Hanoi Weather Overview by Season
Spring (February – April)
This is one of the best times to be in Hanoi. The climate is pleasant, flowers blossom everywhere, and the air is redolent of Tet, the largest festival of the year in Vietnam. With temperatures ranging from 18 to 25°C, it’s perfect for visiting outdoor spots such as Hoan Kiem Lake. Wonder what it’s like to be there in early spring? For more information, see Hanoi weather in March!
Summer (May – August)
Summer in Hanoi is hot and humid, which coincides with the beginning of the rainy season. Temperatures are generally quite high, exceeding 33°C, with frequent heavy showers in the afternoon. It’s hardly the best time to visit Hanoi, but if you can handle the heat, it’s a good time to visit with fewer tourists and a lush green landscape.
Autumn (September – November)
This is also the best time to visit Hanoi for the majority of travelers. The air is brisk, the skies are clear, and the city shimmers with golden leaves. The weather: Pleasant, with temperatures averaging between 20°C and 28°C, it is the best time of the year in Hanoi to enjoy the outdoors. The Mid-Autumn Festival is also worth braving, the city full of lanterns, mooncakes, and cultural performances.
Winter (December – January)
Hanoi’s winter comes with cold and dry weather; some days the temperature can be 10°C or below. It’s a serene time to travel, perfect for savoring sizzling local food and having some fun at Christmas or New Year. What’s it going to be like during the coldest month? Read on for practical advice.
Best Time to Visit Hanoi Based on Your Travel Style
Love sightseeing?
March-April or October-November are good months to visit Hanoi. The weather is mild and the skies are clear, ideal for sightseeing in places like Hoan Kiem Lake and the Old Quarter. Do not skip the Hanoi weather march when sending data and travel tips in spring!
Couples looking for romance?
Opt for autumn (September-November). This time of year tends to be one of golden leaves, milk flower scents, and dreamy walks. It is the most romantic time of year in Hanoi.
On a budget?
On a budget? Visit in May or December. May is hot but cheap. December is cool and festive, make that Hanoi in January, and pack some clothes.
Festival lover?
And visit, in January-February, for Tet, Vietnam’s largest national festival. Or savor the Mid-Autumn Festival in September, lanterns and mooncakes, and magical nights.
Month-by-Month Breakdown: Hanoi Weather & Travel Tips
January: Cold Mornings & Tranquil Temples
Weather Summary: Look forward to cooler, mistier days, with temperatures ranging between 14°C and 20°C and drizzle and low humidity that make it one of the driest months of the year.
What to Expect: January is a quiet, mellow month. As residents gear up for Tet, the streets grow wonderfully quiet. Flower markets begin to bloom, and there’s a peaceful sparkle around every turn, especially in early morning temple visits.
Events & Festival: Tet typically comes in February, but the celebrations are kicking off now. Alongside floral decorations, red envelopes, and busy markets, you’ll feel the cultural pulse.
Best Things to Do:
- Get lost in the Old Quarter without the hordes
- View options: Get to the Temple of Literature or the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum in peace
- Drink hot egg coffee at a clandestine cafe
- Visit indoor museums such as the Fine Arts Museum or the Hoa Lo Prison
Pros & Cons:
- Pros: Calm atmosphere, friendly locals, areas still unexplored, and low precipitation.
- Cons: Damn cold nights bring warm clothes!
Packing Tips: Layers, a windbreaker, and comfortable walking shoes. To have a better idea of this cold season, read how Hanoi is in January, and plan your clothes and day trips accordingly.
The Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum (Source: baochinhphu)
February: Festive Feels & Floral Beginnings
Weather Summary: Temperatures ranging 15-21ºC, misty mornings, and a romantic haze over the city. The rain is light, but the sky remains cloudy.
What to Expect: Winter here in Hanoi is festive, as the Tet holiday has arrived and the fun continues in full force throughout the month. Flower stalls, lanterns, and ancestral altars animate streets. Just be aware: some shops may close down for up to a few days while everyone celebrates.
