The honest version — including the months we'd steer our own families away from.
The short answer: Aim for March–May or September–November: mild, clear and made for walking. June is plum-rain season, July–August hot and humid with typhoon-season downpours possible, and winter grey but mild, cheap and uncrowded.
Warm days fading to crisp evenings, low rainfall and the year's most reliable skyline views. Osmanthus blossom scents the parks in October. The single best window for the water towns too.
Comfortable temperatures and blooming plane trees make this prime strolling weather in the Concession and gardens. Expect moderate crowds and the odd shower — nothing an umbrella can't fix.
June's 'plum rains' are persistent and gentle; July–August turns hot and sticky (often 35°C+) with occasional typhoon fringes. Air-conditioned museums, towers and early-morning walks keep the city workable.
Rarely freezing, often grey and drizzly — but hotel rates fall, queues vanish, and the skyline still performs nightly. Pack layers rather than a parka.
Because every tour we run is private, dates and routes stay flexible: we watch the forecast with you and re-order days to chase the clear morning or dodge the downpour. Tell us your travel window and we'll tell you honestly what it will feel like — and how we'd shape the days.