Destination
Best Time to Visit Hanoi
Hanoi's strongest travel periods are generally February–April and October–December. Late November is particularly strong for comfortable sightseeing, while summer trades lower prices and fewer visitors for much more heat, humidity and rain.
My recommendation
October–November
Cooler, clearer weather arrives after the wet summer, with lower humidity and comfortable temperatures for walking. November averages just 62mm of rain across six rainy days, making late November an especially strong choice for sightseeing.
Best weather
October–November
Cooler, clearer and comfortable for long days outside.
Fewer crowds
November–December / February–March
The calmer windows, outside Tet and year-end holiday peaks.
Best value
May–September
Lower prices, with significantly more heat, humidity and rain.
Avoid for heat & rain
June–August
The hottest, wettest and most humid stretch.
October–November scores
Plan around
Weather seasons and holidays
- Cool and cloudy season
- Conditions are cool to cold by Hanoi standards, often misty and cloudy. This is comfortable for walking, but the damp air can feel cooler than the thermometer suggests.
- Warming season
- April begins warm and walkable. By May and June, temperatures, humidity and rainfall rise quickly.
- Peak heat and rain
- This is Hanoi's hardest weather window: hot, humid and rainy. August is the wettest month in the climate dataset, averaging 310mm of rain and 16 rainy days.
- Clearer autumn weather
- Conditions become cooler, clearer and increasingly good for sightseeing. October and November deliver the best overall balance.
- Tet / Lunar New Year
- Tet is Vietnam's most important holiday and can significantly affect transport, opening hours, hotel prices and availability. Check the exact dates for your travel year rather than relying on a fixed date.
December–March
April–June
June–August
September–November
January or February — dates change every year
Month by month
All twelve months, at a glance
Tap any month for full scores, temperatures and planning notes.
Weather in Hanoi
Monthly climate calendar
December through March is cool to cold, misty and cloudy. April through June turns warm to hot; June through August is hot, humid and rainy. September through November becomes cooler and clearer, and is generally excellent for sightseeing.
The strongest travel periods are generally February–April and October–December. For the most comfortable sightseeing, choose October or November; for lower rainfall, February and December stand out; and for warm weather before peak summer, April and May are the better choices.
| Month | Avg temp | Low | High | Rainfall | Humidity | Rainy days |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 16.2°C | 13.0°C | 19.3°C | 47mm | 73% | 7 |
| February | 18.3°C | 15.1°C | 21.8°C | 37mm | 76% | 7 |
| March | 21.1°C | 17.9°C | 24.7°C | 61mm | 78% | 8 |
| April | 24.9°C | 21.7°C | 28.8°C | 109mm | 79% | 8 |
| May | 27.2°C | 24.3°C | 30.9°C | 242mm | 80% | 13 |
| June | 28.9°C | 26.0°C | 32.5°C | 236mm | 79% | 14 |
| July | 28.7°C | 26.0°C | 32.2°C | 272mm | 81% | 15 |
| August | 27.9°C | 25.3°C | 31.4°C | 310mm | 85% | 16 |
| September | 26.8°C | 24.0°C | 30.4°C | 225mm | 82% | 14 |
| October | 24.7°C | 21.6°C | 28.4°C | 122mm | 77% | 9 |
| November | 21.2°C | 17.8°C | 25.0°C | 62mm | 73% | 6 |
| December | 17.2°C | 13.6°C | 20.7°C | 37mm | 70% | 5 |
Source: Hanoi climate averages, 1991–2021. · Vietnam Tourism seasonal guidance · Weather Spark November conditions
Best overall
October–November
Comfortable sightseeing
October–November
Lower rainfall
February / December
Warm weather
April–May
Avoid extreme heat
October–December / February–March
Rainy season
The wetter period is primarily May–September. August is the wettest month in this 1991–2021 climate dataset, with approximately 310mm of rainfall, 85% humidity and 16 rainy days. June through August is the weakest window for travelers who dislike heat and rain.
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The short version
Best weather
October–November. Cooler, clearer conditions and excellent temperatures for exploring on foot.
Fewer crowds
November–December or February–March. Check Tet and year-end holiday dates, which can change demand.
Best value
May–September. Hotel value improves, but the trade-off is substantially more heat, humidity and rain.
Warmest weather
June–July. Expect average highs above 32°C, humid nights and frequent rain.
Best overall balance
October–November. These months provide Hanoi's strongest combination of weather, walkability and manageable travel conditions.
When should YOU visit Hanoi?
Choose October or November for the best overall balance.
October and November combine cooler temperatures, less rain and clearer conditions for long days around the Old Quarter, Hoan Kiem Lake and the city's museums. Late November is particularly comfortable.
March and April are the strongest spring alternatives. February and December are drier and cooler. May through September can deliver better prices and fewer visitors, but only if you are comfortable with substantially more heat, humidity and rain.
For most travelers: October–November. For value: May–September. Avoid June–August if you dislike heat and rain.
FAQ
Planning a trip to Hanoi
What is the best time to visit Hanoi?
October and November are the best overall months for Hanoi because temperatures are comfortable, summer humidity has eased and rainfall is much lower. March and April are also strong.
What is the best month to visit Hanoi?
November is the strongest single month for many travelers. It averages 21.2°C, with a 17.8°C low, 25.0°C high, 62mm of rain and only six rainy days. Late November is particularly comfortable for sightseeing.
When is the rainy season in Hanoi?
Hanoi's wetter period runs primarily from May through September. August is the wettest month in the supplied 1991–2021 dataset, averaging 310mm of rainfall and 16 rainy days.
Is Hanoi hot in summer?
Yes. June and July average highs above 32°C, with warm nights, high humidity and frequent rain. June through August is the least comfortable period for long outdoor sightseeing days.
Is Hanoi crowded?
Crowd levels vary by season and holidays rather than following the climate alone. October and November attract fair-weather travelers, while Tet can significantly affect transport, prices, closures and availability. The scores here are editorial guidance, not claimed visitor statistics.
What is the cheapest time to visit Hanoi?
May through September generally offers the best value as heat, humidity and rainfall reduce demand. The trade-off is less predictable weather and more difficult sightseeing conditions.
Is November a good time to visit Hanoi?
Yes. November is one of Hanoi's best months: mild temperatures, lower humidity, 62mm of average rainfall and just six rainy days make it excellent for exploring.
Is Hanoi worth visiting in December?
Yes, especially if you prefer cool, dry weather. December averages 37mm of rain and only five rainy days. It can be misty and cloudy, and evenings are cool, but walking conditions are generally comfortable.