Hanoi Tours in January: Weather Guide Day & Night

Hanoi Daytime Temperature in January: What to Expect

Average daytime temperature: Cool and comfortable

The daytime temperature varies from 18°C to 21°C (64°F to 70°F) in January. That’s cool enough to wear a coat, but not so cold it’s going to keep you from going outside and playing. That’s a stark difference from the hot, sticky summer months in Hanoi, so January is a breath of fresh air, quite literally! 

Inexpensive flights of the airlines on the website make it a very comfortable temperature range, so many tourists think this is one of the best time to visit Hanoi.

Sunshine hours and cloudy skies

You can usually expect to have 2 to 5 sunshine hours each day. Most mornings begin with some fog or cloud, but by midday, the sun might poke through, illuminating the most famous tourist haunts for holidaymakers who stroll around taking selfies at locations like Hoan Kiem Lake or the broad pathways leading up to the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum.

Though there are some moments of cloudiness, this soft light just makes you look more beautiful, an ideal lighting if you are after photos in places like West Lake or St. Joseph Cathedral, or the historic Hanoi Old Quarter.

Perfect activities for daytime weather

Visit Tet Flower Markets (only in January!)

Tet (Vietnamese Lunar New Year) is at hand, with its flower markets in Hanoi. They come out in January!

• Quang Ba Flower Market: The Largest Flower Market in the City. You’ll find flowers from Da Lat, Moc Chau, and the much-loved peach blossoms of Hanoi.
  •  Address: Au Co Street, Quang An Ward, Tay Ho District
  •  Opening hours: 2:00 AM to 12:00 PM
  •  Entry: Free

• Nhat Tan Peach Garden: This is a Montessori to take photos wearing traditional Vietnamese clothing (ao dai character) during Tet. Floral display is at full bloom by the middle of January.
  •  Address: Alley 264, Au Co Street, Nhat Tan Ward, Tay Ho District
  •  Entry for photography: About 50,000-100,000 VND

Nhat Tan Peach Garden (Source: envietnamplus)

Discover Hanoi’s Historic Places

Cool, dry conditions are ideal both for seeing famous cultural sites without the crowds.

• Temple of Literature: Vietnam’s first university, founded in 1070. It’s tranquil and beautiful in January, filled with ancient trees, stone carvings, and serene gardens.
  •  Address: 58 Quoc Tu Giam Street, Dong Da District
  •  Hours: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
  •  Ticket: 30,000 VND for adults, 15,000 VND for students

• Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum Complex: Do dress conservatively and note that you can’t bring big bags into the mausoleum. The vibe in here is one of peace, respectfulness, and a very special thing on a crisp January morning.
  •  Address: 2 Hung Vuong Street, Ba Dinh District
  •  Hours: 7:30 AM – 10:30 AM (closed Mondays and Fridays)
  •  Ticket: Free of charge to the mausoleum, but nearby museums cost approximately 25,000

Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum Complex (Source: vietnamtravel)

Take a Walk Around the Lakes

Fewer tourists and good weather make Hanoi’s lakes even more peaceful in January.

• Hoan Kiem Lake (Central Hanoi): Stroll along the lake, or watch people do morning exercises, or sit at Dinh Cafe (13 Dinh Tien Hoang) for an egg coffee. Walk next door to St. Joseph Cathedral to take pictures of its French architectural style. 
  •  Entry: Free
  •  Optional: Ngoc Son Temple (30,000 VND)

• West Lake (Tay Ho District): A huge lake that makes for a good bike ride or a romantic stroll. The sunset view is amazing, especially in January when the sky is clear.
  •  Entry: Free
  •  Nearby: Tran Quoc Pagoda, the oldest pagoda in Hanoi

West Lake (Source: wikipedia)

Enjoy Hot Street Food

The dish may be hot, but the temperature is cool in Hanoi in temperature january!

