What to wear in Hangzhou in April: the most comfortable spring of the year, visiting Longjing for tea picking around Qingming

In April, Hangzhou averages a high of 22.1°C and a low of 13.0°C, with about 14 rainy days and 117 mm of rainfall, making it the most comfortable month of spring. A long-sleeve shirt or light knit plus a thin jacket is enough for daytime; add a cardigan or windbreaker in the morning, evening or rain. Choose breathable, water-friendly shoes, and keep carrying an umbrella every day.

In April, Hangzhou's hills turn green, the tea is fresh, and flowers bloom one after another by the lake. The period around Qingming is the liveliest time for West Lake Longjing tea, and another travel rush hits at the end of the month ahead of the May Day holiday. Below, we use 1991–2020 averages from the China Meteorological Administration's Hangzhou station to cover April temperatures and what to wear, plus tea season, flowers, Qingming crowds and the month's weather shifts. For a year-round comparison, see Hangzhou Weather & What to Wear Overview; for March, see Hangzhou March Weather & What to Wear.

April weather: warmer, but not settled yet

The average temperature in April is 17.0°C, nearly six degrees higher than March, making it the fastest-warming month of the year. In early April, daytime temperatures hover around 20°C and mornings are about 10°C; by late April, daytime highs often reach 25°C, and sunny midday hours already feel like early summer. April is also the least humid month of the year, averaging about 70%. The air feels crisp after rain—neither as damp and chilly as March nor as muggy as June.

But April weather isn't stable. Historically, April has hit 35.1°C, and the hottest day each April averages over 30°C; the record low is 0.2°C, and the coldest day each April averages around 6°C. Wearing short sleeves one day and needing a jacket the next when cold air moves in is especially common in early April.

Rainfall is slightly lower than in March, with an average of 13.8 rainy days and about 117 mm of precipitation for the month. Sunshine totals roughly 145 hours, so clear days are noticeably more frequent. April rain comes in two forms: steady spring drizzle that lasts a day or two, and afternoon showers or even thunderstorms that arrive suddenly and stop within half an hour. Rain is common around Qingming Festival—the line "drizzling rain during Qingming" is no exaggeration in Hangzhou.

What to wear in April

By period: early April still carries an early-spring chill, with mornings and evenings around 10°C, so bring a knit layer along with a light jacket; mid-April sees daytime temperatures settle just above 20°C—the most comfortable stretch of the month—so long sleeves plus a light jacket will do; late April often brings several consecutive days above 25°C, so short sleeves come out, but temperatures drop again after thunderstorms, so don't pack away your jacket yet.

Daytime: a long-sleeve shirt, light knit, or long-sleeve T-shirt paired with a light outer layer—a trench coat, denim jacket, or thin jacket all work. On sunny afternoons strolling by the lake or through the tea plantations, you can just tie your jacket around your waist. When it warms up in late April, a short-sleeve top with a cardigan is enough.

Mornings and evenings: Temperatures in the early morning and after dark are 8–9 degrees lower than at midday, and it's breezy by the lake, so a knit cardigan or light hoodie comes in handy. If you're heading to Longjing or Meijiawu for morning tea, or arriving early at Lingyin Temple, the hills are cooler than the lakeside—bring an extra layer.

Rainy days: On rainy April days, it can feel like the low teens (°C), so a water-resistant light jacket is best. Bring an umbrella for sudden thunderstorms. Choose breathable, water-friendly sneakers with good tread—dirt paths in the tea plantations and mountains get slippery after rain. White canvas shoes will be caked in mud on the tea hills.

Indoors: Hotels and malls generally don't run heating in April, and some have already switched on the AC, so there isn't much difference between indoor and outdoor temperatures. Old buildings and temple halls stay cool, so keep your jacket on when stepping inside on damp, rainy days.

Sun protection: The April sun is already strong. After half a day walking along Su Causeway or through the tea hills, exposed necks and arms will burn. Bring a hat and sunscreen—there's almost no shade in the tea plantations.

Traveling with seniors and kids: The comfortable weather makes this a great time to bring older family members, but pace yourselves on the stone steps up the tea hills or Baoshi Hill—they get very slippery after rain. Pollen and willow catkins peak in April, so if seniors or kids have allergies, bring masks and medication. Add a jacket for children in the morning and evening, and wipe off sweat promptly at midday.

April packing list: One light jacket (trench coat or water-resistant shell), one knit cardigan or light hoodie, several long-sleeve shirts and T-shirts, plus one or two short-sleeve tops for late April; breathable, non-slip sneakers; a folding umbrella; a hat and sunscreen; masks and allergy medicine. If you plan to drink or buy tea, leave a little room in your luggage.

