Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam, is a fascinating city with a rich history and culture. The city is located on the Red River in northern Vietnam and is home to more than 5 million people.
Hanoi is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Vietnam alongside Ho Chi Minh City, and visitors can enjoy a wide variety of attractions including ancient temples, bustling markets, and delicious food.
Not only that, but Hanoi is just a couple of hours away from incredible destinations like Ha Long Bay, Ninh Binh, and Sapa.
As a year-round destination, not all months in Hanoi will offer the same experience.
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What is the best time to visit Hanoi?
Overall, the best time to visit Hanoi for weather is November to June, while the best time to visit Hanoi for festivals and wintery vibes is from November to February.
The best time to visit Hanoi for tourism depends on where you go. With all kinds of scenery on your doorstep, from tranquil lakes to cosy bars, Hanoi is an Instagrammer’s dream come true.
The best time to visit Hanoi really depends on what you are looking for. Looking for entertainment? You need our guide to the best things to do in Hanoi.
What are busy tourist months in Hanoi?
The high season for tourism is in April, May, June, September, and November. However, these are also the months with the most pleasant weather. Prices can be a little inflated, especially for foreign tourists, but the cost is still quite affordable and definitely still good value.
Top tip for tourists: Sightseeing in Hanoi’s Old Quarter is highly recommended.
What are the quiet months to visit Hanoi?
There are two times of the year that are considered ‘low-season’ – the summer months of May through September due to frequently wet weather, and the winter months of December through January because of cold weather.
Best time to get the BEST DEAL in Hanoi
The low season from May to September is usually the time a lot of local businesses such as hotels and tourist agents will offer you their best deals. This applies to the whole region including nearby tourist hotspots such as Halong Bay and Sapa which often offer bucket-list experiences at discounted rates.
The expensive time of year in Hanoi
The Hanoi Winter season in December and January can be a little more expensive than usual as many international and domestic tourists travel to Hanoi on Christmas and New Year vacations. Though not peak season, it’s suggested to book hotels and transport ahead of time.
Weather in Hanoi
What is the weather like in Hanoi?
Hanoi experiences all four seasons. Although the weather differences between summer and winter are not as extreme as in some other parts of the world, there is a distinct Winter.
Summers can be extremely hot, with June being the hottest month in recent years with an average high temperature of 40 degrees Celsius (104 Fahrenheit).
The winter months of December through January are coldest with temperatures dropping to lows of 10 degrees Celsius (50 Fahrenheit) at night – and sometimes even colder.
The average relative humidity throughout the year is 84%.
What is the hottest month in Hanoi?
The highest average temperature in Hanoi is 34 C (93 F) in May and June.
When is it the coolest in Hanoi?
The lowest average temperature is 14 C (57 F) in January.
What month has the most rain in Hanoi?
Hanoi experiences the most rain in August with an average 17 days with at least 0.04 inches of precipitation. Relative humidity in a hot Summer can reach 90% due to significant precipitation.
What is month has the least rain in Hanoi?
The month with the least rain in Hanoi is December, with only an average 1 day of precipitation.
The 4 seasons of Hanoi
Hanoi weather in Summer
The summer season in Hanoi extends from June to August with average temperatures ranging from 25-35 degrees Celsius (77 – 95 F).
Hanoi weather in Summer is rainy, hot, and humid, making it a less than ideal time to visit if you’re looking for comfortable weather. However, the city comes alive with festivities during this season. If you don’t mind the heat and are interested in soaking up the local culture as well as a little rain, Summer can be an interesting time to visit Hanoi.
Hanoi weather in Fall
Autumn in Hanoi lasts from September to November and is one of the most pleasant and popular times of year to visit.
Temperatures range from 20-30 degrees Celsius (68 – 86 F), and the weather is often sunny.
The beautiful autumn foliage adds to the captivating scenery of Vietnam’s capital city. The streets are also less crowded than during the high season, so it’s a great time to explore Hanoi’s attractions at your own pace.
Hanoi weather in Winter
Winter in Hanoi is from December to February and is the most popular time to visit among international tourists.
The temperature ranges from 10-25 C (57.2 – 77 F), making it comfortable for sightseeing. Plus, the weather forecast is largely free of rain during this season.
Many local festivals take place during this time of year, so there’s no shortage of activities to keep you busy in the cold and dry atmosphere of Hanoi.
