Suzhou is located in the lower reach of the Yangtze River, belonging to the monsoon ocean climate zone, with four distinctive seasons and abundant rainfall.
Summers are hot and humid, and winters are cold and damp. The hottest month is July, with an average temperature at 28 °C (82 °F), and the coldest month is January, with an average temperature at 4 °C (39 °F).
The average yearly precipitation is about 1100 mm (43 inches), and the "plum rain season" is from June and July, characterized by gloomy and rainy weather. In winter it rarely snows, but it still feels cold with the dampness.
The best times for traveling in Suzhou are spring and autumn. With about 2 hours drive from Shanghai, Suzhou has similar weather with Shanghai. Have a look at our Suzhou Tour Packages and choose your time of travel.
Spring - warm and pleasant
Spring is from March to May, with generally warm and pleasant weather. Though there are sharp and frequent intervals of temperature changes, spring is the best time for traveling in Suzhou.
Suzhou in springSweaters and coats are enough to cope with the weather, but also prepare long-sleeve shirts for the day when it gets warmer.
Visit the nearby water towns such as Zhouzhuang and Tongli will offer you great views. (See our special report on China's famous ancient towns)
Summer - hot and humid
Summer is from June to September, with very hot and humid weather. The highest temperature occurs in July, with the highest temperature sometimes reaching up to 38 °C (100 °F).
Wearing sunglasses and sun screen and drinking lots of water is recommended. Sudden heavy rains frequent in summer, so it is suggested to prepare raincoat or umbrella while traveling in summer. Wear any summer clothes such as shorts, skirts and T-shirts.
Visiting the landscape gardens or boating on a canal is very relaxing in summer.
Autumn - sunny, cool and dry
Leaves turns yellow in autumnAutumn is from October to November. Autumn is one of the best seasons of the year for traveling in Suzhou, with the weather being generally sunny, cool and dry. There are sharp and frequent intervals of temperature changes.
Long-sleeve T-shirts and sweater or coat are enough to cope with the weather.
Winter - cold and humid
Winter is from December to February, with the coldest period being from late January till early February, which is usually during the Spring Festival. Winter in Suzhou is characterized by cold north wind and heavy humidity. Although the winter temperature in Suzhou is not as low as cities in North China, and it seldom snows, it still feels very cold with the heavy humidity.
The average low and high temperature in December is respectively at 3 °C (37 °F) and 11 °C (52 °F), in January at 0 °C (33 °F) and 8 °C (46 °F), in February at 2 °C (35 °F) and 9 °C (48 °F).
Prepare down jackets, thick jeans, sweaters, scarves and umbrella. Winter is considered the off season, so Suzhou is less crowded and it is cheaper to travel.
Our Most Popular Suzhou Tours
Suzhou Tongli Water Town- 2-Day Essential Suzhou and Tongli Water Town Tour from Shanghai: The World Heritage gardens and charming water town are unmissable highlights.
- Suzhou Classic Gardens Day Trip: Explore some hidden gems in "the most beautiful and welcoming city in South China".
- 5-Day Shanghai, Hangzhou, and Suzhou Bullet Train Tour: This tour offers the best of the three most important cities in the Yangtze Delta.
See more of our Suzhou Tours. Our tours can be tailor-made based on your requirements and budget. Please feel free to contact us.
Suzhou Climate Information by Month
- Suzhou Weather in January
- Suzhou Weather in February
- Suzhou Weather in March
- Suzhou Weather in April
- Suzhou Weather in May
- Suzhou Weather in June
- Suzhou Weather in July
- Suzhou Weather in August
- Suzhou Weather in September
- Suzhou Weather in October
- Suzhou Weather in November
- Suzhou Weather in December