Hangzhou Weather in February

February's cool, damp days

February feels like winter in Hangzhou, with chilly mornings, cool afternoons and frequent grey skies. Rain falls on about twelve days, and the air can feel damp around West Lake. You'll get some sunshine, but don't count on clear views every day.

It's a good month for slow walks through the gardens at Guo's Villa or a warm bowl of pian'erchuan, a local noodle soup. For a longer West Lake stroll, choose a dry spell. Skip exposed boat rides when it's rainy or windy, and save longer hikes up Baoshi Hill for a clearer day.

Lunar New Year and crowds

Lunar New Year sometimes falls in February, and the Lantern Festival can, too. Dates change each year. During the holiday, many Chinese families travel, so Hangzhou's train stations and popular sights can get busy. Some smaller shops and restaurants may close.

If you hate crowds, visit outside the holiday period. February is generally quieter and cheaper than the busy spring and autumn months, though holiday travel can push up hotel prices and make transport harder to find.

Make the most of West Lake

Travelling with kids? Keep outings short on rainy days, then warm up over noodles near Hefang Street, the old shopping area south of West Lake.

A useful local tip: take the lake's covered sightseeing boat when the weather turns wet, rather than setting off on the exposed Su Causeway. Check which piers are operating that day, since routes can change with lake conditions. February days are short, so a late afternoon visit may leave you with little time to see the gardens before dusk.