The best seasons for a Hanoi trip are spring and autumn! A month-by-month look at the climate and the times to avoid

Among those planning a Hanoi trip, some may be wondering, "Which month is the most comfortable to go?" "Should I avoid the hot season?"

Southeast Asia has an image of being "summer all year," but Hanoi, like Japan, has four seasons, and the temperature and rainfall change greatly by season.

This article explains, from a resident's perspective, Hanoi's best season, the month-by-month climate, clothing, and recommended timing by tourist spot.

The features of Hanoi's climate and month-by-month weather data

Hanoi's month-by-month weather data

Month	Average high	Average low	Average rainfall	Travel suitability
January	21℃	13℃	30mm	x Cold, air pollution
February	21℃	16℃	20mm	x Cold, air pollution
March	24℃	17℃	60mm	O More sunny days
April	26℃	21℃	90mm	O Many days with good weather
May	30℃	23℃	190mm	△ Rainy season begins, gets hot
June	32℃	25℃	250mm	x Scorching heat
July	33℃	27℃	300mm	x Scorching heat
August	34℃	26℃	330mm	△ Typhoons can come
September	32℃	24℃	250mm	O Good climate but watch for typhoons
October	29℃	21℃	120mm	◎ Best season
November	27℃	18℃	30mm	〇
December	22℃	15℃	20mm	x Cold, air pollution

Source: Hanoi climate, time difference, immigration, prohibited items, etc. (ANA)

*Temperatures and rainfall are guidelines for normal values. They vary by year.

Hanoi has loose four seasons

Hanoi is said to have four seasons, but summer and winter are long, while autumn and spring are short, about a month each. It varies by year, but the guideline is as follows.

Winter turns cold, and summer stays above 38 degrees

Some may imagine that, hearing "Southeast Asian winter," the climate is one you can spend in a thin long-sleeved shirt.

But Hanoi's winter has days that stay below 10 degrees.If you carelessly sightsee in a thin jacket, you might catch a cold.

Conversely, summer, May to July, is a harsh season with days above 35 degrees continuing.

For anyone who wants to walk around the city of Hanoi sightseeing, or to look closely at outdoor heritage, we recommend avoiding the summer and winter periods.

Air pollution worsens in the city of Hanoi in winter

The air pollution problem in the city of Hanoi is serious.The Air Quality Index (AQI), which shows the degree of air pollution, can reach 200 as a citywide average, sometimes making it the world's most polluted city.

Also, in winter the daylight hours are short and cloudy days are common.

For anyone who wants to sightsee on a clear day, or who has health concerns, avoiding this period is recommended.

ハノイ観光のベストシーズンは3～4月と9〜11月

The most comfortable time for Hanoi sightseeing isMarch to April and September to November.

The climate features of March to April

• Average high: 24 to 26°C
• Average low: 17 to 21°C
• Sunny rate: on the higher side, many days with continuing blue skies

The climate features of September to November

• Average high: 27 to 32°C
• Average low: 18 to 24°C
• Sunny rate: on the higher side, many days with continuing blue skies

October to November especially is crisp like Japan's autumn, not too hot, and ideal for city sightseeing.

Watch out for typhoons

September to November has more days with good climate, butit overlaps with the typhoon season from mid-August into September.

There are days with very strong wind and rain, so caution is needed.

Depending on the typhoon situation, ride-hailing apps like Grab can become unusable too. Check the weather forecast in advance and, on days with strong wind and rain, avoid forcing yourself to go out.

Times better avoided: June to August

From June to August, scorching heat above 35 degrees continues. It's also not unusual for humidity to exceed 90%.

For those who "can only go during this period," we recommend building a route centered on museums and indoor cafes.

When doing outdoor sightseeing, we recommend the early-morning hours. Evening sightseeing is recommended too, but some ruins and museums close early, so check the hours in advance.

In Vietnam, compared with Japan, you need to be careful with untreated water, raw vegetables, ice, undercooked dishes, and poorly stored food.
On hot days especially the risk of food poisoning rises, so take ample care.

Clothing and what to bring by season

Best season (September to November, March to April)

Item	Necessity	Note
Thin jacket or cardigan	Essential	For the morning and evening chill
Short-sleeved T-shirt	Essential	It's warm during the day
Sneakers	Recommended	Essential for walking the Old Quarter
All-weather umbrella	Recommended	For sun and squalls
Sunscreen	Essential	UV is strong all year

Rainy season (May to August)

Item	Necessity	Note
Short-sleeved T-shirt	Essential	Quick-drying material recommended ◎
Thin jacket or cardigan	Recommended	For the cold inside hotels and restaurants
All-weather umbrella	Recommended	For sun and squalls
Hydration gear	Essential	High risk of heatstroke
Hat and sunglasses	Recommended	UV protection

Winter (December to February)

Item	Necessity	Note
Jacket or sweater	Essential	It can drop below 10°C
Long-sleeved shirt	Essential	Layering is basic
Thick socks	Handy to have	For the chilly nights

Even in winter, some days are humid and hot, so clothing you can adjust is recommended.

The best season for sights around Hanoi

The best season for sightseeing in the city of Hanoi

For those who want to enjoy walking the town, March to May and October to November are recommended.

Summer has high humidity and isn't suited to walking around town. And winter has low temperatures, but air pollution worsens.

For sightseeing outside the best season, spend it taking indoor breaks at reasonable intervals.

The best season for Ha Long Bay sightseeing

March to May and October to November are recommended.

The winter of December to February is cold, and in the September typhoon season, cruise boats touring Ha Long Bay may be canceled.

If you go during the hot season, an afternoon-departure cruise boat is recommended. In the evening the temperature drops and you can enjoy the sunset.

The best season for Ninh Binh and Trang An

Trang An, called "the Ha Long Bay on land," and Ninh Binh, home to the old capital "Hoa Lu," are sightseeing spots you can reach within 2 hours by car from Hanoi.

Trang An is famous for tours you take by boat, butMarch to May and October to November are recommended.

it gets crowded on holidays and in the tourist season. Also, since you tour by boat with no shade, aiming for the cool morning hours to board is recommended.

Frequently asked questions

When is Hanoi's rainy season?

May to October is the rainy season. Rainfall peaks especially from June to August. During this period it rarely rains all day, but keep an umbrella ready for sudden rain.

How is traveling during Tet (Lunar New Year)?

Tet is late January to early February, but it varies by year. Since many Vietnamese return to their hometowns, the city of Hanoi goes quiet.

Many shops aren't open, but tourist spots are relatively empty, which you could call a hidden opportunity.

How does the climate differ between Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City?

Hanoi has four seasons, and winter (January to February) cools to the low teens Celsius. Ho Chi Minh City has a tropical climate of 25 to 35°C year-round.

Choosing which one to go to based on your travel timing is one approach.

Is there a typhoon worry for a Hanoi trip?

August to September is a time when typhoons approach northern Vietnam easily. Typhoons can cause heavy rain. For a September trip especially, checking the latest weather information just in case gives peace of mind.

Is Hanoi's winter really cold? Totally different from the Southeast Asia image?

In January, lows can drop below 10°C. Don't assume "it's Southeast Asia so summer clothes are enough." Be sure to bring warm clothing, even if thin.