Hangzhou Weather in December

December by the lake

December feels cold and damp in Hangzhou. Days reach about 11°C, but nights can drop to 1°C, and the air often feels chillier near West Lake. Rain is lighter than in November, though you may still get a wet day. There's less daylight, so give yourself time to enjoy the lake before dusk.

Clear spells are good for a walk around Broken Bridge or a visit to Lingyin Temple. The hills can be muddy after rain, so save longer hikes for a dry day. Swimming and long, lazy beach stops aren't really on the cards.

Quiet streets, winter traditions

December is much calmer than October, Hangzhou's busiest season. You'll usually find fewer tour groups around West Lake, and hotel rates tend to be lower than during the autumn peak. Weekends can still draw local visitors, especially around the lake.

The winter solstice, Dongzhi, falls in December. Families often mark it with a meal, and tangyuan—sweet rice balls in warm soup—are a fitting local treat. Don't expect a citywide festival built around the day. Christmas isn't a major public holiday in China, though you may spot decorations in shopping areas such as Hubin.

If you hate crowds, visit West Lake on a weekday and avoid the busiest paths near Broken Bridge.

Make the cold work for you

For a cosy break between sights, order pian er chuan, a Hangzhou noodle soup with pickled greens and bamboo shoots. It's warming after a chilly walk, and you'll find it in local noodle shops around the city.

One useful shortcut: take the metro to Longxiangqiao for easy access to Hubin and West Lake's eastern shore. From there, you can choose a short lakeside stroll instead of committing to a long loop in the cold. Check the sky before setting out; a grey, damp afternoon can make the lake feel much colder than the weather table suggests.