Month-by-month guide to Hanoi weather, Tet festival, Ha Long Bay conditions, and the best time to visit Vietnam's capital.
Hanoi has four distinct seasons — unusual for Southeast Asia — making it one of the region's most weather-variable capitals. Autumn (October–November) is the sweet spot. Winter is genuinely cold. Summer is hot and rainy.
Hanoi's Four Seasons
Autumn (October–November): Best season — warm, low humidity, clear skies.
Winter (December–February): Cool to cold (10–18°C), overcast, occasional drizzle. Tet (Lunar New Year) falls here.
Spring (March–April): Warm, occasional drizzle, pleasant shoulder season.
Summer (May–September): Hot (33–38°C), humid, heavy rain, typhoon risk July–September.
Month-by-Month Breakdown
October–November: Best Season
Weather: 20–28°C, low humidity, clear skies
Crowds: Moderate-high
Hotel rates: Moderate-high
Ha Long Bay: Excellent conditions
October and November are Hanoi's finest months. Temperatures are comfortable, humidity is low, and the Old Quarter is at its most photogenic. Ha Long Bay conditions are excellent — calm seas and clear skies.
Best for: First-time visitors, Ha Long Bay cruises, Old Quarter exploration.
December–February: Cool Winter
Weather: 10–18°C, overcast, occasional drizzle
Crowds: Low (Tet very high)
Hotel rates: Low (Tet premium)
Highlights: Tet (Lunar New Year) — late January/February
Hanoi winters are genuinely cool — pack layers. The city takes on a misty, atmospheric quality. Tet 2026: 29 January (New Year's Eve). During Tet week, many restaurants and shops close as residents travel home.
Best for: Atmospheric winter travel, Tet festival experience, budget travel (outside Tet).
March–April: Spring
Weather: 18–26°C, occasional drizzle (mưa phùn)
Crowds: Moderate
Hotel rates: Moderate
Spring in Hanoi is pleasant but can be drizzly. Temperatures are comfortable and crowds are manageable. A good shoulder-season option.
May–September: Hot Summer
Weather: 30–38°C, high humidity, heavy afternoon rain, typhoon risk July–September
Crowds: Low
Hotel rates: Low
Summer is Hanoi's most challenging season. Ha Long Bay can be rough July–September with typhoon risk. Prices are low and the street food scene is as vibrant as ever.
Best for: Budget travellers.
Ha Long Bay: Best Time
- Best: October–April (calm seas, clear skies)
- Avoid: July–September (typhoon risk, rough seas, some cruises cancelled)
Tet in Hanoi
The days before Tet are spectacular — flower markets, peach blossom trees, festive atmosphere. During Tet week itself, the city quiets dramatically as residents travel home and many businesses close.
Recommendation: Arrive 3–5 days before Tet for the atmosphere, then consider moving on during the quiet Tet days.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best month to visit Hanoi?
October and November offer the best combination of weather, Ha Long Bay conditions, and manageable crowds.
Is Hanoi cold in winter?
Yes — December and January can reach 10–12°C at night. Pack a warm layer. This is genuinely cold by Southeast Asian standards.
Can you visit Ha Long Bay year-round?
Most months yes, but avoid July–September due to typhoon risk. October–April is the reliable window.
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