Fall in Hangzhou finally brings relief from the hot, sticky summer. Days turn cooler and much more comfortable.
You’ll notice average highs dropping from the mid-80s °F in early September to the mid-50s °F by late November. Mornings feel crisp, afternoons stay mild—autumn really is one of the best times to be in the city.
The air cools off, and skies clear up as the season moves along. Cloud cover drops fast, and rain becomes less of a problem, so you get more dry days for wandering West Lake or hiking through tea fields.
Humidity lets up too. Early September can still feel muggy, but by November, the air dries out a lot.
Daylight shrinks pretty quickly, but there’s still plenty of sunshine for sightseeing. Winds stay light, and the air often feels fresher than during the summer.
With these changes, fall gives you a nice mix of comfort and variety. Planning outdoor adventures becomes a breeze.
Overview of Fall Weather in Hangzhou
In autumn, Hangzhou cools down steadily. Skies clear up, and rainfall drops off.
You’ll get cooler days, lower humidity, and shorter daylight hours compared to the end of summer.
Key Characteristics of Autumn Climate
Highs fall from around 86°F (30°C) in early September to about 56°F (13°C) by late November. Nights cool down even faster, from the mid-70s °F (24°C) to the low 40s °F (6°C).
Rain drops off quickly. September usually brings about 5 inches (127 mm), but by November, you’ll see less than 2 inches (50 mm). October and November are some of the driest months in Hangzhou.
Humidity shifts a lot. At the start of fall, days can still feel sticky, with dew points above 70°F (21°C). By November, it’s much drier and more comfortable.
Clouds thin out too. Early September skies often look overcast, but by late October, you’ll see a lot more blue or partly cloudy days. That’s why mid-autumn gets so popular for being outside.
Comparison to Other Seasons
Autumn feels cooler, clearer, and less humid than summer. Summer highs often push into the 90s°F (32–35°C), with heavy rain pretty common. Autumn, on the other hand, stays milder and drier.
Winter in Hangzhou turns colder and even drier than fall. January highs hover in the mid-40s °F (7°C), and lows drop close to freezing. Skies get more overcast in winter, and the scenery loses its lushness.
Spring brings more rain and rising humidity. Temperatures look similar to fall, but the air feels damper, while autumn is crisp and easier to enjoy.
Here’s a quick seasonal comparison:
| Season | Avg High | Rainfall | Humidity | Skies |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | 90s°F | Heavy | Very Humid | Cloudy |
| Autumn | 56–86°F | Decreasing | Comfortably Low | Clearer |
| Winter | 40s°F | Low | Dry | Overcast |
| Spring | 60s–70s°F | High | Humid | Variable |
Monthly Temperature Trends in Fall
Temperatures in Hangzhou fall steadily through autumn. Early fall feels warm and humid, but by late November, it’s much cooler and drier.
Shorter days add to the chill as autumn rolls on.
October Temperature Overview
October really marks the shift from late summer to mild autumn. Average highs sit between 23°C and 19°C (73°F to 66°F). Lows at night drop from 15°C to 11°C (59°F to 52°F).
The air dries out compared to September. Rain falls less often, though you might still get a few light showers early in the month.
By late October, the sun pokes through more often. You’ll want a light jacket for chilly mornings and evenings. Daytime stays nice for walks by West Lake or tea field trips.
The cooling trend keeps up, and by the end of the month, nights can get pretty chilly, especially outside the city where warmth escapes faster.
November Temperature Overview
By November, Hangzhou feels much cooler. Average highs fall between 17°C and 13°C (63°F to 55°F). Nighttime lows range from 9°C to 5°C (48°F to 41°F).
The air turns crisp, and humidity keeps dropping. Rain becomes rare, with fewer wet days than before.
You’ll see partly cloudy skies most days—a mix of sun and shade. Pack warmer clothes, especially for evenings. A coat or extra layers come in handy if you’re planning to be outdoors for a while.
The chilly air signals the end of the growing season. Leaves and scenery take on softer autumn colors. November feels quieter but still comfortable for exploring.
Rainfall Patterns and Humidity
Autumn rain in Hangzhou shifts from heavy summer downpours to a gentler, more manageable pattern. Humidity drops too, so the air goes from sticky in early September to much drier by late November.
Average Rainfall by Month
Rainfall declines steadily through autumn. September holds onto some leftover summer monsoon moisture, with totals around 150–170 mm.
You’ll get rain on about 10–12 days, but it’s not that relentless summer rain anymore. By October, rainfall drops to 70–90 mm, with 6–8 rainy days.
Skies clear up, and it’s easier to get outside. November is the driest, averaging just 40–60 mm and about 5–6 rainy days. Showers are brief, making late autumn a great time for outdoor plans.
Monthly Rainfall (Approximate):
- September: 150–170 mm
- October: 70–90 mm
- November: 40–60 mm
Humidity Levels in Autumn
Humidity follows rainfall and drops as fall goes on. In September, relative humidity usually sits at 75–80%. That still feels muggy, especially with leftover warmth.
October brings humidity closer to 70%. You’ll feel the difference—cooler evenings, less sticky days, and better conditions for walking around.
