Suzhou Climate and Weather | Best Time to Visit Suzhou
Suzhou, an ancient city with over 2,500 years of history, boasts a mild climate, four distinct seasons, and abundant rainfall. It is renowned for its charming water towns with their beautiful bridges and flowing streams, and traditional Suzhou gardens with their white walls and black tiles.
When planning your trip to Suzhou, you're bound to want to know about its climate – the weather in each season and the temperature variations throughout the year. This article provides Suzhou travel tips on what to wear in different seasons, as well as top things to do.
Suzhou Climate
Suzhou is located in the southeastern part of Jiangsu Province, in East China, between 119°55′ and 121°20′ east longitude and 30°47′ and 32°02′ north latitude. It borders Shanghai to the east, Zhejiang Province to the south, Taihu Lake to the west, and the Yangtze River to the north.
It is a central city in the Yangtze River Delta region. The terrain is low and flat, with crisscrossing rivers and numerous lakes. Most of the surface of Taihu Lake is within the territory of Suzhou, so it has a subtropical monsoon oceanic climate.
How is the Weather of Suzhou
The annual average temperature of Suzhou ranges from approximately 15°C to 22°C, with a daytime average of 22°C and a nighttime average of 15°C. The city experiences distinct seasonal variations. Summer average temperatures can exceed 29°C, with extreme highs surpassing 40°C. Suzhou's all-time record high temperature of 41.0°C was recorded on August 7, 2013. Winter lows typically hover around 0°C, though humidity remains high at 70%–80%, intensifying the chill. The all-time low of -10.1°C was recorded on January 18, 1969.
Since the late 1980s, Suzhou has experienced notably warmer winters, with mild winter conditions persisting for over a decade. Spring and autumn temperatures have also risen compared to the previous thirty years.
Average Temperatures of Suzhou
The average daily temperature range is 7.5°C. The maximum daily range occurs in spring (8.2°C), followed by autumn (7.7°C), winter (7.5°C), and summer (6.9°C). April has the largest daily range (8.5°C), while July and August have the smallest (6.8°C).
Does It Rain in Suzhou?
The plum rain season can last over 20 days in Suzhou, with air humidity frequently exceeding 90%. During this period, wall seepage and moldy clothing are common occurrences. Summer downpours can exceed 100 millimeters in a single day, leading to flooding in low-lying areas. Typhoon conditions bring strong winds that may cause fallen trees and power outages.
The duration of sunlight in Suzhou
The average frost-free period is 233 days annually. Due to variations in topography and latitude, multiple microclimates exist within the region. Solar radiation, sunshine duration, and temperatures are highest in the Taihu Lake area, while the Yangtze River area experiences relatively lower values. Precipitation distribution follows a similar pattern.
Suzhou Weather by Month
Based on historical data, we have listed the weathe in Suzhou throughout the year. If you want to check the Suzhou weather today/now, please check out the weather forecast.
Average Data | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | June |
Average High (°F) | 45/48 | 46/50 | 54/58 | 65/68 | 74/78 | 80/84 |
Average High (°C) | 7/9 | 8/10 | 12/14 | 18/20 | 23/25 | 27/29 |
Average Low (°F) | 31/34 | 33/36 | 39/43 | 49/52 | 58/62 | 66/70 |
Average Low (°C) | -1/1 | 0/2 | 4/6 | 9/11 | 14/16 | 19/21 |
Rain (in) | 1.6/1.7 | 2.4/2.5 | 3.3/3.4 | 3.9/4.0 | 4.2/4.3 | 6.3/6.4 |
Rain (mm) | 40/45 | 60/65 | 80/85 | 100/105 | 105/110 | 160/165 |
Average Data | July | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
Average High (°F) | 88/92 | 88/92 | 81/84 | 72/76 | 61/65 | 50/54 |
Average High (°C) | 31/33 | 31/33 | 27/29 | 22/24 | 16/18 | 10/12 |
Average Low (°F) | 74/78 | 74/78 | 67/70 | 56/60 | 46/49 | 35/39 |
Average Low (°C) | 23/25 | 23/25 | 19/21 | 13/15 | 8/10 | 2/4 |
Rain (in) | 5.1/5.2 | 5.0/5.1 | 5.1/5.2 | 2.2/2.3 | 1.8/1.9 | 1.4/1.5 |
Rain (mm) | 130/135 | 125/130 | 130/135 | 55/60 | 45/50 | 35/40 |
Best Time to Visit Suzhou
The best time for Suzhou travel is in spring (from March to May) and autumn (from September to November). During these months, the weather is pleasant, perfect for exploring the Suzhou gardens and Jiangnan water towns.
