Hangzhou Climate

Hangzhou (杭州市) is much larger and geographically more varied than the urban area surrounding West Lake. Its territory extends from the Hangjiahu Plain and Qiantang River estuary in the northeast and east to the Tianmu Mountains, forested hills, river valleys and reservoir country of western and southwestern Hangzhou. Mountains and hills account for about 65.6 percent of the municipal territory, plains for 26.4 percent, and rivers, lakes and reservoirs for about 8 percent. This west-high, east-low terrain produces substantial differences in temperature, rainfall, wind, fog and seasonal travel conditions.

Hangzhou currently administers 10 districts—Shangcheng, Gongshu, Xihu, Binjiang, Xiaoshan, Yuhang, Linping, Qiantang, Fuyang and Lin’an—together with Tonglu County, Chun’an County and the county-level city of Jiande. All belong broadly to the humid subtropical monsoon zone, but the climate experienced around West Lake is noticeably different from that of Tianmu Mountain, Qiandao Lake, the Xin’an River valley or the exposed Qiantang estuary.

How Hangzhou’s Geography and Landforms Influence Its Climate

Western Mountains Produce Cooler, Wetter and More Changeable Weather

Western Hangzhou is dominated by the Tianmu mountain system, including much of Lin’an, western Yuhang and the mountainous parts of Chun’an, Tonglu and Fuyang. Moist monsoon air is forced upward when it reaches these mountains, encouraging cloud formation, mist and terrain-enhanced rainfall. Temperatures fall with elevation, so high mountain destinations can be several degrees cooler than downtown Hangzhou in summer.

Lin’an contains Tianmu Mountain and Qingliang Peak, and more than 80 percent of the district is forested. Its climate is generally humid, rainy and vertically differentiated: lower valleys may be warm, while high ridges remain cool, foggy and windy. Frost, ice and occasional snow are more likely in high-altitude western Hangzhou than around West Lake or the Qiantang River plain.

Central Hangzhou Has Lake, Hill and Urban Microclimates

The central districts occupy the transition between the Tianmu foothills and the low plains of northern Zhejiang. West Lake, the surrounding hills, Xixi Wetland, the Grand Canal and the Qiantang River introduce numerous small-scale climatic differences. Sheltered valleys around Lingyin, Longjing and Jiuxi are often calmer, greener and slightly cooler than dense commercial areas, while lakeside locations remain humid and can be misty during spring and early summer.

The Xihu District landscape descends from the Tianmu foothills in the southwest toward the low water-network plain in the northeast. This combination of hills, lake, wetland and urban development creates some of Hangzhou’s most obvious local microclimates.

Dense urban construction in Shangcheng, Gongshu, Binjiang and central Xihu also stores daytime heat. During strong summer heatwaves, nighttime temperatures may remain high and shaded urban streets may still feel oppressive because of humidity. Historical monthly averages should therefore not be treated as maximum temperatures: central Hangzhou districts reached around 40°C during an extreme heat episode in August 2024.

Eastern and Northeastern Plains Are Open to Wind and Cold Air

Linping, northern Xiaoshan, eastern Yuhang and Qiantang lie mainly on low plains connected to the Hangjiahu Plain, Qiantang River and Hangzhou Bay. With fewer mountains blocking northern and eastern airflows, cold air can advance relatively easily in winter. Frosty mornings and strong northerly winds may therefore be more noticeable than in sheltered valleys southwest of the city.

During summer, the flat terrain permits warm, moist air to spread widely. The region is humid, exposed to thunderstorms and vulnerable to heavy-rain waterlogging. Qiantang and eastern Xiaoshan are also more exposed to estuary winds and the indirect effects of tropical cyclones than West Lake’s sheltered western hills.

Rivers and Reservoirs Moderate Temperature but Increase Fog

The upper Qiantang River system shapes the climate of Fuyang, Tonglu, Jiande and Chun’an. The Fuchun River, Xin’an River, Lan River and Qiandao Lake store large amounts of water, moderating local daytime temperature and increasing humidity. River valleys frequently develop morning mist, especially after rain or when cool water lies beneath warm, humid air.

Jiande is located on the upper Qiantang River, where the Xin’an, Lan and Fuchun rivers cross the city. It has been recognised for its climate and ecological conditions, while the cool water released from the Xin’an River reservoir produces a particularly famous summer river-valley microclimate around Xin’anjiang Town.

