Best Time to Visit Hanoi - Hanoi in 12 Months

Are you planning a trip to Vietnam’s charming capital? Understanding the best time to visit Hanoi can make or break your travel experience.  Each season paints Hanoi in different colors – from the vibrant energy of spring festivals to the golden hues of autumn afternoons. In this article, we’ll take a detailed look at Hanoi’s climate throughout the year, and break down what each month offers, so you can pick the perfect time to visit this incredible city.

Hanoi Climate Overview

Unlike southern Vietnam, Hanoi experiences four distinct seasons, offering visitors diverse experiences throughout the year. This variety means that different months bring different temperatures, humidity levels, and conditions, which can greatly affect your travel experience.

• Spring (March to April): Known for mild temperatures and blooming flowers, spring is a beautiful time to visit Hanoi, with average temperatures ranging from 17°C to 24°C.
• Summer (May to August): Summer in Hanoi is hot and humid, with temperatures regularly reaching above 30°C. This season also brings heavy rainfall, particularly in July and August.
• Autumn (September to November): Hanoi’s Autumn is often considered the best time to visit Hanoi, with cooler temperatures, less humidity, and beautiful golden leaves.
• Winter (December to February): Hanoi’s winter can be quite chilly, especially for tropical standards. Temperatures can drop to as low as 10°C, and the air becomes cool and crisp.

Best time to visit Hanoi by month

January – Cold and Festive

January is one of the coldest months in Hanoi, with average temperatures ranging from 13°C to 19°C. While this might not sound too chilly to those from colder climates, the dampness and wind can make it feel much cooler. However, January is also a magical time in the city. The build-up to Tet (Lunar New Year) is in full swing, and you can see locals preparing for the celebrations by cleaning their homes, shopping at festive markets, and decorating with peach blossoms and kumquat trees.

• Weather: Cold, with average temperatures ranging from 13°C to 19°C (55°F to 66°F). Occasionally, it can drop to 10°C (50°F).
• What to do: Visit Hoan Kiem Lake and the Old Quarter to experience the pre-Tet atmosphere. This is also a great time to try Hanoi’s hearty street food, such as “Phở” or “Bún Thang,” which are perfect for warming up in the cold weather.

February – Tet Celebrations

February is arguably one of the most culturally rich times to experience Hanoi, though it requires careful planning. February in Hanoi is characterized by Tet, which usually falls between late January and mid-February. This is the time when the entire country celebrates the Lunar New Year, and Hanoi becomes a center of cultural activities.

However, it’s worth noting that many businesses and attractions may be closed for a few days as families gather for the holiday. You can still witness the city transformed into a colorful, lively celebration filled with traditions and rituals. Keep in mind that flights and accommodations may be more expensive and harder to book around this time, so plan well in advance.

• Weather: Still cold but starting to warm slightly, with temperatures ranging from 15°C to 21°C (59°F to 70°F).
• What to do: Experience traditional Tet customs, such as visiting pagodas or watching lion dances. If you’re lucky, you might be invited to a local family’s Tet celebration. Visit the Perfume Pagoda, a popular pilgrimage site, as it’s busiest during this time.

March – Blossoms and Mild Weather

March is when the city starts to warm up again, and it’s often considered the best time to visit Hanoi for pleasant weather. The city comes alive with blooming flowers, particularly around Hanoi’s West Lake area. This is a fantastic time for sightseeing, as the weather is comfortable for outdoor activities, and the greenery of parks and gardens is at its peak.

• Weather: Mild and comfortable, with temperatures ranging from 17°C to 23°C (63°F to 73°F).
• What to do: This is the best time to visit Hanoi for sightseeing. Walk around Hoan Kiem Lake, explore the Temple of Literature, and don’t miss the chance to see the beautiful blossoms at parks like Thong Nhat and Bach Thao Gardens.

April – Pleasant Springtime

April continues the mild weather trend, making it another best time to visit Hanoi. April is also the month when you’ll experience various festivals, such as the Hung Kings Temple Festival and the Perfume Pagoda Festival.

• Weather: Temperatures range from 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F).
• What to do: April is perfect for visiting Hanoi’s historical landmarks like the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, the One Pillar Pagoda, and the Old Quarter. The weather is also ideal for walking or cycling around West Lake.

May – Start of the Hot Season

As May arrives, so does the heat. While the heat can be intense, especially during the afternoons, the evenings are pleasant, making this a good time to enjoy Hanoi’s street food culture. If you don’t mind the rising temperatures, May can be the best time to visit Hanoi, as it’s still a bit quieter before the peak summer season in June.

• Weather: Hot, with temperatures between 25°C to 30°C (77°F to 86°F).
• What to do: Visit Hanoi’s indoor attractions, such as the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology or the Hanoi Opera House. May is also a great time to explore Hanoi’s café scene, where you can cool off with a refreshing Vietnamese iced coffee.