Events & Festivals:
- Tet (Lunar New Year): Vietnam’s most sacred and emotionally significant festival, observed with colorful, spiritual, and emotional
- Co Loa Festival: Conducted in the Dong Anh district, combining ancient ceremonies and games in the locality
Best Things to Do:
- Browse through spring flower markets
- Enjoy performances around Hoan Kiem Lake, including traditional dances.
- Temple hopping dressed in red and gold for New Year blessings
Pros & Cons:
- Pros: Culture, photogenic landscapes, strange traditions
- Cons: Some closures, reduced services during Tet week
Packing Tips: Layers, light sweaters…and something festive if you want to feel like one of the locals. A wonderful time to visit if you take culture over crowds.
Co Loa Festival (Source: thanhcoloa)
March: Blossoms and Spring Breezes
Weather Summary: Hello, and happy mild spring! Hanoi weather in March is observed at temperatures ranging from 18- 24 °C with minimum rainfall.
What to Expect: The blooming season in Hanoi starts now. It’s nature coming alive, blooming trees, fresh and abuzz. It’s one of the best times for outdoor activities throughout the city.
Events & Festivals:
- Ban Flower Season: The whole city is dyed violet with ban flowers
- Temple festivals are organised in several districts
- Art and culture events spring up, particularly on weekends.
Best Things to Do:
- Go to Hoan Kiem Lake at sunrise and get the magic light.
- Take a walk on Phan Dinh Phung Street when the trees are in full blossom.
- Embark on a cultural tour or a day trip to Halong Bay
Pros & Cons:
- Pros: Beautiful weather, thin crowds, and nature in full bloom
- Cons: And, now only the negatives: It’s early flu season, so pack accordingly.
Packing Tips: Light jackets, scarves for cool mornings, sunscreen for day trips. For even more ideas, check the Hanoi weather in March to help you plan the best activities during your Hanoi holiday.
Walk on Phan Dinh Phung Street (Source: vnexpress)
April: Transitional Charm Before the Heat
Weather Summary: Temperatures ranging from 21° C to 28° C. Scattered rain showers are expected, but the sun is sticking around. Towards the end of the month, the humidity starts to increase.
What to Expect: April is a month of transition when spring shifts to early summer. The scenery is in full bloom, skies are often clear, and it’s still a great time to go before the rainy season sets in.
Events & Festivals:
- Reunification Day (April 30) and Labor Day (May 1) with their energy of patriotism
- It’s still the full bloom of the flower season.
Best Things to Do:
- Marvel at the French Quarter on a walking tour
- Visit rural villages nearby to see all the beautiful green rice fields
- See a traditional show at the Vietnam National Theater
Pros & Cons:
- Pros: Beautiful scenery, long days for sightseeing
- Cons: A shower could interfere with outdoor plans late in the month
Packing Tips: Umbrella, waterproof shoes, light layers. Still one of the best times to visit Hanoi before the hot days of summer.
Vietnam National Theater (Source: holidify)
May: Start of Summer & Shoulder Season Savings
Weather Summary: Early May in Hanoi is the onset of the summer, with temperatures ranging between 24°C and 32°C. It’s the beginning of the rainy season in this area, so expect brief and heavy showers in the afternoons, and increasingly high humidity.
What to Expect: The weather in Hanoi is brilliant with plenty of contrasts throughout the day; sunshine in the morning and showers in the afternoon. There are fewer tourists around, so there are big discounts on your hotel and tour packages if you visit Hanoi this month.
Events & Festivals:
- Citywide early summer sales
- Cultural activities resume in theaters after Tet
Best Things to Do:
- See an indoor Water Puppet Show in a traditional setting
- Go to the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology or the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum during the cooler times of the day
- Delightful green surroundings and peaceful streets
Pros & Cons:
- Pros: Cheap packages, plush surroundings
- Cons: Flash rains, soaring high temperatures
Packing Tips: Light, fast-drying clothes and a small umbrella. It’s not the best time to visit Hanoi for those intolerant of heat, but a dreamy one for the smart traveler who loves tranquillity and deals.
