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Hanoi’s climate is one of the most variable in Southeast Asia — with chilly winter months that can drop below 10°C, suffocating summer heat reaching 38°C, and a perfect autumn that draws most tourists. Knowing month-by-month conditions helps you pick the right time and pack appropriately. This complete Hanoi weather by month guide for 2026 covers temperatures, rainfall, humidity, sunshine hours, and what to expect every month of the year.

Hanoi seasonal foliage over a lake
Hanoi’s climate varies dramatically month to month.

Hanoi Climate Overview

Hanoi has a humid subtropical climate with four distinct seasons. The city sits 21°N in the Red River Delta, far enough north to experience real winter. Annual rainfall averages about 1,628mm (1991–2020 normals), mostly between May and September. Average annual temperature is 23.6°C.

Hanoi Weather by Month – Detailed

January — Cool & Dry

  • Temperature: 14.6-20°C (58-68°F), average low to high.
  • Rainfall: 25mm (very light).
  • Humidity: 80%.
  • Sunshine: 75 hours/month.
  • Highlights: Coolest month. Tet preparations late month. Winter clothes needed.
  • What to wear: Warm jacket, sweater, scarf, closed-toe shoes.

February — Cool & Misty

  • Temperature: 16.2-21.3°C (61-70°F).
  • Rainfall: 30mm (light drizzle “mua phun”).
  • Humidity: 84% (high — sticky cold).
  • Sunshine: 45 hours/month (cloudiest).
  • Highlights: Tet (Lunar New Year) usually falls. Many businesses close for several days around it. Festival atmosphere.
  • What to wear: Warm jacket, light rain jacket, layers.

March — Spring Beginning

  • Temperature: 18.7-23.5°C (66-74°F).
  • Rainfall: 50mm (light).
  • Humidity: 88% (the year’s most humid month).
  • Sunshine: 47 hours/month.
  • Highlights: Warming up. Plum and pear blossoms. Comfortable walking weather.
  • What to wear: Light layers, light jacket for evenings.

April — Mild & Pleasant

  • Temperature: 21.9-27.7°C (71-82°F).
  • Rainfall: 90mm (increasing).
  • Humidity: 87%.
  • Sunshine: 90 hours/month.
  • Highlights: One of the year’s nicest months. Peach blossoms transition. Pre-summer.
  • What to wear: Light cotton, light layer for AM/PM.

May — Hot & Rainy

  • Temperature: 24.5-31.7°C (76-89°F).
  • Rainfall: 195mm (significant).
  • Humidity: 83%.
  • Sunshine: 183 hours/month.
  • Highlights: Heat begins. First lotuses bloom at West Lake.
  • What to wear: Light cotton, sun hat, sunglasses, light raincoat.

June — Hot & Wet

  • Temperature: 26-34°C (79-93°F).
  • Rainfall: 240mm (high).
  • Humidity: 79%.
  • Sunshine: 171 hours/month.
  • Highlights: Lotus season at West Lake (peak photography). Heavy showers.
  • What to wear: Lightweight breathable clothes, sun protection, umbrella.

July — Hot, Humid & Rainy

  • Temperature: 26.5-33.3°C (80-92°F).
  • Rainfall: 300mm (second only to August).
  • Humidity: 79%.
  • Sunshine: 195 hours/month.
  • Highlights: Peak summer. Frequent thunderstorms. Possible typhoons.
  • What to wear: Lightest clothing, daily SPF, raincoat ready.

August — Hot & Stormy

  • Temperature: 26-33°C (79-91°F).
  • Rainfall: 335mm (highest).
  • Humidity: 82%.
  • Sunshine: 159 hours/month.
  • Highlights: Most rain. Typhoon season peak. Halong Bay tours occasionally cancelled.
  • What to wear: Quick-dry clothing, waterproof shoes, raincoat.

