Hangzhou Weather in June

June weather: warm and soggy

Hangzhou in June feels hot, damp and often cloudy. Highs reach 30°C, and humidity sits at 81%. Rain falls on 18 days, so a clear stretch can give way to a wet afternoon. Compared with May, it's warmer and much wetter; July gets hotter, though June has more rain.

West Lake is still lovely between showers, but long walks along the shore can turn uncomfortable in the sticky air. Save indoor stops, such as the China National Tea Museum, for rainy spells. The hills around Longjing village can be muddy, so skip a long hike after heavy rain.

Dragon Boat Festival and crowds

The Dragon Boat Festival often falls in June, though its date changes each year. You may see races and eat zongzi, sticky rice wrapped in leaves, around the holiday. Popular sights and trains can get busier then.

If you hate crowds, avoid West Lake during the festival holiday and visit a quieter stretch of the lake instead. Away from the holiday, June usually feels less packed than October, Hangzhou's best-known month for visiting. Prices can also be lower than in October, but holiday travel may push them up.

Make the rain work for you

Travelling with kids? Keep the day flexible: a shower can interrupt a boat trip on West Lake, but the lakeside paths are easy to enjoy when rain eases.

For a local rainy-day stop, head to Hefang Street for a bowl of Pian'erchuan, a Hangzhou noodle soup with pickled greens and bamboo shoots. If you're taking a West Lake boat, check the service at the pier before joining the queue; heavy rain can spoil the ride, while a calm gap between showers can make it worthwhile.