Hangzhou Weather in October

October: mild autumn days

October is one of Hangzhou's best months for getting around. Days feel mild, evenings are cooler, and the humidity is lower than in September. Rain can still interrupt plans, but it's spread across about eight days, so you'll often have time for outdoor visits.

Walk the paths around West Lake or take a boat across it. The cooler weather also suits a climb up Baoshi Hill for lake views. Save long outdoor plans for a clearer spell, and keep a flexible option, such as the China National Tea Museum, for rainy hours.

Golden Week crowds

China's National Day holiday runs from October 1 to 7. Hangzhou draws many domestic visitors then, especially around West Lake and Lingyin Temple. Trains and popular sights can feel packed, and hotel prices are often higher than in quieter months.

If you hate crowds, avoid the first week. After the holiday, the city is generally easier to explore, though October remains a popular time to visit. The Mid-Autumn Festival sometimes falls in October, but its date changes each year.

Tips for Hangzhou in October

Travelling with kids? The boat ride on West Lake gives everyone a break from walking, but the busiest landing points can mean a wait during Golden Week.

For a local tea stop, head to Longjing Village, near the tea fields west of the lake. Order Longjing tea, Hangzhou's famous green tea, and enjoy a slower pause between sightseeing. If rain rolls in, the village lanes can get muddy, so stick to paved paths and move your walk to a drier part of the day.