Chun’an is overwhelmingly mountainous and centred on Qiandao Lake. Its extensive forests, islands and water surface create cleaner, more humid and generally more comfortable conditions beside the lake, although remote mountain villages can experience greater day-to-night temperature changes. The local meteorological authority describes Chun’an as having distinct seasons, moderate temperatures, plentiful rainfall and complex ecological microclimates created by mountains, rivers and lakes.

Climate Differences Across Hangzhou’s 13 County-Level Areas

Hangzhou’s annual mean temperature generally falls between approximately 15.9°C and 17°C, with warmer conditions in southern and southwestern low-elevation valleys and cooler conditions toward northern plains and high western mountains. Annual and seasonal differences become much greater when elevation is considered.

Hangzhou Weather and Climate Feature

Hangzhou belongs to humid subtropical climate with four distinctive seasons, and it is characterized by long, very hot, humid summers and chilly, cloudy and drier winters (with occasional snow). The mean annual temperature there is 17. 8°C, with monthly daily averages ranging from 4.6 °C in January to 28.9 °C in July. The average relative humidity is 70.3%, and the annual rainfall is 1454 mm. For the sunshine, the annual sunshine hours are 1765 hours. Generally, it is affected by the plum rains of the Asian monsoon in June. In late summer (August to September), Hangzhou suffers typhoon storms, but typhoons hardly strike it directly. They influence the landfall along the southern coast of Zhejiang, and affect the area with strong winds and stormy rains.

Average Temperature in Hangzhou

The hot season lasts for 2.9 months, from June 14 to September 10, with an average daily high temperature above 83°F. The hottest day of the year is July 25, with an average high of 93°F and low of 79°F.

The cool season lasts for 3.1 months, from December 3 to March 7, with an average daily high temperature below 55°F. The coldest day of the year is January 20, with an average low of 34°F and high of 46°F.

Precipitation in Hangzhou

The wetter season lasts 6.7 months, from February 19 to September 11 while the drier season lasts 5.3 months, from September 11 to February 19.

Average Rainfall in Hangzhou

The most rain falls during the 31 days centered around June 24, with an average total accumulation of 7.9 inches. The least rain falls around December 22, with an average total accumulation of 1.4 inches.

Hangzhou Travel Weather and Climate by Month

Hangzhou 12-Month Temperature and Climate Table

The following table uses Hangzhou urban-station monthly normal temperatures as its principal reference. Actual conditions vary by elevation and district: Tianmu Mountain and other high areas may be 4–8°C cooler than the city, while sheltered Jiande and Chun’an valleys can be warmer on winter afternoons. The Japanese Meteorological Agency climate database lists Hangzhou’s mean monthly temperature from 5.4°C in January to 29.7°C in July. June is normally the wettest period, while late autumn and winter are considerably drier.

These are long-term planning references rather than forecasts. Summer heat increasingly exceeds historical averages, and individual rainstorms can deliver a large proportion of a month’s rainfall within a short period.

• January
• February
• March
• April
• May
• June
• July
• August
• September
• October
• November
• December

Four Seasons in Hangzhou and What to Wear

Summer in Hangzhou is quite hot, humid so that it is known as one of the four new “stoves” in China. On the contrary, it’s cold and dry in winter. In spring and autumn, the weather is pleasant which makes them golden seasons for sightseeing.

Spring (March through May)

• Weather:Humidity and temperatures combine to make this season feel moderate. Highs range from 82.4°F (28°C) and 54.1°F (12.3°C) with warmer temperatures in the later months. Rain is somewhat common with 8 to 12 days of significant precipitation per month.
  What to Wear: Spring and autumn there enjoys pleasant weather like other places so you just bring normal spring and autumn dressing such as long pants, sweater, coat and jacket, ect.
  Things to Do: Spring is the best time to walk on the Su Causeway and appreciate the cherry blossom.

Summer (June through August)

• Weather:The middle-year months have very comfortable weather with high temperatures that are quite warm. These months see the most precipitation with 7 to 12 days of precipitation per month.
  What to Wear: In summer, it is quite hot there. People are hard to sleep at night if there is no fan or air-condition, so you would realize how hot it is. Thus, tourists may need to carry sun scream, hat, and thin clothes.
  Things to Do: Summer is the right time to watch the lotus flowers on the West Lake.

