What to wear in Hangzhou in October: the driest month of the year, fragrant osmanthus blooms, and how to avoid National Day crowds

In Hangzhou, October averages a high of 23.6°C and a low of 15.8°C, with only about 8 rainy days and 74 mm of rainfall all month—making it the driest, most pleasant month for getting out and about. Long-sleeve T-shirts or shirts are fine during the day; add a light jacket or knit cardigan in the morning and evening. By late October, mornings and evenings turn cooler, so switch to a windbreaker or jacket. Wear comfortable sneakers for walking.

October in Hangzhou brings clear skies and fragrant osmanthus blossoms. The only catch is the crowds: the National Day holiday is one of the busiest travel periods of the year. Based on 1991–2020 averages from the China Meteorological Administration's Hangzhou station, this guide covers October temperatures and what to wear, plus how to enjoy the osmanthus, dodge the National Day crowds, and plan your itinerary around the holiday. For a year-round comparison, see Hangzhou Weather & What to Wear Overview; for the previous month, see Hangzhou September Weather & What to Wear; for the following month, see Hangzhou November Weather & What to Wear.

October weather: the most stable month of the year

The average temperature in October is 19.3°C, around 23–24°C during the day and 15–16°C in the early morning. Sunny days outnumber rainy ones, with about 142 hours of sunshine, and humidity drops to roughly 73%, so walking by the lake never feels sticky or muggy. Based on 1991–2020 averages, October has only 8.1 rainy days—the fewest of any month—and even then it's usually just brief light rain.

But October isn't always the same. Early in the month you may still get an "autumn tiger" heat wave; the record high for October is 38.4°C, while a typical warm October day tops out around 30°C, so wearing short sleeves during the National Day holiday is common. By late October, when cold fronts arrive, early mornings can dip below 10°C—the coolest day each October averages around 9°C. That means what you wear at the start of the month will be very different from what you need at the end.

Typhoons are rare in October, but not impossible. In early October 2013, Typhoon Fitow made landfall on the Fujian-Zhejiang border, bringing severe flooding to Zhejiang. Check the typhoon forecast before your National Day trip—better safe than sorry.

Daily temperature swings in October are often around 8 degrees. It's 15–16°C when you head out in the morning, perfect for a jacket; by noon the sun pushes it to 25°C and that jacket becomes a burden; after sunset it cools down fast again. The easiest solution: wear a short-sleeve or thin long-sleeve shirt with a light jacket you can stuff into your backpack, adding or removing layers as needed. It's far more flexible than one thick hoodie.

What to wear in October

Early October (National Day holiday): Short sleeves or thin long sleeves work fine during the day; by the lake at noon on a sunny day it can feel hot. Bring a light jacket or shirt for mornings, evenings, and air-conditioned indoors. Sun protection is still a must—don't forget a hat and sunscreen.

Mid-month: The most comfortable time. Long-sleeve T-shirts, shirts or light knitwear with a thin jacket on top—during the day you can often get by in just a long sleeve. If you head into the hills at Jiuxi, Yunqi or Lingyin, it's cool under the trees, so keep your jacket in your bag.

Late month: Mornings and evenings turn noticeably cooler. Switch to a trench coat, denim jacket or light jacket over a hoodie or sweater. When a cold front hits, early mornings drop below 10°C, so packing a thin down vest isn't overkill.

Rainy days: October doesn't see much rain, so a lightweight folding umbrella in your bag is enough. If you happen to catch consecutive rainy days from a typhoon or cold front, it can feel like the low teens—a water-resistant light jacket is best.

Indoors: In early October, malls and the subway still run the AC; by the end of the month it's mostly off. The temperature difference between indoors and outdoors isn't huge, so easy-to-layer clothing is the most practical.

Shoes: During National Day you'll easily walk 10,000–20,000 steps around West Lake, with plenty of standing in line. Shoes matter more than clothes. Wear sneakers you've already broken in—don't wear new shoes.

Traveling with seniors and kids: October weather is friendly for both, but the crowds are the challenge. In packed spots during National Day, dress kids in bright colors, carry a slip of paper with an adult's phone number, and point out a landmark before entering the scenic area as a "wait here if we get separated" spot. Seniors shouldn't stand in crowds for too long—find somewhere with seats to rest.

October packing list: Two or three short-sleeve tops, three or four long-sleeve T-shirts and shirts, one light jacket (swap for a trench coat or jacket late in the month), one cardigan; two pairs of broken-in sneakers to rotate; hat and sunscreen; folding umbrella. For National Day travel, also bring a power bank and a small pack of tissues—you'll need them while waiting in line.

