Hanoi Weather

Hanoi is one of the most attractive tourist destinations in Vietnam, offering visitors many exciting experiences. Plan a trip to Hanoi, choosing the appropriate travel time becomes one of the crucial factors to consider. This article provides you some brief information about Hanoi weather, seasons in Hanoi, best months to visit Hanoi and things you need to know when visiting this busy, exciting capital city.

1. Hanoi weather & seasons

Representing the typical weather of tropical monsoon type in Northern Vietnam, Hanoi has the hot summer with high rainfall and the dry cold winter. The city also receives a large amount of sunlight and a relatively high humidity all throughout the year. Although the weather is divided into two main seasons: rainy season (from May to September), and dry season (from October to April), thanks to transition months, Hanoi still experiences all four seasons: spring, summer, autumn and winter.

1.1. Hanoi weather by months

• Weather in January

This is the coldest month with an average high-temperature of 19.3°C (66.7°F) and an average low-temperature of 13.7°C (56.7°F).
This month covers the average relative humidity in Hanoi is at 78%, and with the least rainfall when the rain falls for 8.4 days and typically collects 18.6mm (0.7″) of precipitation.

• Weather in February

The average temperature of February varies between 15°C (59°F) and 19.9°C (67.8°F) with the average relative humidity of 82%.
The rain in February falls for 11.3 days. Throughout the month, 26.2mm (1″) of precipitation is accumulated.

• Weather in March

This is a pleasant month in Hanoi, with average temperature varying between 18.1°C (64.6°F) and 22.8°C (73°F).
The average relative humidity of 83% becomes one of the most humid months in Hanoi.
The rainfall days of the months last 15 days and 43.8mm (1.7″) of precipitation is typically accumulated.

• Weather in April

April is a moderately hot month in Hanoi, with average temperature varying between 27°C (80.6°F) and 21.4°C (70.5°F).
Same as March, April is the most humid month with an average relative humidity of 83%.
It is raining for 13.3 days, with typically 90.1mm (3.5″) of accumulated precipitation.

• Weather in May

May is a tropical month, with average temperature ranging between min 24.3°C (75.7°F) and max 31.5°C (88.7°F).
The average relative humidity of the month is 77%.
The rainfall is for 14.2 days, with typically 188.5mm (7.4″) of accumulated precipitation.

• Weather in June

June is still a tropical month, with temperature in the range of an average high of 32.6°C (90.7°F) and an average low of 25.8°C (78.4°F).
In June, the average relative humidity is 78%.
During the month, the rain falls for 14.7 days and regularly aggregates up to 239.9mm (9.4″) of precipitation.

• Weather in July

July, like June, is a hot month in Hanoi, with average temperature varying between 26.1°C (79°F) and 32.9°C (91.2°F).
The average relative humidity in Hanoi is 79%.
During 15.7 rainfall days of the month, 288.2mm (11.3″) of precipitation is typically accumulated.

Weather in August

The average high-temperature in August is practically the same as in July – a still hot 31.9°C (89.4°F) and min 25.7°C (78.3°F).
The average relative humidity in August is 82%.
This month is with the most rainfall in Hanoi when the rain falls for 16.7 days and typically aggregates up to 318mm (12.5″) of precipitation.

• Weather in September

Time for many wedding ( Wedding season). The best time of the year in HanoiWith the average temperature fluctuating between 24.7°C (76.5°F) and 30.9°C (87.6°F), September is still hot.
The average relative humidity in Hanoi is 79%.
In September, the rain falls for 13.7 days. Throughout September, 265.4mm (10.4″) of precipitation is accumulated.

• Weather in October

In October, the average high-temperature is better than September – a warm 28.6°C (83.5°F) and the average low-temperature is 21.9°C (71.4°F).
The average relative humidity in Hanoi is 75%.
it is raining for 9 days, with typically 130.7mm (5.1″) of accumulated precipitation.

• Weather in November

The average high-temperature of November marginally drops, varying between 18.5°C (65.3°F) and 25.2°C (77.4°F).
This is the least humid month in Hanoi, with an average relative humidity of 74%.
During the month, the rain falls for 6.5 days, with typically 43.4mm (1.7″) of accumulated precipitation.

