Hangzhou Weather Guide: Climate, Seasons & Monthly Breakdown

Hangzhou has a humid subtropical climate with four distinct seasons. Summers are hot and humid, winters are damp and chilly, and spring and autumn are the golden periods. This guide covers what to expect each month, how to handle extreme weather, and what to pack for every season.

Monthly Weather Overview

Month	High	Low	Rain Days	Humidity	AQI	Rating
January	8°C	1°C	8	70%	80–120	★★
February	10°C	2°C	9	70%	70–110	★★
March	15°C	6°C	12	72%	60–90	★★★
April	21°C	12°C	12	70%	50–70	★★★★★
May	26°C	17°C	10	72%	50–70	★★★★
June	30°C	21°C	12	80%	50–80	★★★
July	35°C	25°C	9	78%	50–70	★★
August	34°C	25°C	8	76%	50–70	★★
September	28°C	20°C	8	72%	60–80	★★★★
October	23°C	14°C	6	68%	50–70	★★★★★
November	17°C	8°C	5	66%	60–90	★★★★
December	10°C	2°C	6	66%	80–120	★★

Month-by-Month Guide

January

The coldest month. Daytime highs around 8°C but the damp cold penetrates layers — it feels colder than the thermometer suggests because Hangzhou has no central heating (south of the Yangtze River heating line). Mornings are foggy, and air quality can be poor due to winter inversions. Snow is rare (1–2 days per year) but when it falls, West Lake is magical. Wear: Warm jacket, thermal underlayers, scarf, gloves. Watch for: Poor AQI on still days, fog delays at the airport.

February

Slightly warmer than January but still cold and damp. Chinese New Year (Spring Festival) usually falls in February — the city empties as locals return to hometowns, and many restaurants and shops close for 3–7 days. This can be a peaceful time to visit West Lake with few crowds, but limited dining options. Wear: Same as January. Watch for: Holiday closures, crowded transport on the days before and after the festival.

March

Spring begins. Temperatures rise to 15°C but fluctuate wildly — a sunny afternoon can feel like 20°C while a rainy morning feels like 8°C. Cherry blossoms appear at Taiziwan Park in mid-to-late March, drawing large crowds. Rain increases significantly. Wear: Light jacket or sweater, layers, umbrella. Watch for: Unpredictable temperature swings, weekend crowds at blossom spots.

April

One of the two best months to visit. Temperatures are pleasant (12–21°C), skies are often clear, and the city is lush green. The Longjing tea harvest begins in early April — visit the tea villages around Meijiawu for the freshest tea of the year. Tulips at Taiziwan, cherry blossoms lingering into early April, and comfortable walking weather make this ideal. Wear: Light layers, long-sleeve shirts, light jacket for evenings. Watch for: Qingming Festival holiday (early April) brings domestic tourists.

May

Warm and pleasant, though temperatures creep toward 30°C by month's end. The May Day holiday (May 1–5) is one of China's biggest travel weeks — avoid these dates if possible, as attractions and hotels are packed. After the holiday crowds leave, mid-to-late May is lovely. Wear: T-shirts, light pants, sunscreen. Watch for: May Day crowds, rising humidity late in the month.

June

The plum rain season (梅雨) typically begins mid-June and lasts 3–4 weeks. Expect daily rain, high humidity (80%+), and overcast skies. Temperatures reach 30°C but the rain provides some relief from the heat. Not the best month for sightseeing, but hotel prices drop. Wear: Quick-dry clothing, waterproof shoes, always carry an umbrella. Watch for: Persistent rain, mold on clothes in hotel rooms, flight delays.

July

Hot, humid, and intense. Daytime highs regularly exceed 35°C, and the humidity makes it feel like 40°C+. This is the peak of summer, and air conditioning is essential. Outdoor sightseeing should be limited to early morning (before 09:00) and evening. West Lake's lotus flowers bloom in July — the one redeeming feature. Wear: Lightest possible clothing, hat, sunglasses, sunscreen SPF 50+. Watch for: Heat exhaustion, typhoons (late July), peak domestic tourism during school holidays.

August

Similar to July — oppressively hot and humid. Typhoon season peaks in August, bringing heavy rain and wind for 1–3 days at a time. Between typhoons, the weather is hazy and still. Night markets and evening boat cruises on West Lake are the best way to experience the city. Wear: Same as July. Watch for: Typhoon warnings, poor air quality on still days.

