percent to 85 percent.
Best Times to Visit Hangzhou & Things to Do in Each Season
Hangzhou has distinct seasons, each with its unique beauty, ideal travel opportunities, and different things to explore. The best time for Hangzhou travels mainly depends on personal preferences and travel purposes.
√ Recommended reading: Top Things to Do in Hangzhou
Spring: Best Time for Tea Picking
As temperatures begin to warm up, everything starts to awaken, making it one of the lovliest savour of the year in Hangzhou. Willows around West Lake are budding, and peach blossoms, apricot flowers, and cherry blossoms are all blooming in competition. The walk along Su Causeway and Bai Causeway is like being in a flower sea and you can feel the spring air move in your body. It is also the time of the year for Longjing tea, and you should visit Longjing Village or the nearby China National Tea Museum to enjoy a fragrant cup of new tea and learn about tea culture.
Summer: Enjoying Water Activities
Even though it is relatively hot, it is now the time of year when the lotus flowers at West Lake are at their fullest bloom. There will be a stunning scene that is once described as “a unique red lotus flowers reflecting the sun, and a sea of green lotus leaves touching the sky”. Plus, summer is a perfect season to engage in recreational boating activities like rafting and canoeing at Qiandao Lake.
Autumn: Perfect for Flower Viewing
This is yet one of the best times of year to visit Hangzhou, as the weather is clear and pleasant for travel. In autumn, the forests are painted in multi-colored layers and the leaves have just begun changing colours. The imagery of West Lake is particularly attractive at this time of year. Osmanthus blooms are enjoyable the most during the months of September and October. The Manlong Osmanthus Rain scenic area has a nice and refreshing aroma. You can also visit the shores of the Qiantang River to watch the impressive Qiantang Tide during the Mid-Autumn Festival.
Winter: Best Time to Visit Snow
The temperature is low, and if it snows, West Lake is completely wrapped in white. At this time, a beautiful scene is created. The Broken Bridge with its snow residue is also world-famous, resembling a delicate ink painting in appearance. There are relatively fewer tourists in the winter, so it is quieter if you want to visit ancient sites like Lingyin Temple. You can visit and feel the peace and solemnity of Buddhist culture.
Hangzhou Weather in Four Seasons & What to Wear
Hangzhou Weather in Spring
From March to May, spring in Hangzhou is a lovely time. March begins with a 12°C average. The average March temperature is 12°C. Frequent rain and humidity abound with lots sunlight. April sees less rainy days and more sun, and it reaches 16°C. May is great for sightseeing with temperatures getting to 22°C.
- What to Wear: Sun protection, umbrellas, and lightweight, long-sleeved jackets.
Hangzhou Weather in Summer
From June until August, Hangzhou’s summer is muggy and warm. June commences at a 28°C average temperature. Given the heat, humidity, and temperature, one should be dressed in comfortable and shielding garments. Since temperatures can get as high as 33°C, July is the warmest monthly of the year. July has more rainfall too, and thundershowers is another possibility. August slows to somewhere about in the middle 30s. Still warm and pleasant, still humid with lower rain. Summer is an excellent time to appreciate the beauty of Hangzhou since the landscape is great and the lakes offer cool winds irrespective of the temperature.
- What to Wear: Light, breathable clothes such as shorts and skirts, hats, and sunscreen.
Hangzhou Weather in Autumn
From September to November, tourists flock to Hangzhou. On average, September sees dry and cool conditions, with a temperature of 22°C. October falls to 18°C and November to 12°C. The season brings longer sunlight, fewer rain, and comfortable temperatures. Autumn is perfect for touring Hangzhou because of the lovely landscape and fresh air, together with everything from cultural exploration to hiking.
- What to Wear: Long-sleeved shirt paired with a thin sweater or a trench coat, along with long pants or a long skirt.
Hangzhou Weather in Winter
December to February is cool and fresh in Hangzhou. The average temperature in December stands at about 7°C, in January 5°C, and in February 7°C. Highlights are the charming lake views and the blue, bright skies. Though it can be cold, the calm surroundings of winter makes it great for seeing old temples and enjoying the cultural heritage of Hangzhou.
- What to Wear:Warm clothes such as quilted coats and long trousers, hats, and scarves.
Average Temperature by month & Precipitation Year Round
Max Temp. |
Min Temp. |
Precipitation (mm) |
Days of Precipitation |
|
Jan. |
8°C |
1°C |
45.9 |
5.7 days |
Feb. |
10°C |
3°C |
66.6 |
7.6 days |
Mar. |
14°C |
7°C |
103.2 |
11.7 days |
Apr. |
21°C |
13°C |
103.8 |
10.7 days |
May. |
26°C |
18°C |
115.6 |
10.4 days |
Jun. |
29°C |
22°C |
192.1 |
13.3 days |
Jul. |
33°C |
26°C |
143.9 |
11.6 days |
Aug. |
32°C |
25°C |
133.0 |
11.9 days |
Sep. |
28°C |
20°C |
108.9 |
8.8 days |
Oct. |
23°C |
15°C |
63.4 |
6.0 days |
Nov. |
17°C |
8°C |
54.6 |
6.0 days |
Dec. |
11°C |
3°C |
36.2 |
4.9 days |
Frequently Asked Questions about Huangzhou Weather
What is the best time to visit Hangzhou for pleasant weather?
The best months to explore Hangzhou are March to April and September to October. Without the smothering summer heat or the moody winter cold, the spring winds are gentle and high autumn skies are clear and bright.
What is the coldest month in Hangzhou?
Winter usually begin in Late November, and January is the coldest month with average temperatures ranging between 3.3 and 3.6 degrees celsius. The lowest there will probably be around 1 degrees celsius.
What month does it snow in Hangzhou?
Based on previous years, Hangzhou usually sees snowfall in January. For example, the first snow in 2024 fell on January 22. But other climate factors also play a role in its snowfall.
Is Hangzhou Humid in Summer?
The summer months are humid in Hangzhou. It doesn’t get very hot, but the humidity makes things feel a lot hotter. June is relatively cool, but the plum rain season is humid.
Must-see Hangzhou Attractions
- West Lake: An area of national scenic and historic interest, where picturesque lake and mountain views coalesce with abundant cultural relics and artistic traditions. It is one of the chief freshwater lakes in China for scenic sea view.
- Lingyin Temple: The oldest famous Buddhist temple in Hangzhou with a history of nearly 1,700 years. Serene and ancient atmosphere this temple, surrounded by towering trees and shrouded in mist.
