Hangzhou Weather in March

Cool, damp spring days

March feels like a changeable start to spring in Hangzhou. Days can reach 17°C, but mornings and evenings may fall to 5°C. Rain comes on 13 days, and the air often feels damp, so West Lake can look misty rather than sunny.

You'll still have plenty of good sightseeing days. Walk the causeway at West Lake, visit the China National Tea Museum, or explore the old streets around Hefang Street between showers. Long hikes can be muddy, and a grey, wet day isn't ideal for a boat ride. Keep indoor stops in mind if the rain sets in.

Blossoms and seasonal notes

March is a good time to see plum blossoms around Gushan, on West Lake's northern shore. They're a welcome reason to stroll, though blossoms don't follow an exact calendar. You may also spot early tea activity near Meijiawu, a village known for Longjing tea.

There isn't one major, fixed March festival that draws visitors to Hangzhou. Qingming, the spring tomb-sweeping holiday, usually falls in April, but its date changes each year. If it lands near your visit, expect more local travel.

Crowds and a local tip

March is generally quieter and less costly than October, Hangzhou's most popular month. West Lake can still get busy on weekends, especially around Gushan when the plum blossoms are out. If you hate crowds, visit the lakeside on a weekday.

Travelling with kids? The damp weather can make a full day outdoors tiring, so pair a short West Lake walk with the nearby Zhejiang Provincial Museum. At Meijiawu, try Longjing tea with a meal; it's a more local pause than simply buying tea in a busy shop.