Guide to Exploring Hanoi Weather By Month

It is quite equitable to say that Hanoi weather by month is like a pretty girl with all the emotions when she is falling in love. And if you are planning to spend your year exploring Hanoi, don’t miss our practical suggestions below.

1. Hanoi Weather in January

1.1. How is it?

• Temperature range: 12-18°C, sometimes dropping below 10°C
• Day-night temperature difference can reach nearly 20°C
• Humidity around 70%

Despite the cold weather, Hanoi in January is still attractive with busy streets and hot dishes that are extremely suitable to enjoy on a chilly evening. At the end of January, you will catch the sight of a shimmering Hanoi when it is decorated in celebration of Lunar New Year, the most important traditional holiday of Vietnamese.

Due to the fact that January is still a winter month in Hanoi, you should not be subjective but prepare coats and scarfs in order not to have a bad cold that may hold back your journey.

1.2. How to explore Hanoi in January?

• Contemplating firework with friends and welcoming new year on New Year’s Eve in Hoan Kiem Lake.
• Visiting Bac Son Street in Ba Dinh District to see Hong Kong orchid flowers.
• Enjoying Hanoi hot dishes: pho, noodles, hotpot, grilled dishes, hot cassava soup, spare-rib porridge and tang yuan (a kind of glutinous rice ball).
• Exploring the atmosphere of the Old Quarter in Hoan Kiem District and drinking craft beers on Ta Hien Street on the weekend.

2. Hanoi Weather in February

2.1. How is it?

• Temperature range: 14-21°C
• Most humid spring month
• Features drizzling rain and southeast winds

However, the above situation occurs only about one week in February, and the rest of this month is the most favourable occasion for you to see the sights of the spring in Hanoi.

February is an attractive month in Hanoi, since various kinds of colorful flowers bloom and adorn the stunning beauty of Hanoi’s streets. February is also the festive month with thousands of festivals after the Tet holiday, which is possible for you to discover the specific culture of Vietnam.

Even though the weather in February is a bit warmer, you still need to bring coats and gloves for some chilling days. Don’t forget to bring an umbrella in case it may rain unexpectedly.

2.2. How to explore Hanoi in February?

• Taking gorgeous photos with flowers at Nhat Tan peach blossoms garden
• Experiencing Lunar New Year and Vietnamese culture with Banh Chung cake, Spring Roll (Chả Giò) in Vietnam and other traditional dishes.
• Participating in spring festivals in temples and pagodas such as Dong Da Festival, Co Loa Festival, Soc Temple Festival and Huong Pagoda Festival.
• Visiting Temple of Literature and receiving a scroll of calligraphy on the first days of lunar new year.

3. Hanoi Weather in March

3.1. How is it?

• Temperature range: 17-23°C
• Moderate humidity levels (75-80%)
• Spring showers become more frequent

Even though the festive month has gone, March in Hanoi has its own charming appearance, which is embellished by the white color of Thailand rosewood flowers or the red color of bombax flowers on the old tree lines along the streets. In addition, the weather is ideal enough for you to have a trip to a suburban area of Hanoi to experience the traditional spring festivals of the residents.

The weather change in March might lead to some kinds of flu and common cold; however, you need not to worry, just do regular exercises and prepare some pills on your package.

3.2. How to explore Hanoi in March?

• Seeing Thailand rosewood flowers and enjoying the aroma of grapefruit flowers on Hanoi’s streets.
• Visiting Bat Trang Pottery Village and making a pottery product yourself.
• Coming to Thay Pagoda to contemplate bombax flowers and participate in a local spring festival.
• Joining the Dong Nhan Temple Festival to see lantern dance, human chess and water sports.

4. Hanoi Weather in April

4.1. How is it?

• Temperature range: 20-26°C
• Humidity begins to increase
• Mix of sunny days and brief showers

April is also a perfect time for you to explore Hanoi. The flower season of this city has been continuing with the appearance of pure white lily flowers on the poetic streets in Hanoi. Lily flowers are the emblematic flowers of Hanoi in April, which refers to the elegance and exquisiteness of Hanoians – the residents of Hanoi.

This month also comprises some special holidays of Vietnamese such as King Hung’s Anniversary on the 10^th day of lunar March and the Reunification Day on April 30^th.

April is such a good chance for you to gain more knowledge about Vietnamese history through the exhibitions and events held in almost historical places in Hanoi. Don’t forget to bring a hat or umbrella because it can be hot sometimes.

4.2. How to explore Hanoi in April?

• Rambling to see white lily flowers on the peddlers along Phan Dinh Phung, Yen Phu, De La Thanh streets.
• Visiting Hanoi Opera House to find out about the French architecture at the beginning of the 20^th century.
• Having a trip to the National Museum of History to learn more about Vietnamese history.
• Enjoying typical cuisine of Hanoi with Banh mi, thang rice noodles (bun thang), Bun cha, Banh cuon, shrimp pastry and so on.
• Eating glutinous rice balls (banh troi) on Cold Food Festival on the 3^rd day of the lunar March. 

