Last updated: August 21, 2025
May in Hangzhou, China brings a mix of warmth and occasional rain, perfect for enjoying the vibrant city. With maximum temperatures reaching 38°C (101°F) and an average of 23°C (73°F), the weather is generally pleasant, although the minimum can dip to 11°C (52°F) during cooler nights. Visitors can expect 12 days of precipitation, totaling around 165 mm (6.5 in), creating a lush, green landscape. The humidity remains high at 87%, adding a tropical feel to the air. This combination of warmth and humidity makes May a unique experience for both locals and travelers alike.
May in Hangzhou, China, marks a significant transition into the warmth of spring, with temperatures reflecting this change. The month begins with a minimum of 11°C (52°F), which is considerably warmer than the preceding months, while the average climbs to a pleasant 23°C (73°F), enticing locals and visitors alike to enjoy outdoor activities. The maximum temperature can soar to a sizzling 38°C (101°F), signaling the approach of summer. As the days grow longer and sunnier, Hangzhou transforms, showcasing its beautiful landscapes and vibrant city life, making May an ideal time to explore this enchanting destination. Overall, the steady rise in temperatures not only elevates the atmosphere but also sets the stage for the hot summer months ahead, making it a perfect time for adventure.
In May, Hangzhou experiences a significant uptick in precipitation, with 165 mm (6.5 in) falling over approximately 12 days. This month marks a peak compared to the preceding months, highlighting May as a crucial transition into the wetter season. The rainfall not only outshines January's modest 79 mm and April's 89 mm, but it also foreshadows the intense downpours of June, which typically brings in a staggering 348 mm (13.7 in) across 18 days. This trend underlines May's role as a vital precursor to the summer monsoon, making it essential for local flora and contributing to the lush landscapes that Hangzhou is renowned for.
As May arrives in Hangzhou, China, the air is thick with humidity, maintaining a consistent 87% level that mirrors the increased moisture seen in April. This springtime humidity sets the stage for the warm months ahead, with a notable rise in moisture observed as the year progresses. The trend becomes even more pronounced in the following months, with June and July reaching 89% and 93%, respectively, indicating that summer will be characterized by a muggy atmosphere. Interestingly, while January’s humidity starts at a lower 70%, there is a clear upward trajectory leading to the peak of summer, revealing just how humid Hangzhou becomes by mid-year. As the foliage flourishes, May's humidity heralds the onset of lush landscapes, but also foreshadows the sultry days that follow.
In May, Hangzhou, China, experiences its peak UV intensity, with an UV Index of 11 categorizing the risk level as extreme. This significant increase from the previous month marks a trend of intensifying UV exposure that commenced in early spring, when the index surged from moderate levels in January to a very high rating in April. With a burn time of just 10 minutes, May highlights the importance of sun protection strategies for residents and visitors alike. As temperatures rise, staying informed about UV levels becomes crucial for safe outdoor activities. For more detailed information, visit the Hangzhou UV Index.
UV Risk Categories
In Hangzhou, China, the month of May shines brightly with an impressive 273 hours of sunny skies, signifying the peak of the spring season. This surge in sunlight marks a delightful transition from the cool, crisp days of January, which sees a mere 142 hours, to the warmer months ahead. The gradual increase in sunshine hours is evident as the months progress, with April already offering a cheerful 249 hours, setting the stage for May's brilliance. Following May, the summer months of June and July continue to bask in sunlight, peaking at 285 hours in July. Overall, the trend reflects Hangzhou's vibrant seasonal changes, where the lush landscapes come alive under the generous May sun, inviting both locals and travelers to enjoy the beauty of nature in full bloom.
In Hangzhou, China, the likelihood of sunny weather experiences a notable dip in May, with a chance of sunshine at just 27%. This trend is part of a larger pattern, as the region typically enjoys higher sunshine probabilities from January's moderate 51%, gradually decreasing toward the summer months. Notably, the sunshine percentage plummets from April's 31% to May, which suggests that the city might be preparing for the onset of the rainy season. Interestingly, the sun starts making a comeback in September, reaching a more promising 44%, inviting visitors to enjoy the city's beautiful landscapes. Thus, while May may not be the sunniest month, it serves as a transition, paving the way for the brighter days ahead.
