Hangzhou, in eastern Zhejiang Province, is famous for its natural beauty and rich culture ✨. The city experiences four distinct seasons, each with unique weather and charm.
Spring 🌸 is mild and sunny, with cherry and peach blossoms adding color to parks and lakes. Summer 🌞 is hot and humid, with occasional rain, perfect for enjoying lakeside breezes. Autumn 🍁 offers cool, crisp air, clear skies, and vibrant red and golden leaves, ideal for sightseeing. Winter ❄️ is cold and dry, sometimes snowy, creating serene and picturesque landscapes.
Continue reading for practical tips on what to wear and the best tours to take.
Hangzhou Weather Forecast for the Next 7 Days
Hangzhou’s Climate Characteristics
Hangzhou experiences a subtropical monsoon climate with four distinct seasons, each offering unique weather and scenery. Visitors can enjoy mild springs, hot humid summers, crisp autumns, and chilly winters.
Key Features:
- Spring (Mar–May): Mild, humid, with blooming flowers
- Summer (Jun–Aug): Hot, humid, occasional heavy rain
- Autumn (Sep–Nov): Cool, dry, clear skies, vibrant foliage
- Winter (Dec–Feb): Cold, dry, occasional snow
Hangzhou Weather in Spring
West Lake
🌸 Spring in Hangzhou (March–May)
- A vibrant, scenic season filled with blooming flowers and comfortable weather—perfect for outdoor exploring.
March — Early Spring
- Avg. temp: 12°C; humid with frequent light rain but good sunshine
- Cool mornings and warming afternoons
- Wear: lightweight long-sleeve jacket, long pants; umbrella recommended
April — Mid-Spring
- Avg. temp: 16°C; rainfall decreases, sunny days increase
- Mild and pleasant, with a gentle chill in mornings/evenings
- Wear: long-sleeved tops, long pants, a light jacket
May — Late Spring
- Avg. temp: 22°C; warm, bright, and ideal for sightseeing
- Wear: short sleeves, airy pants or skirts; bring sunscreen and a hat
🌱 Why Visit in Spring?
- Cherry and peach blossoms, lush scenery, and perfect strolls along West Lake
- A lively season that blends nature, culture, and mild weather for an enjoyable trip.
Hangzhou Weather in Summer
Xixi National Wetland Park, Hangzhou
☀️ Summer in Hangzhou (June–August)
Hot, humid, and lively—perfect for exploring scenic sites and enjoying summer-only local treats.
June — Early Summer
- Avg. temp: 28°C
- Very humid with strong sunshine; heat feels intense
- Wear: breezy short sleeves, lightweight shorts; bring sunscreen and a sun hat
July — Peak Summer
- Avg. temp: 33°C
- Rainy season with heavier showers and sudden afternoon thunderstorms
- Wear: breathable clothing; carry a foldable umbrella
August — Late Summer
- Avg. temp: 32°C
- Still hot and humid, with slightly less rainfall
- Wear: cool, comfortable outfits—sandals, shorts, airy tops; bring water and sun protection
🌊 Why Visit Hangzhou in Summer?
- Explore Xixi National Wetland Park, a cooler, refreshing summer escape with shaded waterways and lotus ponds
- Enjoy summer specialties like herbal teas and refreshing lake-fresh dishes
Hangzhou Weather in Autumn
Hangzhou West Lake Tour in Autumn
🍂 Autumn in Hangzhou (September–November)
- Autumn is mild, dry, and sunny, with crisp, clean air—perfect for exploring the city.
- Temperatures gradually drop: highs around 28°C early in the season, lows near 10°C by November.
September — Early Autumn
- Avg. temp: 22°C
- Dry, pleasant weather; ideal for strolling through parks and exploring ancient architecture
- Wear: light clothing suitable for mild days
October — Mid-Autumn
- Avg. temp: 18°C
- Cooler weather; light jackets recommended for comfortable sightseeing
- Wear: light jacket or sweater
November — Late Autumn
- Avg. temp: 12°C
- Cooler temperatures; perfect for admiring fallen leaves and red maples in parks
- Wear: warm coat or layers
🌟 Why Visit Hangzhou in Autumn?
