Climate and monthly weather forecastHangzhou, China

The climate of Hangzhou

Categorized under the Köppen climate classification as Cfa, Hangzhou experiences a humid subtropical climate, with no dry season throughout the year. Located geographically in Eastern China, the city demonstrates key characteristics of this climate type, which include warm and wet conditions, coupled with significant monthly temperature variations and a lack of noticeable dry period.

Throughout the year, temperatures can range from a mere 1.8°C (35.2°F) during the colder months to a scorching 33.6°C (92.5°F) at the peak of summer. There is a noticeable swing in relative humidity levels, with an annual variation between 73% and 80%. Rainfall frequencies can escalate to 15.3 days a month, with measured rainfall reaching as high as 219mm (8.62") during the wettest months.

Fascinatingly, Hangzhou remains humid year-round, despite having the most rainfall during summer. The city gets wettest during June with rainfall reaching up to 219mm (8.62"), and least precipitation is seen in December with 49mm (1.93"). As for sunshine, more luminous conditions can be expected from July to August, with up to 6.9 hours of sunshine per day. Yet even in the dullest months, there is a respectable 3.3 hours of sunshine daily.

The best time to visit Hangzhou

Planning a visit to Hangzhou hinges heavily on an individual's weather preference. However, a general recommendation would be to visit between September and October. During this period, temperatures are relatively moderate, ranging from 15.4°C (59.7°F) to 28.2°C (82.8°F). These months also receive less rainfall, only 79mm (3.11") in September and 72mm (2.83") in October, with fewer rainy days, ensuring visitors can enjoy the city with minimal disruptions.

The worst time to visit Hangzhou

A less favorable time to visit Hangzhou would predominantly be during the summer months, from June to August. This time period sees high temperatures soaring up to 33.6°C (92.5°F), reaching uncomfortable levels for many. The rain is at its highest during these months, with June recording the highest rainfall at 219mm (8.62"). The combination of high temperature and high humidity might pose discomfort for some travelers.

Spring weather in Hangzhou

Spring in Hangzhou occurs from March to May, characterized by moderate temperatures and increasing rainfall. March starts with a mild temperature range, from 7°C (44.6°F) to 14.8°C (58.6°F), and rainfall of 141mm (5.55"). As the season progresses to May, temperatures increase, logging highs of 26.3°C (79.3°F) and lows of 17.5°C (63.5°F), alongside 129mm (5.08") of rainfall.

Summer weather in Hangzhou

Summer extends from June to August, marked by high temperatures and considerable rainfall. June witnesses temperatures rising to 29.1°C (84.4°F) down to 21.4°C (70.5°F), with a sharp increase in rainfall, peaking at 219mm (8.62"). Throughout the season, the mercury further increases, hitting highs of 33.6°C (92.5°F) and lows of 25.2°C (77.4°F) in July, still accompanied by heavy rainfall.

Autumn weather in Hangzhou

Transitioning from summer, autumn, from September to November, presents lower temperatures and reduced rain. September enjoys a temperature variation from 20.9°C (69.6°F) to 28.2°C (82.8°F). As autumn advances into November, temperatures fall to a comfortable range between 9.3°C (48.7°F) and 17.3°C (63.1°F). Rainfall also decreases significantly, hitting an annual low in November, at 72mm (2.83").

Winter weather in Hangzhou

Winter in Hangzhou, spanning December until February, showcases a substantial drop in temperatures and a decrease in rainfall. Starting with December, the city experiences colder temperatures varying from 3.7°C (38.7°F) to 11.3°C (52.3°F) with rainfall dropping to 49mm (1.93"). January and February continue with low temperatures, as low as 1.8°C (35.2°F), and moderate rain, preserving the city's characteristic year-round humidity.

Weather in January

January in Hangzhou, China marks the beginning of the year with wintry cold temperatures. Chill is felt as temperatures plunge from 1.8°C (35.2°F) to 8.3°C (46.9°F). The city experiences persistent humidity at 75%. It is relatively a tranquil month with the weather transitioning from the frigid winter season. Weather in January »

Weather in February

In February, the ambiance in Hangzhou starts to transition subtly into the oncoming of spring. There is an appreciable rise in temperatures from January, buoying up from 3.5°C (38.3°F) to 10.3°C (50.5°F). This month also graces the city with an average rainfall of 88mm (3.46"). Weather in February »

Weather in March

March reveals the formal advent of spring in Hangzhou, as the temperatures mount from 7°C (44.6°F) to 14.8°C (58.6°F). It becomes the wettest month of the year, welcoming a substantial rainfall of 141mm (5.55"). Visitors will notice an evident change as thicker jackets give way to lighter attire. Weather in March »

Weather in April

April invites warmer temperatures, rising from 12.4°C (54.3°F) to 21.1°C (70°F), giving Hangzhou a more comforting feel. This month registers rainfall of 123mm (4.84"). The climate shifts toward remarkable warmth, and the panorama is often cloaked with vibrant colors of spring. Weather in April »

Weather in May

May introduces the first signs of sweltering summer. Hangzhou experiences a notable increment in temperatures from 17.5°C (63.5°F) to 26.3°C (79.3°F). These elongated days receive an average of 129mm (5.08") rainfall. It is a period of heightened vitality where nature thrives. Weather in May »

Weather in June

As the Hot season officially commences, June in Hangzhou sees temperatures swing between 21.4°C (70.5°F) and 29.1°C (84.4°F), coupled with a relative humidity of 80%. A significant amount of rainfall, 219mm (8.62"), marks this month as the peak of the rainy season. Weather in June »

Weather in July

July, the apex of summer, impresses with the hottest weather in the year, the temperatures reach from 25.2°C (77.4°F) up to 33.6°C (92.5°F). An average of 173mm (6.81") of rainfall is recorded during this timeframe. The searing sunlight necessitates the need for protective wear such as caps and sunglasses. Weather in July »

Weather in August

August continues the searing summer narrative as temperatures sway between 24.9°C (76.8°F) and 32.8°C (91°F). The city reports 162mm (6.38") of rainfall. Despite the heat, it is a favored time for outdoor activities. The allure of Hangzhou in the vivid summer light is quite inviting. Weather in August »

Weather in September

In September, Hangzhou embarks on a journey towards the crisp autumn. The temperature moderation, ranging between 20.9°C (69.6°F) to 28.2°C (82.8°F), is welcomed with open arms. Rainfall is quantified at 124mm (4.88"). A slight chill begins to permeate the air, especially during the late evenings. Weather in September »

Weather in October

October in Hangzhou is a spectacular showing of Autumn’s glory. In this month, temperatures become pleasingly cool, dropping from 15.4°C (59.7°F) to 23.2°C (73.8°F). Recorded rainfall for October stays at 79mm (3.11"). Fall's vibrant mosaic lends an undoubted charm to Hangzhou's landscape. Weather in October »

Weather in November

November signals the increasing grip of winter on Hangzhou with temperatures plummeting from 9.3°C (48.7°F) to 17.3°C (63.1°F). Rainfall drops down to 72mm (2.83"). The warmth of the days lends way to colder nights. The changing colors from the adorable hues of autumn to the stern greys of winter present an exquisite spectacle. Weather in November »

Weather in December

In December, Hangzhou plunges into the heart of the frigid winter season. Temperatures oscillate from 3.7°C (38.7°F) to 11.3°C (52.3°F), relatively colder while the recorded rainfall sits at 49mm (1.93"), marking it as the driest month. Weather in December »