As spring blossoms into summer, Hangzhou, China, experiences a notable increase in daylight duration throughout May. With the sun gracing the city for 13 hours, May stands as a beacon of light compared to the shorter winter days, which dip to around 10 hours in January and November. The transition from March to April already hints at this delightful change, where daylight extends from 11 to 12 hours. This upward trend continues into June, when daylight peaks at 14 hours, enveloping the vibrant landscapes of Hangzhou in warmth and brightness. The lengthening days in May not only herald the joys of outdoor activities but also reflect a gradual shift toward the lush, sun-kissed summer months ahead.
As May unfolds in Hangzhou, the city experiences a gentle breeze with an average wind speed of 2.3 m/s (5 mph), slightly less than the enduring calm of previous months. This subtle dip marks a transition, as the winds begin to prepare for the more vigorous gusts of summer. While the spring months have consistently held steady at 2.5 m/s (6 mph), May hints at the impending shift, with wind patterns gradually increasing leading into the warmer months of July, when winds pick up to 3.2 m/s (7 mph). The nuanced fluctuation in wind speeds not only enhances the city's scenic beauty but also sets the stage for the vibrant summer days ahead, making May a month of serene anticipation for both residents and visitors alike.
Weather in Hangzhou varies notably across the year, with each month offering distinct climate conditions. This page compares May’s weather to other months in Hangzhou, focusing on differences in temperature, rainfall, humidity, and UV levels.
May and January present starkly contrasting weather patterns. In May, temperatures range from a mild 11°C (52°F) at night to a blistering high of 38°C (101°F) during the day, with an average temperature of 23°C (73°F). This month also experiences significant precipitation, measuring 165 mm (6.5 in) across about 12 days, accompanied by high humidity levels of 87%. In contrast, January features much cooler temperatures, with a minimum of -9°C (16°F) and an average of just 6°C (43°F), peaking at a maximum of 24°C (75°F). The precipitation in January is notably lower at 79 mm (3.1 in), spread over 9 days, with a humidity of 70%. For more details, you can check Hangzhou weather in January.
When comparing the weather in May and February, it's clear that May is significantly warmer, with average temperatures ranging from a minimum of 11°C (52°F) to a scorching maximum of 38°C (101°F), compared to February's much cooler average, which sees temperatures from a minimum of -4°C (25°F) to a maximum of 27°C (80°F). May also experiences higher humidity at 87% and significantly more precipitation totaling 165 mm (6.5 in) over approximately 12 days, while February's precipitation is much lower at 68 mm (2.7 in) spread across 9 days. Overall, May is characterized by a hotter and more humid climate, whereas February offers a chillier, drier atmosphere. For more detailed insights, you can check Hangzhou weather in February.
In comparing the weather of May and March, May experiences significantly warmer temperatures, with an average of 23°C (73°F) and a maximum reaching as high as 38°C (101°F), compared to March's average of 13°C (56°F) and maximum of 29°C (85°F). Additionally, May is characterized by higher humidity levels at 87%, while March has a slightly lower humidity of 81%. Precipitation is also more pronounced in May, totaling 165 mm (6.5 in) over 12 days, in contrast to March's 119 mm (4.7 in) spread over 14 days. For more detailed information on March weather, you can visit Hangzhou weather in March.
In comparing the weather between April and May, we see a significant increase in temperature as May reaches a minimum of 11°C (52°F) and peaks at 38°C (101°F), while April has a minimum of 4°C (40°F) and a maximum of 34°C (94°F). The average temperature in May is notably higher at 23°C (73°F), compared to April's 18°C (64°F). Additionally, May experiences more substantial rainfall, with 165 mm (6.5 in) of precipitation over 12 days, whereas April receives 89 mm (3.5 in) over 10 days. However, both months maintain a consistent humidity level of 87%. For more specific details about April's weather, you can visit Hangzhou weather in April.
In comparing the weather between May and June, we can observe some notable differences. May presents a more moderate temperature range, with minimums of 11°C (52°F) and maximums reaching up to 38°C (101°F), leading to an average of 23°C (73°F). In contrast, June sees temperatures soar slightly higher, with a minimum of 17°C (62°F) and a maximum of 37°C (99°F), averaging around 25°C (78°F).
Precipitation levels also rise significantly in June, totaling 348 mm (13.7 in) over 18 days, compared to May’s 165 mm (6.5 in) and 12 days of rain. Both months feature high humidity, but June holds a marginally higher level at 89% compared to May's 87%. For a more detailed overview, you can visit Hangzhou weather in June.
