Weather in Hangzhou

Planning a trip or just interested in the weather in the city of Hangzhou? Here you will find the most up-to-date information on weather conditions, including detailed forecasts and visual charts.

The climate in Hangzhou can be characterized as humid subtropical, with four distinct seasons. This means the weather here is quite variable throughout the year, which is worth considering when planning a trip. Winters in Hangzhou are generally cool, with average temperatures in January and December around 5-7°C, while minimum temperatures can drop to 1-2°C. Summer, conversely, is hot and humid, especially in July and August, when average temperatures reach almost 30°C, and maximums can exceed 33°C.

Spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November) in Hangzhou are comfortable transitional periods. In spring, the temperature gradually rises, from an average of 12.8°C in March to 21.9°C in May, while the number of rainy days remains significant, varying from 12 to 15 days per month. Summer months, especially June, are characterized by the highest amount of rainfall – for example, June sees an average of 12 mm of precipitation and about 19 rainy days, making this period quite wet. July and August also remain warm with substantial rainfall. In autumn, the weather becomes drier and milder, with pleasant temperatures (averaging from 25°C in September to 13.9°C in November), gradually decreasing towards winter. The least amount of precipitation falls in October, November, and December, when the number of rainy days is also minimal (8-9 days).

The temperature regime in Hangzhou demonstrates distinct seasonality, characteristic of a humid subtropical climate. The annual temperature progression is quite smooth, but with noticeable peaks and dips. The hottest months are traditionally July and August, when the average air temperature holds around 29.6-29.7°C, and maximum daily values regularly exceed 33°C. Conversely, the coldest period falls in January, with an average temperature of about 5.5°C and minimum night-time temperatures dropping on average to 1.7°C. December is also cool, with average values around 6.6°C, and minimum temperatures around 2.5°C.

Summer in Hangzhou, covering the months from June to August, is characterized as hot and quite humid. Average daytime temperatures in June already reach 25.1°C (maximum up to 28.5°C), rising to almost 30°C in July (maximum up to 33.2°C) and August (maximum up to 33.5°C). These high temperatures, especially combined with high humidity, create a sensation of sweltering heat. Night-time temperatures in summer also remain high, ranging on average from 21.8°C in June to 26.0°C in July, ensuring warm nights throughout the summer season.

The winter months in Hangzhou, from December to February, bring significant cooling. The average temperature in January, the coldest month, is about 5.5°C, while minimum night-time temperatures can drop to 1.7°C. Daytime highs in January usually do not exceed 9.3°C. It is slightly warmer in December and February, with average temperatures of 6.6°C and 7.0°C respectively, and minimum temperatures of 2.5°C and 3.3°C. Fluctuations between daytime (maximum) and night-time (minimum) temperatures in winter average 7-8°C, which is a noticeable but not extreme difference. Overall, winter in Hangzhou is cool, but usually without severe and prolonged frosts.

In Hangzhou, there is a fairly clear distribution of precipitation throughout the year, with a distinct wet season falling during the summer months and a drier period in autumn and winter. The city receives most of its annual rainfall from late spring to early autumn.

The most intense and frequent rains are characteristic of the summer period. June stands out as the wettest month: on average, 12 mm of precipitation falls, and the number of rainy days reaches 19. This indicates a high probability of encountering rain when planning a trip for this month. July also remains rainy, bringing about 7 mm of precipitation and 17 days with rain. May, August, and September are characterized by moderate rainfall (about 5 mm in each of these months) and 13-15 rainy days, making this period generally wet.

The dry season in Hangzhou falls in late autumn and early winter. October, November, and December are the driest months, when rainfall decreases to 2 mm per month, and the number of days with precipitation is only 8-9. During the winter months, January and February, as well as in early spring (March and April), precipitation remains relatively low (3-4 mm), although the number of rainy days may be slightly higher (from 11 to 15 days), which may indicate lighter but frequent drizzling rains.

When planning a trip to Hangzhou, it is important to choose your wardrobe correctly, considering the distinct change of seasons. In winter (December-February), it is quite cool here, with average temperatures around 5-7°C, sometimes dropping to 1-3°C. Therefore, you will need warm clothes: sweaters, fleece jackets, an insulated jacket or coat, a hat, a scarf, and gloves. Although there is little precipitation at this time (2-4 mm), the number of rainy or snowy days can reach 8-14, so waterproof outerwear and shoes will be useful. Spring (March-May) brings warming (from 12°C to 22°C), but also an increase in rainfall (4-5 mm, 12-15 rainy days). During this period, layered clothing is ideal: light jackets, cardigans, and T-shirts that can be combined, as well as an essential umbrella or raincoat.

Summer in Hangzhou (June-August) is a hot and humid season. Temperatures often rise above 30°C, and June is distinguished by the highest amount of rainfall (12 mm and about 19 rainy days). Pack light, breathable clothing made of natural fabrics (cotton, linen), shorts, T-shirts, and sundresses. Don't forget a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen. Given the high humidity and frequent rains, especially in early summer, a compact but sturdy umbrella or a light raincoat will become your faithful companions. Autumn (September-November) delights with comfortable weather: the temperature gradually decreases from 25°C to 14°C, and rainfall decreases (2-5 mm, 8-13 rainy days). The layering principle is also relevant at this time: light jackets, jumpers, comfortable trousers, or jeans. Regardless of the season, comfortable walking shoes are an absolute must-have, as there are so many beautiful places for walking in Hangzhou.

In general, for a trip to Hangzhou, it is recommended to bring clothes that are easy to combine, creating layered outfits. This will allow you to feel comfortable with weather changes throughout the day. Don't forget an electronics adapter if needed, and a portable charger. And, of course, always keep an umbrella with you – it will come in handy both for protection from rain and from the scorching sun during the summer months.