Suzhou Weather
Suzhou is a renowned historical and cultural city in China, boasting rich garden landscapes and waterside scenery. Understanding Suzhou's weather is crucial when planning a trip. This travel guide will provide an overview of Suzhou's climate, seasonal weather characteristics, and the best times to visit.
Suzhou Climate Overview
Suzhou is located in the southeastern coastal region of China and experiences a subtropical humid monsoon climate. Influenced by the Yangtze River Estuary and Tai Lake, Suzhou's climate is moderate and humid, with distinct seasons and abundant rainfall, exceeding 1,000 millimeters annually. The average annual temperature is 16℃, with January's average temperature at 2.5℃ and July at 28℃.
Throughout the year, in Suzhou the temperature in April fluctuates, heating up rapidly, but frequently experiences colder weather below 0℃, known as "spring chill". By June, Suzhou enters the plum rain season, with July being the hottest month of the year. Compared to Nanjing and Shanghai, Suzhou's winter is warmer than Nanjing but colder than Shanghai, while its summer is hotter than Shanghai but cooler than Nanjing.
Suzhou Fainfall Distribution
The distribution of rain in Suzhou is evenly spread throughout the year, with the most rainfall occurring during the summer. The rainy season runs from June to August, during which Suzhou often experiences showers or thunderstorms. It is best to keep an eye on the weather forecast before traveling to plan the trip accordingly.
The Best Time to Visit Suzhou
Suzhou is suitable for travel in all four seasons, with spring and autumn being the best. The Suzhou gardens show myriad beauties throughout the year, whether it be a blossoming of vibrant flowers, a thick shade of trees, or a landscape wrapped in silvery winter.
The warm and pleasant spring awakens all life in the over 100 gardens, teeming with vigor, regardless of the sunny weather or lingering spring rain.
Autumn in Suzhou is characterized by golden ginkgo leaves and red leaves, the autumn chrysanthemums in the garden are also very beautiful, making visitors feel as if they are in harvest season.
Aside from spring and autumn, summer is also a popular season for travel in Suzhou. Despite the heat, Suzhou's waterside scenery and lakes make Suzhou more refreshing in summer. You can take a boat tour of Suzhou's ancient canals, appreciate the waterside customs, or go to the side of Taihu Lake to feel the cool breeze.
Winter is the low season in Suzhou, but some tourists still favor this season. Even though the temperature is low, Suzhou's gardens and ancient towns possess a unique charm in winter. You can wander around the garden in winter, experiencing the tranquility and silence in the cold. At the end of the old year and the beginning of the New Year, the chimes of Hanshan Temple will ring, and listening to the chimes of Hanshan Temple has become one of the New Year's blessing activities for people at home and abroad.
Overall, Suzhou is suitable for travel all year round, with different features each season. But if you want to enjoy the blooming of flowers, spring is the best choice; if you like warm and pleasant weather, autumn is a good season; summer is suitable for tourists who love water activities. Winter is a great opportunity to appreciate the unique charm of Suzhou Gardens.
Suzhou Dressing Guide
Spring (March-May) and Autumn (October-November): Early spring in Suzhou is still chilly in March, with strong spring winds and occasional rainy days, so wool sweaters and heavy coats are essential. The rest of the time, a long-sleeved shirt and jacket are enough to cope with, and if you are cold, you can prepare an extra thin knit sweater.
Summer (June-September): It's stuffy and hot in Suzhou's summer, sunscreen is indispensable, and from mid-June to early July is the plum rain season, so don't forget to bring rain gear when you go out.
Winter (December-February): It's damp and cold in the winter, and down jackets and sweaters are essential.
Before your trip, please keep an eye on the weather forecast and choose the most suitable travel season based on your preferences and needs. No matter when you choose to go to Suzhou, you will leave with wonderful memories and profound impressions.
Plan your Suzhou Trip with China Travel
If you would like a detailed tour of Suzhou, let us know, and we will plan a trip customized to your preferences. Our experienced English-speaking guides will tell you about the history and stories of this charming city.
Here are our popular Suzhou tour package:
Our tours are flexible and can be tailor-made to your tour needs.