When comparing the weather in May and July, significant differences emerge. May typically experiences milder temperatures, with a minimum of around 11°C (52°F) and an average high of 38°C (101°F). In contrast, July brings warmer conditions, with minimum temperatures of 22°C (71°F) and average highs reaching up to 41°C (106°F). Precipitation levels also increase from 165 mm (6.5 in) over 12 rainy days in May to 233 mm (9.2 in) over 17 rainy days in July, indicating a wetter climate. Additionally, July has a higher humidity level of 93% compared to May's 87%. For a detailed look at the weather specifics, you can refer to Hangzhou weather in July.
In May, the weather features a wide temperature range with minimums around 11°C (52°F) and maximums reaching 38°C (101°F), resulting in an average of 23°C (73°F). The month experiences significant rainfall, totaling 165 mm (6.5 in) over approximately 12 days, coupled with high humidity at 87%. In contrast, August sees warmer conditions, with minimum temperatures starting at 18°C (65°F) and peaking at 40°C (103°F), averaging 30°C (86°F). Precipitation in August is slightly lower at 163 mm (6.4 in) but occurs over a greater number of days (14), contributing to an increase in humidity to 91%. For more information, you can check Hangzhou weather in August.
May and September showcase a noticeable transition in weather patterns. In May, temperatures can range from a cool 11°C (52°F) to a sweltering peak of 38°C (101°F), with an average temperature of 23°C (73°F). The month also experiences higher humidity levels at 87% and receives significant rainfall, totaling 165 mm (6.5 in) over approximately 12 days. In contrast, September tends to be slightly warmer on average, with temperatures fluctuating between a minimum of 16°C (62°F) and a maximum of 36°C (98°F), averaging around 26°C (78°F). While it has a lower total precipitation of 133 mm (5.2 in) over 13 days, the humidity drops to 81%. For more detailed insights on September's climate, check out Hangzhou weather in September.
In May, temperatures can reach a high of 38°C (101°F) with an average of 23°C (73°F), creating a warmer atmosphere compared to October, where the maximum temperature is slightly lower at 35°C (95°F) and the average drops to 20°C (68°F). Additionally, May experiences significantly higher precipitation at 165 mm (6.5 in) over 12 days, while October sees just 56 mm (2.2 in) over 6 days, contributing to a much drier climate during the latter month. Humidity is also higher in May at 87%, compared to 80% in October, making the latter feel a bit more comfortable. For more specific details, check out Hangzhou weather in October.
May and November present contrasting weather patterns. May typically boasts warmer temperatures, with a minimum of 11°C (52°F) and an average high reaching 38°C (101°F), paired with a high humidity level of 87%. However, it experiences significant rainfall, accumulating around 165 mm (6.5 inches) over approximately 12 days. In contrast, November sees cooler temperatures, starting with a minimum of 1°C (35°F) and peaking at 31°C (89°F), while the average stands around 14°C (58°F). Precipitation is much lower in November, with only about 60 mm (2.4 inches) across 9 days and a slightly lower humidity of 82%. For more details about the weather in November, you can check Hangzhou weather in November.
May and December offer strikingly different weather experiences. In May, temperatures can soar from a minimum of 11°C (52°F) to a sweltering maximum of 38°C (101°F), with an average of 23°C (73°F). The month is characterized by high humidity at 87% and considerable rainfall, totaling 165 mm (6.5 in) over about 12 days. In contrast, December features much cooler temperatures, with a minimum of -4°C (25°F), averaging around 8°C (47°F), and peaking at 23°C (74°F). Precipitation is significantly lower at 66 mm (2.6 in) across 8 days, and the humidity drops to 77%. For more details on December weather, you can visit Hangzhou weather in December.
As May arrives in Hangzhou, it brings a vibrant transition from the cooler spring months to the heat of summer. With average temperatures soaring to a comfortable warmth, residents and visitors alike can enjoy outdoor activities amidst the lush landscapes. However, this month also introduces a noticeable increase in humidity and precipitation, marking a shift towards the more tropical summer climate. While rain may fall on about half of the days, these refreshing showers contribute to the region's unique charm and lush vegetation. To delve deeper into the captivating climate of Hangzhou, be sure to check out Hangzhou Climate.