Hanoi, the thousand-year-old capital of Vietnam, has four distinct seasons, each offering its own unique beauty and charm to visitors. No matter when you visit, understanding Hanoi weather is 80% of the key to a successful trip. This Vietnamtour.in travel guide will give you a clear and detailed overview of Hanoi’s weather, helping you choose the best time for your upcoming trip.
Overview of Hanoi Weather
Unlike Ho Chi Minh City, which only has two seasons: rainy and sunny, Hanoi weather is divided into four seasons: spring, summer, autumn, and winter. The average annual Hanoi temperature is around 24 to 25°C. However, the temperature range between day and night and between seasons is quite large. In fact, summer temperatures in Hanoi can reach up to 42°C (actually perceived), while the coldest winter temperatures can be as low as 6 to 8°C, accompanied by damp drizzle.
Here’s a summary of Hanoi weather based on the Data from the Climates to Travel website
| Season | Months | Average High (°C) |
Average Low (°C) |
Average Rainfall (mm) | Humidity (%) |
| Spring | February to April | 20 – 28 | 16 – 22 | 30 – 120 | 80 – 88 |
| Summer | May to August | 32 – 36 (feels up to 42) | 25 – 29 | 220 – 380 | 83 – 90 |
| Autumn | September to November | 27 – 32 | 21-25 | 80 – 220 | 72 – 82 |
| Winter | December to early February | 17 – 23 | 12 – 17 (can drop to 6 -8) | 15 -55 | 75 – 85 |
Hanoi Weather by Season
Each season in Hanoi has its own charm; with the right approach, every season is beautiful. Vietnamtour.in will analyze each season in detail, from the specific weather and most distinctive features to things to keep in mind when travelling, so you can have a clearer picture. Based on the experiences of many tourists and locals alike, these are the most practical insights.
Hanoi Weather in Spring (February to April)
Spring weather in Hanoi begins to warm up after the cold of winter, but still retains a characteristic dampness. From March, the Hanoi temperature fluctuates between 18 and 23°C (at night), 23 and 28°C (during the day), accompanied by drizzle. Spring brings a feeling of freshness, but it’s also quite unpredictable: it can be chilly in the morning and warm in the afternoon, so those sensitive to weather changes are easily susceptible to colds and flu.
The most distinctive feature of spring in Hanoi is the explosion of blooming flowers. Purple bauhinia flowers, pure white crape myrtle flowers, and vibrant pink peach blossoms bloom profusely throughout the streets, transforming Hanoi into a lively painting. Don’t forget to take photos to commemorate Hanoi’s spring with these graceful flowers.
In addition, spring is the season of festivals in Vietnam. Besides the Lunar New Year, if you visit Hanoi in March, don’t miss the Huong Pagoda Festival, one of the largest festivals in Northern Vietnam.
While exploring Hanoi during this time, remember to bring a light jacket or sweater to avoid getting cold in the evenings or early mornings. Additionally, since it’s the season of light rain, be sure to bring a light raincoat or a small umbrella to avoid getting wet.
Hanoi Weather in Summer (May to August)
Summer is when Hanoi is at its most vibrant and energetic. Temperatures can reach 37°C to 40°C at midday, especially in June and July. High humidity intensifies the heat, but the city often experiences sudden afternoon showers, making the atmosphere more pleasant.
Tourists often choose to escape the midday heat by exploring indoor spaces such as museums, shopping malls, cafes, and experience the city’s culinary scene in the evening, when it’s cooler and more lively. If you visit Hanoi in the summer, be sure to stop by Ta Hien Beer Street, a bustling and quintessential Hanoi spot, to experience Hanoi’s nightlife.
Regarding natural scenery, while spring brings blooming peach and plum blossoms to the streets, summer weather in Hanoi offers fragrant lotus blossoms on the lakes. Visitors can go to West Lake to take photos of the lotus flowers, a sight as beautiful as Mua Cave in Ninh Binh in June. Next, head to the Ho Guom Lake walking street to enjoy the lake breeze, immerse yourself in the dances of young people, and savour a refreshing Trang Tien ice cream with its tropical fruit flavours.
