When to Visit Hanoi
Climate guide & best times to travel
Best Time to Visit
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Year-Round Essentials
Spring (Mar-May)
Summer (Jun-Aug)
Autumn (Sep-Nov)
Winter (Dec-Feb)
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Month-by-Month Guide
January
January sits right in the middle of Hanoi's cool season, with temperatures that might actually require a light jacket, especially in the evenings. The air tends to be a bit misty and gray, which gives the city an atmospheric quality but means you won't see much blue sky. It's a popular time for visitors escaping hotter climates elsewhere in Southeast Asia.
February
February is similar to January but you'll notice things starting to warm up slightly toward the end of the month. The persistent drizzle and gray skies continue, which locals call "crachin" - a fine mist that's more annoying than drenching. This is still considered good tourist weather compared to the summer heat.
March
Spring arrives in March and you'll feel the temperature climbing noticeably. The weather becomes more pleasant with occasional sunny days breaking through, though mornings can still be cool. It's actually one of the better months for visiting - warm enough to be comfortable but not yet oppressively hot.
April
April sees temperatures rising significantly and humidity becoming more noticeable. You're entering the transition period where it's warm during the day but still pleasant enough for outdoor activities. The occasional rain shower becomes more common, though they tend to be brief.
May
May marks the beginning of summer and you'll definitely feel it - temperatures push toward 90°F and the humidity ramps up considerably. Rain becomes more frequent, often arriving as afternoon thunderstorms that provide temporary relief from the heat. Tourist numbers start dropping as the weather becomes less comfortable.
June
June brings peak summer heat and humidity - the kind that makes you grateful for air conditioning and iced coffee. Heavy rainfall is common, typically in the form of intense afternoon downpours that can flood streets temporarily. This is low season for a reason, though hotel prices reflect that.
July
July is typically the hottest month, with temperatures and humidity both at their peak. The rain continues heavily, and you'll want to plan indoor activities for the afternoon when storms are most likely. That said, mornings can still be decent for sightseeing if you start early.
August
August remains hot and wet, though you might notice temperatures dropping slightly from July's peak. The rain can be relentless, and typhoons occasionally affect the region, bringing particularly heavy downpours. It's still firmly low season with few tourists around.
September
September sees the beginning of autumn and a gradual decrease in both temperature and rainfall. The weather becomes more bearable as the month progresses, though it's still quite warm and humid. This marks the start of the transition to more pleasant conditions.
October
October is genuinely lovely - temperatures drop to comfortable levels, rainfall decreases significantly, and you'll see more blue sky days. This is when tourism picks up again as the weather becomes ideal for exploring the city on foot. Many consider this one of the best months to visit.
November
November continues the pleasant autumn weather with temperatures cooling further. It's dry, comfortable, and perfect for outdoor activities - you'll understand why this is peak tourist season. The humidity drops noticeably, making it much more comfortable than the summer months.
December
December brings cooler temperatures and the start of winter - you'll likely need a jacket for evenings and early mornings. The weather can be gray and drizzly, but it's still a popular time for visitors. The cool, misty atmosphere actually adds a certain charm to the Old Quarter's narrow streets.