Weather: December's weather is cold, and it feels cold due to the high humidity. The month is generally dry, but it snows some nights.
The average daily low and high temperatures are 4 °C (39 °F) and 11 °C (52 °F), and there is about 47 mm of total precipitation.
In spite of the cold, some days are sunny. December is the driest month. The temperature drops sharply at night, by 8°C on average.
Clothing: Bring coats and head coverings to stay warm in this weather. When rain or snow looks likely, you'll need rain gear and waterproof shoes. On some days, there is slush on the ground. Check the current Hangzhou weather and forecast>>
Things to Do in Hangzhou in December
Have a fine meal at a Westlake restaurant: Hangzhou is one of the country's richest cities and has a lot of international visitors, and you can enjoy fine dining around West Lake. The West Lake district has fine Chinese restaurants that tourists enjoy.
See West Lake Park
West Lake in early DecemberWest Lake Park: As in the picture above, you can go boating on the big lake that measures 15 kilometers (9 miles) around. There are walkways along the lake that you can walk or jog on. The park area is 63 square kilometers (23 square miles). It is Hangzhou's favorite tourist attraction. It is free to enter.
The scenery at West Lake can be snowy and beautiful in December. The famous "Melting Snow on Broken Bridge" is one of the ten classic West Lake scenic sites if it is snowy. To see the scenic sights, you can ride red municipal bikes. These are available for rent at about 20 automatic bike rental spots around West Lake. The cost is minimal. You can ride for two hours for 2 RMB (33 cents US).
Drink tea at the Hangzhou National Tea Museum
Drink hot tea on a cold day: This is a place to go in the city for an unusual tea drinking experience. Drink delicious and hot Chinese tea on a cold slushy or rainy day. It is an interesting place because while enjoying the tea, you'll learn about tea and the tea culture of China.
This museum isn't like most others with a lot of artefacts behind glass. There are some displays, but their emphasis is on visitor participation and appreciation of tea by tasting and drinking various kinds of tea from various regions of China. You'll learn about regional differences in tea drinking ceremonies and their customs. You could also buy souvenirs and a variety of tea.
Shop and Deals
Shopping: You can stock up on bargains on local products, electronics, and even luxury products such as silk clothing. There are both some of Chinese mainland best luxury malls and economical Chinese markets and shops that sell a broad range of products. Despite its relatively small size, Hangzhou is one of the top four mainland cities for buying luxury goods. It is often called the luxury goods capital of China's southeast.
Hangzhou Tower and Hubin International Boutique are luxury malls where you can buy Chinese or foreign brand products. Hangzhou produces quality silk and satin, and you'll find the best Chinese styles at the Hubin International Boutique along with top Western brands.
China's high technology manufacturing products are available at low prices in the stores and markets in the commercial center. On Wensan Road, there are several multi-story market buildings with hundreds of shops called the Electronics Products Market (电子产品市场).
Touring Hangzhou in December
Low Tourist Season
The low tourist season starts in December. The weather is cold, and there are no big holidays in December. So tourism is much less than in September and October. Prices are the lowest for flight tickets, train tickets, and hotel accommodations. You'll have an easier time travelling and will enjoy lower prices if you come in December. There is less crowding at the main attractions as well.
Recommended Tour Packages
2-day tour of Hangzhou: You'll visit Hangzhou's main highlights including. Six Harmonies Pagoda and West Lake. We encourage you to modify your tour as you wish. Specify what you would want to do while booking.
5-day Shanghai, Hangzhou, Suzhou and Nanjing Bullet Train Tour: You'll sightsee the highlights in these two big important commercial centers, shop, and dine. The tour includes West Lake in Hangzhou, the Ancient Water Town of Wuzhen, the Shanghai World Financial Center, and the Bund in Shanghai.
Further Reading
Hangzhou Climate Information by Month
- Hangzhou Weather in January
- Hangzhou Weather in February
- Hangzhou Weather in March
- Hangzhou Weather in April
- Hangzhou Weather in May
- Hangzhou Weather in June
- Hangzhou Weather in July
- Hangzhou Weather in August
- Hangzhou Weather in September
- Hangzhou Weather in October
- Hangzhou Weather in November
- Hangzhou Weather in December