Best Time to Visit Hangzhou by Season | Weather & Travel Tips

Hangzhou is a beautiful city worth visiting year-round. For the most comfortable weather, spring (especially April to May), and autumn from September to October are the best times to go.
Read on to learn what to expect from Hangzhou’s weather and get practical travel tips to make your trip even better.

The West Lake in Hangzhou

Hangzhou in Spring (March - May)

Spring scenery in Hangzhou

Visit Hangzhou during the spring, and you can expect temperatures ranging between 55 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit (12 to 26 Celsius). It's one of the most popular seasons to visit, with scenic views around West Lake, plenty of blossoming flowers, and green weeping willows everywhere you look. It's also when tea season starts, so you can enjoy Longjing green tea, a regional specialty.

Go to Taiziwan Park and see the cherry blossoms in full bloom, or take advantage of the great weather to visit Lingyin Temple, where you'll see plum blossoms and Buddhist carvings. The Hangzhou Botanical Garden is another fantastic area to explore, and visitors can enjoy a meditative walk through the local flora.

Spring Travel Tips

• Avoid the May Day holiday and Qingming Festival, when Hangzhou becomes very crowded.
• Visit West Lake on weekdays, as it's extremely busy during the week.
• Temperatures can change throughout the day, so wear layered clothing and bring a waterproof jacket for those springtime showers.
• Morning is the best time to get misty photographs of the landscape.
• With all the flowers blooming, the air around Hangzhou is full of pollen, so bring allergy medicine if you're sensitive to it.

Hangzhou in Summer (June - August)

Lotus flowers in West Lake

Temperatures range from 85 to 92 degrees Fahrenheit (29 to 33 Celsius), making the days balmy and humid. We recommend that you bring strong sunscreen and prepare yourself for hot weather and rainstorms if you visit during this season. It's an excellent time to see lotus flowers spread their blossoms on West Lake or explore Hangzhou's famous tea terraces.

One of the best ways to enjoy summer in Hangzhou is on two wheels, by cycling around West Lake. You can also get out on the water on a dragon boat. It's a good way to beat the heat and get a scenic glimpse of Hangzhou from the lake. Additionally, we recommend seeing the lotus flowers in Quyuan Courtyard and wandering through the bamboo forests at Yunqi.

Summer Travel Tips

• Summer is hot and rainy, so always check the weather before you set out and bring an umbrella and a light waterproof jacket.
• Light, comfortable clothing is key for this time of year, and we recommend bringing along a sunhat for extra protection.
• Set out early, especially on walking and cycling tours, to avoid the hottest hours of the day.
• Take in some evening entertainment, like the Impression West Lake outdoor show, to relax and enjoy some culture when the temperatures are lower.
• Visit during late May and early June for the Dragon Boat Festival.

Hangzhou in Autumn (September - November)

Autumn scenery of Hangzhou

Autumn is the best time to visit Hangzhou, with pleasant temperatures that range from 69 to 84 Fahrenheit (17 to 29 Celsius) and gorgeous bright orange, red, and yellow foliage everywhere you look. You'll also enjoy dry, crisp weather that's ideal for outdoor exploration and the smell of Osmanthus flowers on every trail. Consider doing some hiking in Xixi National Wetland Park, as the temperature is perfect for it.

One of the key reasons why we highly recommend visiting Hangzhou in autumn is the Qiantang River Tidal Bore, which occurs annually during the Mid-Autumn Festival. This phenomenon, also called the "Silver Dragon" for its size and speed, rushes into Hangzhou Bay, creating a tremendous wall of water before it spreads into the ocean.

Autumn Travel Tips

• The mornings are misty and perfect for photography during this time of year. Set out early for the best shots.
• Temperatures can vary, so it's a good idea to bring plenty of layers and a light sweater or jacket for evening adventures.
• Avoid visiting during Golden Week in early October if you want more of Hangzhou to yourself.
• Make sure you get to your tidal bore viewing area early, as this annual phenomenon is really popular.

Hangzhou in Winter (December - February)

The West Lake in snow

Winter is a beautiful and chilly time in Hangzhou, with average temperatures ranging from 32 to 50 degrees Fahrenheit (0 to 10 degrees Celsius). The coldest month is January, when temperatures are at, or below, freezing. You'll have more of the city to yourself during this season, as it's the low season, and you can get chilly but beautiful views of West Lake.

Later in the season, you'll start to see the first shoots of plum blossoms around Gushan Mountain, and you can also go birdwatching in Xixi National Wetland Park. Winter is a fantastic time to enjoy some warm, restorative tea at Longjing Village or soak in one of Hangzhou's hot springs. You can also visit some excellent museums, like the China National Silk Museum.

Winter Travel Tips

• Winter is cold and humid, so bring plenty of layers, a waterproof jacket, and good boots, especially if you're going to be walking around.
• Visit West Lake's Broken Bridge for some unique photos after a gentle snowfall.
• Enjoy tasty cold-weather fare like Hangzhou Braised Duck and Double-Boiled Chicken Soup to warm up in cold temperatures.

Enjoy Hangzhou Any Time of Year

No matter when you visit, you're bound to have an incredible time at Hangzhou. From the changing fall leaves to the sweet-smelling spring blossoms and leisurely summer cycling tours, there's plenty to see and do. Let us help you with the perfect travel itinerary. Email us at trip@odynovotours.com, or visit our contact page, to get started on your dream vacation today.