If you come to Hanoi in summer, sun cream, sunglasses, and a long coat are necessary to avoid sunburn and headaches. You should not go out from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM because that is the hottest time of the day.
Hanoi Weather in Autumn (September to November)
Autumn, from September to November, is the most beautiful time in Hanoi: just romantic and gentle enough to feel the slow pace of life in the capital.
As the summer rains gradually subside, Hanoi’s autumn sky becomes clear, the air dry, and temperatures stabilise between 20°C and 28°C. At this time, the sunlight is softer and more golden, giving everything a uniquely romantic feel. The streets gradually turn golden with falling leaves, creating a very poetic and peaceful scene.
In particular, Hanoi’s autumn is also the time when the streets become most vibrant with the Mid-Autumn Festival. From the beginning of September, Hang Ma Street is illuminated with lanterns, papier-mâché masks, star-shaped lanterns, and countless other colourful decorations. In the evening, the street is bathed in red and yellow light, bustling but very charming, creating the perfect backdrop for those who love photography.
For food enthusiasts, Hanoi in autumn offers a special treat: Com Lang Vong (young sticky rice flakes), a natural and pure delicacy from the old days of Hanoi. You can enjoy Com Lang Vong with a cup of egg coffee or a glass of lemon tea while sitting in front of the Hanoi St. Joseph Cathedral.
Autumn clothing is quite versatile. Indian tourists only need a T-shirt, a shirt, or a light jacket to be comfortable all day long.
Hanoi Weather in Winter (December to February)
Hanoi in winter isn’t as cold as temperate countries, but the chill is quite intense due to low humidity and the northeast monsoon winds. Hanoi temperatures in these days often range from 12 to 17°C, sometimes dropping even lower, making it feel quite biting for those unaccustomed to it. However, although walking outside might make you shiver, stepping into a cosy corner of a cafe brings a surprisingly warm feeling.
Hanoi in winter is as beautiful as in a fairy tale. From the beginning of December, famous streets like Ma Street, the Hanoi St. Joseph’s Cathedral, the Ho Guom walking street, shopping malls, and even cafes are all decorated in a Christmas style. Bright LED lights, giant Christmas trees, reindeer models, and gift boxes create a dazzling scene perfect for taking beautiful photos.
This weather also makes Hanoi’s winter cuisine incredibly appealing. Hot dishes like chicken pho, bun thang, bun rieu, pork rib porridge, hot sticky rice, or various vegetarian and mushroom hot pots all taste much better when enjoyed in the cold air.
If you visit at this time of year, you should prepare a thick coat, scarf, and closed-toe shoes to comfortably enjoy all outdoor activities in the cool weather.
Best Time to Visit Hanoi (Based on Travel Style)
When considering when to visit Hanoi, many factors will affect your final decision. One of these factors is your personal preference for a certain season. Every season in Hanoi offers different opportunities for exploration and enjoyment.
Autumn for First-Time Visitors
This is when the weather typically ranges from cool and sunny to warm, with rare chances for rain. Because of this ideal weather, many visitors find the fall season to be a great time for enjoying outdoor activities such as walking through the Old Quarter, seeing various historical attractions, and taking photographs. Most visitors agree that Hanoian during this time is an incredibly comfortable and harmonious experience.
Spring for Festival Lovers
If you enjoy immersing yourself in the local culture through traditional festivals, spring is the season for you. Many spring festivals occur early in the year and are typically humid at this time. The early days of the year bring a characteristic humidity, but the scenery is fresh, flowers are in bloom, and the lively atmosphere creates a very “Hanoi” experience.
Winter for Food Lovers
The winter season is also appealing for visitors who enjoy food. In contrast to autumn, winter is often seen as being filled with a sense of melancholy. Tourists often love the feeling of cuddling up in thick, warm clothes and roaming around Hoan Kiem Lake during this season. As Hanoi becomes quieter due to the colder weather, it provides a great opportunity to sample some of the most popular hot dishes available. Overall, Hanoi during winter is a much calmer, more peaceful experience.