• Pho Ly Quoc Su: This joint is a neighborhood favorite for its flavorful soup and tender beef.
  •  Address: 10 Ly Quoc Su Street, Hoan Kiem District
  •  Price: 40,000 – 70,000 VND per bowl

• Cha Ca Thang Long: This is on the way to this grilled fish dish made with turmeric, dill, which is cooked at your table. A fun and tasty experience!
  •  Address: 19-31 Duong Thanh Street, Hoan Kiem District
  •  Price: 120,000 – 180,000 VND per person
• Bun Cha Hang Quat: This dish is a Hanoi staple of grilled pork in broth, with noodles and herbs. Great place for lunch in the Old Quarter!
  •  Address: 74 Hang Quat Street, Hoan Kiem District
  •  Price: 50,000 – 60,000 VND

Bun Cha Hang Quat (Source: guruttovietnam)

Hanoi Nighttime Temperature in January: How Cold Does It Get?

How Cold Are Nights in Hanoi?

The normal nighttime temperature in Hanoi in January goes from 10°C to 14°C (50°F to 57°F) – although you’d get some colder nights, especially in the beginning of the month and or right up to Tet (the Lunar New Year) and it could get down to as low as 8°C – but given the high humidity and wind, the weather would be felt much colder than you might think.

This is a stark temperature range that few visitors are accustomed to – even after a pleasant 18-21°C during the day, so make sure you pack a warm jacket and scarf when you head out at night!

Fog, Wind Chill, and Evening Atmosphere

Crisp and foggy thanks to the pattern of the northeast monsoon, the evening air in Hanoi is. A light wind chill, combined with moisture from high humidity, on the other hand, can make your evening walk feel like you are walking in a cool cloud.

That light, filmy mist gives Hanoi in January an awesomely cinematic feel, especially in the old parts of town around West Lake, the Temple of Literature, or in the shadow of St. Joseph Cathedral, where gentle lighting and floating fog are just so peaceful and enigmatic.

Ideal Things to Do in Hanoi at Night in January

Enjoy a warm bowl of pho

When the temperature drops, a steaming hot bowl of pho is a necessity. The broth is hearty, the noodles soothing, and the experience distinctly local. Here are two great spots:

• Pho 10 Ly Quoc Su – 10 Ly Quoc Su Street, Hoan Kiem District. A classic, well-known place. Costs vary from 50,000 – 70,000 VND.
• Pho Bat Dan – Located at 49 Bat Dan Street. It’s known for its fierce, unadulterated taste and local crowd. It can get crowded at peak times. Costs between 40,000 and 60,000 VND.

Relax at a café in the Old Quarter

Hanoi is made for its café culture on a January evening. Start with a Vietnamese egg coffee, thick, creamy, and unforgettable.

• Cafe Giang – 39 Nguyen Huu Huan street. This is the headquarters of egg coffee, and remains beloved by locals and visitors alike. Prices from 30,000-40,000 VND.
• The Note Coffee – 64 Luong Van Can St. Situated on the banks of Hoan Kiem Lake, it is famed for its vibrant messages left by visitors. A cozy place to unwind. Prices: From 35,000 to 60,000 VND.

Try a Vietnamese hotpot dinner

Hotpot is a common dish for dinner, especially in the wintertime. People sit around a pot of soup and cook meats, tofu, vegetables, and noodles together.

• Lau Pho Co - 61 Ly Thai To St. Cost: Rates begin from 150,000 VND per person.
• Quan An Ngon – 18 Phan Boi Chau Street. A bigger restaurant with a lot of Vietnamese food (even hotpot) in the traditional style. Hotpot is somewhere between 180,000 to 250,000 VND.

Take a walk by the lakes

The lakes of Hanoi are spectacular in January, and they are particularly beautiful at night when the soft lighting and calm surroundings make them a peaceful refuge.

• Hoan Kiem Lake – Heart of the city. Wonderful for walking or lazing. During daytime, you can go to Ngoc Son Temple (entrance ticket: 30,000 VND) and then street music, or market on weekends nearby.
• West Lake – A tranquil and open area in Tay Ho District. Head to Tran Quoc Pagoda, Hanoi’s oldest Buddhist temple, in the evening, which is lit up beautifully. Entry is free. 

