Hangzhou Weather in July

July: sticky summer days

July is hot, humid and often rainy, and that's why it scores so low here. Highs reach 33°C, and nights stay warm at 25°C. Rain falls on 18 days, and the air can feel heavy even when the sky is cloudy. October is the best time to visit Hangzhou, and July is one of the months you'll want to skip if you can.

If you do come in July, the heat will shape your days. Long walks around West Lake get tiring by midday, so keep sightseeing close to shade or take a boat across the lake when the heat builds. Quyuan Fenghe is worth a stop for its lotus flowers, which bloom in summer. Save longer walks through the wooded grounds of Lingyin Temple for a cooler part of the day.

Rain, crowds and prices

Rain can interrupt outdoor plans, so leave room to swap a lake visit for the China National Tea Museum or a meal on Hefang Street. July has no major fixed national holiday, but it's summer school break in China. Families travel then, so popular sights are busier than in quieter months.

Prices are generally higher than in calmer travel months, especially around the school holidays. If crowds bother you, visit West Lake early in the day and avoid the busiest lakeside spots later on.

Make the lake easier

A practical choice is to take Hangzhou's metro to Longxiangqiao and walk to the West Lake shoreline. It's a handy way to skip some of the road traffic near the lake. For a quieter outing, head to the north shore near Yue Fei Temple instead of staying around the busy Broken Bridge.

July is wetter than August, though not as wet as June. If rain sets in, don't force a long lakeside walk. Keep your plans flexible and let the weather decide how much of the lake you see.