Hangzhou Weather Guide: Seasons, Humidity & Local Insights

Hangzhou’s climate is defined as humid subtropical, influenced heavily by the East Asian monsoon. This results in four distinct, highly expressive seasons where the "feel" of the weather often diverges significantly from the numbers on a thermometer.

The Rhythm of the Day

In Hangzhou, the daily weather rhythm is closely tied to humidity. In summer, the heat doesn't dissipate at sunset; rather, the city remains "muggy" or "oppressive" throughout the night. Conversely, winter days often feel colder than the reported 5°C (41°F) because the damp air pulls heat away from the body more quickly. Spring and autumn offer the most pleasant diurnal cycles, with crisp mornings and mild, sunny afternoons.

Seasonal Transitions

• Spring (March–May): This is a season of awakening but also volatility. Temperatures climb from 12°C to 22°C (54°F–72°F), accompanied by frequent "drizzle" and sharp, sudden fluctuations. The air is humid, often shrouding the West Lake in a poetic, thin mist that locals treasure.
• Summer (June–August): Summer is characterized by extreme heat and high precipitation. Daytime highs frequently exceed 33°C (91°F), and the "heat island effect" of the urban center can push temperatures toward 40°C (104°F). High humidity—often reaching 80%—creates a persistent sweltering sensation.
• Autumn (September–November): Ideally the most comfortable period, autumn is known for "cool, clear skies." Rainfall decreases, and the fragrance of sweet osmanthus fills the air. It is the driest and most predictable season for travelers.
• Winter (December–February): Winters are chilly and damp. While average temperatures hover around 3°C–8°C (37°F–46°F), the humidity makes it feel bone-chilling. Snow is rare but visually striking when it blankets the traditional bridges of the West Lake.

Specific Weather Phenomena

• The Meiyu (Plum Rain) Season: From late June to early July, Hangzhou enters the "Plum Rain" period. Named after the ripening of plums, this is a several-week stretch of near-continuous drizzle and high humidity. It is a unique atmospheric event where the air feels saturated, and everything becomes damp.
• Typhoon Fringe Effects: In late August and September, the region occasionally faces the peripheral winds and heavy downpours of typhoons. While direct hits are rare, the resulting storms can be intense and sudden.

Local Adaptations & Experiences

Locals have a historical relationship with the weather. Before modern cooling, residents would retreat to subterranean air-raid shelters to escape summer peaks. Today, you will see a "forest of umbrellas"—not just for rain, but as essential sunshades.

In the winter, without the central heating systems common in Northern China, locals rely on "wet-cold" survival strategies: sipping hot Longjing tea and favoring heavy, layered indoor wear. Conversely, in the height of summer, the banks of the West Lake become a communal living room at dusk, as people gather to catch the "lake breeze" (hufeng), which provides the only natural relief from the day's stagnant heat.

Microclimates

The geography of Hangzhou creates subtle variations. The hilly, lush Longjing tea plantations to the west are often several degrees cooler and significantly mistier than the dense urban core of the Gongshu or Shangcheng districts. Travelers moving between the city center and the tea hills will notice a distinct drop in "felt temperature" and a rise in air freshness.