Hangzhou Weather - The Best Time to Visit Hangzhou
Hangzhou enjoys a subtropical monsoon climate with four distinct seasons, which are warm and humid. The annual average precipitation is 1,500 mm, and the average temperature is 16.2℃. Rainy days last from 130 to 160 days annually. The average temperature is 28.6℃ in summer and 3.8℃ in winter. The coldest month is January with the monthly average temperature of 3℃ to 5℃. The hottest month is July with the monthly average temperature of 28℃ to 29℃.
The Best Time to Visit Hangzhou
March, April, and May are peak tourist seasons when spring blossoms are in full bloom, and the temperature ranges from 9℃ to 15℃. The plum rain season lasts from late June to early July. In early and mid-August, Hangzhou is frequently affected by typhoons, together with heavy rain, with the temperature ranging from 20℃ to 26℃. In September and October, it gradually turns cool. It’s very chilly in the winter of Hangzhou, thus, visitors need to wear very warm clothes during winter.
There are two rainy seasons in Hangzhou. The first rainy season lasts from early May to the end of June with an average rainfall of 350 to 500 mm. During this period, rainfall is concentrated, and there is torrential rain, accounting for about 25% to 31% of the whole year. The second rainy season lasts from late August to late September, with an average precipitation of 120 to 220 mm. The rainfall accounts for 8% to 13% of the total.
The dry season lasts from July to the following February. Generally speaking, Hangzhou is suitable for visiting throughout the year with different sights in every season. The best time to visit Hangzhou is in autumn when the weather is the most comfortable.
Hangzhou Annual Climate
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High (ºC) | 7.78 | 8.89 | 13.8 | 20 | 25 | 28.3 | 33.3 | 32.7 | 27.2 | 22.7 | 17.2 | 10.5 |
| Low (ºC) | 1.56 | 1.67 | 5.56 | 11.6 | 16.6 | 21.1 | 25 | 24.4 | 20 | 13.8 | 8.33 | 2.7 |
| Precip(mm) | 2.6 | 3.6 | 4.6 | 5.1 | 6.4 | 8 | 5.2 | 6.1 | 7.1 | 2.9 | 2.3 | 2 |
| High (ºF) | 46 | 48 | 57 | 68 | 77 | 83 | 92 | 91 | 81 | 73 | 63 | 51 |
| Low (ºF) | 33 | 35 | 42 | 53 | 62 | 70 | 77 | 76 | 68 | 57 | 47 | 37 |
Hangzhou in Spring
Spring lasts from March to May in Hangzhou, which ranks as the best time to appreciate peach blossoms. The rainfall increases, and cold spells in later spring. The average temperature is about 17℃, and the rainfall ranges from 330 to 450 mm. In late spring, there is thunderstorm and hailstone sometimes. For packing, sweaters and overcoats are necessary. In March, the temperature ranges from 5.56℃ to 13.89℃, which is also the best time to appreciate cherry blossoms near West Lake. The temperature ranges from 11.67℃ to 20℃ in April, and from 16.67℃ to 25℃ in May.
Hangzhou in Summer
Summer lasts from June to September in Hangzhou with an average temperature of about 26℃ and a rainfall of 530 to 630mm, which is scorching and wet. In early summer, the rainfall concentrates, and there is frequent torrential rain. The temperature ranges from 21℃ to 28℃. In early July, the rainfall gradually ceases, and summer is at its height in August. In late August, it’s mainly hot and sunny, and torrential rain and windy days occur sometimes. The temperature ranges from 25℃ to 33℃ in July, from 24℃ to 32℃ in August and from 20℃ to 27℃ in September. For packing, short-sleeved shirts, shorts, sunglasses, sunhats, sun cream, and umbrellas are necessary.
Hangzhou in Autumn
Autumn is very short in Hangzhou, from October to November, with an average temperature of about 16℃. It boasts favorable weather conditions which are relatively cool. For packing, long-sleeved coats and light sweaters are needed. The temperature ranges from 14℃ to 23℃ in October and from 8℃ to 17℃ in November. From mid-October to November, rainfall decreases, and there is a large temperature difference between day and night.
Hangzhou in Winter
Winter lasts from December to the following February in Hangzhou with an average temperature of about 6℃. January is the coldest month and the temperature could drop below 0℃. There is frequent rainfall and snow. For packing, warm clothes are necessary, including cotton-padded jackets, down jackets and thermal underwear are needed.