September

Autumn arrives. Temperatures drop to a comfortable 20–28°C, humidity decreases, and skies clear. The Mid-Autumn Festival (date varies, September or early October) brings mooncake season and evening celebrations. A great month for walking, hiking, and outdoor dining. Wear: T-shirts during the day, light jacket for evenings. Watch for: Occasional typhoon remnants early in the month, Mid-Autumn holiday crowds.

October

The single best month to visit Hangzhou. Temperatures are perfect (14–23°C), humidity is low, skies are clear, and the autumn foliage begins. Osmanthus flowers bloom throughout the city, filling the air with a sweet fragrance. The National Day holiday (October 1–7) is extremely crowded — avoid the first week. After October 7, the city is near-perfect. Wear: Long-sleeve shirts, light jacket, comfortable walking shoes. Watch for: Golden Week crowds (Oct 1–7), book hotels well in advance.

November

Cool and dry, with temperatures dropping from 17°C to 8°C over the month. Autumn foliage peaks in mid-November — the ginkgo trees along Chaowang Road and the maple leaves at Huagang Park are stunning. Fewer tourists than October, and hotel rates drop. An excellent value month. Wear: Medium jacket, sweater, long pants. Watch for: Shorter daylight hours (sunset around 17:00), cooling temperatures late in the month.

December

Winter sets in. Temperatures drop to 2–10°C, and the damp cold returns. Air quality can deteriorate as winter inversions trap pollution. On the plus side, tourist crowds are minimal and hotel prices are at their lowest. If you catch a rare snowfall on West Lake, it is one of China's most photographed scenes. Wear: Warm jacket, thermal layers, scarf, gloves. Watch for: Poor AQI, fog, limited outdoor dining.

Plum Rain Season (梅雨)

The plum rain season is Hangzhou's most challenging weather period. It typically runs from mid-June to early July (roughly June 14 – July 8, though dates vary by 1–2 weeks each year). The name comes from the plums that ripen during this period.

What to Expect

• Daily rain: Not constant downpours, but frequent drizzle and overcast skies. It may rain lightly for 3–4 days straight.
• High humidity: 80–90% humidity is normal. Clothes take longer to dry, and mold can develop in hotel rooms.
• Overcast skies: Sunny days are rare during this period. Visibility at West Lake is often reduced.
• Flight delays: Xiaoshan Airport experiences more delays during plum rain season due to low visibility.

How to Cope

• Carry a compact umbrella at all times — not a raincoat, as the heat makes raincoats unbearable
• Wear quick-dry fabrics (avoid cotton, which stays damp)
• Use hotel laundry services rather than air-drying clothes
• Plan indoor activities: museums, tea houses, shopping malls
• Check the forecast daily — there are occasional dry windows of 1–2 days

Typhoon Season

Hangzhou is inland enough that direct typhoon hits are rare, but remnants of typhoons that make landfall in Zhejiang or Fujian provinces can bring heavy rain and strong winds. Typhoon season runs from July to September, with August being the peak month.

What to Expect

• Heavy rain: 50–150mm of rain can fall in 24 hours during a typhoon remnant
• Strong winds: Gusts of 50–80 km/h are possible
• Duration: Usually 1–2 days of severe weather, then clearing
• Frequency: Hangzhou is seriously affected by typhoon remnants about 2–3 times per summer

What to Do

• Monitor weather alerts on your phone (Chinese weather apps send typhoon warnings automatically)
• Stay indoors during the worst of the storm — most hotels are built to handle typhoons
• Avoid West Lake boat rides and mountain hiking during typhoon weather
• Expect transport disruptions: flight cancellations, train delays, Didi surge pricing
• Stock up on snacks and water if a major typhoon is forecast — some convenience stores sell out

Air Quality

Hangzhou's air quality has improved significantly over the past decade but can still be poor in winter. Understanding the AQI (Air Quality Index) helps you plan outdoor activities:

AQI Range	Level	Health Impact	Recommendation
0–50	Excellent	No concern	Enjoy outdoor activities freely
51–100	Good	Sensitive groups may feel minor effects	Normal activities fine
101–150	Light pollution	Sensitive people may experience discomfort	Reduce prolonged outdoor exercise
151–200	Moderate pollution	Everyone may start to feel effects	Limit outdoor activities, wear a mask
201–300	Heavy pollution	Significant health impact	Avoid outdoor exercise, stay indoors
300+	Severe pollution	Emergency conditions	Stay indoors, keep windows closed, use air purifier

When AQI Is Worst

Winter months (December–February) see the worst, due to heating emissions and atmospheric inversions that trap pollutants. Summer (June–August) is generally best, thanks to rain and wind that clear the air. Check real-time AQI on the China Ministry of Ecology app or the AirVisual app before planning a day of outdoor sightseeing.

