Summer in Hangzhou feels like a blend of heat, humidity, and bursts of rain that really shape daily routines and travel choices. Daytime temperatures usually climb into the upper 20s to low 30s Celsius (mid-80s to low 90s Fahrenheit), and July often ends up being the hottest month.
Nights stay warm, barely giving you a break from the daytime heat.
When temperatures rise, summer also brings the most rain of any season. June gets especially heavy rainfall, and high humidity can make things feel damp and sticky.
Sunshine does break through sometimes, but you’ll often see cloudy skies and sudden storms, so it’s smart to keep an eye on the forecast when planning activities.
This mix of heat, moisture, and shifting skies really defines Hangzhou’s summer climate. Knowing these patterns helps you set your expectations—whether you want to wander around West Lake, visit tea fields, or just figure out the best time to come.
Overview of Hangzhou’s Summer Climate
Hangzhou gets hot, humid summers because of its subtropical spot and the seasonal monsoon rains. High temps, frequent early-summer downpours, and long stretches of muggy weather set the tone for summer here.
Climate Classification and Location
Hangzhou falls under the humid subtropical climate (Cfa) in the Köppen system. That means you’ll get hot summers, mild winters, and no real dry season.
The city sits in eastern China, south of the Yangtze River Delta. Warm air from the Pacific Ocean has a big influence on the weather here.
Because of its location near big bodies of water and its spot on the East Asian monsoon path, Hangzhou gets heavy summer rainfall. Moist air from the South China Sea and Pacific drives the rainy season, especially in June.
Annual precipitation averages about 1,450–1,500 mm (57–59 in), and most of that falls in late spring and summer. Humidity usually hangs between 73% and 80%, so hot days often feel even toastier than the thermometer says.
These conditions make summers not just hot, but also persistently damp, which affects both comfort and travel.
Summer Season Dates and Duration
Summer in Hangzhou usually runs from June through August, though warm weather often stretches into early September. The season kicks off with the East Asian monsoon, bringing “plum rains” in June.
June is the wettest month, with rainfall peaking around 219 mm (8.6 in). By July, the rain lets up a bit, but temperatures go even higher.
Daytime highs often hit 33–34°C (91–93°F), and nights stay warm at 25–26°C (77–79°F). August keeps up the heat but gets a little less rain than June.
Late August and September can bring typhoon activity. Hangzhou rarely gets hit directly, but you might notice heavy showers and gusty winds when storms pass nearby.
These storms don’t last long but can mess up travel plans.
General Weather Patterns
During summer, Hangzhou’s weather means high heat, humidity, and rain. June brings long rainy spells, while July and August get hotter and sunnier, with shorter but heavy showers.
Daily highs go from 29°C (84°F) in June up to about 33–34°C (92–93°F) in July, then drop a bit in August. Nights stay warm, almost never dipping below 24°C (75°F).
As summer goes on, you’ll see more sunshine. July and August average about 6–7 hours of sun per day, while June stays cloudier.
Even though late summer gets brighter, it’s still muggy. Winds usually stay light, but monsoon systems and typhoon leftovers can shake things up.
You might get hit by a quick storm with heavy rain and strong gusts, then things calm down and get humid again.
Average Summer Temperatures in Hangzhou
Summer in Hangzhou means long, sticky days with lots of heat and warm nights that never really cool off. Temperatures climb from June into July, then ease a bit in August, but rain and humidity keep things heavy all season.
Daytime and Nighttime Temperature Ranges
In summer, Hangzhou’s daytime highs often reach 29°C to 34°C (84°F to 93°F). July stands out as the hottest month, with peak temperatures averaging around 33°C (92°F).
High humidity—often above 75%—makes the heat feel even more intense.
At night, temperatures rarely drop below 21°C (70°F) in June and usually stay above 25°C (77°F) in July and August. You won’t get much relief after sunset.
Most places use air conditioning, and honestly, you’ll probably want it.
The small difference between day and night temperatures is typical for a humid subtropical climate. Expect steady warmth, day and night, so lightweight clothes and plenty of water are a must for outdoor plans.
