Suzhou has a humid subtropical climate (Koppen Cfa) with four distinct seasons. Summers are hot, humid, and wet, while winters are chilly and damp. See our best time to visit Suzhou guide for detailed information. The city receives about 1,100mm of rain annually, with June and July bringing the heaviest downpours during the East Asian monsoon, locally called the plum rain (meiyu). Spring and autumn are the most comfortable seasons for sightseeing, with mild temperatures and manageable humidity.
Suzhou Weather in January
January is Suzhou’s coldest month. Average highs reach 8°C (46°F) and lows drop to 1°C (34°F). See our things to do in Suzhou guide for detailed information. You will need a heavy coat, gloves, and layers. Snow is rare but possible, with about 2 to 3 snow days per winter. The city receives roughly 45mm of rain over 8 days. Humidity hovers around 73 percent. Classic gardens take on a stark, quiet beauty in winter, and you will face virtually no crowds. Tiger Hill and the Humble Administrator’s Garden are open year-round with reduced winter admission: expect to pay about CNY 60 to 70 instead of the peak-season CNY 80 to 90.
Suzhou Weather in February
February stays cold with average highs of 10°C (50°F) and lows of 2°C (36°F). Rainfall increases slightly to 55mm over 9 days. See our Suzhou events and festivals guide for detailed information. Chinese New Year (Spring Festival) usually falls in late January or February. If your visit coincides, expect transport chaos, closed shops, and massive crowds at temples like Hanshan Temple. Book trains and hotels 2 to 3 weeks ahead. Daytime sightseeing is manageable with a warm jacket; nights still require winter gear.
Suzhou Weather in March
March brings a noticeable warm-up: average highs reach 14°C (57°F) and lows 6°C (43°F). Rain picks up to 75mm across 11 days. See our Suzhou neighborhoods guide for detailed information. Cherry and plum blossoms appear in gardens by mid-March, especially at the Humble Administrator’s Garden and Lion Grove Garden. This is the start of spring tourism season. A light jacket and umbrella are sufficient for daytime. Early March is less crowded than late March, when domestic tourists begin arriving in larger numbers.
Suzhou Weather in April
April is one of the best months to visit. Highs average 20°C (68°F) and lows 11°C (52°F). See our where to stay in Suzhou guide for detailed information. Rainfall is moderate at 85mm over 11 days. Humidity is reasonable at 72 percent. Peonies bloom in the classical gardens, and the weather is ideal for walking the canals and Pingjiang Road. Hotel prices begin climbing mid-month. Book at least a week ahead. The Qingming Festival (Tomb Sweeping Day) in early April brings a 3-day national holiday with domestic travel surges.
Suzhou Weather in May
May warms up significantly: highs average 26°C (78°F) and lows 17°C (62°F). Rainfall jumps to 100mm over 12 days as the plum rain season approaches. See our Suzhou travel tips and FAQ guide for detailed information. Humidity rises to 75 percent. The Labor Day holiday (May 1 to 5) floods Suzhou with domestic tourists; avoid this period if possible. Late May can feel muggy. Bring light clothing plus a rain jacket. Gardens are lush and green, making this a visually rewarding time despite the crowds.
Suzhou Weather in June
June is the start of summer and the plum rain season. Highs reach 29°C (84°F) and lows 21°C (70°F). See our Suzhou travel guide for detailed information. This is the wettest month: about 160mm of rain over 13 days. Humidity spikes to 80 percent, making it feel several degrees hotter. Expect overcast skies and daily drizzle or downpours. You will need an umbrella and quick-dry clothing. The rain keeps some domestic tourists away, so gardens are quieter than in May. Dragon Boat Festival (June, lunar calendar) brings dragon boat races on Jinji Lake.
Suzhou Weather in July
July is Suzhou’s hottest month. Highs average 33°C (91°F) and lows 26°C (78°F). Heat index can push past 40°C (104°F) with 80 percent humidity. Rainfall is about 140mm over 12 days, mostly as heavy afternoon thunderstorms. This is the worst month for outdoor sightseeing. If you visit in July, plan garden walks for early morning (before 10am) and stick to air-conditioned museums like Suzhou Museum during midday. Carry water, wear a hat, and expect to sweat constantly.
Suzhou Weather in August
August is almost as hot as July, with highs of 32°C (90°F) and lows of 25°C (77°F). Rainfall decreases slightly to 130mm over 12 days. Occasional typhoons from the East China Sea can bring heavy wind and rain for 1 to 2 days; check forecasts daily. The heat and humidity persist through the entire month. August is the peak of domestic summer holidays, so scenic spots and water towns like Tongli and Zhouzhuang are packed. Book everything in advance.
Suzhou Weather in September
September marks the transition to autumn. Highs drop to 28°C (82°F) and lows to 21°C (70°F). Rainfall is about 100mm over 10 days. The first half still feels summery; the second half is noticeably cooler and more comfortable. Mid-Autumn Festival (September or early October, lunar calendar) brings mooncake vendors to every street corner and lantern displays along the canals. This is an excellent time to visit, with fewer crowds than October and pleasant temperatures.
Suzhou Weather in October
October rivals April as Suzhou’s best weather month. Highs average 23°C (73°F) and lows 14°C (57°F). Rainfall drops sharply to 55mm over 8 days. Humidity falls to 72 percent. Clear blue skies are common. The osmanthus flowers bloom, scenting the entire old city. The first week of October is Golden Week (National Day holiday), when the entire country travels. Suzhou’s gardens become shoulder-to-shoulder crowded. Visit the second half of October instead. Hotel prices during Golden Week can double or triple.
Suzhou Weather in November
November cools down quickly: highs average 17°C (63°F) and lows 8°C (47°F). Rainfall is low at 45mm over 7 days. Autumn foliage appears by mid-month, especially at Tiger Hill and around the classical gardens. Ginkgo trees along Daoqian Street turn brilliant yellow. You will need a jacket or light coat. This is a quiet month for tourism, making it a good value period with lower hotel rates and fewer crowds.
Suzhou Weather in December
December brings winter: highs average 11°C (52°F) and lows 3°C (37°F). Rainfall is minimal at 35mm over 6 days. Humidity drops to its annual low of 70 percent. You will need a warm coat, scarf, and gloves. Christmas is not a public holiday in China but shopping malls in Suzhou Industrial Park put up elaborate decorations. December is the quietest tourism month, offering the lowest hotel prices of the year. Gardens are uncrowded and peaceful in the winter chill.
