Best Time To Visit Hanoi

The summer months from May-September, which are also the official monsoon months of Hanoi and the winter months from December-January, are considered off seasons for tourists. The summers are scorching with temperatures hovering around 33 degrees. Heavy rains are frequent during the summers, which may range from slight drizzles to thunderstorms. Due to the high humidity accompanied by the precipitation, the summers are not the best time to venture into the outdoors. However, it is an excellent time to stay in the air-conditioned malls, enrol in cooking classes or jump into the swimming pool.

The winter months of December and January witness temperature dropping to 10 degrees Celsius. The winter temperatures give way to sunny, warm weather that one relates to many Southeast Asian cities.

Hanoi is different in that sense because its winters can get cold. With high humidity and windy conditions, the cold only increases. The day temperature may max out at 20 degrees and getting outdoors with warm clothing is a must. Compared to summers, winters are far more manageable and do see an influx of more tourists in comparison. The winter holiday season is a busy time and making bookings in advance is advisable.

Weather
Cold temperatures and slight precipitation are the main highlights of the spring season of Hanoi. The temperatures begin to rise in February after a cold January. In February the temperature is around 18 degrees Celsius with clear skies, though the humidity may reach to 70%. March and April are the best months to visit Hanoi, with temperatures ranging between 20-24 degrees. The blue skies, as well as the mild temperature, are perfect for exploring Hanoi’s many attractions by foot too. Visit the Hoan Kiem Lake or the One Pillar Pagoda, besides whetting the appetite on some of the most sumptuous foods of Hanoi, such as Pho, Bun Cha and Xoi.

Festivals in Spring

Springtime is also Hanoi’s festival time. The city hosts many festivals and celebrations, the most important one being the Tet Festival. The Tet Nguyen Dan festival, called fondly as Tet festival, takes place usually during the end of January or early-mid February. The city is in frenzied favour with colourful cultural outpourings.

The streets are decorated and lit up and the locals are in their best dresses. There are also special celebrations by various hotels and resorts. However, the Tet holidays could also mean that most of the accommodations and modes of travel are booked out and some attractions, such as a few museums and shops may remain closed. Tet is the best time to witness the cultural intricacies of the nation that is in the mood of celebrations.

The Co Loa Festival in February takes place in the Co Loa Citadel and is known for wrestling and crossbow shootings, whereas, the Dong Festival in March in the Gia Lam district in Hanoi has special martial arts performances by famous masters.  Another popular festival, the Le Mat Festival is usually celebrated in March and takes place in the Le Mat Village in the Hanoi district. The Keo Pagoda Festival is held in spring and autumn and celebrated with palanquin procession, swimming race and traditional dances.

Weather 
The summer and monsoon seasons of Hanoi are hot, oppressive, and wet. There are thunderstorms and slight drizzles which continue for long hours. This makes it even more difficult to venture out and explore the city landscapes. May, however, is still not too hot as compared to the other summer months. The temperature in May is around 28 degrees Celsius, and the skies are still relatively clear.

However, with the onset of June, the summer begins in full force, with temperatures ranging from 29-33 degree Celsius. The highest temperatures in summer could also touch 40 degrees. June is usually the hottest month and also the month when the rainfall starts. July and August see the maximum rainfall that is usually as high as 200mm and more.

The average temperature in July and August averages around 29 degrees. In September there is a slight fall in temperature averaging at 27 degrees and rainfall dips to a little more than 150mm. However, throughout the summer months, the humidity remains high crossing 75%. The high temperatures coupled with rain are the main reasons why the summers are considered Hanoi’s offseason. However, this means that the tariffs are less and accommodations and bookings easier and more affordable.

Tips for Travellers

Armed with a raincoat and umbrella, one can catch a few hours of outdoors sunshine, yet the unpredictable climate can make planning sightseeing tours go off in minutes. However, there are plenty of indoor activities to keep one busy in Hanoi too. Enrol in a cooking class or watch the rain drizzle from the window of a café while reading your favourite book. Besides, there are also a few festivals during the monsoon and summer months that can excite travellers to take the sweaty plunge.

Festivals in Summer

The Chem Temple Festival in June which involves a water procession which consists of Dragon boats, the bullfighting festival of Do son Buffalo in August and the Dong Nhan Temple Festival are some of the monsoon festivals of the city.

However, the most popular festival of this season is the fun-filled Mid-Autumn Festival celebrated in September. The lakes of Hanoi are especially beautified and thronged by locals and tourists, as lanterns soar to the sky and puppet shows, lion dances and exciting food stalls get crowded on the ground.

Weather
The most visited months of Hanoi- October and November - have glorious weather and clear skies. The temperatures range from 24-27 degrees in the fall season with rainfall less than 100mm and clear blue skies. Although leaves wither in some parts, there are a different variety of flowers that bloom in Fall.

It is also the best time to venture out and explore the surrounding destinations of Hanoi. Visit the various city attractions, such as the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology, Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, the West Lake, Hoa Lo Prison Memorial, Temple of Jade Mountain or Dong Xuan Market.

Shop at its many local shopping centres or dine at the popular restaurants. Better stroll along the hawker crowded streets of Old Quarter to discover the city’s past. Or enjoy the delicious platter of street food, hopping from one stall to another. The mild weather is the perfect way to explore the outdoors, shop and gobble the street food without caring much about the heat, sweat, rain or chill. There are also many events and festivals to look forward to in autumn.

The Liberation Day is celebrated on 10th October, the day when in 1954 Hanoi was liberated after the Battle of Dien Bien Phu. The Keo Pagoda Festival is held usually in October at the pagoda in the Thai Binh province with boat races, drum and trumpet competitions.

It does get freezing during winter in Hanoi. Warm clothes, jackets are an essential part of the wardrobe if one wants to move out. The temperatures average at 17 degrees but can drop to less than 10 degrees too.
The low temperatures are further accompanied by winds and high humidity making it feel much colder than the actual temperatures. Also, many buildings lack heating and insulation. There is hardly any rainfall with the average precipitation less than 50mm. The skies are usually cloudy and the weather - foggy. The holiday season coupled with events and festivals is a reason enough to vacation in Hanoi during winters. It is also the time to enjoy the warm street foods while chilling in the cold.

A cup of hot coffee with noodles is just the right thing for a chilly evening. Pay a visit to the Hanoi Cathedral on Christmas Eve or shop at the Christmas market in Old Quarters. You can look forward to the Annual Flower Festival that takes place in the last week of December. The Tet Festival may fall at the end of January, depending on the dates of the lunar calendar. Thus, it is best to check the dates of the festival beforehand.