Hangzhou Weather & Climate | Best Time to Visit Hangzhou
When we talk about Hangzhou climate, we think of “moderate”. However, with four distinctive seasons, Hangzhou weather is inconsistent on an annual basis.
It is typically mild and pleasant in spring and fall in Hangzhou, frigid and dry in winter, and warm and humid in summer. The average annual temperature in Hangzhou is 16.2 degrees Celsius. In July, the hottest month, the average temperature is approximately 33.8 degrees Celsius; in January the average temperature is about 3.6 degree Celsius. Hangzhou receives an average annual rainfall of 1450 mm. In mid-summer, Hangzhou, like other cities in Zhejiang province, suffers typhoon storms.
So when you are wondering how Hangzhou weather influence your Hangzhou tour -- it has something to offer for every traveler.
This article provides a quick summary of Hangzhou weather and climate condition that you can encounter when visiting the city. So before you settle on your Hangzhou travel plan, figure out its average temperatures by month, the rainy season, the best time to visit Hangzhou, and what to do with this comprehensive guide.
Hangzhou Climate
Hangzhou spans two heat zones, north and south, with the eastern part near the sea and the western part connected by mountains. Its complex and diverse topography gives Hangzhou not only obvious zonal advantages but also obvious advantages in its topographical microclimate.
According to planetary wind system climate zoning, this region falls within the dry zone controlled by the subtropical high-pressure belt. However, due to land-sea differences and alterations in the temperature-pressure field caused by the uplift of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, the monsoon circulation modifies the near-surface planetary wind system. This transforms the dry continental climate into a humid subtropical monsoon climate, changing arid desert landscapes into moist evergreen broadleaf forest ecosystems.
Over thousands of years of human activity, Hangzhou, also one of the ancient Chinese capitals, has become one of the most densely populated and economically developed regions in China. This has resulted in the main characteristics of Hangzhou's climate: mild winters and hot summers, distinct seasons, abundant rainfall, and relatively even seasonal distribution.
How is the Weather in Hangzhou: Temperatures, Rainfall, and Sunlight
Hangzhou's weather is characterized by the harmonious seasonal alignment of sunlight, heat, and water, influenced by winter and summer monsoons. After spring begins in March, total solar radiation increases monthly, temperatures rise in tandem, and rainfall also grows. From May to June, as spring transitions into summer, Hangzhou experiences its peak precipitation period with moderate temperatures.
During the summer season (July to August), the total solar radiation reaches its peak and it is also the hottest period of the year. Due to the influence of the tropical warm air mass, the precipitation after the end of the plum rain season is significantly less than that in the previous period, and the hot summer vernal equinox season begins. The maximum daily temperature in the urban area of Hangzhou once reached 39.9℃.
September marks the transition from summer to autumn, with both light and temperature decreasing. Simultaneously, the arrival of autumn rains due to typhoons and cold air masses alleviates the hot and dry season. October and November are characterized by clear, crisp autumn weather. Ample sunshine and large daily temperature ranges make for better light and temperature conditions than spring.
Winter in Hangzhou represents the annual low point for light, heat, and rainfall.
Hangzhou Weather by Month
The following are the historical weather data of Hangzhou, including the average temperature and precipitation for each month. If you want to know the current or today's weather in Hangzhou, please refer to the Hangzhou weather forecast.
Average Data | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | June |
Average High (°F) | 44/48 | 46/50 | 55/59 | 66/70 | 75/79 | 82/85 |
Average High (°C) | 7/9 | 8/10 | 13/15 | 19/21 | 24/26 | 28/30 |
Average Low (°F) | 31/35 | 34/37 | 41/44 | 51/55 | 60/64 | 68/72 |
Average Low (°C) | 0/2 | 1/3 | 5/7 | 11/13 | 16/18 | 20/22 |
Rain (in) | 2.6/2.7 | 3.6/3.7 | 4.6/4.7 | 5.1/5.2 | 6.4/6.5 | 8.0/8.1 |
Rain (mm) | 65/70 | 90/95 | 115/120 | 130/135 | 160/165 | 200/205 |
Average Data | July | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
Average High (°F) | 90/94 | 89/93 | 80/83 | 71/75 | 61/64 | 50/53 |
Average High (°C) | 32/34 | 32/34 | 27/29 | 22/24 | 16/18 | 10/12 |
Average Low (°F) | 75/79 | 74/78 | 66/70 | 56/59 | 45/49 | 35/39 |
Average Low (°C) | 24/26 | 24/26 | 19/21 | 13/15 | 7/9 | 2/4 |
Rain (in) | 5.2/5.3 | 6.1/6.2 | 7.1/7.2 | 2.9/3 | 2.3/2.4 | 2.0/2.1 |
Rain (mm) | 130/135 | 155/160 | 180/185 | 70/75 | 60/65 | 50/55 |
Best Time to Visit Hangzhou
Although Hangzhou offers things to see and do throughout the year, based on the weather in Hangzhou, we recommend the best time for visiting the city as being spring (from March to May) and autumn (from September to November). On one hand, the climate is the most pleasant during these two seasons, and on the other hand, the scenery is the most charming.