Tea season: Mingqian, Yuqian, and how to visit the tea hills

April is the main harvest season for West Lake Longjing tea. Tea picked and processed before Qingming Festival (April 5 in 2027) is called "pre-Qingming tea," made from the tenderest buds with a smaller yield. Tea harvested between Qingming and Grain Rain (around April 20) is called "pre-rain tea" and has a richer flavor. Early April is therefore the busiest and most scenic time on the tea hills. Around Longjing Village, Meijiawu, Wengjiashan, and Manjuelong, the slopes are dotted with tea pickers, while the sound of tea being roasted in iron woks and its fragrance drift out from the village.

A few tips for visiting the tea hills: First, go early—the morning light is better and more pickers are out. Second, stick to the paths—the tea rows belong to farmers, so don't step into them just for photos. Third, check the weather—dirt paths in the plantations get slippery in the rain, and farmers usually don't pick then. On rainy days, head to the China National Tea Museum instead, then relax at a teahouse in the village afterward. When buying tea, choose reputable shops. West Lake Longjing carries an origin protection label—if you're unsure, ask a local.

If you'd like to try it yourself, some farming families in Longjing Village host tea-picking and roasting experiences, but you need to book ahead. On rainy days, these usually switch to roasting demonstrations only. For a family's experience, see Longjing Village tea farmer experience. The iron woks used for roasting are extremely hot, so children should only watch from the side and never reach out. Wear a hat and long sleeves when picking—there's no shade in the plantations, and your arms will burn after an hour or two.

Here's a suggested route through the tea hills: Start in Longjing Village and explore the "Longjing Wencha" area and the Eighteen Imperial Tea Trees. Then follow the mountain path downhill toward Jiuxi, all the way to Jiuxi Yanshu and Shiba Jian (Eighteen Streams). The trail is mostly downhill, taking about three hours with stops. It's best on sunny days; if it has rained, just wander around the village instead.

Flowers and the lake in April

The end of the tulip season. The Taiziwan tulip exhibition usually opens in early March and ends in mid-April. In 2025, it runs until April 13, so you can still catch it in early April, but after mid-April it winds down.

Peonies and azaleas. In mid-to-late April, the peonies in the Peony Garden at Huagang Park bloom, and the azaleas along West Lake and in the Botanical Garden open one after another, with richer colors than in March.

Fresh greenery. The most beautiful thing about April is actually the "green": the willows and plane trees on Su Causeway and Bai Causeway sprout new leaves, the green by the lake deepens day by day, and West Lake looks freshly washed after the rain.

On the lake. In April, the breeze on West Lake is neither cold nor hot. Taking a hand-rowed boat or a cruise to the center of the lake to see Three Pools Mirroring the Moon is pure bliss. Boats may be suspended during thunderstorms or high winds—check the pier's announcements for the day.

Xixi Flower Festival. The Flower Festival at Xixi Wetland usually runs from late March to early May. April is when the flowers are at their peak, and taking a boat to view the blossoms on both banks is an easygoing way to explore. For admission and boat tickets, see the Xixi Wetland scenic area page.

Temples in the hills. Taoguang Temple and Yongfu Temple behind Lingyin Temple are surrounded by fresh greenery. Visiting in April is cooler than in summer and livelier than in winter. Admission to the Lingyin Feilai Peak scenic area is free, but you must book under your real name via the "Hangzhou Lingyin Feilai Peak" mini program. Slots fill up fast around Qingming Festival and on weekends, so book in advance. For details, see the Lingyin Temple scenic area page.

Crowds: Qingming and the days before May Day

April has two peak periods. One is Qingming: the days around Qingming Festival are for tomb sweeping and spring outings. In 2027, Qingming falls on April 5; the exact holiday schedule will be announced by the State Council. During the holiday, West Lake, Lingyin Temple and Longjing Village get very crowded, and roads leading out of Hangzhou jam up. The other is late April: the May Day holiday starts on May 1, so crowds build in the last few days of April. Book high-speed train tickets and hotels near West Lake early.

Apart from these two stretches, weekdays in April aren't really crowded. On regular days during tea season, visiting Longjing Village or Meijiawu is relaxed. At Prince Bay Park, Su Causeway and Lingyin Temple on weekends, crowds pick up after 9 a.m. If you can choose your dates, mid-April weekdays are best: tea is still being picked, flowers are still blooming, and there are fewer people.

Weather risks in April

Late cold snaps: in early April, temperatures can occasionally drop sharply—25°C one day and 12°C the next. Bring a windproof jacket.

Thunderstorms and severe weather: from late April, afternoon thunderstorms become more frequent, sometimes with hail or strong winds. If you're boating on the lake or hiking and notice darkening skies or hear thunder, head back to shore or indoors right away. Don't shelter under trees.

