What's the weather like in Hanoi
Location
Hanoi is the capital city of Vietnam, a country in South East Asia. The city is a gateway to this part of the Asian continent. Hence, you can travel to destinations in China, Thailand and Cambodia from there with ease. Located at the delta of the Red River, the thriving city goes through quick modernization. Besides the river, the capital of Vietnam boasts lakes and surrounding mountains that contribute to its beauty to a huge extent.
Climate
The climate in this part of Asia is tropical, with hot summers and mild winters. On average, annual lows drop down to 13C (55.4F) while high temperatures rise up to 34C (93.2F). Besides temperatures, rainfall is another major factor that defines the climate of this particular destination. In this regard, the city of Hanoi features two distinctive seasons if we disregard transitional periods wet (May-September) and dry (December-March). During the dry season, the nation's capital receives around 10% of total rainfall. The approximate share of the wet season in overall precipitation is around 80%.
Rainy Season
Most foreign travelers come to the city in summer, which corresponds to the rainy season. Albeit weather conditions are least favorable then, this time of year is when the holiday season in western countries takes place. April and November are, in general, the best months for a visit to Ha Noi. Then, overall weather conditions (temperatures and rainfall) are in the best possible balance for this North Vietnamese city in the course of the year.
Things to Do
Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam, is a cosmopolitan destination. It prides on beautiful environment, outstanding shopping, great dining and some of the country's top attractions. Furthermore, the city is a blend of traditional Vietnamese and colonial French architectures, featuring old (Hanoi Old Quarter) and modern districts. Some key attractions are the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, Temple of Literature, Hoan Kiem Lake and the Museum of Ethnology. Famous Ha Long Bay, Yen stream and Bai Dinh Pagoda are a few hours by car away.
Winter Weather in Hanoi (December-January)
Dry Season
Wintertime corresponds to the dry season in Hanoi, the Vietnamese capital, with short daylight and low precipitation values. Typically, this destination doesn't receive more than 50 mm/1.97 in of rainfall for the entire period. Drizzle is the common form of rain during the winter season. On the other hand, cloud cover is compact and the city experiences only a few sunshine hours per day on average 4 in December and 2 in January.
Temperature
Vietnam's capital features mild temperatures that tend to decrease down to around 10C (50F) and increase up to 24C (75.2F) in winter. Occasional deviations are possible, and the city of Hanoi tends to experience a few days in a row with high temperatures around 10C (50F). Recently, it experienced one of the lowest temperatures ever recorded 5.4C (41.7F) on January 24, 2016.
Overall, weather conditions are ideal for sightseeing, boating on lakes and excursions to the countryside this time of year.
Activities and Culture
One of the largest cities in Vietnam is a bustling metropolis with modern buildings and skyscrapers dotting its skyline. It also has many bodies of water that offer extraordinary leisure activities. At one point or another, your way will lead you over some of the city's bridges featuring a modern design. Still, the Vietnamese are people that respect their culture and traditions. Visits to attractions such as the Temple Ngoc Son and the effort they invest in teaching their children how to safeguard traditional values state the fact.
Spring Weather in Hanoi (February-April)
Temperature
In spring, Hanoi experiences rise in average temperatures, which usually range from 15C (59F) to 28C (82.4F). Every next month is for a few degrees warmer than the previous. Temperatures in February and March are, in general, comfortable, while April features warm temperatures for the most part.
Rainfall
The amount of rainfall is on a more significant rise this time of year. Every next month receives the double amount of precipitation when compared to the previous. Still, these values are comparatively small, being up to 30 mm (1.18 in) in February, 50 mm (1.97 in) in March and 100 mm (3.94 in) in April. Light rain is still the predominant form of precipitation.
Cloud Cover
The capital of Vietnam features scarce sunshine during the first two months of the spring season. The sunlight penetrates thick cloud cover up to 2 hours on a daily basis throughout. Only in April this parameter is on a slight increase, measuring between 2 and 3 hours.
Weather
In regard to overall weather conditions, April is one of two ideal months for a visit to this destination. Temperatures are pleasant, rainfall is still comparatively low, tourist aren't many and nature awakens from its winter sleep. Hence, a pleasant stay and a great experience are as good as guaranteed.
Activities
Still, visiting the metropolis in other months has its advantages. This is true in particular around the beginning of February, when the Vietnamese celebrate the Tet, the Lunar New Year. Various performances take place on streets while lakes and other points of interest feature beautiful decoration.
During the spring season, Hanoi is ideal for outdoor activities. Walking and biking by the lakes, boating, enjoying cyclo rides on bustling streets, exploring the Old Quarter and taking day trips to the countryside are especially rewarding. Don't miss to visit the Temple of Literature, one of the greatest jewels of Hanoi, in the process.
