Suzhou is located in a subtropical monsoon zone, so the weather is mild and moist with four distinct seasons. It's best to visit Suzhou between January and April because the temperature is not too low and the flowers are in full bloom until June. The Plum Rain Season of June is followed by a hot July. After July, a harvest autumn arrives. Both the fresh fruits and the seafood will surely whet your appetite. To promote tourism in Suzhou, a number of tourist festivals are held here every year:

West Hill Plum Blossom Festival in Wu County - March, 1st to 10th
The Tiger Hill Flower Festival - March to May
Luzhi Apparel Cultural Tourist Festival - April
The Tiger Hill Fair - September to October
Tianping Hill red Maple art Festival - November
The Festival of Listening to the Bell of the Cold Mountain Temple on New Year's Eve - December, 31st

Festival

Ya Shenxian (April 14th in Chinese lunar calendar)
April 14th is said to be the birthday of Lv Dongbin, one of the Eight Immortals in Chinese Taoist mythology. On that day, he comes to Suzhou disguised as a human to spread happiness and prosperity. To receive more luck from the immortal, people from all over Suzhou crowd the streets in celebration. Today, this activity has turned into a bustling temple fair with various displays including handicrafts, plants, animals, and local snacks.