The Suzhou gardens in spring are filled with blooming flowers, complementing the ancient buildings perfectly. In the spring rain, you can also participate in the tea-picking and tea-making activities of Biluochun. In autumn, the ancient city and the autumn leaves combine perfectly.
Suzhou Weather in Different Seasons with Travel Guide
Suzhou has distinct features throughout the four seasons. In spring, flowers bloom and the climate is mild. In summer, there is abundant rainfall, and it is hot and humid, yet with summer resorts available. In autumn, when the weather is cool and pleasant, fruits ripen and the leaves turn into various colors. In winter, it is cold and dry, and there are a variety of Suzhou local food to try.
Suzhou in Spring (March to May)
Weather: Warm and humid, with average temperatures ranging from 8°C to 28°C. Frequent light spring showers occur.
What to Wear
Light sweaters, trench coats/jackets; be sure to bring rain gear.
Top Things to Do
As spring arrives and nature awakens, Suzhou enters its prime season for garden flower viewing. At the Humble Administrator's Garden, wisteria cascades like curtains while peonies and crabapples bloom. Rent traditional Hanfu attire for vintage-style photoshoots.
At Tiger Hill, cherry blossoms blanket the landscape as peach and camellia flowers compete in splendor. Ascend to the summit for panoramic views of spring's vibrant tapestry. Stroll along Pingjiang Road to experience the elegant charm of misty, rainy Jiangnan.
What Chinese spring delicacies should you try? Don't miss the fresh Biluochun tea and pickled fish soup.
>> Recommended One day Suzhou Highlight Tour
Suzhou in Summer (June to August)
Weather: Hot and humid, with average temperatures ranging from 23°C to 35°C. June-July marks the plum rain season, with frequent afternoon thunderstorms. You will also experience Suzhou's hottest month - in July.
What to Wear
Short sleeves, shorts, skirts; sunscreen, a sun hat, umbrella, and insect repellent are also necessary.
Top Things to Do
Summer in Suzhou is perfect for water activities (especially boating) and night tours. Enjoy night tours at Master of the Nets Garden and Humble Administrator's Garden, where you can admire the gardens under moonlight, experience Kunqu opera and Pingtan storytelling, and view lotus flowers.
Visit ancient Chinese water towns like Zhouzhuang, Tongli, and Mudu to glide through water alleys on a gondola. Or enjoy a cruise on The Grand Canal of China to take in the urbanscape of Suzhou and learn about history.
Looking for the places to visit in China in summer? Manshan Island on Taihu Lake or Suzhou Taihu National Wetland Park (with giant pandas encounter) offer off-the-beaten-path escapes from the heat.
>> Recommended 3 Days Suzhou Tongli Water Town Tour
Suzhou in Autumn (September to November)
Weather: Sunny and bright, the most comfortable season of the year with average temperatures ranging from 12°C to 27°C.
What to Wear
Long-sleeved T-shirts/shirts, light jackets, and comfortable sneakers for walking. However, after November, temperatures drop, so pack a jacket or windbreaker.
Top Things to Do
If you visit Suzhou in autumn, Tianping Mountain is a must-see for its vibrant red maple forests! At this time, colorful chrysanthemums bloom throughout Lion Grove Garden, while Osmanthus flowers fill the air at Lingering Garden. Don't miss the Hanshan Temple either, the most famous temple in Suzhou. The sound of the bells rings out, filled with poetic charm. For foodies, autumn is the best season to enjoy the most delicious Yangcheng Lake crabs.
>> Recommended Suzhou Tours
Suzhou in Winter (December to February)
Weather: Damp and cold, temperatures ranging from 3°C to 12°C.
What to Wear
Thermal underwear, sweaters, and down jackets are essential. On particularly cold days, you'll also need a scarf, hat, and gloves.
Top Things to Do
Winter brings fewer tourists to Suzhou, making it quieter and more serene. Admire the winter plum blossoms against the snow at Lion Grove Garden. If you have more time, you can also visit Guangfu Ancient Town. In February, the plum blossoms are like a sea of snow, with a fragrant aroma that is intoxicating. If you are afraid of the cold, visit the Suzhou Museum, the Suzhou Opera Museum, the Suzhou Silk Museum, and other indoor exhibition halls to gain a deeper understanding of the culture of the Wu region.
During the Chinese New Year, ancient towns such as Zhouzhuang and Tongli are decorated with lanterns, and the lanterns illuminate the ancient bridges. You can experience the traditional Chinese Spring Festival.