Explore night markets

Regardless of the time of year, even when it’s cool and the Hanoi in temperature january, the markets are bustling and full of local personality.

• Dong Xuan Night Market – This is based on Dong Xuan Street. Open weekends 6 PM-11 PM, Walking Street – Along Hoan Kiem Lake, blocked from traffic on Friday, Saturday, Sunday nights. There’s live music, games, local treats, and a festive Tet (Lunar New Year) atmosphere.

Dong Xuan Night Market (Source: asiamystika)

January Weather in Hanoi – Quick Overview Table

Sunset (Source: localvietnam)

How to Pack for January in Hanoi (Day vs. Night)

Smart Layering Strategies for Hanoi’s Climate

Because of these temperature extremes, daytime highs hover around the low 20s Celsius, and nighttime lows can dip down to double digits. It’s all about the layering. Hanoi weather December and January doesn’t get too cold, with the average temperature around 17°C / 62.6°F in afternoons and mornings and slighter colder at nights. However, the humidity and wind chill in like evening make it feel much colder than the actual number.

• Layer 1 –  Base layer: soft and comfortable cotton or wicking long-sleeve tops
• Layer 2 – Middle layer: A thin sweater or insulated hoodie
• Layer 3 – Outer layer: Medium-weight waterproof jacket (perfect for fog and light rain)

What to Wear: Morning vs. Night

Morning Outfit Ideas:

• Light sweater or thermal top.
• Jeans or lined trousers
• Sneakers /Walking shoes with grip (It can be slippery in the mornings due to dew)
• Not warm at the neck with a lightweight scarf

Evening Essentials:

• Padded or fleece-lined jacket
• Warm hat or beanie
• Thick socks and shoes that cover the toes (no sandals! )
• An optional heat-retaining undershirt or thermal leggings

Accessories to Keep You Comfortable

• Scarf & gloves: thin during the day, thick at night
• Compact umbrella: It doesn’t rain hard here, but there are rainy days, mostly drizzle.
• Waterproof raincoat: Perfect for those cool nights with even cooler fog or a bit of light mist.
• Reusable water bottle: You need to stay hydrated even when it’s cool outside

Personal Care Must-Haves

Winter in Hanoi is lovely but can be dry and windy, especially if you spend a lot of time outside.

• Moisturizer: Hand and face cream in travel size 2.
• Lip balm: Avoids cracked lips, particularly after all-day trekking or long motorbike rides
• Hand sanitizer: It’s busy in Hanoi, and you’ll want to try the street food
• Sunscreen: Yes, even with reduced daylight hours, UV rays seep through during the midst of the sunny day!

Conclusion

The Hanoi in temperature january offers a gentle breeze, mild mist, and the perfect amount of sunshine to make every moment memorable. Whether you’re walking along the lakes or tucking into street food, this is definitely one of the best time to visit Hanoi. Pack smart, think ahead, especially when planning around Tet, and enjoy the appeal of Hanoi in January. Winter here is not brutal, but warm.

FAQ 

1. Is it cold in Hanoi in January?
Yes, it can be quite chilly! The Hanoi in temperature january typically ranges from 10°C to 21°C (50°F to 70°F). While it doesn’t snow, the combination of cool winds and high humidity can make it feel colder—especially at night and early morning. Expect misty mornings and crisp evenings, ideal for cozy walks and hot bowls of pho.

2. When should we avoid Hanoi?
If you prefer to skip high heat and crowds, avoid Hanoi during the summer months from June to August, when Hanoi weather becomes hot, humid, and prone to heavy rain. Additionally, if you’re not fond of closures and peak prices, plan carefully around Tet (Vietnamese Lunar New Year), which often falls in late January or early February. It’s festive—but busy!

3. What should I wear in Hanoi in January?
With the fluctuating Hanoi in temperature january, layering is key. Wear warm clothes like long-sleeve tops, sweaters, and a medium-weight jacket. Bring scarves, gloves, and a compact umbrella for light rain. Days are mild, but nights can be cold—especially in areas like West Lake or the Hanoi Old Quarter. Don’t forget moisturizer and lip balm to combat the dry, chilly air!