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 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 is 1,680mm, mostly between May and September. Average annual temperature is 23.6°C.
Hanoi Weather by Month – Detailed
January — Cool & Dry
- Temperature: 14-19°C (57-66°F).
- Rainfall: 25mm (very light).
- Humidity: 75%.
- 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: 15-20°C (59-68°F).
- Rainfall: 30mm (light drizzle “mua phun”).
- Humidity: 85% (high — sticky cold).
- Sunshine: 50 hours/month (cloudiest).
- Highlights: Tet (Lunar New Year) usually falls. Many businesses close 3-7 days. Festival atmosphere.
- What to wear: Warm jacket, light rain jacket, layers.
March — Spring Beginning
- Temperature: 17-23°C (63-73°F).
- Rainfall: 50mm (light).
- Humidity: 85% (still humid).
- Sunshine: 70 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: 20-27°C (68-81°F).
- Rainfall: 90mm (increasing).
- Humidity: 80%.
- 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: 24-32°C (75-90°F).
- Rainfall: 195mm (significant).
- Humidity: 80%.
- Sunshine: 175 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: 85%.
- Sunshine: 165 hours/month.
- Highlights: Lotus season at West Lake (peak photography). Heavy showers.
- What to wear: Lightweight breathable clothes, sun protection, umbrella.
July — Hottest & Wettest
- Temperature: 26-34°C (79-93°F).
- Rainfall: 285mm (peak).
- Humidity: 84%.
- 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: 320mm (highest).
- Humidity: 86%.
- Sunshine: 175 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: 23-30°C (73-86°F).
- Rainfall: 250mm (decreasing).
- Humidity: 80%.
- Sunshine: 180 hours/month.
- Highlights: Autumn beginning. Mid-Autumn Festival. Last typhoon risk.
- What to wear: Light cotton, light jacket for evenings.
October — Best Month
- Temperature: 21-28°C (70-82°F).
- Rainfall: 130mm (light).
- Humidity: 75%.
- Sunshine: 175 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: 18-25°C (64-77°F).
- Rainfall: 50mm (very light).
- Humidity: 75%.
- Sunshine: 165 hours/month.
- Highlights: Comfortable. Crisp clear days. Best photography.
- What to wear: Light layers, light sweater for evenings.
December — Cool Begins
- Temperature: 14-20°C (57-68°F).
- Rainfall: 25mm (very light).
- Humidity: 75%.
- Sunshine: 130 hours/month.
- Highlights: Christmas decorations. Cool dry. Western tourism continues.
- What to wear: Warm jacket, sweater, scarf for evenings.
Quick Annual Statistics
- Annual rainfall: 1,680mm.
- Wettest month: August (320mm).
- Driest month: January (25mm).
- Hottest: June-July (peak ~38°C in heatwaves).
- Coldest: January (occasional dips to 8°C).
- Average annual temperature: 23.6°C.
- Average humidity: 79%.
- Sunny days: ~120 per year.
Air Quality Considerations
Hanoi has serious air pollution, especially November-March when winds bring particulate matter. AQI can reach 200+ on bad days. 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 — highs 33-38°C with brutal humidity.
Does it snow in Hanoi?
Never. Even coldest day stays above freezing. (Sapa mountains see occasional snow.)
How bad is the rain?
July-September has heaviest rain (sudden downpours). Showers usually 1-2 hours, then sun returns.
Is humidity always high?
Yes — 75-90% 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.