September — Cooling & Drying

  • Temperature: 24.7-31.6°C (76-89°F).
  • Rainfall: 250mm (decreasing).
  • Humidity: 81%.
  • Sunshine: 156 hours/month.
  • Highlights: Autumn beginning. Mid-Autumn Festival. Last typhoon risk.
  • What to wear: Light cotton, light jacket for evenings.

October — Best Month

Autumn at Hoan Kiem Lake with mist
October-November is Hanoi’s clearest weather.
  • Temperature: 22.4-29.6°C (72-85°F).
  • Rainfall: 130mm (light).
  • Humidity: 79%.
  • Sunshine: 143 hours/month.
  • Highlights: Year’s best weather. Clear skies. Hanoi Liberation Day Oct 10.
  • What to wear: Light layers, comfortable walking shoes.

November — Cool & Clear

  • Temperature: 19.2-26.3°C (67-79°F).
  • Rainfall: 50mm (very light).
  • Humidity: 77%.
  • Sunshine: 123 hours/month.
  • Highlights: Comfortable. Crisp clear days. Best photography.
  • What to wear: Light layers, light sweater for evenings.

December — Cool Begins

  • Temperature: 15.4-22.1°C (60-72°F).
  • Rainfall: 25mm (very light).
  • Humidity: 75%.
  • Sunshine: 124 hours/month.
  • Highlights: Christmas decorations. Cool dry. Western tourism continues.
  • What to wear: Warm jacket, sweater, scarf for evenings.

Quick Annual Statistics

  • Annual rainfall: about 1,628mm (1991–2020 average).
  • Wettest month: August (335mm).
  • Driest month: January (25mm).
  • Hottest: June-July (heatwaves can push past 40°C).
  • Coldest: January (occasional dips to 8°C).
  • Average annual temperature: 23.6°C.
  • Average humidity: 81.2%.

Air Quality Considerations

Hanoi has serious air pollution, especially November-March when winds bring particulate matter. On bad days the AQI climbs to levels rated unhealthy. Sensitive travelers should:

  • Check daily AQI on apps (IQAir, AirVisual).
  • Wear N95 mask on bad-air days (AQI 150+).
  • Avoid outdoor exercise on heavily polluted days.
  • Stay in air-purified accommodations.

Typhoon Season

Late July – mid October. Northern Vietnam typhoons cause:

  • Halong Bay tour cancellations.
  • Domestic flight delays/cancellations.
  • Heavy flooding in Hanoi streets.
  • Day trip route closures (Mai Chau, Sapa).

Hanoi Weather FAQs

Best month overall?

October — ideal balance of temperature, dryness, sunshine.

Worst month?

August — heaviest rain, peak typhoon risk, extreme humidity.

Coldest month?

January — lows of 14°C, occasional dips to 8°C.

Hottest month?

June-July — average highs of about 34°C in June and 33°C in July, more on the hottest days, with brutal humidity.

Does it snow in Hanoi?

Almost never. The city itself stays above freezing, but on 24 January 2016 snow flurries fell at Ba Vi National Park, in the mountains of outer Hanoi. (Sapa mountains see occasional snow.)

How bad is the rain?

July-September has heaviest rain (sudden downpours). Storms can blow in with little warning, so keep a rain jacket or umbrella to hand.

Is humidity always high?

Yes — monthly averages run from 75% to 88% year-round. Only difference is whether it’s hot-humid or cool-humid.

When are clear blue skies?

October-November have clearest skies. Air pollution can reduce visibility December-March.

Plan Your Hanoi Trip by Month

Now you know exactly what each month brings. Pair this guide with our best time to visit Hanoi guide, spring guide, summer guide, autumn guide, winter guide, and packing list.

If your trip includes a night on Ha Long Bay, the city’s weather is only half the story. What matters on the coast is whether boats can sail. Storm season, roughly June to October, can keep cruises in port for days, and spring haze can hide the islands even when Hanoi is fine. Our month-by-month guide to the best time to visit Ha Long Bay covers sailing conditions, swimming and crowds.