Monthly Temperature Breakdown: June, July, August
June kicks off summer with highs around 29°C (84°F) and lows near 21°C (70°F). Rainfall peaks now, making the air especially muggy.
July is the hottest, with average highs at 33°C (92°F) and lows around 25°C (77°F). Sunshine picks up, but the humidity doesn’t let up, so the heat feels even stronger.
August stays hot, with highs near 32°C (90°F) and lows around 25°C (77°F). Rain falls less than in June, but the air remains muggy.
August can feel a bit more comfortable than July, but evenings are still warm.
| Month | Avg High °C (°F) | Avg Low °C (°F) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| June | 29 (84) | 21 (70) | Peak rainfall, humid |
| July | 33 (92) | 25 (77) | Hottest month |
| August | 32 (90) | 25 (77) | Slightly drier, still humid |
Rainfall and Humidity During Summer
Hangzhou’s summer means frequent rain, high humidity, and a mix of steady and unpredictable weather. You’ll see heavy rainfall in early summer, lots of moisture in the air, and sometimes tropical storms as summer winds down.
Monthly Precipitation Levels
Rainfall peaks in June, when Hangzhou usually records about 200–220 mm of precipitation. June is the wettest month of the year, with rain falling nearly half the days.
July and August stay wet but drop a little, averaging 150–170 mm each month.
Rain doesn’t fall evenly throughout the season. June often brings steady drizzle or rain, while July and August get shorter, heavier downpours.
These bursts can cause temporary flooding in low areas.
Summer storms can get pretty intense. June is all about monsoon rains, but July and August sometimes bring sudden cloudbursts tied to tropical systems.
| Month | Avg. Rainfall (mm) | Rainy Days (approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| June | 200–220 | 14–16 |
| July | 150–170 | 10–12 |
| August | 150–170 | 9–11 |
Humidity Trends and Comfort Index
Humidity in Hangzhou stays high all summer, usually between 75% and 85%. This much moisture makes the heat feel even stronger.
In June, humidity and rain combine to make even cooler days feel damp. July and August crank up the temperature, and humidity keeps things heavy and muggy.
If you don’t like heat and moisture, the comfort index is low for outdoor activities. Early mornings and evenings feel more tolerable than midday.
Most people rely on air conditioning to deal with the sticky conditions.
Plum Rain Season and Typhoon Influence
Early summer brings the plum rain season (Meiyu), which lasts from mid-June to early July. During this stretch, Hangzhou gets persistent rain and gray skies that can last for days.
After the plum rains, July and August sometimes bring typhoons or their leftovers from the East China Sea. Hangzhou doesn’t get hit directly every year, but heavy rain bands, gusty winds, and occasional flooding still show up.
Typhoons usually roll in between late July and September. Even if the storm center misses Hangzhou, outer rainbands can still dump intense showers and strong winds that mess with travel and outdoor plans.
Sunshine Hours and Daylight Patterns
Hangzhou gets steady daylight in summer, but actual sunshine hours depend on clouds and rain. The mix of long days and frequent rain means you’ll have bright, sunny spells and stretches of overcast skies.
Average Daily Sunshine in Summer
Summer days in Hangzhou are long, but actual sunshine depends on the season’s weather patterns.
July is the sunniest month, with about 212 hours of sunshine or 7.1 hours per day. That’s the brightest time of year.
June gets wetter thanks to the East Asian monsoon. Rainfall peaks, so you’ll see fewer clear hours, even though the days are long.
On average, sunshine in June drops compared to July, and clouds are more common.
August stays warm and humid, but skies are often clearer than in June. Daily sunshine averages around 6 hours, so you get more bright periods, even though scattered storms still pop up.
If you want to plan outdoor activities, July and August give you better odds for sunny stretches. June is trickier because of all the rain.
Seasonal Variations in Sunlight
Daylight length in Hangzhou doesn’t change as much as it does up north, but you’ll spot some seasonal shifts. In midsummer, the longest days last about 14 hours.