Summer for Energetic Travellers
As for summer, although hotter than other seasons, it still has its own charm thanks to the blue sky, sudden rain showers, and extremely vibrant evening life. For those who don’t mind the scorching sun, or mainly travel in the early morning and evening, summer still offers many memorable experiences.
Travel Tips for Dealing with Hanoi Weather
Here are some tips to help you travel in Hanoi more easily in various weather conditions:
- If you travel to Hanoi in the summer, limit outdoor activities to midday, especially from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM. Instead, prioritize indoor activities such as shopping, sightseeing, and dining in malls or modern buildings.
- Hanoi usually has sudden rain showers, especially from late spring to the end of summer. Bringing a small folding umbrella will help avoid disruptions to your itinerary.
- Check the weather forecast daily for the best preparation. A quick check on AccuWeather, Windy, or a Vietnamese weather app will let you know the likelihood of rain, UV levels, and Hanoi temperature changes so you can prepare better.
- Preparing a backup plan is also necessary. If it rains or gets hotter than expected, you can switch to visiting a museum, a shopping mall, or stopping at a nice cafe to enjoy coffee and take souvenir photos. However, if you book your tour with Vietnamtour.in, you won’t need to worry about this. Our local travel experts will always have the most suitable backup itineraries for you.
Popular Year-Round Activities in Hanoi
Hanoi has many timeless attractions and activities that are enjoyable in any season, thanks to its cultural depth and flexibility. These activities focus on the city’s rich history, vibrant culture, and delicious cuisine, many of which are indoor or flexible enough to adapt to rain, heat, or chill. Here are some of the most popular recommendations:
- Classical City Tour: Discover Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum (Lăng Bác), Hoa Lo Prison (Nhà tù Hỏa Lò), Temple of Literature (Văn Miếu), Hoan Kiem Lake and Imperial Citadel.
- Cyclo Tour around the Old Quarter: Take a relaxing and authentic cyclo (rickshaw) ride through the bustling 36 streets of the Old Quarter (Phố Cổ) while enjoying the view of the colonial architecture and street vendors and seeing how people live. The Old Quarter at night, with all its lights, is very charming.
- Food Tour: Do you want to discover the culinary history and contemporary cuisine of Hanoi? Participate in street food tours featuring well-known dishes such as chicken pho, bun cha, egg coffee, banh mi, and more. Types of food tours include street food tours, vegetarian tours, and evening tours combining food and nightlife, such as at Ta Hien Beer Street.
Other evergreen activities include strolling around West Lake (Hồ Tây), visiting museums like the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology, or enjoying egg coffee at historic cafes.
To make the most of these experiences without worrying about the weather or planning, our local experts at Vietnamtour.in can customise the perfect tour package for you. Whether it’s a half-day city tour, a combined cyclo and water puppet evening, or a full food immersion, we have flexible options tailored to your interests and season.
FAQs about Hanoi Weather
This is a compilation of Hanoi Weather FAQs and seasonal travel tips. You can refer to these answers for assurance on what you should pack and prepare as a first-time traveller.
Is Hanoi easily affected by typhoons?
No, Hanoi is rarely severely affected by typhoons. Typhoons mainly affect the central and coastal regions. Hanoi only experiences heavy rain or stronger winds for a few days when there is a tropical depression.
Do I need to bring sunscreen when visiting Hanoi?
When travelling to Hanoi during the summer months, you need to take sunscreen with you everywhere you go.
When is the best season to travel to Hanoi?
The fall season is the most preferred season. The Hanoi temperature is cooler, there’s less rain, and the views are more beautiful. The spring months have quite a bit to offer (festivals), while the winter months offer cooler air and hot meals.
How frequently are there rain showers in Hanoi?
Hanoi receives quite a bit of rain from May to September. Most rainstorms come and go within an hour or so, especially in the afternoons; therefore, you need to have an umbrella or a light raincoat available when you travel there.
Final Thoughts
Hanoi’s weather reflects the subtle changes of the four seasons, creating a city with depth, emotion, and poetic charm. No matter when you visit Hanoi, with a little preparation, you’ll have truly memorable days.
So what are you waiting for? Plan your trip and book your tour now at Vietnamtour.in for the best Vietnam itinerary at the best price!