If you’re planning a trip to Suzhou in the fall, you’ll notice a big shift from those hot summer days to cooler, way more comfortable weather. Average daytime highs fall from the mid-80s °F in early September to the mid-50s °F by late November. Nights cool down from the 70s °F into the 40s °F.
This steady change makes autumn one of the most pleasant seasons for exploring Suzhou’s gardens, canals, and old streets.
As the temperatures drop, the skies clear up too. Rain chances drop sharply from September into November, and you’ll spot more sunny days toward the end of fall.
The air feels less humid, which really helps when you want to walk around or do some outdoor sightseeing.
Daylight hours shrink pretty fast, and sunsets come earlier every week. The softer light, though, makes Suzhou’s lakes and classical gardens look even more inviting.
Typical Fall Temperatures in Suzhou
Fall in Suzhou means a steady cooling trend, shorter days, and lower humidity. Early in the season, you’ll feel warmth, but it shifts to cool or even chilly by late November.
Daily High and Low Temperature Trends
In fall, Suzhou’s daily highs drop from about 86°F (30°C) in early September to around 55°F (13°C) by late November. Lows follow, going from about 74°F (23°C) to 40°F (4°C).
You’ll probably start the season in short sleeves and end up reaching for a jacket or sweater. Nights cool off faster than the days, so evenings feel much colder compared to afternoons.
Extreme temperatures don’t happen often, but every now and then, highs can reach 93°F (34°C) or lows dip to 30°F (-1°C). Fall still feels more predictable than summer or winter.
Temperature Changes from September to November
September comes in warm and humid, with highs in the 80s°F (27–31°C). By October, days usually settle into the 70s°F (21–26°C), with nights that feel cooler.
This middle stretch is often the best for outdoor activities.
By late November, you’ll really notice the change. Highs average in the 50s°F (10–15°C), and lows can dip into the 40s°F (4–9°C).
Sometimes, nights get close to freezing, especially near the end of the month.
You’ll want light clothes in September, but by November, layers and warmer coats are a must. The change doesn’t hit all at once, but you’ll feel it week by week.
Comparison with Other Seasons
Compared to summer, fall in Suzhou feels cooler and isn’t nearly as humid. Summer highs stick above 90°F (32°C), but fall almost never gets that hot.
The drop in humidity really makes a difference.
Winter, though, is much colder. In January, daily highs average just 45°F (7°C), and lows are often in the 30s°F (0–4°C).
Spring works in reverse, starting cool in March and warming up toward May. If you’re after moderate weather, fall and spring usually deliver the best balance in Suzhou.
Rainfall and Precipitation Patterns
Suzhou’s fall brings a clear shift from heavy summer rains to lighter, less frequent showers. You’ll still get measurable rainfall throughout fall, but both the intensity and frequency drop as winter nears.
Monthly Rainfall Totals
Rainfall in Suzhou during fall is moderate, especially compared to the summer monsoon. September holds onto some summer moisture, with 130–150 mm of rain.
By October, totals fall to 70–90 mm, and November usually gets 40–60 mm.
This decline makes fall more comfortable for being outside. The number of rainy days drops too—September sees about 11–12 wet days, October has 8–9, and November gets around 6.
| Month | Avg. Rainfall (mm) | Avg. Rainy Days |
|---|---|---|
| September | 130–150 | 11–12 |
| October | 70–90 | 8–9 |
| November | 40–60 | 6 |
You can see how the climate transitions from a humid summer into the drier winter season.
Chance of Wet Days
The chance of rain drops steadily through fall. In September, there’s about a 35–40% chance of a wet day, still influenced by the summer monsoon.
By October, it’s closer to 25%, and in November, it dips to 15–20%.
Rain usually shows up as light or moderate showers, not long storms. Heavy downpours get rare after August, so you’re less likely to have your plans ruined by rain.
Umbrellas come in handy in September, but by November, many days stay totally dry.
This drop in wet days makes fall a reliable time for sightseeing, strolling through gardens, or exploring Suzhou’s old districts without much interruption.
Seasonal Changes in Precipitation
Fall really marks the transition in Suzhou’s rainfall. The East Asian monsoon loses strength in September. By October, drier air from the continent takes over, and November often feels much less humid.
Humidity levels fall too, making the cooler air feel even nicer. September can still feel muggy, but October and November are way crisper.
This shift not only means less rain but also clearer air and better visibility. Seasonal winds help move out the leftover moisture, so you get more stable, predictable weather as winter gets closer.
Cloud Cover and Sunshine
As fall moves on in Suzhou, the skies clear up and daylight gets shorter. You’ll see some big changes in cloud cover and sunshine from early September to late November.
Cloud Cover Trends
Cloud cover drops steadily through fall. At the start of September, skies are overcast or mostly cloudy about 51% of the time.
By late November, that falls to about 29%, so you’ll catch more clear skies.
This makes the season feel less gloomy and humid than summer. It also lets you see more of the city’s canals and gardens.
For comparison, Suzhou’s cloudiest time is early July, with skies overcast about 75% of the time. Late fall, though, is among the clearest points of the year.
If you want to plan outdoor stuff, October usually strikes a good balance between mild temperatures and fewer gray days.
Hours of Sunshine
Daylight hours shrink a lot during fall. On September 1, you get about 12 hours and 48 minutes of daylight.
By November 30, that drops to just 10 hours and 17 minutes.
That’s a loss of about 2 hours and 31 minutes over the season. Each week, you lose roughly 11 minutes of daylight compared to the one before.
