Weather, the best time and seasons to visit Suzhou

When is the best time to visit

You can visit Suzhou all year round, which spring is the best for traveling to the city.

Suzhou has a subtropical monsoon climate of the north, with a moderate and humid climate with four distinct seasons. As seasons change, you can see various beautiful gardens in Suzhou sometimes with flowers blooming similar to a piece of brocade, with shades of trees covered, and snow wrapping.

In the warm and pleasant spring, you can see beautiful scenery. Whether it is a sunny or rainy day, everything in the gardens that have different sizes come to life creating a lively scene. Moreover, the Fragrant Sea of Snow on Deng Wei Hill of Guangfu ancient town in February is also well known. The mountain is covered with blossoming plums that make it appear like a sea of snow, full of intoxicating smells.

If you visit Suzhou from April to October, you cannot only enjoy the natural landscape of the pink peaches and green willows, but also taste the different types of fruits such as peach, Biluochun Tea and candied lotus root. The red bayberry, loquat, candied lotus root, hairy crab and Salted & Fresh Pork Soup emerge on the market to allow you to enjoy gourmet meals after taking in the scenery.

Recommended scenic areas: Fragrant Sea of Snow in Deng Wei Hill (Plum Blossom in February), Linwu Cave (sea of plum blossom in Linwu), Humble Administrator's Garden (lotus in summer of July), Tianping Hill (maple leaves in October), Cold Mountain Temple Monastery (listening New Year's bell).

Weather by month

Suzhou has a humid subtropical climate with four distinct seasons. Here's a monthly guide to help you plan your trip to Suzhou based on the weather:

January - February: The weather during these months can be quite cold, with temperatures ranging from 2°C to 10°C. Some light snowfall is also possible. It's a good time to visit indoor attractions and enjoy hot pot.

March - May: The weather starts to warm up during these months, with temperatures ranging from 10°C to 25°C. The springtime is the best time to visit the city's famous classical gardens and enjoy the blooming flowers.

June - August: The summer months in Suzhou can be hot and humid, with temperatures ranging from 25°C to 35°C. It's a good time to visit outdoor attractions and take a boat ride on the Grand Canal.

September - November: The weather starts to cool down again during these months, with temperatures ranging from 20°C to 25°C. The autumn is a great time to visit the city's temples and enjoy the red leaves of the maple trees.

December - January: The winter months can be cold, with temperatures ranging from 2°C to 10°C. Some light snowfall is also possible. It's a good time to visit indoor attractions and enjoy hot pot.

It's recommended to check the weather forecast before your trip to Suzhou, as the weather can vary from year to year.

Reminder:

1. It is suggested that you avoid visiting Suzhou Gardens or Riverside Town Area around the Tomb Sweeping Festival, on weekends and other holidays. You can appreciate the unique charm of the ancient city Suzhou only when it is less crowded.

2. All scenic areas in Suzhou close early, among which the most popular is the Cold Mountain Temple Monastery which is closed at 17:30 and even on the holidays (except on the day of ringing bells for New Year), the Fragrant Sea of Snow in Deng Wei hill stops selling tickets at 16:00. As a result, you have to pay more attention to your time if you are traveling alone.

Packing list for a trip to Suzhou in different seasons:

Spring (March to May):

• Light jackets or sweater
• Umbrella or rain gear (occasional showers)
• Comfortable shoes for walking and exploring
• Sunscreen and sunglasses
• Light, breathable clothing (e.g. cotton or linen)

Summer (June to August):

• Light, breathable clothing (e.g. cotton or linen)
• Sunscreen and sunglasses
• Comfortable shoes for walking and exploring
• Hat for sun protection
• Portable fan or small towel to beat the heat

Autumn (September to November):

• Light jackets or sweater
• Umbrella (occasional showers)
• Comfortable shoes for walking and exploring
• Sunscreen and sunglasses
• Light, breathable clothing (e.g. cotton or linen)

Winter (December to February):

• Warm coat or jacket
• Scarf, hat, and gloves for warmth
• Comfortable shoes for walking and exploring
• Thermal underlayer clothing
• Umbrella or rain gear (occasional showers)

Note: It is recommended to check the weather forecast in advance and adjust the packing list accordingly.