Sweet osmanthus: the most fragrant time in October

Sweet osmanthus is the city flower of Hangzhou, usually blooming at its peak from late September to early or mid-October. Manjuelong is the most famous spot for viewing the blossoms, and "Sweet Osmanthus Rain at Manjuelong" is one of the New Ten Scenes of West Lake. Lingyin Temple, the botanical garden, Gushan Hill, and the streets around West Lake also have groves of osmanthus trees, filling the whole city with a sweet fragrance when they bloom. Early and late varieties flower in turns, often producing two or three rounds of blossoms in a single autumn.

The blooming period varies greatly from year to year. According to Xinhua News Agency, persistent summer heat and below-average rainfall in 2025 kept Hangzhou's osmanthus "holding back" for about 40 days, pushing peak bloom to late October. If you're traveling specifically for the flowers, check local bloom updates a week before departure. In years when flowering is delayed, consider shifting your itinerary—early November might be just right.

You don't have to crowd into the most famous spots to enjoy the blossoms. During osmanthus season, Nanshan Road and Beishan Street by West Lake, the botanical garden, and many residential compounds and schools are planted with osmanthus trees, and the evening fragrance on a stroll is no weaker than at Manjuelong. If you do want to visit Manjuelong, go on a weekday morning—the mountain roads there get jammed on weekends and during the National Day holiday.

What else to see in October

Persimmons and reeds at Xixi Wetland. The Fire Persimmon Festival at Xixi runs from September into October, and once the persimmons turn red you can pick a few yourself. By the end of the month, the reeds begin sprouting white plumes, leading into the Reed Listening Festival in November. Park admission and boat rides are charged separately; see the Xixi Wetland park page for details, and how to choose a boat ride at Xixi Wetland for tips on which boat to take.

On the lake and in the hills. October is a great time for a boat ride on West Lake. The breeze is mild, the water is wide open, and spots like Three Pools Mirroring the Moon and Mid-Lake Pavilion are best seen from the water. In the hills around Lingyin Temple, Yongfu Temple, and Taoguang Temple, sweet osmanthus blooms mingle with ancient trees, making for an easy walk. Entry to Lingyin Temple is free, but during National Day the reservation slots often fill up the moment they're released—the earlier you book, the better. See the Lingyin Temple scenic page for details.

Night tours. October evenings are neither hot nor cold, perfect for strolling along Hubin or Beishan Street, or taking a night cruise to see the lakeside lights. Songcheng's shows are also at their most popular this time of year. See the Songcheng scenic page for details.

National Day holiday: how to avoid the crowds

The National Day holiday starts on October 1; check the State Council's official announcement for the exact 2027 schedule. During the holiday, West Lake, Lingyin Temple, Hefang Street, and Xixi Wetland draw the biggest crowds—Broken Bridge often gets so packed you can only shuffle forward. Highways around the city and roads leading into the West Lake scenic area will also be congested.

A few practical tips: First, shift your dates. The second half of the holiday is usually less hectic than the first two days, and visiting the week before or after is even better. Second, shift your hours. West Lake is quietest before 7am and after 8pm; save indoor attractions for midday. Third, book ahead. Reserve Lingyin Temple via the mini program, and buy tickets early for popular shows and boat rides. Fourth, change direction. On the busiest days, head outside the city or visit slower-paced spots like the Former Residence of Hu Xueyan or local museums. For ticket prices and opening hours, see the Former Residence of Hu Xueyan scenic page.

A day during National Day: Get up at 6:30am and reach Broken Bridge and Bai Causeway before 7am. While it's still quiet, walk over to Solitary Hill to watch the morning light on the lake. By 9am, when the crowds roll in, head back near your hotel for breakfast. Spend the morning at a museum or at an early slot you've already booked at Lingyin Temple. From noon to 3pm, when attractions are at their most crowded, rest at your hotel or relax in a teahouse. Head out again in the evening for a stroll along Nanshan Road or Beishan Street, then enjoy the lakeside night views after dinner. This way, you'll see all the highlights without ever bumping head-on into the crowds.

Transportation and accommodation around the holiday: The day or two before and after National Day are peak travel times, making high-speed rail and flight tickets hard to get. Hotels near West Lake also need to be booked well in advance. During the holiday, staying near a metro station is much more convenient—when city roads are jammed, the metro is the most reliable option. For the last stretch from your hotel to the attractions, it's better to walk than wait for a ride on the roadside.

If you're driving, note that West Lake Scenic Area often enforces odd-even license plate restrictions on weekends and public holidays from September to November. Lingyin Temple and Nanshan Road have additional traffic rules; follow the latest notices from local traffic police. During National Day, finding parking inside the scenic area is nearly impossible. Parking on the outskirts and switching to a bus or the metro will save you time.