• Weather in December

The first month of the winter, December, is also an agreeable month in Hanoi, with average temperature ranging between min 15.3°C (59.5°F) and max 21.8°C (71.2°F).
The average relative humidity is 75%.
The rainfall will be for 6 days, with typically 23.4mm (0.9″) of accumulated precipitation.
December has the shortest days of the year in Hanoi, with an average of 10.9h of daylight.

1.2. Four seasons in Hanoi

• Spring

Lasting from February to April, Hanoi’s spring is humid and wet with drizzles. As this kind of weather is suitable for the plants to grow and flowers to blossom, spring will be the best time for tourists to witness the vitality of tropical nature. Spring is also the time for Tet holiday- the most essential and longest Vietnamese festival of the year.

• Summer

Hanoi’s summer is very hot, lasting from May to August (July is the hottest month). Since global warming has become a more and more serious problem, some summers are dry while others may be extremely wet with high humidity. Heavy rain is one feature of Hanoi’s summer, so don’t forget to bring a raincoat or an umbrella with you whenever leaving home. Moreover, be ready to be sweat under the sun during the day and a thunderstorm in the afternoon or evening!

• Fall (Autumn)

Fall is considered the most beautiful and romantic time for travelers to visit Hanoi. This season is quite short, typically from middle of September to the end of November. With the average temperature is 25degree, Hanoi’s autumn is charming with warm sunlight, cool breeze and dry atmosphere. If you love seeing the leaves change color, enjoying some local autumn specialties such as young green rice, living slowly for a to appreciate the beauty of your life, you definitely should come to Hanoi in autumn.

• Winter

The cold weather of Hanoi will start from December and may last until late February, with the average temperature of 17degree. However, sometimes it may drop to below 10degree, and the high humidity will lend a hand in making the weather bitter cold. Bring some serious warm clothes is necessary, if you do not want to get a cold when visiting a tropical country! Hanoi’s winter is also famous for many delicious street foods which can warm you up in a chilly day.

2. When is the best time to visit Hanoi?

The fall (autumn), from September to November can be the best time to visit Hanoi because the rainy season in Hanoi often ends. The sky is clear, and the sun is not too intense. The climate has an average temperature with cold air.

Alternatively, if you can’t visit Hanoi in the autumn, traveling to Hanoi from February to the beginning of April is also a good option. You can enjoy beautiful flowers and participate in different festivals during the spring.

3. What to pack?

– Sturdy walking shoes that are waterproof or can dry quickly
– A few bags to waterproof maps and money
– Small grocery bags can make great shoe liners if you plan to travel during the rainy season
– Quick-dry clothing will help remove moisture from your body and will wash and dry quickly on the road.
– An umbrella, when you arrive in Hanoi, no matter what time of year you travel. Umbrellas are great for sun protection as well as for the frequent rain showers.
– Warm clothes, shoes for cold weather & light sweater, hat, sunglasses, sunscreen for hot weather.

4. What to do?

The dry season has a lot of interesting festivals. The Tet New Year is celebrated nationwide in January or February and is the country’s most important holiday. This holiday is so significant that it can change prices and availabilities quickly, so make sure to double-check when it falls.

The hot weather can also contribute to the festive atmosphere during one of this season’s many festivals. One of them is in May (19th) when the country celebrates the birth of its founding father Ho Chi Minh. Nights in Hanoi are a welcome break from the daytime heat. Many locals will venture out after dark to ride bicycles, eat outdoors, and unwind. In some ways, the summer heat contributes to the nightlife’s festive atmosphere.

The wet season celebrates mid-autumn festival by decorating the city with red lanterns and giving toys to children. Combined with moon-cake selling in the streets, the red lanterns can give the city a truly exotic and pleasant ambiance. Apart from festivals, the wet season can be a good time to take advantage of discounted prices due to it not being peak season. You can visit the Old Quarter, try delicious local cuisine, watch water puppet shows, and so much more. The best way to unlock the secrets of Hanoi is to take a guided trip with a local guide.

In summary, there really is no bad time to visit Hanoi. Be warned that the cold months can be a bit depressing, and if you hate the heat, June through to August cannot suit well. Other than that, pack and plan appropriately and don’t let the weather spoil your visit.

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