Weather in Hanoi: 5 Best Things to Enjoy the Weather [Travel Tips]

Don’t be fooled by the fact Vietnam is notorious for the tropical weather and thinks shorts and T-shirts are enough for all year round. Hanoi is located in the northern hemisphere, meaning that the winter falls in December, and steaming summer starts around late July. So, if you are about to visit the capital of Vietnam, don’t forget to check the actual weather in Hanoi. This article will cover seasons in Hanoi, the best months to travel, and things you should not miss in this charming city.

How is the weather in Hanoi all year round?

Weather in Hanoi 

Hanoi bears not only the typical characteristics of the humid monsoon tropical climate but also a few nuances of the humid subtropical climate. 

The city has four characteristic seasons: Spring, Summer, Autumn, and Winter. 

Spring usually starts in February and ends in April. Summer lasts from May to July. Autumn takes place around August, September, and October. Winter mostly comes in November and ends in January next year.

Spring in Hanoi

Spring coming means the weather in Hanoi turns warm, humid, and wet with drizzles.

The average temperature usually ranges from 15 to 20°C. This is the best time for the plants to grow and flowers to blossom. 

Tourists visiting Hanoi at this time have a great chance to witness the vitality of tropical nature and take photos of different kinds of flowers on the streets, especially peach-blossom, which is a very famous kind of flower of Hanoi on the Tet holiday. 

What is the weather like in Hanoi in spring?

Spring is also filled with holidays and festivals. People in Hanoi and other places in Vietnam are eager to enjoy the biggest holiday in Vietnam - Lunar New Year. 

Hanoi is quiet and peaceful during the holiday, different from the hustle and bustle of daily life. Visitors traveling to Vietnam at that time could have some difficulties because of the small number of services available.

Summer in Hanoi

Starting at the end of April, summer in Hanoi is extremely hot and humid, causing discomfort if the heatwave reaches its peak.

The average temperature of this season is 27.5°C. The hottest month falls in June, with days up to 40°C outside. So, you can easily imagine how scorching it is. 

You also find it normal if thunderstorms accompany sudden rains.

Summer is hot and humid

Even though there are a multitude of weather apps that provide hourly and weekly weather forecasts, predicting what the weather in Hanoi city will be like within a day is not always accurate. 

It can be sweltering in the morning and at noon. Yet, in the evenings, the skies will turn grey, and heavy rain is likely to pour down on the spur of the moment.

Autumn in Hanoi

Autumn steps in gracefully with cool and gentle breezes and sunlight that sprinkles just the right amount of warmth all around. 

It would be no exaggeration to say Autumn is the most alluring season in Hanoi. It captivates visitors with the beauty of yellow, reddish-brown falling leaves, blue sky, and calm wind that will make them breathless. 

Hanoi weather in Autumn is perfect for tourists to visit

Autumn is a great season to explore the city, just like spring is. Rainfall lessens, and temperatures start to decrease gradually. Because the days are usually sunny and pleasant, getting around the city is relaxing.

There is constant sunshine and a temperature range of 25 to 30°C.

The weather of Hanoi when Autumn comes brings people a strong sense of comfort and calmness. So there is no excuse for taking a trip around this one-thousand-year-old capital city. 

Winter in Hanoi

The capital of Vietnam has a subtropical climate, so it can get pretty cold during winter (from mid-December to late February or early March). 

How cold does it get in Hanoi? The average temperature is around 15 to 16°C, and the coldest days are 7 to 8°C. The humidity and lack of building insulation can make it feel much chillier. 

But that doesn’t mean this kind of weather in Hanoi is bad to have a trip. Learn some cold weather tips to stay safe and healthy. 

Weather in Hanoi in Winter is cold with low rainfall

Winter comes with lower humidity, lower rainfall, and bright blue skies— plus, you might hit a 20°C day, and that’s a great temperature for exploring the sights of the city on foot. 

The cold weather may not prevent you from visiting numerous museums and huddling up with a coffee and a good book somewhere. Though it is not too cold compared to some other countries, its humidity can seep into your bones. 

Get prepared if you travel to Hanoi during the winter. Make sure to track the weather regularly and pack some seriously appropriate clothes to keep you warm and healthy. 

Related: UK weather Best time to visit Europe

The Best Time to Visit Hanoi

Each kind of weather in Hanoi has its characteristics that can leave visitors with unforgettable impressions. 

However, we highly recommend you come to visit Hanoi in Spring and Autumn because of the comfortable weather elements. 

But that doesn’t mean other times are bad for you when visiting Hanoi. April and May are also great months to be in Hanoi weatherwise. 

The temperatures are consistently above 20°C, but they don’t reach the scorching temperatures of summer. Plus, skies are often clear, and rain in Hanoi is usually drizzling these times. 

So get prepared for overcast days and bring a raincoat when leaving home. 