Autumn (September through November)

• Weather: Fall daily highs range from 85.8°F (29.9°C) and 58.6°F (14.8°C), which will feel very nice given the humidity and wind. It rains or snows a significant amount: 6 to 8 days per month.
  What to Wear: long pants, sweater, coat and down jacket is needed in late autumn.
  Things to Do: If you travel to Hangzhou around the Mid-autumn Day, watching the tide of Qiantang River is a good choice.

Winter (December through February)

• Weather:Weather is too cold this time of year in Hangzhou to be enjoyable for warm weather travelers. The average high during this season is between 55.6°F (13.1°C) and 46.2°F (7.9°C). On average, it rains or snows a fair amount: 6 to 10 times per month.
  What to Wear: Winter in Hangzhou is chilly and sometimes it encounters snowy weather, so you’d better prepare more warm clothes with you during this period.
  Things to Do: In the severe winter season, wintersweet is in full blossom, and the three main sites to appreciate the wintersweet can't be missed. Besides, the famous scene of Lingering Snow on the Broken Bridge is the highlight of your winter tour in Hangzhou.

The Best Time to Visit Hangzhou

Although each season in Hangzhou offers its unique scenery, spring and autumn are the best season to visit Hangzhou,
specially late March-May and September-mid November. In these seasons, temperature is warm but not hot. Daytime temperature ranges from mid 10s to mid 20s centigrade, and night time temperature ranges from low 10s to low 20s
Spring is the best season to visit the West Lake because all kinds of flowers are blossoming that time, such as plum blossom, peach blossom, and cherry blossom.  Autumn is also very nice because of the yellow and red leaves.

More about The Best Time to Visit Hangzhou

Avoid Public Holidays in Hangzhou

Try to avoid the public holidays of China, such as May Day Holiday(May 1-3), National Day Holiday(October 1-7), Spring Festival Holiday(Usually early February), Qingming Festival(in early April), Dragon Boat Festival(in June). Spring festival and national day festival are the most crowded time to travel. During these holidays, there will be a large crowd in the tourist attractions and you can't really enjoy yourself. Flights and hotels can cost three times as much than usual, and it's hard to get tickets during the Spring Festival. Generally speaking, June – August is the busiest season for tourism in Hangzhou, so lodging and other accommodations may cost more than usual.

More about Chinese National Holidays

Spring Weather and Travel Guide: March to May

Spring is one of Hangzhou’s two principal tourism seasons. Temperatures rise from around 7–16°C in March to approximately 17–27°C in May. Peach blossom, cherry blossom, magnolia, azalea and fresh tea landscapes appear across West Lake, Longjing, Yuhang, Lin’an and Tonglu. However, spring weather changes quickly, with sunny afternoons followed by cold rain, fog or a sharp temperature drop.

Central Hangzhou Spring Route

A classic two-day route connects West Lake – Su Causeway – Prince Bay Park – Longjing Village – Jiuxi – Lingyin Temple. Begin beside the lake, continue into the sheltered tea-growing valleys and allow extra time for wet stone paths. Misty or lightly rainy weather often suits the traditional Jiangnan scenery, but heavy rain reduces visibility from hilltop viewpoints.

Western Hangzhou Spring Route

For three or four days, travel through Yuhang Jingshan – Qingshan Lake – Tianmu Mountain – Tonglu Fuchun River. Jingshan and Lin’an are ideal for bamboo forests, tea landscapes and fresh mountain vegetation, while the Fuchun River becomes particularly atmospheric after spring rain.

Spring Clothing

Use layered clothing: a long-sleeved base layer, thin sweater and lightweight waterproof jacket. Waterproof walking shoes are more practical than fabric trainers. Temperatures around Tianmu Mountain can be substantially lower than beside West Lake, especially in fog or after sunset.

Summer Weather and Travel Guide: June to August

Summer begins with the plum-rain season, normally bringing prolonged rain, high humidity and limited sunshine during June or early July. After the plum rains weaken, subtropical high pressure frequently produces intense heat in July and August. Average July conditions are already close to 30°C, while daytime highs commonly exceed 35°C during heatwaves. June is normally the wettest month, and July–August combine heat with thunderstorms and occasional typhoon-related rain.

