Weather: During September, the summer heat begins to dispel. The temperature decreases markedly, and the city is filled with the coolness of autumn. The average daily high and low temperatures are 20 °C (68 °F) and 28 °C (82 °F). It rains about 13 days of the month, and there is about 144 mm of total rainfall.
September and October are the two best weather months. The locals call it the season of "Tian Gao Qi Shuang" ("high skies and clear and refreshing air"). The exception is when there is a typhoon or tropical storm. Hangzhou receives about 3 typhoons every year, and September and October are the most likely months for typhoons.
If a typhoon comes on a Qiantang Tidal Bore day, then it can double the size of the tidal bore and cause a dangerous and spectacular event. It is important to keep abreast of the current Hangzhou weather and forecast>>
Clothing: You can still dress in a T-shirt and shorts on nice days. However, bring long-sleeve shirts, trousers or long dresses too. On rainy days, you'll need rain gear and wear waterproof shoes or sandals.
Things to Do in Hangzhou in September
Experience the Mid-Autumn Festival
Experience the Mid-Autumn Festival in HangzhouThe Mid-Autumn Festival: The second biggest holiday in China is in the middle or end of September more than 2/3 of the years. It often falls near the October 1 National Day holidays, and then it becomes a part of the "golden week" holidays. It's the 15th day of the eighth month of the Chinese lunar calendar. There are big crowds out, but there are interesting things to do and a time to see Chinese recreating. You'll also be able to experience the festivities and the traditional celebrations.
Moon cakes are exchanged and consumed in large quantities. The local moon cakes and chrysanthemum teas are a special treat tourists should try. They are often enjoyed together. Moon cakes are small fruitcakes of a variety of flavors, shapes and colors. They are usually made from the fruits and nuts of harvest time, but modern gourmet varieties are exotic and include ingredients such as gold leaf. Chrysanthemum tea makes you feel energetic and has antiviral properties good for colds.
See the Qiantang Tidal Bore
Qiantang Tidal Bore: A favorite local activity during the Mid-Autumn Festival is to go watch the Qiantang Tidal Bore that generally coincides with it. The largest tidal bore appears about 3 days after the full moon of Mid-Autumn Day, give or take 3 days. It is an interesting and often spectacular natural phenomenon that most people have never seen.
The tidal bore happens as the high tide is funnelled into a fast moving wave by the shape of the mouth of the river. It is difficult to predict exactly which day the large tidal bore wave will come in until close to when it happens. The record for the wave is 9 meters (30 feet) tall, and it travels at about 40 kilometers an hour. You'll hear a rumble and roar when it comes.
It is a tradition for people living near the mouth of the Qiantang River to celebrate the festival by eating moon cakes while watching it. The natural wonder has become a popular event for hundreds of thousands each year.
Enjoy West Lake
The large West Lake park is 63 square kilometers (23 square miles) in area, and it is the favorite tourist attraction in the city. During a Mid-Autumn Festival, the park is particularly crowded. The lake is 15 kilometers (9 miles) around, and walkways and benches are all around it. It is a place for extended walks, riding bikes or boats, and dining in the West Lake (Xihu) area.
Drink Tea at a Tea Museum
You can step into Hangzhou National Tea Museum and enjoy the tea. Unlike most Chinese museums, there are not a lot of exhibits. The staff concentrate on helping visitors personally taste and learn about the various kinds of teas of China and Chinese tea customs. You'll learn about regional differences in tea drinking and how to make fine Chinese tea yourself. A variety of teas are for sale.
Touring Hangzhou in September
Peak Tourist Season
West LakeSeptember and October are the peak tourist months. The October 1 National Day and the Mid-Autumn Festival are particularly busy, and the fine weather draws people out to the outdoor attractions. Hangzhou is a popular tourist destination. Travel surges at the end of September before the National Day "golden week" of holiday.
Getting around and finding good accommodations might test your patience. Prices are high for flight tickets, train tickets, and hotel rooms. Let us use our experience to arrange a personal or group trip, find discounts, and save you time.
Recommended Tour Packages
- 2-Day Hangzhou Highlights and Grand Canal Heritage Tour
- 5-Day Shanghai, Hangzhou and Watertown Culture Tour
Do the above tours not meet your requirements? Contact us and let us help you plan a personalized Hangzhou tour.
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