Weather

China has four distinct seasons, and the climate in Hangzhou is somewhat similar to that of Washington D.C. In winter, although it is not unknown for temperatures to fall below freezing in January and February, there is little snow; rivers and lakes rarely freeze, but may. Summer is hot throughout the province; in July and August temperatures average 84 °F / 28 °C but can be uncomfortably muggy and reach temperatures as high as 100 °F / 37 °C. The best months are May and October, including about a two-week window on either side of these months, when it is ideal weather throughout most of China.


Bring casual clothes that you would normally wear for school. Jeans, sweaters and t-shirts are what Chinese students wear. Heating and air-conditioning are still a luxury in many public buildings, although the China Center and the International Student building are well-equipped. It is, however, advisable to take the lightest possible cotton clothes for the summer and warm sweaters, gloves, hat and warm jacket for the winter. As students will do a lot of walking, sensible footwear is essential (keep in mind that your shoe size may not be available here).

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