By late August, daylight shortens to around 13 hours.
There’s a difference between sunshine hours and daylight length. Even with long days, clouds and rain cut down the actual bright hours.
For example, June has plenty of daylight, but less usable sun compared to July.
Winter is a whole other story—February only averages 3.3 hours of sun per day. Summer nearly doubles that, making it the best season for long days, even if rain sometimes keeps the sun away.
How Summer Weather Affects Travel in Hangzhou
Hangzhou’s summer brings strong heat, heavy humidity, and frequent rain. These conditions really shape when you should visit and how you get ready for days outside.
Best Time to Visit Hangzhou for Pleasant Weather
If you’re hoping to dodge the worst of Hangzhou’s summer heat, aim for late spring (April–May) or early autumn (September–October). During these months, temperatures usually sit between 15°C and 28°C (59°F to 82°F), and you’ll see less rain than in the muggy summer stretch.
In summer, the average high jumps up to 33°C (92°F). Humidity often hovers above 75%, which just makes it feel even hotter. June brings the most rain, with about 200 mm (8 in) falling, and heavy showers or thunderstorms can pop up and really mess with your sightseeing plans.
Autumn feels especially nice. Rain lets up, skies clear, and the air cools down. You can wander around West Lake, stroll through tea fields, or hike the nearby mountains without sweating buckets.
If you end up visiting in July or August, you’ll still find lively festivals and pretty scenery. Just be ready for bigger crowds and a higher chance of your plans getting rained out.
Travel Tips for Hot and Rainy Conditions
Pack light, breathable clothes, but don’t forget a compact umbrella or light rain jacket since showers can show up out of nowhere. Waterproof shoes really help when you’re walking around on wet streets.
Try to schedule outdoor activities for early morning or later in the evening, because midday is usually just too hot. When it’s sweltering, you’ll probably want to duck into museums, tea houses, or shopping streets to cool off.
Bring bottled water to stay hydrated, and maybe toss in an electrolyte drink if you’ll be walking a lot. Sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses are must-haves, even if the sky looks a bit cloudy.
Rainstorms can slow down buses and taxis, so the metro is usually your best bet when the weather turns bad. Typhoons don’t hit often, but they can show up in late summer. It’s smart to check the weather before you head out for the day.
Comparing Summer Weather to Other Seasons
Hangzhou’s weather really changes from one season to the next. You’ll notice big shifts in temperature, rain, and just how comfortable things feel, all depending on when you go.
Spring Versus Summer Weather
Spring in Hangzhou starts in March and goes through mid-June. The temperature climbs gradually, usually between 10°C (50°F) and 25°C (77°F). Rain picks up toward the end of spring, leading into the Plum Rain Season that kicks off in late June. Humidity shows up, but it’s not as overwhelming as in summer.
Summer runs from mid-June through September. Highs often hit 29°C (84°F) or more, and the humidity makes everything feel even stickier. Rain falls often, especially in June and July. Sometimes typhoons sweep through late in the season, bringing strong winds and heavy downpours.
Spring feels milder and just more pleasant overall. If you want to spend time outdoors around West Lake or the tea fields, spring’s your best bet. Summer takes a bit more planning to deal with the rain and heat.
Autumn and Winter Weather Differences
Autumn in Hangzhou runs from October to early December. The climate cools off and feels more stable, with average highs between 15°C (59°F) and 23°C (73°F).
Rainfall drops, the skies usually clear up, and humidity goes down. I’d say autumn easily ranks as one of the best times to visit.
Winter kicks in around mid-December and sticks around until February. Temperatures slide down to about 3°C (37°F) in January, which is honestly the coldest month here.
Snow doesn’t show up often, but it can surprise you. The air dries out even more, so you’ll want to bundle up with coats and gloves.
If you compare autumn with summer, autumn feels cooler, less humid, and just more comfortable for walking around. Winter gets colder and there’s not much rain, but you won’t see the lush green or feel the warmth that summer brings.
A lot of travelers seem to pick autumn for the comfort. Winter draws in people who want quiet moments and fewer crowds.