Hanoi Tours in March: Weather, Packing & Itinerary Tips

March Climate Overview in Hanoi

Summary Notes:

• The mean temperature gradually goes up throughout the month, with both the spring chill and the mild warm one of the best points, Halong Bay, Vietnam weather in March.
• Rain accumulates each week more or less, but it is light and manageable, which is perfect for cultural activities.
• By far one of the best months to visit Hanoi, neither too hot nor too cold, locals and experienced travelers alike argue this is the best time of the year to visit Hanoi, thanks to the comfort and clarity not found at other points of to visit.

Hanoi weather March (Source: vinwonders)

What to Wear in Hanoi in March: Packing Guide

Clothing Essentials for Varying Weather

It is expected to be 17 to 26 degrees at night, with temperatures in the daytime reaching more than 26 °C. So, what do you pack in your suitcase?

• Lightweight tops & breezy tees for day excursions
• Long-sleeved shirts or blouses to keep warm in the morning chill
• Pants, jeans, or midi skirts for style and comfort.
• A lightweight jacket or cardigan, believe me, you’ll thank yourself by dusk!

As the weather in Hanoi Vietnam in March can fluctuate between cool and hot, versatile clothing that transitions well from one climate to the other ensures that you are prepared for all scenes, whether it’s ancient pagodas or bustling street markets.

Layering Tips for Day-Night Temperature Swings

One word: layers. Even March mornings in Hanoi can feel brisk, particularly if you’re out early at the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum or stopping for a bowl of pho at dawn. By the middle of the afternoon, however, even you will find yourself wishing you could peel off a layer or two! 

Here’s a great combo:

• Base layer: light cotton t-shirt or long-sleeve wicking shirt
• Mid-layer: button-up shirt or breathable sweater
• Outermost layer: windbreaker or packable jacket for the possibility of drizzle suddenly rearing its ugly head

Layering allows you to remain comfortable without the need to return to your hotel, especially when navigating around Hanoi’s labyrinthine Old Quarter.

Must-Have Accessories: Umbrella, Sunscreen, etc.

I mean, Hanoi weather March is a bit of a game of Surprise! Be ready with:

• Scarf or shawl – stylish and functional when visiting temples or catching the wind by the lake
• Comfortable walking shoes – sidewalks in Hanoi are charming but uneven!
• An easily stowable compact umbrella or fold-up raincoat is there for sudden drizzles
• Sunscreen SPF 30+, the rays still penetrate through the clouds!
• Sunglasses and a broad-brimmed hat are great for enjoying the open spaces of West Lake.
• Scarf or shawl – to look cool when you visit the temple or to get wind on the lake.
• Comfortable walking shoes – Hanoi sidewalks are lovely but also terribly uneven!

Travel Health Tips (Flu Season, Pollen Allergy, Hydration)

March is a transition month, so your body may need a bit of extra pampering. Here’s what local guides and travelers suggest:

• As a nurse, I love the instant OTC cold and flu meds.
• If you’re allergic to pollen, blooms in March may spark an allergic reaction bring antihistamines!
• Stay hydrated; the cool air might not feel dehydrating, but you are still walking miles every day. Carry a reusable bottle.
• Don’t drink tap water – stick to bottled or filtered water and keep well.

Things to Do in Hanoi in March

Outdoor Activities in Spring Weather

March is pure manna for outdoor enthusiasts. At this time of year, when the average temperature is between 17-24°C, it’s the perfect time of year to discover Hanoi’s lake, its gardens, and the countryside.

Hoan Kiem Lake

• Location: Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi Old Quarter
• Entry fee: Free
• Don’t miss a morning stroll around this picturesque lake! Each morning, locals come here to stretch, jog, or do tai chi. You’ll spot Ngoc Son Temple on a tiny island in the lake, a tranquil spot to begin your day.
• Ngoc Son Temple ticket: 30,000 VND ($1.20 USD)

West Lake & Tran Quoc Pagoda

• Location: Thanh Nien Road, Tay Ho District
• Entry fee: Free
• This is the largest lake in Hanoi, famed for its sunset views and spiritual sites. The gorgeous Tran Quoc Pagoda, Hanoi’s oldest Buddhist temple (it was founded in the sixth century), is bound to be illuminated more beautifully under the tender light of spring. Old Quarter Walking Tour

Old Quarter Walking Tour

• Location: Hoan Kiem District
• Entry fee: Free (unless you join a guided tour)
• Stroll around the 36 streets of the old quarter, drink delicious Iced Coffee, enjoy street food, and shop for souvenirs. The Hanoi Weather in March offers you some comfortable weather for you to get “lost” in the puzzle of the culture and history of the city.

Day Trip: Ba Vi National Park

• Location: ~60km west of Hanoi, Ba Vi District
• Entry fee: 60,000 VND (~$2.50 USD)
• Ba Vi is a wonderland of pine forests, cloud-grazing mountains, and colonial ruins. Ideal for a nature getaway in the fresh, cool air of March.

Day Trip: Ninh Binh

• Location: ~100km south of Hanoi
• Tour package: From 800,000-1,200,000 VND (~$30-$50 USD) per day tour
• Frequently referred to as “Halong Bay on land,” Ninh Binh offers boat rides through limestone valleys and temples such as Bai Dinh Pagoda. Thanks to that Hanoi temperature march, it’s high on the list of spring day trips.

Old Quarter Walking Tour (Source: forevervacation)

Indoor & Cultural Highlights

So when the clouds descend, and the Hanoi Weather in March is something of a drizzle, be sure to visit a few of the cultural treasures-heavy on history and light on the feet!

