Best Time To Visit Hanoi
Hanoi is one of the few places in Vietnam to have four seasons namely spring, summer, fall and winter. The average temperature ranges from about 12°C during the coldest months to 36°C in the peak of summer.
The best parts of the year are probably spring (February to April) and autumn (September to November) because they have beautiful weather with temperatures that are not too cold or too hot. During Tet holiday, Hanoi is characterized by its nice weather and cloudless sky. Moreover, tourists can participate in a number of interesting traditional activities.
In such situations, people may be tempted to conclude that September marks the end of summer since torrential rains make it possible for them to take romantic walks along downtown streets covered with yellow leaves.
However, regardless of whether it is a scorching summer or freezing days before Christmas holidays; there are always fun-filled activities taking place in Hanoi.
- FEB-APRIL: Spring comes as a great chance to explore Hanoi. The temperatures range between 15 and 20 degrees Celsius (59 and 68 degrees Fahrenheit). February through March has clear skies though precipitation becomes more regular in April. In addition, it should be noted that Spring may also coincide with Tet which is Vietnamese New Year (late January or early February). This being the most important event in Vietnamese culture many businesses will probably be closed at that time.
- MAY-AUG: Like elsewhere in Southeast Asia, summers are hot and humid here at Hanoi. The average temperature reaches approximately 32 degrees Celsius (90 degrees Fahrenheit). Further on, it is officially rainy season when most rainfall occurs between July and August.
- SEPT-NOV: Fall like spring is another good period for one who wishes to visit Hanoi. It has an average temperature around twenty-five degree Celsius (77 degree Fahrenheit). For this reason November proves perfect for walking along tree-lined boulevards near Hoan Kiem Lake, when the sky is bluer and the leaves turn gold. Autumn is the most beautiful time to visit Hanoi.
- DEC-JAN: It is said that winters in Hanoi can be bitterly cold for a country located in Southeast Asia. The average temperature stands at about 17 degree Celsius (63 degree Fahrenheit) but has gone even below 10 degrees Celsius (50 degree Fahrenheit). With high humidity, wind chill and poor building insulation; it feels much colder than that. If you are planning to travel to Hanoi in winter, make sure you dress properly for the cold weather.
Hanoi in January
It should be all right with an average temperature range of 14-21 degrees Celsius for Europeans who are used to subzero temperatures and snowing weather in their own countries. Though, don’t let the temperature range mislead you because winters here are much colder and damper with relative humidity of 70%. The lowest night time readings could fall below 10 degrees Celsius, and sunny days are rare. Just when it is sunny outside, it can be really cold. Why not include a thin coat if it doesn’t occupy too much space in your suitcase to avoid getting a cold that might interrupt your schedule?
There aren’t many special events happening throughout Hanoi in January except for visiting the Old Quarter or the city itself during the evening (especially after dark) being the best time to try its various types of hot meals; however, Tet may start as early as on January 19th (although not often as early as beginning February) and spread festive mood across the whole city. Therefore prices may rise and some stores and attractions may be closed for holidays, thus travelers should adjust their trip.
January is a good month to go to Hanoi especially if one loves crowded streets. Tourists are encouraged to check out Lunar Calendar for Vietnamese Tet dates and plan their trip either towards end of January or at start of February so that they can get a taste of Hanoi’s finest offerings taking place during numerous festive occasions.
Hanoi in February
February is the best month to visit Hanoi and Vietnam as there are many festivals and exotic dishes that can only be found during Tet. Just one week before Tet, when people are rushing to prepare for the holiday season, would be a good time to arrive in Hanoi in order to enjoy its bustling atmosphere, and also witness the grandeur of thousands of flowers with the city’s flower market.
The festival season in Hanoi starts on January 5th (Lunar Calendar) with Dong Da festival, Lieu Doi wrestling festival, Giong Temple festival and Co Loa Temple festival. There are so many festivals that occur throughout this month in Hanoi and Vietnam that it could take days running into weeks just listing them all; why not go from one to another?
The best time for quiet-seeking travellers who would like to capture the calm beauty of Hanoi streets on their camera is from evening December 30th till January 3rd when streets are empty. During daytime however few stores or restaurants will serve you.
If you don’t mind freezing weather, crowded streets occasionally accompanied by muddy rain and prices shooting skyward almost daily, then this place offers some amazing celebration both at here or across the whole country. February is a great time to visit Hanoi.