Qingming rain: it's often overcast and rainy around Qingming. With so many people out for tomb sweeping and spring outings, hailing a taxi on wet days is even harder. Keep outdoor plans loose during this stretch, and if the rain gets heavy, switch to a museum or the Former Residence of Hu Xueyan. For tickets and opening hours, see the Former Residence of Hu Xueyan attraction page.

Pollen and willow catkins: April brings the most pollen and willow catkins. If you have allergies, wear a mask outdoors and wash your face and hands as soon as you get back to your hotel.

Alternatives for rainy days and crowds

If downtown is crowded and rainy during the Qingming holiday, head out to a water town. The covered corridors and old streets of Wuzhen and Xitang offer plenty of shelter, and the rain-soaked canals capture the true flavor of Jiangnan. Spring is also more comfortable than summer here; stay overnight in the ancient town to see the lanterns reflected in the water. Indoor options include the China National Tea Museum, Zhejiang Provincial Museum, and the indoor show at Songcheng—see our Songcheng Romance of the Song Dynasty show guide for details.

One-day plans for sunny and rainy days

Sunny day: Head out at 8 AM to Longjing Village or Meijiawu to watch tea picking and enjoy a cup of fresh tea in a teahouse. Come down before noon for lunch near Lingyin Temple or back by West Lake. In the afternoon, stroll along Su Causeway or Yanggong Causeway, then catch the sunset by the lake. Sunset in April is just after 6 PM, so you'll still have time for an evening walk along the lakeside after dinner.

Rainy day: Visit the China National Tea Museum in the morning, then sip tea and listen to the rain in the museum's teahouse or one nearby. In the afternoon, explore the Hu Xueyan Former Residence and Hefang Street area, where overhanging eaves keep you dry. Catch an indoor show in the evening, or head back to your hotel early to rest up for a trip to the tea hills once it clears the next day.

April vs. May: which to choose

Both April and May are great times to visit Hangzhou. April is cooler, right in the middle of tea season, and full of blossoms—but expect Qingming rains and crowds. By May, average highs reach 26.9°C and early summer sets in, making packing easy, but the May Day holiday brings some of the biggest crowds of the year and humidity builds toward month's end. If you love tea and flowers and don't mind occasional rain, pick mid-April. If you prefer lighter clothing and want to avoid the May Day rush, go in mid-May. For more details on May, see our Hangzhou year-round weather and clothing guide.

How April weather affects your itinerary

The wild cards in April are the Qingming rain, the crowds, and the roads up the tea hills. On the best mornings of tea season, parking spots in Longjing Village and Meijiawu fill up fast. The village lanes are narrow, so driving yourself often means getting stuck with no room to turn around. If you're traveling with older family members, leave the tea hills, Lingyin Temple, and West Lake to a Hangzhou private car—the driver can drop you off and pick you up at the village entrance, and if the rain gets heavy, you can head straight to a museum instead. To really understand the difference between pre-Qingming and pre-rain teas and the history of Longjing tea on the hills, hire a Hangzhou tour guide to walk with you. Book Lingyin Temple reservations and Wuzhen hotels well ahead for Qingming and the May Day holiday. If you want the whole trip planned out, check out Hangzhou custom tours. For more attractions, see the Hangzhou city page; for West Lake info, see the West Lake scenic area page.

FAQs

What to wear in Hangzhou in April?

A long-sleeve shirt or light knit plus a thin jacket. In April, average highs are 22.1°C and lows 13.0°C—cool mornings and evenings, warm midday. A layer you can easily take on and off and an umbrella are all you need.

Is it cold in Hangzhou in April?

In early April, mornings and evenings feel cool, and if a cold front moves in, daytime temperatures may only reach the low teens, so bring a windbreaker or light jacket. Mid to late April is mostly comfortable, and sunny afternoons can even feel a bit hot.

Do I need an umbrella in Hangzhou in April?

Yes. April averages about 14 rainy days, with everything from light spring drizzle to afternoon thunderstorms. Keep a lightweight folding umbrella in your bag every day—it's much more convenient than buying a raincoat on the spot.

Is Hangzhou crowded during Qingming?

Yes. West Lake, Lingyin Temple and Longjing Village are all packed during the Qingming holiday, and it often rains. If you want to see tea season but avoid the crowds, visit on a weekday just before or after Qingming. Book Lingyin Temple in advance via the mini program.

Can I see tea picking in Longjing in April?

Yes. Early April is the busiest time for picking pre-Qingming tea, while pre-Guyu tea is harvested between Qingming and Guyu. Visit Longjing Village or Meijiawu in the morning for the best views—tea farmers usually don't pick on rainy days.