- Enjoy beautiful natural scenery and vivid blue skies
- Taste local autumn specialties like West Lake Vinegar Fish and Hangzhou scallion pancakes
- Perfect weather for walking, sightseeing, and photography
Hangzhou Weather in Winter
West Lake Winter Nature
❄️ Winter in Hangzhou (December–February)
- Cold, crisp, and charming, with average temperatures around 8°C and lows below 0°C
- Low humidity and light rainfall make it great for sightseeing
December — Early Winter
- Avg. temp: 9°C
- Clear, bright skies; lakes and mountains look enchanting in sunlight
- Wear: thick coat, warm layers
January — Mid-Winter
- Avg. temp: 6°C
- Nights can be very cold; warm clothing, hat, and gloves recommended
- Wear: insulated coat, scarf, and layers
February — Late Winter
- Avg. temp: 7°C
- Still cold, but sunny days perfect for outdoor activities
- Wear: warm clothing; layers recommended
🌟 Why Visit Hangzhou in Winter?
- Admire scenic lake and mountain views in crisp, clear air
- Explore ancient towns and cultural landmarks like Liuhe Pagoda
- Enjoy seasonal local specialties such as stinky tofu and scallion oil noodles
Hangzhou Rainfall
| Month | Average Rainfall (mm) | Tips for Visitors |
|---|---|---|
January | 46 | Cold and dry; wear warm layers |
February | 50 | Still chilly; bring a coat and hat |
March | 86 | Light rain possible; carry an umbrella |
April | 108 | Mild and humid; wear a light jacket |
May | 135 | Spring showers likely; umbrella recommended |
June | 169 | Hot and rainy; stay hydrated and carry rain gear |
July | 160 | Peak summer rains; lightweight, breathable clothing needed |
August | 153 | Humid and warm; bring sun protection and umbrella |
September | 114 | Pleasant weather; light layers and comfortable shoes |
October | 82 | Cool and dry; perfect for sightseeing |
November | 60 | Crisp air; wear a jacket or sweater |
December | 46 | Cold; bundle up in warm clothing |
Best Time to Visit Hangzhou
The best time to visit Hangzhou is during spring (March–May) or autumn (September–November), when the weather is mild, sunny, and perfect for sightseeing. However, every season has its own unique charm. Here are the highlights of each season in Hangzhou:
Season | Best time to visit | Highlights |
Spring | March to May | Warm and pleasant, with cherry blossoms in full bloom—the sea of cherry blossoms along West Lake and the banks of the Qiantang River is captivating. Perfect for exploring West Lake and savoring the verdant beauty of the tea trees. |
Summer | June to August | Expect high temperatures and high humidity, but you can still soak up the beauty of West Lake, where lush green trees provide ample shade. Festivals like thrilling dragon boat races and the West Lake Music Festival bring plenty of passion and energy. |
Fall | September to November | With pleasant temperatures and vibrant scenery, fluttering maple leaves and the harmony of mountains and water paint a beautiful picture. It’s ideal for visiting West Lake and parks, admiring the beauty of autumn, and savoring West Lake Longjing tea. |
Winter | December to February | In the off-season, temperatures are lower but still pleasant. You can experience Hangzhou’s culture and history, visit places like Meijiawu, Jianqiao Village, and other places, and admire the tranquil winter scenery of West Lake. |
Time Difference between Hangzhou and the U.S.
Time Difference:
- Hangzhou follows China Standard Time (CST, UTC+8).
- Depending on the U.S. time zone:
- Eastern Time (ET): Hangzhou is 12–13 hours ahead (depending on Daylight Saving Time).
- Central Time (CT): 13–14 hours ahead
- Mountain Time (MT): 14–15 hours ahead
- Pacific Time (PT): 15–16 hours ahead
Tips for Travelers:
- Adjust Your Sleep: Start shifting your sleep schedule a few days before departure to reduce jet lag.
- Plan Communication: Schedule calls or messages carefully—morning in the U.S. is evening in Hangzhou.
- Flight Planning: Many flights arrive in Hangzhou early morning or late evening—consider rest strategies for smooth travel.
- Use Time Apps: Set your phone to dual time zones to keep track of local and home time.
- Stay Hydrated & Active: Jet lag can be worsened by dehydration and inactivity—walk around and drink water during flights.
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FAQs about Hangzhou Weather
What is Hangzhou weather like throughout the year?
Humid subtropical—hot summers, mild springs/autumns, and cold, dry winters.When is the best time to visit based on Hangzhou weather?
Spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November) are the most comfortable.How hot does Hangzhou weather get in summer?
Temperatures can reach 33°C, with high humidity and occasional heavy rain.Does Hangzhou weather include snow in winter?
Rarely, winters are cold and crisp, but snowfall is light and uncommon.How rainy is Hangzhou weather throughout the year?
Most rainfall occurs in June–August, with summer being the wettest season.