What is the best time to visit Hanoi for a trip?

For some people, high temperatures combined with the high humidity in June, July, and August can be the most difficult times to explore Hanoi under the sweltering weather. 

However, for others, especially photography enthusiasts, the weather in Hanoi, when summer is called, is the perfect time to take photos of numerous colors of many different flowers. The sun's rays will definitely give you great shots. 

Check out some tips for taking great weather photos!

Best things to do in Hanoi Vietnam

Your trip will not be complete if you don’t spend at least a day or two exploring Hanoi’s tourist attractions, such as the Old Quarter, The Temple of Literature, The Imperial Citadel of Thang Long, Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, and the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology are essential places to visit in Hanoi.

If you are a foodie, congrats! Hanoi delicacies like Pho, Bun Cha, or Bun Dau Mam Tom should definitely be worth trying. At night, there is nothing more interesting than hanging out with your friend on Ta Hien Street.

Visit Hoan Kiem Lake (Sword Lake)

Hoan Kiem Lake is one of the must-see destinations in Hanoi. Located in the heart of the capital, it brings tourists a sense of peace and calmness, opposite to the noise and frenetic pace of a vibrant city.

The Huc Bridge

You should take advantage of the opportunity to take great shots of The Huc Bridge and Ngoc Son temple in the middle of the lake. 

Especially on the weekends, the surrounding streets will become a walking city, where many interesting activities attract a large number of visitors.

Go on a Free Walking Tour of The City

If you’re going to visit Hanoi, consider joining a walking tour. This is the best way to get acquainted with the people and take in some of the best attractions around the city. 

The Old Quarter is one of the most prominent sites in Hanoi, and you should not miss it. It is a harmonious combination of ancient history and commercialism.

Hanoi Old Quarter

The street names in the Old Quarter are the businesses that were set up over 1,000 years ago. They were mostly craft shops. You’ll see many cafes, restaurants, boutiques, art galleries, and bars, even in this historic area. 

No matter when you take the tour: On a sunny day in summer or on a cool autumn afternoon, you should have great experiences. 

Visit The Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum

The Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum is another well-known site in Hanoi. It is the resting place of the revolution leader Ho Chi Minh, the President of the Communist Party of Vietnam.

It incorporates elements that are tied to Vietnamese architecture, such as the sloping roof.

The exterior of the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum is made of grey granite, while the interior is black, grey, and red polished stone. 

The Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum

All of the materials used for construction were taken from different regions across the country. The embalmed body of Ho Chi Minh is located in the central hall of the mausoleum, protected at all times by a military guard. You can visit this place no matter what the weather is like in Hanoi. 

But the most preferred time is an autumn morning when leaves start to turn red, and the breeze gently caresses your hair.

Go Shopping at Dong Xuan Market

Located on the northern edge of the Old Quarter, Dong Xuan Market is one of the largest markets in Hanoi, where busy trading activities take place. 

It has long been a tourist attraction due to not only its prime location but also its impressive architecture and history.

Dong Xuan market

If you’re looking to shop for souvenirs, Dong Xuan Market is definitely a great choice.

You can find an array of stalls selling fabrics, handbags, and handicrafts, all of which are sold at wholesale prices. 

Don’t worry about getting wet by rain or catching a cold because Dong Xuan is housed within a four-story Soviet-style building. So, come here every time you think is suitable for your schedule.

Take Photos at Long Bien Bridge

Long Bien Bridge is a witness to the resilience of Hanoi in the two resistance wars. 

It used to be the longest and most beautiful bridge in Indochina, but it is now considered an attractive tourist destination in Hanoi with unique historical, architectural, and cultural values.

Weather in Hanoi: Take great shots of Long Bien Bridge

This is the best place to admire the sunrise or the sunset and take great shots. The weather in Hanoi in July and September is great for many brides and grooms who choose Long Bien Bridge as a nice background in their wedding albums. 

How to Check the Weather in Hanoi Today?

You should not only consider the weather in Hanoi by month but also regularly update the weather forecast information to see the climate of the day and the coming days. 

This helps you have a reasonable travel plan to explore Hanoi and avoid the intense sun or heavy rain.

Luckily, there are a lot of free apps and websites available to help you check weather conditions and weather forecasts. 

Simply access the website goweatherforecast.com to see Hanoi weather today, hourly, or for several next days. This helps you prepare both clothes and food well for your journey to Hanoi.

Check the weather in Hanoi on goweatherforecast.com

Conclusion

Hanoi is one of the most attractive tourist destinations in Vietnam, offering visitors many exciting experiences. In fact, there is no bad time to visit Hanoi. Just note that the cold months can be a bit depressing, and if you hate the heat, don’t come in June through to August. Remember, it’s also important to check weather in Hanoi using weather apps to pack and plan appropriately, and don’t let the weather spoil your experience.