Summer Weather in Hanoi (May-September)
Rainfall and Thunderstorms
The arrival of May marks the beginning of the rainy and the typhoon seasons. Wet south-west monsoon replaces dry north-east monsoon during this period. It brings plentiful precipitation that manifests through thunderstorms. The amount of rainfall increases at a considerable rate until August, which is the rainiest annual month. Usually, the number of rainy days remains in the upper 10s. The approximate rainfall the city receives by months is:
- May up to 200 mm/7.87 in.
- June up to 240 mm/9.45 in.
- July up to 320 mm/12.6 in.
- August up to 340 mm/13.4 in.
- September around 250 mm/9.84 in.
Temperature
Average air temperatures rise during May and remain at their annual peak in the following three months. Hanoi, the Vietnamese capital, features similar temperatures in September to May. During the summer period, days are hot while nights are warm at best. Average daily lows are around 25C (77F) while average highs rise up to 34C (93.2F). However, maximum temperatures may go beyond upper limits, even up to 40C (104F). In June 2010, the city experienced 45C (113F), one of the highest temperatures ever recorded here.
Cloud Cover
Cloud cover over the city is compact for the most part of the day. However, Hanoi receives between 5 and 7 of sunshine during daylight hours on average throughout the season.
Humidity
Besides abundant rainfall and high temperatures, tourists visiting the city this time of year will have to deal with high humidity. Hence, the summer/rainy season is the least favorable period for visiting this North Vietnamese city despite the fact that the tourist season is at its peak.
Activities
There is no telling how long torrential downpours may last once they begin in North Vietnam. Hence, you should rather plan indoor over outdoor activities if you arrive in the country's capital city in summer. Shopping in malls, attending shows in the Hanoi Opera House and the Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre, and visiting museums are some great activities you can enjoy.
Yet, it won't always rain over Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam. On these occasions, use the opportunity to visit some exceptional attractions, such as the Temple of Literature and the One Pillar Pagoda. If the forecast predicts a day or two without rain (don't trust them unconditionally on that), take a day trip. Out there, you will find lotus flowers and spectacular landscapes to admire.
In September, the final month of the summer/rainy season, weather conditions start to improve to a lesser extent. Then, the Vietnam's capital sees less rainy days (14 on average) and planning outdoor activities in the city and nature is somewhat easier.
Autumn Weather in Hanoi (October-November)
Rainfall
Albeit short, the autumn season is accounted as best for tourist-related activities in this destination. October is the transitional month from the rainy to the dry season. Ha Noi receives half the amount of precipitation than in September, and has less wet days for the third. In November, these parameters decrease even to a larger extend. According to statistics, the average amount of rainfall and the number of wet days are as follows:
- October around 100 mm/3.94 in; around 10 days with rainfall.
- November around 50 mm/1.97 in; around 7 days with rainfall.
Temperature
Furthermore, daily temperatures are on a moderate decrease in October and on a significant decline in November. In October, they alternate from warm to comfortable, while in November, they are mostly comfortable. In the first month of autumn, average air temperatures range between 22C (71.6F) and 29C (84.2F). In the second, they fluctuate from around 18C (64.4F) to around 26C (78.8F). Furthermore, the autumn season features lower humidity to the point of feeling comfortable.
Sunshine Hours
Albeit the weather conditions are improving, the skies remain cloudy for the most part. On average, the city of Hanoi features around 4 sunshine hours per day in this period.
Activities
With the arrival of the dry season, many people start to enjoy outdoor activities in the city and the countryside. Activities around the city's lakes, including Hoan Kiem Lake, are on the rise, and the city becomes a livelier place. Sightseeing is enjoyable. Yen Stream, which flows between mountains and is flanked by lush vegetation, becomes most beautiful this time of year.
Extreme Weather in Hanoi
Typhoons
Typhoons, also known as hurricanes or cyclones in other parts of the world, are the most powerful natural storms affecting North Vietnam. The season of typhoons spans almost the entire rainy season (May-September) and October.
Once they begin, these tropical storms may last anywhere between 30 minutes and a week. Consequently, they tend to cause extensive flooding throughout the capital city of Vietnam. Sometimes, typhoons tend to grow very violent and cause damage to the city. The most recent typhoon that inflicted significant damage to Hanoi occurred in August 2012. Its winds were so powerful that they uprooted trees.
Earthquakes
The area around the city was around a dozen times hit by strong earthquakes in a past few dozen years. Yet, the epicenter of these natural hazards wasn't anywhere near. So, the capital city of Vietnam remained spared from their destructive influences.