The most comfortable months in Hanoi are usually October and November — dry, sunny and mild — followed by March and April, which are warm but often grey and humid. Summer (May to September) is hot, humid and the wettest time of year; winter (December to February) is cool, damp and frequently overcast.
Hanoi month by month
Typical conditions; actual weather varies from year to year.
| Month | Weather | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| January | Cool, grey, drizzly; can feel cold | Tet preparations; Tet sometimes falls in late January |
| February | Cool, misty, light drizzle | Tet often falls here; some businesses close; festival season begins |
| March | Mild to warm, humid, often overcast | Perfume Pagoda pilgrimage season; pleasant for walking |
| April | Warm, humid, brighter | Good month; Hung Kings’ festival holiday |
| May | Hot, first heavy showers | Ninh Binh rice turns golden around late May–June |
| June | Hot and humid, storms | Low hotel prices; mausoleum maintenance closure often begins around mid-year |
| July | Hot, wettest period | Typhoon risk for Ha Long Bay cruises |
| August | Hot, very wet | Heavy downpours; cruises may be cancelled in storms |
| September | Hot, rain easing late | National Day (2 September); golden terraces in Sapa |
| October | Warm, drier, sunny | One of the best months |
| November | Mild, dry, clear | One of the best months; busy with visitors |
| December | Cool and dry, can be grey | Comfortable for sightseeing; cold in Sapa |
The four seasons
Autumn (roughly September–November)
The favourite season of Hanoians: lower humidity, clear skies and pleasant temperatures. Expect more visitors and higher hotel rates — book ahead.
Winter (roughly December–February)
Cool and damp, with long grey spells; few buildings are heated, so pack a warm layer. Sapa can drop close to freezing. Ha Long Bay is often misty — atmospheric, but less sparkling.
Spring (roughly March–April)
Warming, with drizzle and blossom; Lunar New Year festivities and the pilgrimage to the Perfume Pagoda fill the calendar.
Summer (roughly May–August)
Hot and humid with heavy, often short downpours. Plan sightseeing early and late, with museums at midday. Typhoons can cancel Ha Long Bay cruises — keep plans flexible.
Tet and public holidays
Tet, the Lunar New Year, falls in late January or February. The city is decorated with peach blossom and kumquat trees, but many family businesses and some restaurants close for several days, transport sells out and prices rise. Other busy holidays include Reunification Day and Labour Day (30 April–1 May) and National Day (2 September).
Best time for day trips
- Ha Long Bay: spring and autumn for the best balance; summer is warm for swimming but stormy.
- Ninh Binh: green or golden rice from May to June, and again in autumn; avoid busy weekends if you can.
- Sapa: September for golden terraces; spring for flowers; winter is cold.
Plan your stay: see where to stay and our travel guide.