5. Hanoi Weather in May

5.1. How is it?

• Temperature range: 24-32°C
• Marks the beginning of summer heat
• Higher humidity (80-85%)

Although the burning temperature prevents you from almost exterior activities during the daytime, you still can enjoy many kinds of entertainment to escape from the heat of summer in lots of water parks in Hanoi. Besides, after the rainy days, you can go for a walk under the shade of old trees in Hanoi and listen to the boisterous sound of mayflies, the typical insect in summer of Hanoi. When the night falls, it is a good idea to have a walk in Hoan Kiem Lake, enjoy a Trang Tien or Thuy Ta ice-cream, and make the most of your evening with a cup of beer.

In the hot weather of May, you ought to avoid going out at noon or early in the afternoon. In addition, don’t forget to wear sunglasses and sunscreen in order to protect your eyes and skin from the harm of ultraviolet rays.

5.2. How to Explore Hanoi in May?

• Making your day in a variety of entertainment activities at West Lake Water Park, Times City and Bao Son Paradise.
• Wandering on Hanoi’s streets and taking photos with red flamboyant, purple giant crape-myrtle flowers.
• Experiencing Giong Festival on the 9^th day of lunar April in Phu Dong Village (Gia Lam District).
• Driving a bike to Long Bien Bridge to see the brilliant sunrise.
• Enjoying some kinds of exclusive tropical and temperate fruits: chili, jackfruit, watermelon, mango, plum and peach.

6. Hanoi Weather in June

6.1. How is it?

• Temperature range: 26-34°C
• Peak humidity levels
• Afternoon thunderstorms common

Surprisingly, in spite of the severe weather conditions, Hanoi attracts visitors most in June, according to the statistics of the government. Coming to Hanoi at that time, you cannot miss the immense lagoons of lotus in the plain villages around West Lake.

Lotus with its graceful beauty is the symbol of Vietnamese people, with the character of loyalty, resilience, diligence and elegance. What could be more exciting than contemplating the beauty of lotus, and feeling the cool wind of West Lake on a hot summer day?

6.2. How to explore Hanoi in June?

• Discovering the Double Fifth Festival of Vietnam with traditional dishes such as zongzi (banh tro), glutinous rice wine, lotus seed and black bean porridge.
• Taking photos with lotus, having a cup of lotus tea and eating ice-cream in West Lake.
• Driving around West Lake and seeing the magnificent view of sunset.
• Checking under golden shower trees on Trich Sai, Vong Thi, Lac Long Quan streets around West Lake.
• Shopping and having a meal in Dong Xuan Market at night.

7. Hanoi Weather in July

7.1. How is it?

• Temperature range: 27-35°C
• Hottest month of the year
• Brief but intense rainfall

Camping in the suburbs is one of the most favourite activities of the young on fine days in July. Besides, though the baking hot day prevents you from most activities, you can go out at night to discover the lively nightlife of Hanoi at night markets, around Hoan Kiem Lake, in night bars and clubs. “Hanoi is most beautiful at night”, just by wandering on Hanoi’s streets, you can find a modern city with colorful life and recreational activities.

If you are planning to visit Hanoi in July, you should watch the weather forecast to avoid going on the stormy day, when you cannot do anything but only stay in your room and sleep!

7.2. How to explore Hanoi in July?

• Enjoying bustling nightlife in bars and clubs in the center of Hanoi.
• Discovering a miniature Vietnam in Vietnam National Village for Ethnic Culture and Tourism.
• Escaping from the hot summer in Khoang Xanh – Suoi Tien Theme Park.
• Camping overnight and taking part in team-building games in Ham Lon Lake.
• Having a cup of sweetened dracontomelon fruit on a burning day.

8. Hanoi Weather in August

8.1. How is it?

• Temperature range: 26-34°C
• High humidity continues
• Regular afternoon showers

You are advised not to go to Hanoi in August, but if you do, there are still many activities for you to discover Hanoi, especially on the traditional occasions such as Qixi Festival and the Ghost Festival. On Ghost Festival, almost all pagodas in Hanoi have activities to celebrate this occasion, especially the ceremonies for peace to parents. The Revolution Day on August 19^th is also a chance for you to know more about the Vietnam War and the fight of Hanoians against colonialism and fascism in the 20^th century.

Going to Hanoi in August, don’t forget to bring an umbrella or raincoat because it is rainy most days of the month. Not only that, in some days, many streets of Hanoi might be flooded due to the heavy rain, and you should not go out at that time.

8.2. How to explore Hanoi in August?

• Eating red bean porridge on the Qixi Festival (the 7^th day of the 7^th lunar month) for luck.
• Going to pagodas in Hanoi to pray on the 15^th day of the lunar July: Tran Quoc Pagoda, One Pillar Pagoda, Kim Lien Pagoda and Khai Nguyen Pagoda.
• Praying and dropping flower garlands and colored lanterns into the river on the Filial Piety ceremony (the 15^th day of the lunar July).
• Visiting Van Phuc Silk Village and taking photos under hundreds of colorful umbrellas there.
• Coming to the historical museum of Hanoi: Ho Chi Minh Museum, Vietnam Museum of Revolution and Vietnam Military History Museum.

