The climate of Suzhou
Suzhou, situated in the eastern coastal province of Jiangsu,
China, is governed predominantly by a humid subtropical climate (Cfa) according to the Köppen climate classification. The area experiences a wide range of weather conditions throughout the year with variations in temperature, rainfall, sunlight hours and wind speed.
Taking a comprehensive look at the provided data, temperatures vary noticeably, from a low of around 2.5°C (36.5°F) in
January to a high of about 31.9°C (89.4°F) in
August. Similarly, precipitation in Suzhou moves from a minimum rainfall value of 25mm (0.98") in
October to a peak of 161mm (6.34") in
July, indicating a predominance of summer rainfall. Also noteworthy are the periods, from
May to
September, when the city experiences its highest levels of humidity at above 68%.
Noticeably, there are shifts in the amount of sunlight received throughout the year; moving from a low of 10.1 hours in
December to a maximum of 14.2 hours in
June. Wind speeds in Suzhou tend to be relatively consistent, ranging from about 10.5km/h (6.5mph) to 12.7km/h (7.9mph). These wind speeds can increase when considering maximum wind speed and gusts, which peak at approximately 13.4km/h (8.3mph) and 18.3km/h (11.4mph) respectively.
While Suzhou does see some snowy days, these are primarily confined to the winter months of December and January, with January seeing the most snowfall at 27mm (1.06").
The best time to visit Suzhou
Considering the various climate parameters, the best time to visit
Suzhou would be from late
April to early
June. During this period, the city experiences moderate temperatures ranging from 6.2°C (43.2°F) to 26.3°C (79.3°F) alongside manageable humidity levels. Visitors can also expect a more pleasant amount of sunlight with daylight hours averaging between 12.9 and 13.7 hours.
The worst time to visit Suzhou
The least favorable time to visit
Suzhou would arguably be from mid-
June to
August when humidity peaks at 80 - 81%, and temperatures can soar up to 31.9°C (89.4°F). Moreover, this period sees the highest rainfall with it reaching up to 161mm (6.34") in
July, meaning outdoor activities might be affected.
Spring weather in Suzhou
Spring in
Suzhou, from
March to
May, sees temperatures begin to climb from 14.9°C (58.8°F) up to 26.3°C (79.3°F). Precipitation also rises during this period from 51mm (2.01") in March to 57mm (2.24") in May. Despite this increase in rainfall, these are the months when there is a significant increase in daylight hours with it extending from 12.0 to 13.7 hours.
Summer weather in Suzhou
During the summer months of
June to
August,
Suzhou experiences its highest temperatures reaching from 28.7°C (83.7°F) to 31.9°C (89.4°F). Humidity and precipitation also peak during this period. Despite the heat and high humidity, these are the months with the most daylight hours, hitting the maximum at 14.2 hours in June.
Autumn weather in Suzhou
Autumn in
Suzhou, from
September to
November, brings significant drops in temperature moving from 27.4°C (81.3°F) in September to 17.2°C (63°F) in November. Rainfall also decreases substantially from 68mm (2.68") in September to 40mm (1.57") in November. Despite the changes in temperature and precipitation, daylight hours reduce slowly from 12.4 hours in September to 10.6 hours in November.
Winter weather in Suzhou
Winter months in
Suzhou, from
December to
February, present the lowest temperatures dropping to about 2.5°C (36.5°F) in
January, which is generally the chilliest month. At this time, the city also experiences occasional snowfall, mostly confined to January, but not more than 27mm (1.06"). Notably, daylight hours during the winter are the fewest, reaching a low of 10.1 hours in December.
Weather in January
Beginning the year,
Suzhou experiences a winter month with considerable susceptibility to snow, though temperatures don't often drop below freezing. The daily sunshine duration slightly surpasses half the daylight duration, providing adequate light for activities during the day.
Weather in January »Weather in February
February brings a slight, yet noticeable increase in overall temperatures than its predecessor as
Suzhou approaches the end of winter. Sunshine duration remains consistent with
January, though daylight hours experience a minor increase.
Weather in February » Weather in March
The arrival of spring in
March is accompanied by a noticeable upsurge in temperature in
Suzhou. The extra daylight hours allow more sunshine coverage, with the UV index stepping up. Snowfall during this month decreases significantly, with just 5mm (0.2") of snow occurrence.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
April continues the warming trend, showcasing a significant leap to almost subtropical temperatures. The proportion of sunshine to daylight hours improves from
March and the UV index escalates, signaling the need for sun protection.
Weather in April » Weather in May
May sees a major jump in temperature reaching up to 26.3°C (79.3°F), pushing
Suzhou further into its warm, pleasant season. Consequently, rainfall increases presumably due to the warmer conditions which fuel cloud formation. The absence of snow continues from
April through May.
Weather in May » Weather in June
June marks the onset of summer, bearing the highest relative humidity and significantly elevated rainfall of 137mm (5.39"). The consistently high temperatures and longer daylight hours remain typical features of the month. Snowfall remains absent throughout June as is the norm for summer months.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July arrives showcasing the warmest temperatures of the year, with a high averaging at 31.8°C (89.2°F).
Suzhou experiences its maximum quantity of rainfall, a whopping 161mm (6.34"). A steady sunshine duration persists, remaining relatively unaffected by the increased cloud cover.
Weather in July » Weather in August
August follows suit with similar temperatures to
July, keeping the heatwave in
Suzhou going strong. The ample sunshine duration and continuous high UV index remind locals and tourists alike about the recommended application of SPF formulations.
Weather in August » Weather in September
September brings a visible drop in temperature as
Suzhou transitions from summer to autumn. The shortening daylight hours announce the end of the sun's dominion, but a consistent sunshine duration persists. Rainfall drops to 68mm (2.68") in a swift departure from the summer monsoons.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October brings residents a relief from the extremes of
Suzhou's weather. One witnesses a decrease in rainfall occurrences to a mere 9.4 days with lighter quantities of 25mm (0.98"). The city’s climate becomes more temperate, with the sun continuing to shine brightly for the larger part of the daylight hours.
Weather in October » Weather in November
Considerably cooler temperatures descend upon
Suzhou in
November, reminding residents of the impending winter. A visible increase in wind and gust speeds contribute to the shift in weather conditions. The cloud cover decreases but doesn't cause a significant interruption in the pleasant sunshine duration.
Weather in November »Weather in December
December rings in the onset of winter with temperatures ranging from 4.7°C (40.5°F) to 10.3°C (50.5°F). An onset of snowfall after 8 months is observable, commencing with a humble 8mm (0.31"). Sunshine remains accessible despite the seasonal shift, staying relatively on par with
November.
Weather in December » [Resources]