Hanoi weather in Spring
Spring in Hanoi is from March to May with temperatures of 18 – 32 C (64.4 – 89.6 F).
The weather is similar to that of Autumn, but with a higher chance of rain.
This is another great time of year to visit if you’re interested in experiencing local festivals, as many take place during this season.
Tropical weather systems in Hanoi
Though Hanoi is said to have 4 distinct seasons, Vietnam is a tropical country and Hanoi weather can also be split into two seasons – the dry season and the rainy season.
Rainy Season
The rainy season or ‘wet season’ in Hanoi, is from May to October. During this time Hanoi enjoys a tropical monsoon climate.
You can expect high temperatures, heavy rains, and high humidity, which can make sightseeing uncomfortable.
In these months, the city experiences 135 mm (5.31 inches) of average rainfall.
Dry Season
The dry season in Hanoi is from November to April.
December’s low average rainfall of only 1 mm makes it practically a rain-free month.
This time of year can still feel quite hot and humid, but temperatures are milder than in the rainy season. If you’re looking to avoid the rain and high humidity, this is the best time of year to visit Hanoi.
The best time to go to Hanoi for a festival
The festive months in Hanoi are January or February when the Lunar New Year is celebrated. This is the biggest event of the year in Vietnam and there are many traditional ceremonies and activities to enjoy. If you’re looking to experience the local culture, these are the months to visit Hanoi.
The Mid-Autumn Festival in September and October is a great time to visit if you enjoy the fall foliage.
If you’re visiting during these months, make sure to book your trip ahead of time, as these are also the most popular months among international tourists.
What festivals are there in Hanoi?
There are many festivals in Hanoi, but some of the most popular are
- Perfume Pagoda Festival – January (the Pagoda is open year round)
- Hung King Festival – April 8-11
- Buddha’s Birthday – May 8th
- Mid-autumn festival (Tet Trung Thu) – 15th day of the 8th lunar month (around September).
Vietnam has a vibrant and celebrated culture including many interesting festivals. Check out our guide to Vietnam festivals before you book your trip so you don’t miss the best of the best!
Best time of year for beauty in Hanoi?
If you are planning a trip to Hanoi, Vietnam, the best time to go for photography and sightseeing is during Fall (September to November) and Spring (March to May).
During these times, temperatures are comfortable and humidity isn’t overwhelming, perfect for day trips from Hanoi.
Fall in Hanoi
A Hanoi Autumn is very beautiful as Northern Vietnam typically enjoys a picturesque display of red and orange Fall leaves.
Taking a walk around Hanoi during this time is a treat, especially in the Old Quarter and around Hoa Kiem Lake where musicians play in the park and families sit on park benches and spend time together.
Spring in Hanoi
Spring will offer you beautiful cherry blossoms on some of Hanoi’s mountainsides. The weather is not too hot or cold at this time of year.
When should you NOT visit Hanoi Vietnam?
There are a few times of the year when you might want to avoid visiting Hanoi.
Monsoon season in Hanoi
The first is during the monsoon months of June, July and August when it will be hot, humid and rainy. So it’s not the best time to explore if you’re looking for a fresh weather experience. July is one of the hottest months in Vietnam and Hanoi’s weather features drizzle rains and severe weather – it truly is the peak season of the wet season.
With heavy rain, there is often flooding in the city and exploring the countryside can be a wash-out. This can certainly limit Hanoi day trips and weekend trips to staying indoors.
If you’re planning to visit Hanoi during these months, it’s best to check what the weather will be like before you go.
Tet holiday
The other time to avoid is during Tet holiday which usually lands around the beginning of February.
This is the biggest holiday of the year and many businesses, shops and tourist attractions will be closed. The city shuts down and many Vietnamese people leave Hanoi to travel to their hometown. It’s not the best time to visit if you want to experience all that Hanoi has to offer.
If you’re planning to visit Hanoi Vietnam during this festive season, make sure to do your research ahead of time to see what’s open and what’s not. Plus, think about buying your friends some amazing Tet gifts.
Hanoi is a year-round destination, with a temperate climate, and many exciting and cultural things to discover. Whether you are looking for good weather, beautiful scenery, or exciting festivals and events, Hanoi has it all!
The next step is to find the perfect Hanoi hotel!