Sunrise shifts later, from 5:33 AM in early September to 6:37 AM by late November. Sunset moves earlier too, from 6:21 PM at the start to 4:54 PM at the end.
If you want to plan day trips, you’ll need to adjust your schedule to make the most of the daylight.
Clearest and Cloudiest Periods
The clearest day of fall in Suzhou usually lands around November 30, with skies clear, mostly clear, or partly cloudy about 71% of the time.
Late November is a great period for sightseeing outdoors.
Early September, on the other hand, still brings more cloud cover and a higher chance of gray days. Not as cloudy as summer, but you might still run into some damp or overcast weather.
Quick reference:
- Clearest period: Late November
- Cloudiest period: Early September
- Best mix of clarity and daylight: Mid to late October
These patterns give you a good sense of when to plan outdoor activities or photography in Suzhou during fall.
Humidity and Atmospheric Conditions
In fall, Suzhou’s air feels lighter than in summer, but you’ll still notice some moisture. Shifts in wind and pressure also shape how comfortable the season feels and how quickly the weather can change.
Average Humidity Levels
Humidity in Suzhou stays high most of the year, and fall is no different. Relative humidity ranges from 71% to 78%, with September usually feeling stickier than November.
Early fall still holds onto some summer dampness, especially in September when rain is more common. By November, the air feels drier and cooler, though it never gets bone-dry.
Here’s a quick look at average humidity during fall:
| Month | Average Humidity |
|---|---|
| September | ~74% |
| October | ~73% |
| November | ~72% |
You might feel the dampness, especially in the mornings or evenings. Clothes take longer to dry, and fog sometimes appears near Suzhou’s canals and lakes.
Wind Patterns and Air Pressure
Winds in Suzhou shift as cooler northern air starts to move in. You’ll notice gentle to moderate breezes, usually around 6–10 km/h.
These winds help cut down on the heavy, humid feeling you get in summer.
Air pressure rises as fall goes on. September has lower pressure, thanks to late summer storms, but October and November bring steadier, higher-pressure systems.
This makes the weather feel more stable and less stormy. You might still get some rain, but clearer skies and calmer winds in late fall make travel around the city’s gardens and waterways more pleasant.
Daylight Hours and Sun Position
During fall in Suzhou, days get shorter and the sun sits lower in the sky. You’ll see clear changes in daylight and when the sun rises and sets, which can shape your plans.
Changes in Day Length
From early September to late November, daylight in Suzhou drops by about 2 hours and 30 minutes. Early September gives you around 12 hours and 48 minutes of daylight, but by late November, you’re down to 10 hours and 17 minutes.
This steady loss means mornings and evenings stretch out, and outdoor activities might need to start earlier. On average, you lose about 1 minute and 40 seconds of daylight each day.
Comparison:
| Date | Approx. Daylight |
|---|---|
| September 1 | 12 hrs 48 min |
| October 15 | 11 hrs 30 min |
| November 30 | 10 hrs 17 min |
By late fall, the sun sits lower, giving you softer light and longer shadows—something you’ll notice along Suzhou’s canals or gardens.
Sunrise and Sunset Times
Early September sunrise is around 5:33 AM and sunset is near 6:21 PM. By late November, sunrise slips to about 6:37 AM, and sunset comes much earlier, around 4:54 PM.
So, mornings start later and evenings get dark quicker. If you’re sightseeing or heading out, you’ll want to plan for earlier in the day.
Here’s how it breaks down:
- September 1: Sunrise 5:33 AM | Sunset 6:21 PM
- October 15: Sunrise ~6:00 AM | Sunset ~5:30 PM
- November 30: Sunrise 6:37 AM | Sunset 4:54 PM
There’s no daylight saving time in Suzhou, so you don’t have to adjust your clock. Still, the seasonal shift in light is hard to miss.
Travel Tips for Visiting Suzhou in the Fall
Fall in Suzhou gives you mild temps, lower humidity, and less rain than summer. It’s a great time for outdoor activities—walking through classical gardens or exploring canals—with fewer crowds and comfortable weather.
Best Months to Visit
If you’re thinking about the best time to see Suzhou, fall really stands out. Late September through November usually feels the nicest. Early September can still be pretty warm—think 86°F (30°C)—but by late November, you’ll notice highs closer to 55°F (13°C). Nights can get chilly, sometimes dipping to around 40°F (4°C).
Rain starts to back off as fall goes on. You might catch a few showers in September, but by November, rain barely shows up. The skies clear up too, so you’ll probably get more sunny days to explore.
Humidity takes a nosedive after summer. By mid to late November, the air feels crisp, especially early in the day. It’s much more comfortable to walk around outside.
You won’t see as many crowds as you would in summer. The first week of October is the exception—China’s National Day holiday draws in a lot of travelers. If you’d rather avoid the crowds, try visiting in mid-October or November.
Packing Recommendations
Expect shifting temperatures, so pack light layers. T-shirts, long-sleeve shirts, and a light sweater work well for early fall.
By late November, grab a warmer jacket, especially if you’re out at night.
A water-resistant jacket or umbrella comes in handy in September, since rain can show up unexpectedly.
Don’t forget comfortable walking shoes. You’ll probably spend hours wandering through gardens, along canals, and down old streets.
For daytime, stick with breathable fabrics. If you’re staying into late fall, toss in a scarf or light gloves—those mornings can get chilly.
Love photography? Pack a camera or make sure your phone handles low light decently. Autumn’s mix of foliage, canals, and those classic gardens really begs for a few photos.