Vietnam Museum of Ethnology (Source: vinwonders)
June: Hanoi Turns Tropical
Weather Summary: High and low temperatures ranging from around 79 and 91. Ready for the heat? Thunder showers become prevalent, particularly in the afternoons, and with high humidity, the city is sweltering.
What to Expect: June ushers in the rainy season in full force. It’s hot, it’s wet, and it’s gloriously alive. Nature erupts in green, and rain-cooled nights make for soft strolls along the rim of Hoan Kiem Lake.
Events & Festivals:
- Off-peak = shorter lines at most attractions
- Art and culture go inside
Best Things to Do:
- Get up early for a quiet stroll by the West Lake
- Visit Hoa Lo Prison and Turtle Tower in the morning before the heat peaks
- Kick back on local iced tea and breezy rooftop cafés
Pros & Cons:
- Pros: Fewer crowds, tropical vibes
- Cons: Muggy, storms could interfere with outdoor plans
Packing Tips: Wear checkered clothing and waterproof shoes- early rising is this man’s law! If you’re hesitating about what is the best time to visit Hanoi is, please note that the rainy season also has its perks, particularly if you are an adventurous type!
Visit Hoa Lo Prison (Source: vietravel)
July: Peak Heat & Storm Drama
Weather Summary: With average high, low temperatures ranging between 27°C (80.6°F) and 34°C (93.2°F) and more than 18 rainy days, July is hot, moist, and showy!
What to Expect: It’s the height of summer and the rainy season. When the midday sun bakes the city, it cools off with a bang of an afternoon storm. It may not be the best time to visit Hanoi for all, but for those who revel in the chaos that summer truly is, it is an unforgettable experience.
Events & Festivals:
- Quiet local life; the perfect place to experience an off-the-beaten-path visit
Best Things to Do:
- Get a cold egg coffee or iced tea and listen to the rain from a café balcony
- Escape from the heat at cool spots such as the Fine Arts Museum
- Venture out on a day trip to Ninh Binh to get some fresh air and a view of rice fields
Pros & Cons:
- Pros: Few to no tourists, genuine local experiences
- Cons: Crazy heat, sporadic showers
Packing Tips: Sunscreen, sunhat, cooling towels, waterproof bags. And don’t forget to get back for more gentle conditioning on lighter ones, such as the weather in Hanoi in March.
The Fine Arts Museum in Hanoi (Source: visitbadinh)
August: Rainy Afternoons, Floral Aromas– for the best time to visit Hanoi
Weather Summary: Still humid, with temperatures ranging between 26°C to 32°C and rain showers. But the magic is in the air literally.
What to Expect: August is when the milk flower season comes to town, and Hanoi is filled with the sweet nostalgia of it. It’s a moist season, but one with a romantic, poetic character, especially at dusk.
Events & Festivals:
- Early preparation for the Mid-Autumn Festival
- Quiet hotels and open tables at famous restaurants
Best Things to Do:
- Embark on evening walks around Hoan Kiem Lake amid the blossom-filled air
- Tour of the most famous cafes in Hanoi with seasonal dessert
- Go to a live traditional music performance when it’s raining
Pros & Cons:
- Pros: Sensory-rich experiences, low travel costs
- Cons: Daytime activities could be shortened by rain
Packing Tips: Waterproof gear, bug spray, light rain gear, and a camera; you’ll want to document these moody, beautiful scenes.
Take a walk around Hoan Kiem Lake (Source:baotintuc)
September: Hanoi Wakes Up to Autumn– for the best time to visit Hanoi
Weather Summary: High 75 to 85 with lower humidity and sunnier skies. September is the month that begins the most romantic season in Hanoi, Autumn.
What to Expect: Despite the gloom over the world, the rice paddies in the countryside are golden, and leaves have started to flutter down gently along ancient streets in the city. This is a photographer’s and romantic’s prime time to visit.
Events & Festivals:
- This month’s major festival is the beloved Mid-Autumn Festival (Trung Thu), when you can expect lanterns, lantern processions, lion dances, and mooncakes!
Best Things to Do:
- Take golden-hour photos by Hoan Kiem Lake
- Taste mooncakes with locals
- Cooler air means you can get out and take walking tours of the Old Quarter.