Hanoi in March
The weather in March in Hanoi becomes so warm that it’s practically goodbye to extremely cold days and we can start basking under the sun by midday. The average daily temperature of February varies between 19 and 26 degrees Celsius, whereas the relative humidity remains relatively constant. In addition, there are fewer rainy days in March and precipitation becomes slightly more intense than a month before. Spring weather is really pleasant and great for touring, but it is also illness season due to fluctuating humidity and sunshine. Therefore, travelers should carry medication if they fall ill with flu.
During this month Dong Nhan Temple Festival takes place at Hanoi featuring human chess, lantern dancing or water sports among others. Water puppets also portray five legends of Giong during the Phu Dong Thien Vuong Festival that takes place in Gia Lam District every year.
Northern or Eastern Europeans can escape from their icy winter visiting Hanoi. On top of that there are other added festivals held all over Vietnam within this month apart from Capital City.
Hanoi in April
For marking the beginning of April, Hanoi’s average temperature increasing slightly to between twenty-one and thirty degrees Celsius is only good for the weather. On the contrary, Hanoi enters its rainy season with a double increase in humidity and wet day amount 91mm/7days. Hence buy an umbrella to avoid being rained on.
The Le Mat Festival held in Gia Lam is a highlight this month commemorating the slaying of a monster giant serpent during the reign of Ly Thai Tong. The festival includes a snake dance performance, mock battles and water parade. Additionally, Quoc Oai District also stages Thay Pagoda Festivals that witness several water puppet performances.
Make sure you get your fill of spring’s most beautiful moments before May embarks on what will be a marked worsening of weather conditions.
Hanoi in May
The month of May is not that hot, with average day temperatures ranging from 25°C to 31°C. It also begins the rainy season in Hanoi with about 133 mm of precipitation and over seven days of wetness. Besides this, it has unsettling outbursts which can occur at any hour. Although it does not last long, such rains can be a little irritating to visitors; conversely, dressing in a raincoat and strolling through the rain along with your buddies or friends could be a memorable experience.
Other than Labor Day parades, art fairs and occasional fireworks there are not many exciting things happening in cities. On May 19th, there are huge events taking place both inside and outside the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum to celebrate President Ho Chi Minh’s birthday.
In general terms, Hanoi in May is not very interesting but its inexpensive cost index as well as lack of tourists may add some value to it.
Hanoi in June
It is so hot here at night, the temperature is on average 26 degrees Celsius. This is as a result of day temperatures averaging about 33°C. However, this doesn’t tell us much because sometimes burning sunlight can melt asphalt on the roadways, and it may go up to well above 40 degrees even by midday. Besides that, with a combination of heat and relative humidity around seventy percent can make it very uncomfortable indeed. In addition, although the amount of precipitation remains relatively constant compared to that of last month; there are more and more heavy showers. It would be fine for tourists from Spain or any scorching state within America such as California, Utah or Texas in June in Hanoi whereas those from England, France or Argentina might have some problems.
The Only festival celebrated during June in Thuy Phuong Town, Tu Liem District is Chem Temple Festival which includes dragon boat racing on the Red River among its activities kite flying & release of doves. Nevertheless one cannot call this single festival enough to bear high heat!
All in all if you are free then wait until spring or autumn.
Hanoi in July
Again, this month average night temperature has risen to 27°C compared to the previous month while the average daytime temperature has remained at 34°C. The high temperature and high humidity (75%) continue to cause significant rains for about half of the month. Hanoi and North Vietnam are currently experiencing their hottest months in a year, which are even hotter than those in the South. Center area seems to have mild weather with lower degree of humidity.
July is very boring in Hanoi because there are no interesting festivals or events organized by local people. July is about the beaches and sun, not smog and heat! Nevertheless, if you happen to be in Hanoi in July, you can try “Tra Da”, a traditional drink of Hanoians that will cool down your throat. It may be nice to sit on the sidewalk watching chaotic street life and sipping tea at the same time. At Trang Tien Street during this time of year it would also be tasty ice cream from Trang Tien ice cream shop. Besides, quick visits to one of sea provinces near Hanoi resort for tanning or swimming will help you make full use of summer sunshine.
