Hangzhou weather through the year
Hangzhou weather swings from near-freezing winter nights to hot, wet summers. By the monthly averages, July is the hottest month, January the coldest, and June the wettest. The table below gives typical values for Hangzhou city, which you can use for West Lake. Individual years vary, and the table is not a forecast.
Weather also decides what you can do on the water. In bad weather West Lake boat rides can end early, and the operating hours of boats are not a promise of service. Look at the forecast for your day before you plan a cruise or the island trip.
Hangzhou climate: monthly temperatures and rainfall
Average daily highs and lows in degrees Celsius, and average rainfall for the month in millimetres.
| Month | High (°C) | Low (°C) | Rainfall (mm) |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 8.0 | 1.0 | 59 |
| February | 9.0 | 2.0 | 88 |
| March | 13.7 | 6.0 | 115 |
| April | 20.2 | 11.8 | 130 |
| May | 25.1 | 16.8 | 159 |
| June | 28.4 | 21.0 | 185 |
| July | 33.1 | 24.9 | 129 |
| August | 32.6 | 24.5 | 145 |
| September | 27.4 | 20.3 | 171 |
| October | 22.4 | 14.5 | 89 |
| November | 16.9 | 8.7 | 58 |
| December | 10.8 | 2.9 | 48 |
For most visitors who want mild days and less rain, October and November are the best fit in this table. April suits a tea trip but is wetter. Our page on the best time to visit West Lake adds blossom, tea and holiday dates to the weather.
Our pick: a boat ticket for a clear day
Our take: a date-bound ticket you can book once the forecast looks good.
Hand-picked tours, booked through GetYourGuide. Prices are indicative starting prices in US dollars (as of October 2026). Tap a tour for live availability and the current price in your currency.
Hangzhou tours and lake cruises
Boat trips on West Lake, tea village visits and day trips from Shanghai, with live prices and availability.
What each season feels like
Read together with the table.
Spring, March to May
Highs climb from 13.7 °C in March to 25.1 °C in May, and nights warm from 6.0 to 16.8 °C. Rainfall rises with them, from 115 mm to 159 mm. Pack layers and a compact umbrella.
Summer, June to August
July and August bring average highs above 32 °C and lows near 25 °C. June is the wettest month, with 185 mm. Plan lake walks and the causeways for the morning or evening, and carry water and sun protection.
Autumn, September to November
September is still warm at 27.4 °C but wet at 171 mm. October drops to 22.4 °C and 89 mm, and November to 16.9 °C and 58 mm. The averages are milder and drier, but no month is guaranteed to stay dry.
Winter, December to February
Daytime highs sit between 8.0 and 10.8 °C, and lows between 1.0 and 2.9 °C. December is the driest month in the table, with 48 mm. Bring a warm coat, hat and gloves for the lake and the hill paths.
The plum rain and typhoon days
In early summer the Yangtze region has a long damp spell known as the plum rain (Meiyu). Its start changes every year. In 2026 it began between 13 and 18 June, depending on the regional definition. Treat it as a stretch of unsettled days, not a fixed week.
Typhoons can close parts of the lake area. When a typhoon warning applies, the scenic area can close parks, museums and mountain paths and pause boats, electric sightseeing vehicles, night programs and the fountain. A closure of this kind took place in August 2026. If a storm is forecast for your dates, keep a free day in the plan.
What to pack for West Lake
Practical choices by month.
Rain gear all year
Every month in the table has at least 48 mm of rain. A compact umbrella or a light rain jacket is useful in any season, because many routes are long walks along open lakeside paths.
Layers in spring and autumn
The gap between day highs and night lows is about 7 to 8 degrees in these months. A light jacket that you can take off works better than one heavy coat.
Shoes for wet paths
Hill paths to temples and tea villages can be wet after rain. Shoes with grip help, and your plans for Lingyin Temple or the tea villages are worth shifting to a drier day.
Lingyin Temple →Plan the rest of your trip
Weather matters most for these three decisions.
Hangzhou weather: frequently asked questions
What is the hottest month in Hangzhou?
July. The average daily high is 33.1 °C and the average low is 24.9 °C. August is close behind at 32.6 °C.
When does it rain most?
June has the highest average rainfall at 185 mm, followed by September at 171 mm and May at 159 mm. December is the driest month at 48 mm.
Does it snow at West Lake?
January and February have average lows of 1.0 and 2.0 °C, so cold nights are normal. The table does not give snowfall, and a snowy day cannot be planned for.
Is Hangzhou weather good for a day trip from Shanghai?
Any month works if you adapt your clothing. For a day on foot, October and November have milder temperatures and less rain on average. Check the forecast the evening before you go.
What is the plum rain?
It is the damp, overcast spell in early summer in the Yangtze region, called Meiyu. The start date differs each year and by regional definition.
Is this the official West Lake website?
No. This is an independent travel guide. It is not run by the West Lake Scenic Area, the city of Hangzhou or any authority, and it is not connected to tour operators or hotels.