October weather risks

Late summer heat: On sunny days in early October, midday temperatures can approach 30°C. Stay hydrated and wear sunscreen while waiting in line.

Cold fronts: When cold air moves south in late October, temperatures can drop 7–8°C in a single day. It's easy to catch a chill by the lakeside at night, so don't leave your jacket at the hotel.

Typhoons and autumn rain: Unlikely, but if one hits, expect a day or two of wind and rain, suspended boat services, and slippery mountain paths. Switch to indoor plans on those days: museums, historic houses, indoor shows, or an afternoon in a teahouse.

Fog: In the early mornings between autumn and winter, fog occasionally rolls over the lake and into the hills, clearing once the sun comes out. Allow extra time if you're catching an early flight or high-speed train.

Three different half days in October

A fragrant half day: When the osmanthus is at peak bloom, head to the mountain hollows around Manjuelong in the morning, where the osmanthus trees are densest. Sit under a tree with a cup of tea while blossoms drift onto the table. Then walk along Nanshan Road toward the lake and take in the view near Orioles Singing in the Willows. In years when the bloom comes early or late, swap this half day for Lingyin Temple and Fayun Lane, where the ancient trees and bamboo groves are just as peaceful.

A half day on the lake: After 3 pm, board a boat at the lakeshore or near Yue Fei Temple Pier and head to Three Pools Mirroring the Moon and Mid-Lake Pavilion. You'll be back on shore just in time for sunset. In October, sunset is around 5:30 pm—half an hour earlier than in September—so don't take a boat out too late.

A water town half day: On crowded National Day holiday dates, spend the afternoon at Xixi Wetland, drifting through the waterways by boat—much more relaxing than squeezing along West Lake. Or simply devote a full day to an ancient town outside the city.

October vs. November: which to choose

October is warmer and drier than November, and most of the osmanthus blooms fall in this month. November is cooler, edging into early winter by late in the month, but it brings red leaves and golden ginkgos—and no long holidays. If you want light clothing and osmanthus blossoms, pick mid-to-late October and avoid the National Day week. If you want autumn foliage and fewer crowds, go on a weekday in November and pack slightly warmer clothes.

How October weather affects your itinerary

October has the best weather, so the real challenges are crowds and traffic. During National Day, you'll wait a long time for taxis at scenic area exits, and buses and subways are packed. Families traveling with seniors can leave West Lake, Lingyin Temple, Longjing and other spots to a Hangzhou private car, with pick-ups and drop-offs at agreed locations timed to avoid the crowds. For places that require reservations or tickets—like Lingyin Temple, shows and boat rides—a Hangzhou tour guide can help arrange the order and provide on-site commentary. On the busiest days of the holiday, consider spending a day or two outside the city at Qiandao Lake, Wuzhen or Suzhou. For the whole trip, see Hangzhou custom tours. If you're coming from Shanghai, check out Shanghai to Hangzhou private car. For more attractions, visit the Hangzhou city page; for West Lake info, see the West Lake scenic area page.

FAQs

What to wear in Hangzhou in October?

In early October, wear short sleeves or thin long sleeves with a light jacket. In mid-October, long sleeves with a light jacket. By late October, switch to a windbreaker or jacket. The average high in October is 23.6°C and the low is 15.8°C, with a big temperature gap between morning/evening and midday, so bring a layer you can easily put on and take off.

Are mornings and evenings cold in Hangzhou in October?

Mornings and evenings are cool. Long sleeves are usually enough during the day, but it's chilly in the early morning, evening, mountains and on the lake. When cold fronts arrive in late October, early mornings may drop to around 10°C, so switch to a windbreaker or jacket.

Is Hangzhou crowded during National Day?

Extremely—it's one of the busiest times of the year. Expect lines at West Lake, Lingyin Temple and Hefang Street, and book Lingyin Temple in advance via the mini program. Avoid the peak if you can; if not, go out early, return late, and spend midday indoors.

Do I need to book in advance to visit Lingyin Temple during National Day?

Yes. The Lingyin-Feilaifeng Scenic Area has been free of charge since December 1, 2025, but you must make a real-name timed reservation through the "Hangzhou Lingyin Feilaifeng" mini program. Spots are tightest during National Day, so book as early as possible once your dates are set.

Are osmanthus flowers still blooming in Hangzhou in October?

Early to mid-October is usually peak season, with early and late varieties blooming in waves. It varies a lot by year—in 2025, full bloom was delayed until late October and early November. Check local flower updates before you go.

Does it rain a lot in Hangzhou in October?

Not much. It's the driest month of the year, averaging about 8 rainy days and 74 mm of rainfall. A folding umbrella is all you need.