Best time to visit · Hanoi · Vietnam
The best time to visit Hanoi
Weather, crowds, prices and events for every month, so you can pick the trip that suits you.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: Unknown author, Public domain
Quick answer
The best times to visit Hanoi are October to December, when days are dry, mild and often sunny, and March to April, when the city warms up before summer. January and February are cool and grey, with Tết closures; June and July are the hottest months, combining heat, humidity and heavy downpours.
Key facts
- Best months
- March–April and October–December
- Shoulder season
- January–February, May and August–September
- Warmest month
- June (avg high 33°C (91°F))
- Coldest month
- January (avg high 19°C (66°F))
- Rainiest month
- August (~17 rainy days)
- Lowest hotel prices
- May–August
Seasons
Hanoi has a humid subtropical climate with real seasons: a hot, wet summer from May to September with heavy downpours and occasional storms, a dry and pleasant autumn, a cool, grey winter and a humid spring with frequent drizzle.
February–April
Spring
Humid and often drizzly, warming steadily; festival season after Tết and blossom around the lakes.
May–August
Summer
Hot, very humid and wet, with thunderstorms and occasional storms; low prices and fewer tourists.
September–November
Autumn
Hanoi's favourite season: drier air, blue skies and comfortable temperatures, with the Mid-Autumn Festival.
December–January
Winter
Cool, grey and damp with chilly nights; good for walking, but bring layers and check air quality.
Month by month
Long-term averages (rounded). Crowds and prices are relative, 1 (lowest) to 5 (highest). Daylight is sunrise to sunset on the 15th.
| Month | High | Low | Rainy days | Daylight | Crowds | Prices |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 19°C | 14°C | 9 | 11 h | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| February | 20°C | 15°C | 11 | 11.4 h | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| March | 23°C | 18°C | 15 | 12 h | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| April | 27°C | 22°C | 13 | 12.6 h | 4/5 | 3/5 |
| May | 32°C | 25°C | 14 | 13.1 h | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| June | 33°C | 26°C | 15 | 13.4 h | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| July | 33°C | 26°C | 16 | 13.3 h | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| August | 32°C | 26°C | 17 | 12.8 h | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| September | 31°C | 25°C | 13 | 12.2 h | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| October | 29°C | 22°C | 9 | 11.6 h | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| November | 25°C | 19°C | 6 | 11.1 h | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| December | 22°C | 16°C | 5 | 10.9 h | 4/5 | 4/5 |
Yearly events
Recurring dates shift from year to year; confirm with the organiser before you book.
| Month | Events |
|---|---|
| January | Tết (Lunar New Year) — flower markets before the holiday, then many shops close for several days (late January or February) |
| February | Perfume Pagoda pilgrimage festival (usually from after Tết until about April) |
| April | Reunification Day and Labour Day holidays — domestic travel peaks (30 April and 1 May) |
| September | National Day — flags and celebrations around Ba Đình Square (2 September); Mid-Autumn Festival — lanterns and mooncakes on Hàng Mã street (September or early October) |
| October | Liberation of the Capital Day (10 October) |
| December | Christmas Eve crowds and decorations around St Joseph's Cathedral (24 December) |
Cheapest and quietest times
Hotel prices are usually lowest in May–August, and the sights are quietest in June–August. Many visitors avoid June–July.
What to pack
| Season | Pack |
|---|---|
| Spring | Light, breathable clothes, a sun hat and high-factor sunscreen; A compact umbrella and waterproof shoes — rain is frequent; Comfortable walking shoes |
| Summer | Light, breathable clothes, a sun hat and high-factor sunscreen; A compact umbrella and waterproof shoes — rain is frequent; Comfortable walking shoes |
| Autumn | Light, breathable clothes, a sun hat and high-factor sunscreen; A compact umbrella and waterproof shoes — rain is frequent; Comfortable walking shoes |
| Winter | Light layers for the day and a light jacket for the evening; A packable rain jacket for showers; Comfortable walking shoes |
Questions travellers ask
+What is the best month to visit Hanoi?
The best times to visit Hanoi are October to December, when days are dry, mild and often sunny, and March to April, when the city warms up before summer. January and February are cool and grey, with Tết closures; June and July are the hottest months, combining heat, humidity and heavy downpours.
+When are hotel prices lowest in Hanoi?
Usually in May–August. Heat and humidity build quickly, with afternoon thunderstorms; plan sightseeing for mornings and evenings.
+What is the rainiest month in Hanoi?
August, with about 17 days of rain on average.
+How hot does Hanoi get?
The warmest month, June, averages highs of 33°C (91°F) and lows of 26°C (79°F).