By November, humidity averages about 65%. The air feels drier, and mornings can be sharp and crisp.
This steady change, paired with lighter rain, means autumn just keeps getting more comfortable as you move toward winter.
Sunshine and Daylight During Fall
Fall in Hangzhou means shorter days, but the sun shows up more often than in the rainy summer. Sunshine increases, even though daylight hours shrink as winter approaches.
Average Daily Sunshine Hours
You’ll see more clear skies in fall than during humid summer months. September brings about 9 sunny days. October jumps to 14 sunny days, and November averages 13 sunny days.
This makes fall a great time for outdoor activities. Sunshine lasts longer than in winter. July averages about 7 hours of sun per day, but by February, that drops to just 3.3 hours.
Fall sits in the middle, balancing brightness with cooler air. Cloud cover doesn’t vanish, though. September still has some gray days, but by October and November, skies clear up a lot.
Planning for sightseeing or hiking gets easier, with fewer rain delays.
Daylight Duration Changes
Days get shorter as autumn goes on. September days last between 11.9 and 12.8 hours.
October drops to 11.0 to 11.9 hours. By November, you’re looking at just 10.4 to 11.0 hours of daylight.
Evenings arrive earlier every month. If you love being outside, you’ll want to plan around shorter days in late fall.
Earlier sunsets can make photography and sightseeing a bit trickier. September offers longer afternoons, but November’s light window is much tighter. Adjusting your plans helps you make the most of Hangzhou’s autumn days.
Wind, Visibility, and Air Quality
Autumn air in Hangzhou feels cooler and drier than in summer. Winds blow gently, and sometimes fog rolls in during the mornings.
Air quality usually holds up pretty well, though it shifts with pollution and changing weather.
Typical Wind Speeds in Autumn
Most autumn days bring light breezes to Hangzhou. Winds usually sit between 2 and 4 meters per second (4–9 mph).
You won’t really feel strong gusts, but the steady air movement helps clear out leftover summer humidity. Wind direction changes with the season.
In September, winds might carry some leftover moisture from the southeast. By October and November, northern air takes over, bringing in cooler, drier weather.
Because winds stay gentle, outdoor activities like walking along West Lake or cycling in the parks feel comfortable. You probably won’t need to worry about strong gusts, but expect cooler breezes in the evenings, especially later in fall.
Visibility and Fog Occurrence
Visibility improves over the rainy summer, but fog still shows up on autumn mornings. Fog forms most often in October and November, when cooler nights meet moisture from lakes and rivers.
You might wake up to dense fog that cuts visibility to less than 1 kilometer. Sunlight usually burns it off in a few hours.
By midday, skies clear and views stretch farther, especially on sunny days. If you’re traveling early in the morning, you might want to plan for possible delays.
Air quality in autumn is usually moderate to good, with AQI near 60–70. Sometimes, pollution builds up on calm days when winds don’t move much.
People sensitive to air quality might notice mild irritation, but most visitors find the air just fine for being outside.
What to Expect: Practical Tips for Visiting Hangzhou in Fall
Fall in Hangzhou means mild temperatures, colorful scenery, and comfortable conditions for walking and sightseeing.
You get to enjoy the outdoors with fewer crowds than in summer. Just be ready for cool mornings, warmer afternoons, and the occasional shower.
Recommended Clothing and Packing
Daytime highs in Hangzhou during fall usually hit the low 20s °C (around the 70s °F). Nights can drop to about 10–12 °C (50s °F), so you’ll want to be ready for those cooler evenings.
I’d suggest packing layered clothing that lets you adjust as the weather changes.
You’ll probably want to bring light sweaters, long-sleeve shirts, and a medium jacket. A pair of jeans or casual pants will work for city walks or when you’re out in scenic spots.
Don’t forget comfortable walking shoes, since you’ll likely spend a lot of time around West Lake or wandering the hills.
Rain can show up, especially in October and November. Toss a compact umbrella or light raincoat in your bag, just in case.
A scarf or light hat makes those cool evenings a little cozier.
Here’s a quick guide:
| Item | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Light jacket | Evening walks |
| Sweater or long sleeves | Daytime layers |
| Umbrella/raincoat | Rain protection |
| Walking shoes | Exploring parks and lake areas |
Best Outdoor Activities
Fall brings mild weather, making it honestly one of the best times to get outside in Hangzhou. You can stroll or hop on a bike around West Lake, where the tree-lined paths burst with autumn colors that always seem to surprise me.
The plane trees along Beishan Road and the maple groves on Lingyin Temple grounds draw in lots of folks who want to catch the leaves changing.
Cooler air makes hiking in the tea fields of Longjing Village or wandering the forested trails around Nine Creeks and Eighteen Gullies way more comfortable. These spots blend natural beauty with a calm vibe that’s hard to find in the busy city center.
Boat rides on West Lake stay pleasant during fall, since the water mirrors all that shifting foliage and the heat doesn’t get overwhelming. If you’re into cultural spots, this weather feels just right for exploring temples, gardens, or old streets without sweating through your shirt.