9. Hanoi Weather in September

9.1. How is it?

• Temperature range: 25-31°C
• Gradual decrease in humidity
• More stable weather patterns

Along with the mild weather, September is also a proper time for you to enjoy a Hanoi with all of its antique and modern beauty.

On Vietnamese National Day, you had better visit Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum to contemplate the flag-saluting ceremony at 06.00, then go inside Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum in the solemn procession of visitors.

Another special occasion in September is the Mid-Autumn Festival, when you can admire the traditional culture of Vietnam through art performance and mooncake.

9.2. How to explore Hanoi in September?

• Visiting Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum on Vietnamese National Day on September 2^nd .
• Discovering Hang Ma Street, Van Ho Exhibition Center and Giang Vo Exhibition Center on Mid-Autumn Festival
• Watching water puppet performances at Thang Long Water Puppet.
• Having a try on green rice flakes and green rice cakes of Vong Village, the specific dishes of Hanoi’s autumn.

10. Hanoi Weather in October

10.1. How is it?

• Temperature range: 22-28°C
• Pleasant autumn weather
• Lower humidity levels

October 10^th is the Capital Liberation Day, when you can see the decoration with banners, lights and national flags on the main streets of Hanoi.

In addition, this is the best time to see the typical flowers of autumn in Hanoi as well as all around Vietnam such as Mexican sunflowers in the suburbans or milk wood pine flowers and yellow daisy in the city center.

Though the rainy season has gone, an umbrella is still necessary for your trip. You should also prepare some light coats in your luggage because it might be cold at the end of October.

10.2. How to explore Hanoi in October?

• Discovering Vietnamese ancient architecture in the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long and Flag Tower of Hanoi.
• Trekking to Ba Vi National Park to see Mexican sunflowers.
• Enjoying the distinctive odour of alstonia flowers on Nguyen Du, Quan Thanh, Thuy Khue and Dao Tan streets.
• Going to Vong Thi Pagoda to attend Vong Thi Festival, one of the rare festivals at that time in Hanoi.

11. Hanoi Weather in November

11.1. How is it?

• Temperature range: 18-24°C
• Beginning of cooler season
• Less rainfall, clearer skies

November is an ideal time to go out to explore the beauty of Hanoi at the transforming time from autumn to winter. Although it is a cold winter, you can admire a variety of flowers in Hanoi, especially small daisies and sunflowers, which warms up the dreary winter day.

Enjoying the cool breath of the early monsoon, walking on the streets covered with yellow leaves and enjoying a cup of coffee in the morning are the impressive things that you can do in November.

11.2. How to explore Hanoi in November?

• Shooting photos with daisies in flower villages in Hanoi like Tay Tuu, Quang Ba, Nghi Tam, Tu Lien villages.
• Going shopping at a lot of shopping malls in Hanoi such as VinCom Center, Aeon Mall, Trang Tien Plaza, Lotte Shopping Center or many clothing shops on Pho Hue Street.
• Having a cup of Vietnamese coffee in some exclusive coffee shops such as Cong Coffee, Giang Coffee and Dinh Coffee.
• Coming to Smiley Ville Film Studio in Dong Anh District to enjoy a small Europe inside Hanoi.

12. Hanoi Weather in December

12.1 How is it?

• Temperature range: 15-20°C
• Coolest month
• Low humidity, occasional cold fronts

In December, Hanoi does not have a lot of activities or festivals but Christmas. At that time, you can come to Hang Ma Street, where you are able to find plenty of items for Christmas decoration, or go to St. Joseph’s Cathedral, the most well-known and ancient cathedral in Hanoi. The end of year is also a perfect occasion for you to go shopping due to the fact that various commodities are on sale.

At the end of December, it may be extremely chilly and frosty. If you decide to go to Hanoi this time, you should not forget some heavy coats, gloves, scarfs, and woolen hats. Going out too early in the morning or too late at night can do harm to your health.

12.2. How to explore Hanoi in December?

• Going to St. Joseph’s Cathedral at Christmas.
• Coming to Long Bien Flower grassland and West Lake Flower Valley.
• Visiting fields of rape flowers in the suburban area.
• Discovering Vietnamese countryside in Duong Lam Ancient Village.

Hanoi, the vibrant heart of Vietnam, captivates both domestic and international visitors with its blend of ancient charm and lively energy. Each month and season brings its unique allure, leaving a lasting impression on all visitors who experience it. The city’s enchanting seasonal weather is even regarded as one of the top reasons many people choose to live in Hanoi. We hope the information provided about Hanoi’s weather throughout the year helps you plan your visit for a fascinating and memorable journey to Hanoi!