What is Hangzhou in Store for You During Each Season?
When considering how many days to stay in Hangzhou, you will also want to know what to see and do in each season, so that you can make those days memorable.
Hangzhou in Spring (March to May)
Weather: Spring in Hangzhou is pleasant, warm and humid, with temperatures gradually rising from 10°C to 25°C. But the weather is quite changeable, sometimes rainy and sometimes sunny.
What to Wear
It is recommended to wear lightweight long-sleeved clothing, outerwear (such as denim jackets, lightweight windbreakers, or knitted sweaters), comfortable trousers or skirts, waterproof shoes or sports shoes. You will also need an umbrella or a lightweight raincoat.
Top Things to Do
Spring is the season for enjoying flowers and going for a walk in West Lake. One can appreciate peach blossoms, cherry blossoms, peonies and the most beautiful time of willows at the "Ten Scenic Spots" of West Lake such as Su Causeway, Bai Causeway and Huagang Fish Watching Area.
From March to April, it is also the time when Longjing green tea is on the market. Why not take part in the tea-picking experience to Meijiawu Tea Plantation or Longjing Tea Plantation Village? You can also enjoy tea in a farmhouse and taste Hangzhou famous food like tea-smoked chicken and tea-smoked shrimp.
In addition, you can immerse yourself in the tranquility of Lingyin Temple in spring. Or, you can take a boat ride in the vibrant Xixi Wetlands.
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Hangzhou in Summer (June to August)
Weather: Summer is hot and humid with high temperatures, often reaching scorching levels above 30°C. It is also the rainiest season, with a prolonged plum rain season potentially leading to frequent showers and thunderstorms.
What to Wear
You can wear short-sleeved shirts, vests, shorts, skirts, sandals or lightweight sneakers. Sun protection gear such as hats, sunglasses and sunscreen are essential. Umbrellas or raincoats are also necessary.
Top Things to Do
The days are very hot in summer. You can go on a night tour of West Lake, stroll to the music fountain or enjoy the wonderful "Impression West Lake" performance. Looking for cool places to escape the summer heat in China? Jiuxi and the eighteen gullies, Lingyin Flying Peak, Mogan Mountain, and Qiandao Lake are all excellent choices - especially for families with children and couples.
The best summer foods in Hangzhou include soybean soup, steamed meat in lotus leaf, West Lake lotus root cake, Longjing shrimp, and seasonal fruits in summer.
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Hangzhou in Autumn (September to November)
Weather: Autumn in Hangzhou has a pleasant, cool climate with gradually decreasing temperatures (from around 25°C to around 15°C) and significant differences between day and night temperatures.
What to Wear
In September, you can still wear short sleeves. In October, you will need long-sleeved shirts, sweaters and light windcoats. And by November, sweaters and thick coats will be necessary.
Top Things to Do
Autumn is one of the most beautiful seasons in Hangzhou, with the West Lake being the most attractive spot during this time of year - its leaves turning red in autumn - best for photography.
Want more unique experiences in Hangzhou? In the best water towns of China such as Wuzhen, Nanxun and Xitang, explore the local residences. Take a boat ride along the Grand Canal of China to learn about its history and culture.
Other attractions in Hangzhou, such as Lingyin Temple and Liuhe Pagoda, also look very beautiful against the backdrop of the autumn scenery.
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Hangzhou in Winter (December to February)
Weather: Winter weather of Hangzhou is cold but relatively mild with little rainfall. Temperatures generally range from 5-10℃, with occasional cold waves, but these are uncommon. Winter is a good time to visit West Lake.
What to Wear
A thick coat or a down jacket, thermal underwear, sweaters, scarves, gloves, hats, and thermal socks - all of these are necessary.
Top Things to Do
If there is snowfall, the winter scenery of West Lake, such as the broken bridge with remaining snow and the Pagoda of Leifeng covered in snow, are the iconic attractions of Hangzhou in winter. Visiting the nearby Fuchun Tao Yuan and Tianzhu Mountain Hot Spring Resort is also one of the winter activities.
Of course, various museums, such as the Chinese Hangzhou Cuisine Museum, the Chinese Medicine Museum of Hu Qinyu Pharmacy, and the China National Silk Museum, are both interesting and can help you avoid the cold outdoors.
Don't miss the winter delicacies in Hangzhou, such as Pickled and Braised Fish Soup, Braised Sea Cucumber, Hangzhou Stew, rice cakes, rice noodles, etc.
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