Best Summer Areas

The most comfortable summer choices are generally Lin’an’s mountain forests, Qiandao Lake, Tonglu’s valleys and caves, and the Xin’an River in Jiande. Water and forest do not eliminate humidity, but shaded trails, lake breezes and higher elevations provide more relief than central Hangzhou.

A recommended four-day summer route is Hangzhou – Tianmu Mountain – Tonglu – Jiande Xin’anjiang – Qiandao Lake. Outdoor activity should be concentrated before 11:00 and after 16:00. Midday can be used for cave attractions, museums, tea houses, hotel rest or river cruises.

Urban Summer Route

Visitors staying in the central city should visit West Lake at sunrise, Lingyin Temple in the morning, indoor museums during midday and the Qiantang riverside after sunset. Summer lotus scenery is excellent around Quyuan Garden and other West Lake wetlands, but exposed causeways become extremely hot in the afternoon.

Summer Clothing and Safety

Wear breathable, quick-drying summer clothes, a wide-brimmed hat and high-SPF sunscreen. Carry drinking water, electrolyte supplements and a thin waterproof shell. During the plum-rain period, pack spare socks and protect electronic equipment from moisture.

Mountain valleys, rafting areas and riverside trails should be avoided during thunderstorm and flash-flood warnings. Tropical cyclones do not need to make direct landfall in Hangzhou to cause heavy rain, transport disruption and dangerous mountain conditions.

Autumn Weather and Travel Guide: September to November

Autumn is generally the best overall season for Hangzhou. September remains warm and may experience typhoon rain or a return of intense “autumn heat,” but October and November usually bring lower humidity, clearer visibility and comfortable daytime temperatures.

The season is especially suitable for West Lake walking, tea-village hiking, cycling beside the Fuchun River, Qiandao Lake cruises and mountain travel in Lin’an. Autumn colour normally develops earlier in high western mountains and later in the central city.

Classic Autumn Route

A four-day route can follow West Lake – Manlong Guiyu – Jiuxi – Xixi Wetland – Fuyang – Tonglu. It combines osmanthus, wetland scenery, tea valleys, river landscapes and rural mountain views without requiring extreme hiking.

For a longer trip, continue from Tonglu to Jiande and Qiandao Lake, where the mixture of forested islands, blue water and autumn foliage is especially attractive. Chun’an’s mountain-and-lake geography supports a distinctive ecological climate and extensive forest scenery.

Qiantang River Autumn Travel

Autumn is also associated with the Qiantang River tidal-bore season. Tide height, arrival time, viewing restrictions and safe observation areas change daily, so travellers should use official tide forecasts rather than relying on a fixed annual timetable. Riverbanks, groynes and closed flood-control structures must not be entered for photography.

Autumn Clothing

September generally requires summer clothing with a light evening layer. In October, use long sleeves and a thin jacket. By November, mountain and lakeside mornings may require a sweater, fleece or lightweight padded coat.

Winter Weather and Travel Guide: December to February

Hangzhou’s winter is not exceptionally cold by northern Chinese standards, but high humidity, cloud and limited central heating can produce a penetrating damp-cold feeling. Urban daytime temperatures commonly remain above freezing, while nighttime frost is possible on plains and in valleys. Snow is occasional around West Lake but more likely on Tianmu Mountain, Qingliang Peak and other high western ridges.

Central Hangzhou Winter Route

A comfortable two-day winter route includes Broken Bridge – Solitary Hill – Lingyin Temple – Grand Canal – Xiaohe Historic District. The central city is quieter than in spring or autumn, and temples, museums, historic streets and tea houses provide convenient indoor breaks.

Mountain and Rural Winter Route

Snow viewing may be possible around Tianmu Mountain and high Lin’an villages, but conditions are unpredictable. Mountain roads, stone steps and wooden boardwalks may be icy even when downtown Hangzhou has only rain. Travellers should confirm road openings and scenic-area notices before departure.

Winter Clothing

Wear a down jacket or padded coat over a sweater, with warm trousers and waterproof footwear. Gloves, a scarf and a hat are useful for lakeside sunrise, river cruises and mountain trips. A wind-resistant outer layer is particularly valuable in Qiantang, Xiaoshan and Linping.

Best Time to Visit Different Parts of Hangzhou

Seasonal Clothing and Route Planning Summary