Hangzhou
Hangzhou
China
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Hangzhou, famously described as 'Paradise on Earth,' is a city where ancient Chinese culture meets modern tech innovation against the backdrop of the UNESCO-listed West Lake. Located in East China's Z...
About Hangzhou
Hangzhou, famously described as 'Paradise on Earth,' is a city where ancient Chinese culture meets modern tech innovation against the backdrop of the UNESCO-listed West Lake. Located in East China's Zhejiang province, Hangzhou experiences a humid subtropical climate with four distinct seasons. While its proximity to major hubs like Shanghai and Nanjing makes it a popular weekend escape, choosing the right time to visit is crucial for navigating its legendary crowds and humid summers. Generally, spring and autumn offer the most pleasant weather, while winter provides a serene, budget-friendly alternative for those who don't mind the damp chill.
Fly from Halifax, or anywhere in Atlantic Canada, and discover Hangzhou at its best. We'll show you when to go, what to see, and where to eat, so you can simply enjoy the journey.
March, April, May
Spring (March–May)
June, July, August
Summer (June–August)
September, October, November
Autumn (September–November)
December, January, February
Winter (December–February)
What's Included
Seasonal Guide
Complete 12-month breakdown with weather, crowds & pricing
Flights from Halifax
Routes: Halifax — Hangzhou, or via major hubs from Atlantic Canada
Neighborhoods
4 curated areas to stay, from budget to luxury
Budget Guide
CNY (RMB) / USD daily budgets: $50–$80/day to $350+/day
At a Glance: When to Visit Hangzhou
Best Overall
April–May, September–October
Cheapest
January, February (excluding Chinese New Year), July
Busiest
April, May (Labor Day), October (Golden Week)
Best Weather
October and November (crisp, dry, and colorful)
For Events
September (Mid-Autumn Festival & Qiantang Bore)
For Families
May and June (lush parks and boat rides)
For Couples
April (cherry blossoms) and December (snowy West Lake)
Budget Travel
January and August
From Atlantic Canada
Halifax to Hangzhou.
Month by month.
Everything you need to know about travelling from Canada to Hangzhou — the best seasons, what to pack, and how to save.
Month-by-Month Guide to Hangzhou
January
Cold and damp; 3°C to 8°C (37°F–46°F). Low sunshine with occasional frost.
“Best for budget travelers who enjoy peaceful, misty landscapes and smaller crowds.”
February
Slightly warmer but remains damp; 5°C to 11°C (41°F–52°F). High humidity.
“Best for cultural immersion during Chinese New Year, but expect peak prices and crowds.”
March
Early spring; 9°C to 17°C (48°F–63°F). Frequent light showers, high humidity.
“Best for photography enthusiasts wanting to see the city waking up in bloom.”
April
Mild and pleasant; 14°C to 22°C (57°F–72°F). Occasional spring rains.
“The quintessential Hangzhou experience; best for tea lovers and nature walks.”
May
Warm and breezy; 19°C to 27°C (66°F–81°F). Increasing humidity.
“Ideal for warm weather, though avoid the Labor Day 'Golden Week' if possible.”
June
Start of the 'Plum Rain' season; 23°C to 30°C (73°F–86°F). Heavy rainfall.
“Best for those who enjoy the romantic, rainy atmosphere of the Jiangnan region.”
July
Very hot and humid; 27°C to 35°C (81°F–95°F). Occasional typhoons.
“Best for budget travelers willing to trade heat for lower hotel prices.”
August
Peak heat; 28°C to 36°C (82°F–97°F). Humid with afternoon thunderstorms.
“Crowded due to school holidays, but the lush greenery is at its peak.”
September
Pleasant and drying; 23°C to 28°C (73°F–82°F). Less rainfall than summer.
“The best month for cultural events and comfortable outdoor walking.”
October
Crisp and dry; 17°C to 24°C (63°F–75°F). Golden autumn weather.
“Perfect weather; arguably the best time to visit if you avoid the first week.”
November
Cool and sunny; 12°C to 18°C (54°F–64°F). Low precipitation.
“Best for foliage lovers and those seeking crisp, dry air.”
December
Cold and wintery; 5°C to 12°C (41°F–54°F). Short days, misty mornings.
“Best for a quiet, poetic, and budget-friendly winter getaway.”
Festivals & Events in Hangzhou
Spring Festival (Chinese New Year)
The biggest holiday with temple fairs, lantern displays, and traditional family feasts.
Very high; transport is booked months ahead, many shops close, but major sites stay open.Longjing Tea Festival
Celebrating the first harvest of Dragon Well tea with picking ceremonies and tastings.