June – Early summer rains

By June, summer is in full swing, and so is the rainy season. The afternoons can be especially hot and sticky, so it’s a good idea to explore indoor attractions like museums, temples, or coffee shops. June also sees an increase in rain, though storms are typically short-lived and often occur in the late afternoon. The best time to visit Hanoi might not be June if you’re averse to rain, but the lower tourist numbers mean better deals on accommodations.

• Weather: Hot and humid, with temperatures ranging from 27°C to 35°C (81°F to 95°F).
• What to do: Early mornings are perfect for walking around West Lake or Hoan Kiem Lake before the heat sets in. In the afternoons, explore air-conditioned museums or enjoy a leisurely lunch in one of Hanoi’s restaurants.

July – Peak of the Summer

July is the hottest month in Hanoi, with temperatures often soaring above 35°C and humidity levels to match. The summer heat can be overwhelming for some visitors, but if you’re used to tropical climates or don’t mind the challenge, you’ll find that the city is much less crowded. Heavy rains are also common in July, but as with June, these are usually brief and in the late afternoon.

• Weather: Extremely hot and humid, with average highs around 35°C (95°F).
• What to do: You should try some of Hanoi’s favorite foods in summer such as che (sweet soup), and Trang Tien ice cream. Alternatively, this is a great month to take day trips outside of the city to places like Ba Vi National Park or Tam Dao, which offer cooler temperatures and fresh mountain air.

August – End of Summer

August continues the pattern of hot, humid weather with frequent rainfall. While not traditionally considered the best time to visit Hanoi, this month offers unique opportunities to experience local life as residents seek relief from the heat in creative ways.

• Weather: Hot and humid, with average temperatures ranging from 26°C to 33°C (79°F to 91°F).
• What to do: This is a great time to explore Hanoi’s culinary scene. Try local specialties like “Bun Cha” or “Banh Cuon,” or visit street markets to sample seasonal fruits like lychees and longans.

September – Transition period

September marks the transition from summer to autumn and is considered by many locals as one of the best time to visit Hanoi. The city begins to take on a golden hue as trees shed their leaves, creating picturesque scenes. If you visit in September, you might also catch the Mid-Autumn Festival, one of Vietnam’s most important celebrations. Lanterns light up the streets, and you can enjoy traditional mooncakes while soaking in the festive atmosphere.

• Weather: Warm, with temperatures ranging from 24°C to 31°C (75°F to 88°F).
• What to do: Visit the Old Quarter, Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, and take a leisurely stroll around Hoan Kiem Lake. September is also the month of the Mid-Autumn Festival, a cultural celebration with lantern displays and mooncakes.

October – Hanoi’s Golden Season

October is arguably the best time to visit Hanoi, especially if you love pleasant, cool weather. This month, the city’s autumn beauty is at its peak, with golden leaves covering the streets and a crispness in the air that makes outdoor exploration a joy. October is also the ideal month for photographers, as the city’s autumnal colors provide a stunning backdrop for your pictures.

• Weather: Cool and dry, with temperatures ranging from 20°C to 28°C (68°F to 82°F).
• What to do: Take in the beauty of Hanoi’s autumn by visiting Hoan Kiem Lake, the Old Quarter, and West Lake. The Hanoi Opera House also hosts many cultural performances during this time, making it a great opportunity to experience local arts and culture.

November – Crisp and Cool

November is another great time to visit Hanoi, as the weather remains cool and comfortable. It’s a great month for outdoor exploration, and the streets are filled with the fragrance of Hanoi’s seasonal flowers, like chrysanthemums and lilies.

• Weather: Crisp, with temperatures ranging from 17°C to 25°C (63°F to 77°F).
• What to do: Visit Hanoi’s cultural and historical sites like the Temple of Literature, the Hoa Lo Prison, and the Vietnam Fine Arts Museum. The weather is also perfect for enjoying a cup of Hanoi’s famous egg coffee at a café overlooking the city streets.

December – Early Winter

December brings the start of Hanoi’s winter, with temperatures dropping to as low as 13°C. The air becomes cold and dry, and locals begin to bundle up in warm clothing. Despite the cold, December is a lovely time to visit Hanoi if you enjoy festive decorations and quiet streets. Early signs of Christmas can be seen, especially in areas like St. Joseph’s Cathedral.

• Weather: Cold, with temperatures between 13°C and 20°C (55°F to 68°F).
• What to do: Visit the French Quarter for Christmas decorations and enjoy winter street food like “Banh Goi” (fried dumplings) and “Banh Troi Tau” (sweet dumplings in ginger syrup). December is also a great time to cozy up in one of Hanoi’s many traditional tea houses or coffee shops.

Hanoi is a city that offers something unique every month of the year. While the best time to visit Hanoi is often considered to be between October and November, each season brings its own set of experiences that make the city special. To make the most of your trip, consider your weather preferences and the kind of experiences you want to have when deciding when to visit.

—

Looking to plan your next adventure to Hanoi? Let Asia Encounter help you create the perfect itinerary for an unforgettable trip!