The short answer
When to go to Hanoi
The comfortable window is October to December, with November the driest and mildest, and March to April a good second choice. January and February are cool and grey, and the heat and humidity from May to September, with the heaviest rain in June to August, make sightseeing tiring. For older travellers, plan outdoor sights for the morning and rest in the afternoon at any time of year.
Month by month
Hanoi weather by month
| Month | High | Low | Rain | Verdict | What to expect |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 20°C | 14°C | 20 mm | Cool and grey; bring a light jacket | |
| February | 22°C | 16°C | 20 mm | Cool, often overcast and drizzly | |
| March | 26°C | 21°C | 36 mm | Mild and warming; showers pick up | |
| April | 29°C | 22°C | 104 mm | Warm with spring showers; pleasant for walking | |
| May | 33°C | 25°C | 165 mm | Hot and humid; rain becomes frequent | |
| June | 35°C | 27°C | 264 mm | Hot, humid and wet; heavy storms | |
| July | 34°C | 27°C | 254 mm | Among the wettest months; very humid | |
| August | 33°C | 26°C | 274 mm | Wettest month; storms and humidity | |
| September | 32°C | 25°C | 228 mm | Still wet but easing; humid | |
| October | 30°C | 23°C | 155 mm | Warm, rain easing; a good month to start | |
| November | 27°C | 20°C | 61 mm | Dry, mild and comfortable | |
| December | 21°C | 14°C | 20 mm | Dry and cool; light layers needed |
Temperatures and rainfall are long-term monthly averages. Check the forecast a few days before you travel.
Seasons at a glance
Hanoi seasons for families and seniors
The easiest months: November and December
- November: Dry, mild and comfortable
- December: Dry and cool; light layers needed
Good, with small trade-offs: March, April and October
- March: Mild and warming; showers pick up
- April: Warm with spring showers; pleasant for walking
- October: Warm, rain easing; a good month to start
Possible, with planning: January, February, May and September
- January: Cool and grey; bring a light jacket
- February: Cool, often overcast and drizzly
- May: Hot and humid; rain becomes frequent
- September: Still wet but easing; humid
Best avoided with parents or children: June, July and August
- June: Hot, humid and wet; heavy storms
- July: Among the wettest months; very humid
- August: Wettest month; storms and humidity
Useful answers
Best time to visit Hanoi: FAQs
What is the best month to visit Hanoi?
November and December are the best months to visit Hanoi, with March, April and October also good. The comfortable window is October to December, with November the driest and mildest, and March to April a good second choice. January and February are cool and grey, and the heat and humidity from May to September, with the heaviest rain in June to August, make sightseeing tiring. For older travellers, plan outdoor sights for the morning and rest in the afternoon at any time of year.
Which months should I avoid in Hanoi with elderly parents?
June, July and August are the months to avoid with older travellers. Hot, humid and wet; heavy storms Among the wettest months; very humid
When does it rain most in Hanoi?
August is the wettest month, with about 274 mm of rain on average. The hottest month is June, with average highs around 35°C.