High; tea-growing villages like Longjing and Meijiawu become extremely busy.Qingming Festival
A time for honoring ancestors; people often eat 'Qingtuan' (green rice balls).
Moderate; a three-day public holiday with significant local travel.West Lake Lotus Festival
A celebration of the lotuses blooming across the lake with cultural performances.
Low; crowds are mostly domestic and deterred by the heat.Qiantang River Tidal Bore
Thousands gather to watch the world's largest tidal wave rush up the Qiantang River.
High; viewing spots in Yanguan are packed; book transport in advance.Mid-Autumn Festival
Focuses on moon viewing and eating mooncakes, especially on West Lake boats.
High; hotel prices rise during the three-day holiday.Hangzhou International Marathon
A scenic race that passes the West Lake and the Qiantang River.
Moderate; some road closures around the lake district.Budget Guide: How Much Does It Cost to Visit Hangzhou?
CNY (RMB) / USD
Daily Budget
Peak
$150–$300 (West Lake View)
Off-Peak
$60–$120 (West Lake Area)
Hotel prices can double or triple during the National Day holiday (Oct 1-7) and Spring Festival. Mid-week stays in winter and summer offer the best value.
Where to Stay in Hangzhou by Season
West Lake (Xihu District)
PremiumSpring & Autumn
The most iconic area, perfect for being steps away from the scenery. Best in spring for blossoms.
Longjing Village
Moderate to PremiumApril (Tea Season)
Stay in boutique guesthouses surrounded by tea terraces. Perfect for a quiet, rural escape.
Gongshu (Grand Canal Area)
ModerateSummer (Evenings)
Historic district along the canal. Excellent night markets and cooler evening breezes by the water.
Binjiang (Modern Tech Hub)
ModerateWinter
High-end hotels with river views. Often offers better value and modern heating in winter.
What to Pack for Hangzhou
Spring
Pro tip: Layers are key as mornings are cool but afternoons can be warm.
Summer
Pro tip: Indoor air conditioning is very strong; bring a light shawl or shirt.
Autumn
Pro tip: The weather is most stable now, so focus on outdoor comfort gear.
Winter
Pro tip: Indoor heating can be inconsistent; dress in warm, removable layers.
FAQs: Visiting Hangzhou
What is the best month to visit Hangzhou?
October is widely considered the best month due to its mild temperatures, clear skies, and the fragrant blooming of sweet osmanthus.
When is the cheapest time to fly to Hangzhou?
The cheapest flights are typically found in January (excluding Chinese New Year) and during the heat of July and August.
Is it worth visiting Hangzhou during the Golden Week in October?
Generally, no. The crowds at West Lake can be overwhelming, with hours-long waits for buses and boats. If you must go, stick to the lesser-known hills.
What is the weather like in Hangzhou in April?
April is beautiful with temperatures between 14°C and 22°C, though you should expect occasional spring showers.
Is Hangzhou worth visiting in winter?
Yes, for budget travelers and those who appreciate misty, serene landscapes. Seeing a 'snow-covered West Lake' is a rare and highly-prized experience.
When can I see the lotuses in Hangzhou?
The lotuses bloom in July and August. The best viewing spot is 'Breeze-ruffled Lotus at Qu Yuan Garden' on the West Lake.
How many days do I need in Hangzhou?
Two to three days are sufficient to see the West Lake, Longjing Tea Village, and the Grand Canal. It is a perfect follow-up to a trip to Shanghai.
Does it rain a lot in Hangzhou?
Hangzhou is quite humid. June is the rainiest month (Plum Rain season), while late autumn (October-November) is the driest time.
Also Consider: Other Destinations in China
Beijing
Beijing offers a much drier, continental climate with more defined 'Golden Autumn' foliage compared to Hangzhou's humid, lush greenery.
Shanghai
Only an hour away, Shanghai shares Hangzhou's climate but offers a high-octane metropolitan experience versus Hangzhou's scenic lake-and-mountain vibe.
Guangzhou
Guangzhou is significantly warmer in winter and more tropical, making it a better option for those avoiding the damp chill of a Hangzhou winter.
Shenzhen
Shenzhen offers a more consistent coastal climate and modern tech scene, lacking the ancient historical depth of Hangzhou's UNESCO sites.
Chengdu
Chengdu is similarly humid but cloudier; it's the place to go for pandas and spicy cuisine if you've finished exploring Hangzhou's tea culture.
Xi'an
Xi'an provides a dryer, dustier historical experience in North-Central China, contrasting with Hangzhou's water-town and garden aesthetic.
Nanjing
Nanjing shares the 'Four Great Capitals' history and a similar Yangtze Delta climate, though it feels more industrial compared to Hangzhou's resort-like atmosphere.
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