Temple of Literature

• Location: 58 Quoc Tu Giam, Dong Da District
• Entry fee: 30,000 VND (~$1.20 USD)
• This Confucian temple, Vietnam’s first university, was founded in 1070. Skulk past stone steles, ancient courtyards, pagoda-roofed halls.

Hoa Lo Prison (“Hanoi Hilton”)

• Location: 1 Hoa Lo Street, Hoan Kiem District
• Entry fee: 30,000 VND (~$1.20 USD)
• A gripping journey through Vietnam’s colonial past and wartime history. The preserved cells (some carved with the names of inmates) and exhibitions are full of unforgettable stories, from the struggles of Vietnamese revolutionaries to American P.O.W.s like John McCain.

Vietnamese Women’s Museum

• Location: 36 Ly Thuong Kiet, Hoan Kiem District
• Entry fee: 40,000 VND (~$1.60 USD)
• Experience touching displays and exhibits of the strength, traditions, and creativity of Vietnamese women.

Vietnamese Women’s Museum (Source: vinpearl)

Tips for Travelers Visiting Hanoi in March

How to Stay Dry During Mua Nom (The Damp Season)

You may have heard murmurs about Mua Nom, that strange seasonal affectation in which walls seem damp and floors misted, even when it is not raining. This is part of the appeal of the weather in Hanoi Vietnam in March, but it’s well worth planning for it as you make your way around the city.

• Pack breathable but quick-drying clothes: Quick-drying attire, such as cotton blends or sportswear fabric.
• Bring a compact umbrella or rain jacket: It will be your best friend for those rare drizzly days or misty mornings.
• Choose accommodations with good ventilation: Select hotels with windows that open or dehumidifiers on hand at this time of year. 

The locals are used to Hanoi Weather in March, and you are going to get to love the mist, especially when the haze contributes such an atmospheric shimmer to Hoan Kiem Lake or the Tran Quoc Pagoda at dawn.

Mua Nom (Source: vov)

When to Visit Attractions to Avoid Crowds

Hanoi won’t be overly crowded in March, but the hot spots will lure morning and afternoon tour groups just like they tend to every day. And just for some peace and prettier photos:

• Hit temples early (before 9:00 AM) – especially the Temple of Literature, Tran Quoc Pagoda, and the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum.
• Take advantage of lakes and parks at dawn or just after the sun goes down – the temperature is likely most agreeable at these times, and you’ll experience the West Lake or Hoan Kiem Lake glow with magical light.
• Cultural museums, Hoa Lo Prison, or the Women’s Museum, are really quiet just after lunch (1-3 PM), when most groups are having lunch or on the move.

Skirting the midday crush will get you a calm, meaningful experience, another reason March is lauded as the ultimate time to visit Hanoi.

Where to Find Cozy Cafes & Indoor Escapes

For when those light rains catch you by surprise or you just want to hunker down and let Hanoi’s charm wash over you with a steaming cup of something delicious, this is where locals and travelers alike take shelter:

• Giang Café (39 Nguyen Huu Huan, Old Quarter): The birthplace of egg coffee, a thick, sweet, legendary concoction. 
• Tranquil Books & Coffee (5 Nguyen Quang Bich): Hidden gem with cozy seating, strong coffee, and silent vibes good for journaling or warming up.
• Maison de Tet Décor (36 Tu Hoa, Tay Ho): Located down the steps from West Lake, for healthy brunches and a garden-view veranda.
• The Note Coffee (64 Luong Van Can): Known for its walls covered in post-its and views over Hoan Kiem Lake.

Conclusion

With blooming flowers, fresh air, and a little light rain, Hanoi Weather in March boasts a blend of comfort and charm. Hoan Kiem Lake is tranquil, as you can see from the ride around it, but at Tran Quoc Pagoda, it’s all smiles and energy – a magical time to visit Hanoi. If you’re still unsure about when to best time to visit Hanoi, March could be your month.

FAQs About Visiting Hanoi in March

Is March a good time to go Hanoi?

Absolutely! Hanoi in March March is one of the ideal times to visit Hanoi. Hanoi Weather in March features an ideal combination of sunshine, light winds, and drizzle, making up a poetic Hanoi for travelers. With temperatures between 17°C to 24°C, experience the surreal side of Hoan Kiem Lake, contemplate the beauty of Tran Quoc Pagoda, and explore the exciting Old Quarter. With fewer tourists and a festive spring vibe, it’s a great time for both first-timers and repeat visitors. It’s no surprise that it’s often considered the best time to go to Hanoi.

Is Halong Bay cold in March?

Not at all! March is the best month to visit Halong Bay. Although it can be quite cool in the mornings and evenings (15-18°C), the days are warm and sunny, ideal for cruising. There will be a little mist or a few light rains, but that just adds to the mystique of the limestone karsts. And the bay is much less crowded than in the high summer months, a big plus for photographers and those in search of peace!

Is March a good time to visit Vietnam?

March is one of the most balanced months to visit Vietnam (even in the north). Hanoi in March sees the arrival of spring after winter, resulting in warm weather and many cultural festivals. The middle bits, including Hue and Hoi An, are dry and sunny; the south (Ho Chi Minh City, Mekong Delta) is also in good form, warm and dry. Whether you’re a fan of history, nature, or food, it’s an incomparable time to visit the country.

Which month is cold in Hanoi?

December and January are usually the coldest months in Hanoi. During this time of year, cold fronts reach 10-12°C, in the evening, cloudy, and high humidity. By contrast, the Hanoi temperature March is much more traveler-friendly, warmer, sunnier, and in spring bloom. That’s why some people think March is the best time to visit Hanoi, as you can enjoy the nice weather without the winter cold.