Weather: During October, expect generally cool and fine weather, though it is sometimes stormy. The average daily low and high temperatures are 14 °C (57 °F) and 23 °C (73 °F). It rains about 1/3 of the days of the month, and there is about 87 mm of total rainfall. You can expect good touring weather most days.
October and September are the two best weather months, and this is the most popular tourist season as well. Chinese say: "Tian Gao Qi Shuang" ("high skies and clear and refreshing air"). However, sometimes a typhoon or tropical storm arrives. Hangzhou experiences about 3 typhoons every year, and September and October are the most likely months for typhoons. Due to the shape of the Qiantang River delta, the tidal bores can reach dangerous heights during a typhoon. The spectacular Qiantang Tidal Bore can be double the normal size.
Clothing: Bring a long-sleeve shirt and a coat or sweater. When rain looks likely, you'll need rain gear and waterproof shoes or sandals. Keep abreast of the current Hangzhou weather and forecast>>
Things to Do in Hangzhou in October
West Lake in OctoberVisit the West Lake International Expo
West Lake Expo: It is one of China's biggest trade fairs and is very important for the high technology market. It is held at Hangzhou West Lake annually in October or November. It is a big drawer of tourists to the area. About 50,000 business people attend for business along with millions of visitors who want to see the high technology products on display, search for employment, or buy high technology products from around the world.
The 2013 fair was a month long event that featured seminars, dozens of exhibitions, and festival programs to entertain and edify the guests. The goal is to promote trade and technology and the tourism and leisure industry. It is a place for business people to make key contacts and for visitors to learn from the hundreds of exhibits at the 300,000-square meter expo. There are art displays, musical performances, cultural fairs, excursions, and an undergraduate technology fair.
West Lake Park: The technology exposition is set in the 63 square kilometers (23 square miles) area city park that is Hangzhou's favorite tourist attraction. During a Mid-Autumn Festival or the National Day holidays, the park is particularly crowded. The lake is 15 kilometers (9 miles) around, and you can go for extended walks, ride bikes or boats, or dine in the West Lake (Xihu) area.
Experience the Mid-Autumn Festival
West LakeThe Mid-Autumn Festival: This is the second biggest traditional holiday, and it is in the beginning of October 1/3 of the years. The holiday often is near the October 1 National Day holidays, and so it becomes a part of the "golden week" vacation period. There are sure to be big crowds, but it is an interesting time to visit to see the activities and watch the people recreate.
One of the traditions is to exchange and consume moon cakes. They are small fruitcakes of a variety of flavors, colors, and shapes including gourmet ones with real gold foil and regular ones made from seasonal fruits and nuts. They are often eaten with chrysanthemum tea that are made from the flower. It has antiviral properties good for seasonal colds and makes you feel energized.
See the Qiantang Tidal Bore
Qiantang Tidal Bore: A favorite local holiday activity during the Mid-Autumn Festival is to go to the Qiantang River to watch the tidal bore that generally comes three days after the date of the full moon, give or take three days. It is a spectacular natural phenomenon that most people have never seen.
The high tide is funnelled by the shape of the mouth of the river into a several meter high fast moving wave travelling at about 40 kilometers per hour. It comes with a rumble and roar. Hundreds of thousands go out to watch, and it's a custom to eat moon cakes while watching.
Touring Hangzhou in October
Peak Tourist Season
October and September are the peak tourist months. The October 1 National Day "golden week" public holidays and the Mid-Autumn Festival are particularly busy, and October's fine weather draws the people out to the outdoor attractions. Hangzhou is a popular tourist destination, so travel surges.
Getting around and finding acceptable accommodations could test your patience. Prices are very high for flight tickets, train tickets, and hotel accommodations. We can use our experience to conveniently arrange a personal or group trip, and even save your money.
Recommended Tour Packages
2-day Hangzhou Highlights Tour: This tour includes the Grand Canal, West Lake, and other Hangzhou highlights. If you tell us that you are planning to attend the business expo, we'll try to arrange accommodations and travel that will be convenient. WHile booking you can arrange to modify the tour as you wish.
5-day tour of Shanghai and Hangzhou: You'll sightsee, shop and dine in these two important big commercial centers. You'll see the Shanghai World Financial Center, the Bund of Shanghai, West Lake, and the Ancient Water Town of Nanxun.
Do the above tours not suit you? Just let us know your interests and requirements, and we will be glad to design a tour for you.
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