Despite being a peak season for tourists, but on its own, it’s not that exciting as far as I’m concerned. Although visiting beaches around Hanoi might add value to your holiday; however if you’re just interested in seeing the city, autumn is a better time for exploring it.
Hanoi in August
The temperature is starting to drop towards the daily average of 25°C to 32°C. The humidity in the Vietnamese climate remains high and constant, hence around 79% on any given day of the year. August also happens to be the wettest month of all, with as much as 184 mm precipitation dispersed over eight days.
However, generally speaking, the weather is a lot milder than what it used to be last July; there are no longer those extremely hot midday temperatures reaching above 40°C. Whenever you are planning a trip to Hanoi this month you should take with you raincoat, umbrella, short sleeved shirts and shorts.
The most important day of the month may well be Vietnam’s All Souls’ Day – a day of fasting and feeding dead spirits in temples around Hanoi where special vegetarian dishes are served. Besides this, it is also travelers’ last chance for basking in some sunshine on Hanoi’s beaches. Do Son beach that celebrates buffalo festival during this same period is one instance.
August in Hanoi is not extraordinary but it is not awful either. In terms of its level of attractiveness August should occupy the middle position among twelve months while being closer to less weather comfortable ones.
Hanoi in September
September is the month when summer gives way to autumn. This means that it is cooler and more pleasant. The heat, though still high, is nothing compared to what it is during June and July because there is a reduced amount of sunlight.
The temperature range of 26 to 31°C remains almost unchanged; nevertheless, sunlight does not become too strong, with even the highest temperature not exceeding 35°C. Hanoi becomes exceptionally attractive due to a decrease in humidity and refreshing winds blowing through the city as well as soft sunshine and clear blue sky above it. Apart from T-shirts and shorts a good camera will do for capturing beautiful tree-lined boulevards of pines or streets covered with leaves.
Every year on September 2, Vietnam’s Independence Day, there are some funny activities all over Hanoi. Moreover, shopping malls may have discounts while entertainment venues are always full with special programming for them.
Another happy day known as Mid-Autumn Festival falls between the latter half of September and early October. During festivals, red lanterns hang along with children’s toys in every street of Hanoi. Besides these moon cakes can be found if only one has an opportunity of participating in such an event.
In contrast to other times when it might rain heavily for quite some time in this city (which is actually tolerable under such circumstances), September marks its last month characterized by wet conditions; that notwithstanding Hanoi fall should be seen at least once.
Hanoi in October
The temperature decreases drastically from 28°C in the day to 23°C at night. This is a result of reduced rainfall and humidity that make Hanoi’s climate milder. Despite maintaining the number of wet days, there are lighter showers than in the previous months. While this may be compared with that of Japan and Argentina, it might seem hotter than European countries to them.
In fall the Old Quarter still looks beautiful and it is not too hot as other parts of the year so there is no better time to take a cyclo trip around Hanoi’s Old Quarter than now. Any type of walking excursion is allowed for.
This month, Vong Thi Festival will take place under Ba Dinh District where traditional folk tunes and cockfights are held at Vong Thi Pagoda.
From October onwards prices will start dropping and weather becomes much friendlier allowing people to come here without delay. Savor autumn’s delicious bites of food while you can in Hanoi.
Hanoi in November
The average temperature range varies from 19 to 24 degrees Celsius per day, which appears bearable to many of the visitors, especially Europeans who are used to temperatures below 20°C. Moreover, it only rains for two days while the entire month has a total of forty millimeters precipitation; this makes wet days rare in Hanoi. Nevertheless, the rainy weather can be quite chilly due to monsoons leading to extremely wet seasons. Therefore, sometimes it would be better if one would put on a slightly light jacket.
However, this season lacks festivals or any other special events except for that henceforth its lowest price index would compensate for such deficiency.
To sum up, November seems like an awesome time to visit Hanoi and Northern Vietnam generally due to the mildness of the climate at this period of time.
Hanoi in December
December in Hanoi is a month that is exceptionally beautiful. The dry air and cool weather will make you comfortable, because there is no sweating! It can also be very cold at times. Strolling along the tree-lined boulevards without it raining while people from Hanoi walk by is excellent. In December, visit places such as Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum or the Old Quarter of Hanoi.
Don’t expect to find many types of fruit in Hanoi during this period of time; most delicious fruits are available in summer (see about the seasons in Hanoi). However, it is pleasant to eat out at hotpot or barbecue restaurants.
