Ho Chi Minh City edges it in January. Hanoi averages 14–20°C with moderate crowds; Ho Chi Minh City 23–32°C with moderate-high crowds.
By Daan · Last reviewed October 2026
Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City
The verdict for January
Cool, misty and easy to explore
+Cool temperatures make long walking days comfortable.
–Cloud, mist and damp air can make the city feel colder than the figures suggest.
A cool-weather Hanoi for cafés, museums and long Old Quarter walks.
Dry skies, lively streets
+Dry and sunny
–Busier around Tet
January is one of Ho Chi Minh City’s driest and most comfortable months, with warm days, low rainfall and relatively lower humidity. The city becomes especially lively around the Lunar New Year period.
Scores and crowd levels are my own judgement; temperatures are monthly averages. Higher scores are better: quieter, cheaper and more pleasant.
Another month