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It is renowned for its historic relics and natural beauty. As a hot tourist destination, Hangzhou is busy all year round.

The best time to travel to Hangzhou is the period from April to October, when the trees and flowers of this garden city are green and in full bloom. If not putting the weather into a consideration, then there is no good or bad time to tour Hangzhou as different time has different sceneries in Hangzhou.
So when to visit Hangzhou all depends on your budget, tolerance for large crowds, your personal taste and, another time of year may suit you better. Check out below to have some information on each season:
Hangzhou in Spring ( March – May )
Spring in Hangzhou starts in March. Although spring is considered as the most beautiful season, it is highly variable, with frequent rain and alternating spells of warmth and cold.
Walking along the West Lake, you could see the primroses waking up one after another. Against the backdrop of the green leaves, petals are white like snow. How fascinating it is!
Note: The best time to see the peach flower blossoms falls on late March and early April.
Check out my another article Best Time and Place to See Cherry & Tulip Flowers in Hangzhou for more information.
Hangzhou in Summer ( June – August )
Summer in Hangzhou starts in June. July and August are the hottest months in summer. In spite of being hot and humid, summer is the peak season for domestic tourism.
Lotus in the west Lake wake up, presenting their beauty in the hot and humid weather. Summers experience torrential rain quite frequently.
Hangzhou in Autumn ( September – November)
Autumn in Hangzhou is regarded as the most beautiful and fragrant season. You can smell a rich fragrance of Osmanthus while walking along the street.
Autumn is generally sunny and dry, and the foliage season is in November. You can have a cruise on the West Lake in autumn. You are kindly advised to skip over China National Holiday in October when you plan your Hangzhou tour, since there are so many people during that time.
Check out Best Places to See Autumn Leaves in Hangzhou for more information.
Hangzhou in Winter ( December – February )
Winter in Hangzhou is not as cold as northern cities of China. Winters are typically grey and dreary, with little or no snowfall. Hangzhou winters are at times very chilly.
Winter temperature often tends to drop below zero and records minus temperatures. Winter in Hangzhou is a little cold, make sure to take enough thick clothes with you.
Check out my following artcles for more information on Hangzhou’s winter:
Poetic Winter Scenery Viewed from Su Causeway in West Lake
The Pure and Fresh Winter Beauty of West Lake in Hangzhou
Tip: Hassle-free Hangzhou Guided Tours
If you don’t want to go the do-it-yourself route and prefer the hassle-free escorted tours, here are some options for Hangzhou Guided Tours:
Hangzhou Tour
Hangzhou 4-Day Tour Package
Hangzhou 3-Day Tour Package
Hangzhou Private Tour
Hangzhou Theme Tour
Hangzhou Side Trips
Hangzhou Car Rental with Driver
Further Readings
Top 10 Attractions in Hangzhou
Top 10 Photography Spots in Hangzhou
Night View of West Lake in Hangzhou
The Best hiking trail in Hangzhou
The best time to visit Hangzhou
Hangzhou as a Fashionable City in China
Hangzhou East Railway Station
Hangzhou Airport Arrival Hall
How to Visit Feilai Peak Grottoes in Hangzhou
Where to stay in Hangzhou
Hangzhou Bicycle Hire
Wushan Night Market in Hangzhou
Pedestrian Streets in Hangzhou
Hangzhou’s Best Bars & Nightclubs
Best Way to Visit Hangzhou from Shanghai
How to Visit Grand Canal Hangzhou
How to Visit Xiling Seal Engravers’ Society
How to Visit Liuhe Pagoda
Hangzhou Tea Plantation
How to Visit Leifeng Pagoda
How to visit Hupao Spring (Tiger Spring) Hangzhou
How to Visit Yellow Dragon Cave in Hangzhou
The Best Place to View Sunrise over West Lake Hangzhou
Any question, just drop a line.