UV and Sun Protection

Hangzhou's UV index can be surprisingly high from May through September, even on hazy days. The UV index regularly reaches 8–10 (Very High to Extreme) during summer afternoons.

• SPF 30+ sunscreen is essential from May to September. Apply 30 minutes before going out and reapply every 2 hours.
• Sunglasses with UV400 protection — the glare off West Lake intensifies UV exposure.
• Wide-brimmed hat — many local women carry parasols (UV umbrellas) in summer; this is practical, not just cultural.
• UV-protective clothing — lightweight long-sleeve shirts with UPF 50+ rating are popular among Chinese outdoor enthusiasts and worth considering for long walking days.
• Peak UV hours: 11:00–15:00. Plan indoor activities (museums, tea houses) during these hours in summer.

What to Wear by Season

Season	Daytime	Evening	Essentials
Spring (Mar–May)	Light sweater or long-sleeve shirt, light jacket	Add a medium jacket	Compact umbrella, layers for temperature swings
Summer (Jun–Aug)	T-shirt, shorts or light pants, breathable fabrics	Same — evenings stay warm	Sunscreen SPF 50+, hat, sunglasses, quick-dry fabrics
Autumn (Sep–Nov)	Long-sleeve shirt, light jacket early autumn; sweater + jacket by November	Medium to warm jacket	Comfortable walking shoes, light scarf
Winter (Dec–Feb)	Warm jacket, thermal underlayers, sweater	Same — add scarf, gloves	Thermal underwear, warm socks, hand warmers (available at convenience stores)

Footwear

Hangzhou involves a lot of walking — West Lake alone is 15km around. Comfortable walking shoes are essential year-round. In summer, avoid sandals for sightseeing (too much walking, and rain makes them slippery). In the plum rain season, waterproof shoes or shoes that dry quickly are important. Sneakers or walking shoes with good grip are the best all-around choice.

Extreme Weather

Heat Waves

When temperatures exceed 38°C for consecutive days (most common in July–August), the city issues heat alerts. During heat waves: drink 2–3 liters of water per day, avoid outdoor activities between 11:00 and 16:00, seek air-conditioned spaces, and watch for signs of heat exhaustion (dizziness, nausea, excessive sweating). Convenience stores sell iced drinks and Popsicles everywhere — use them liberally.

Heavy Rain and Flooding

Intense rainstorms can cause localized flooding in low-lying areas of the city, particularly around underpasses and some older streets near West Lake. Avoid walking through floodwater — it can be deeper than it appears and may hide open manholes. Didi and taxis become scarce during heavy rain; the metro is the most reliable transport option.

Snow and Ice

Snow is rare but when it occurs (typically January), the city is unprepared — roads become slippery, public transport slows dramatically, and some attractions close temporarily. If snow is forecast, plan a flexible itinerary and allow extra travel time. The rare snow on West Lake is worth the inconvenience.

Weather and Sightseeing

Some Hangzhou attractions are actually better in certain weather conditions:

Better on Rainy Days

• West Lake in light rain — the misty, atmospheric quality is what inspired countless Chinese poets. The "Lingering Snow on Broken Bridge" (断桥残雪) is one of the Ten Scenes of West Lake specifically because of weather.
• Tea houses — sitting in a Meijiawu tea house watching rain on the tea terraces is a quintessential Hangzhou experience.
• Museums — China National Silk Museum, Zhejiang Provincial Museum, and the Tea Museum are all excellent indoor options.
• Shopping malls — In77 (Hubin), MixC, and Kerry Centre offer shopping, dining, and entertainment under one roof.

Better on Sunny Days

• West Lake boat rides — clear skies give the best views of the surrounding hills and pagodas.
• Lingyin Temple and Feilai Peak — the forest trails and carved Buddhist statues are best appreciated in dry weather.
• Xixi Wetland — boat rides and walking paths are more enjoyable without rain.
• Baochu Pagoda and Gem Hill — the panoramic city view requires clear visibility.
• Cycling — the bike paths along West Lake and the Qiantang River are best on dry, mild days.

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