Pros & Cons:
- Pros: Iconic scenery, moderate crowd, beautiful weather
- Cons: Afternoon light showers may occur
Packing Tips: Light layers, comfortable walking shoes are great. If you’re still pondering what is the best time to visit Hanoi this is it.
Walking in the Old Quarter (Source: vinwonders)
October: The Iconic Month to Visit– for the best time to visit Hanoi
Weather Summary: The temperatures ranging in October range from 22-28° C. The sky is clear with a cool breeze, which fills the air with the smell of blooming milk flowers.
What to Expect: It’s the best time to visit Hanoi. Locals love it. Travelers adore it. You’ll discover perfect conditions for outdoor pursuits from lakeside walks to cultural outings
Events & Festivals:
- Hanoi (the capital of Vietnam) celebrates its founding day (Oct 10th) with street parades and concerts
- Art shows and gallery openings abound this season
Best Things to Do:
- Take a stroll by West Lake as the trees change color
- See open-air cafes, colonial villas, and gardens from the French period
- Bike through the Red River Delta
Pros & Cons:
- Pros: The season offers picture-perfect weather and an active cultural life
- Cons: Hotel rates could be slightly elevated if booked in advance
Packing Tips: Light sweaters and clothes made of breathable fabrics are key. And don’t miss comparing this delightful month to other cool times, such as Hanoi’s January temperature, for a fuller perspective of what the season has to offer.
Hanoi Liberation Day – October 10 (Source: kinhtedothi)
November: Golden Skies, Cozy Streets– for the best time to visit Hanoi
Weather Summary: temperatures ranging from 18°C to 25°C heading to Hanoi in November, you’ll find it to be pleasantly cool, windy, and nothing like the high humidity of the previous few months of summer.
What to Expect: The city wears a lovely, wistful tranquillity. Crowds disappear, but the texture of daily life is alive and well details like its street-food culture and its sidewalk cafés.
Events & Festivals:
- Coffee and street food tours are thriving
- Night market seasonal delicacies are sold at night markets
Best Things to Do:
- Sip egg coffee by the lake
- Take an evening food tour in the Old Quarter.
- Visit the Temple of Literature in the golden foliage.
Pros & Cons:
- Pros: Quiet, picturesque, and very traveler-friendly.
- Cons: Fewer large festivals
Packing Tips: Warmer garb for the evening chill. Layers are best. And for the record, compare with Hanoi weather in March and how spring’s warmth stacks up.
Evening dining experience in the Old Quarter (Source: crystalbay)
December: Winter Charms and Christmas Lights – for the best time to visit Hanoi
Weather Summary: Temperatures ranging from 15°C to 22°C; some cool winds and short days. Hanoi is festive and cozy, and best taken slowly.
What to Expect: Christmas lights sparkle throughout the Hoan Kiem Lake neighborhood, and locals are starting to celebrate year-end holidays. Unsnowy, but the vibe is wintry.
Events & Festivals:
- Christmas lights and services at St. Joseph’s Cathedral
- New Year’s Countdowns around the city
Best Things to Do:
- Enjoy a steaming bowl of pho in the chilly air
- Walk through art or an art gallery
- Take holiday-themed tours or café crawls
Pros & Cons:
- Pros: Filled with atmosphere, cool reprieve from the heat
- Cons: Longest night of the year, cold weather (for some travelers)
Packing Tips: Warm clothes, scarves, maybe a beanie. For those who prefer cooler climes, December provides a peaceful and contemplative alternative to busier months, perfect if you’ve missed the best time to visit Hanoi earlier in the year.
Christmas lights at St. Joseph’s Cathedral (Source: crystalbay)
Conclusion
In summary, when is the best time to visit Hanoi? It depends on your style, spring (March-April) and fall (September-November) are popular benchmarks in terms of having the best weather combined with city cultural lures. Whether the hunt for blooms, the enjoyment of festivals, or Hanoi weather march and Hanoi in temperature january, there is one season in Hanoi that fits you, February. So book your Hanoi Tours now and be captivated by the charm of the capital!