Hanoi (the capital city of Vietnam) is a beautiful city at any time of year, but depending on the types of activities you enjoy, the weather may affect your journey. Generally, Hanoi has a humid subtropical climate with four distinct seasons: spring, summer, autumn, and winter.
When is the best time to travel to Hanoi and nearby Halong Bay for your trip? We're here to answer that question…
The Best Times to Visit Hanoi (and nearby Halong Bay)
For great weather...
Weather-wise, the best times to visit Hanoi and nearby Halong Bay are February to April and October to November.
February to April marks the time of spring, with warm and sunny days, comfortable temperatures, and plenty of flowers in bloom. Average daily high temperatures rise from 20°C to 28°C (68–82°F) during spring.
From October to November, the city experiences its sunny and drier fall season. During this time, the weather is mild and pleasant, with lower humidity and average high temperatures decreasing from 29–25°C (84–77°F).
For fewer crowds and lower prices...
If you want to avoid crowds and get lower prices, the best time to visit Hanoi is during the low season, which runs from May to September. During this time, you will find fewer tourists, cheaper accommodations, and more deals. However, it's worth noting that this period coincides with the hot, humid, rainy season, which means you may experience frequent showers and storms.
For high season...
If you prefer to visit Hanoi during the high season, which runs from October to February, you will experience cooler and drier weather. However, you can expect higher prices for accommodation, tours, flights, and larger crowds at popular tourist attractions.
The peak season coincides with holidays and festivals, such as the Lunar New Year (Tet) and Christmas, so you may also need to book your accommodation and tours well in advance. Contact us to plan your trip early.
Suggested read: Best (and Worst) Time to Visit Vietnam 2024/2025 for Great Weather, Low Prices.
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My husband and I are planning a 3 week…
Alisa was a great listener to all the things we wanted to incorporate into our trip. We discussed everything throughly, and when I had questions, she had answers the next day. I really appreciate her responsiveness and detail with me. I feel like we are in the best hands with Alisa and Asia Highlights. More
, Mar 2024
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Very great experience our driver D was…
Very great experience our driver D was never late and always had waters and a cold towel for us and our tour guide Som was very informative and had amazing English I recommend them both highly for anyone else traveling More
Rylan Coache, Feb 2024
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Excellent guide in Siem Reap
Our recent time spent in Siem Reap was made even more memorable by our expert guide, Som Piseth. Som was knowledgeable, attentive, flexible and super helpful - we learnt so much about Siem Reap and Cambodia in our 3 days with him. His English was excellent and his knowledge of, and pride in, his country was outstanding. We would highly recommend Som for anyone wanting an excellent guide in Siem Reap! More
Sharon Townshend, Feb 2024
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Asia Highlights trip to Thailand
Our first tour guide in Bangkok, Marie, was great to tour around with. She was extremely friendly and knowledgeable and spoke wonderful English. Our next stop in Chang Mai we were greeted by our new tour guide, Rafael. He too was extremely friendly and knowledgeable and spoke wonderful English. He made it feel as if we were traveling around with a long time friend. Every time we arrived at a new destination, we were greeted at the airport by someone with a sign with our name making our travels easy. I would definitely recommend Asia Highlights to anyone looking for a well planned trip of a lifetime! More
Tricia, Feb 2024
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Amazing Thailand experience
The tour guides were all knowledgeable and accommodating, especially Mayuree in Bangkok- absolutely wonderful. We felt taken care of and every step of the way was catered to our needs. More
Ashley White, Feb 2024
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Private tour perfect for our times
Asia highlights organized a private tour with our requests. Everything was perfect ?? the driver Tom and the guide Ying were always on time with a smile in their face. Always willing to help and make our trip perfect. Bangkok is a very hot city so we minimized the time outside. The driver always had cold towels for us in the van and cold beverages. More
Virginia, Feb 2024
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Thailand
We loved Chiang Mai and Susie did a great job showing us several temples, taking many pictures of us with the elephants at the sanctuary (a definite highlight of the entire trip!), and making sure we were well fed, which became a running joke between us.We had a very relaxing few days in Phuket enjoying the beautiful beaches. Kai was great, answering all of our questions and giving us a nice tour of the old town. The all-day speedboat tour of the Phi Phi islands started off a little shaky as the sea was quite rough so if you’re at all uncomfortable bouncing around in a speedboat, you might want to skip that tour. Things did calm down as the day went on and some of the areas they took us to for swimming, snorkeling, etc were really beautiful. A couple of the islands were too crowded with people. More
Andrea Roberts, Feb 2024
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What a Wonderful Trip
What a Wonderful Trip! We booked with Sharon and our trip was great - guides were waiting for us at each stop, and they were all very nice and helpful. I cannot stress how amazing the guides were - they made the trip. More
Rachel, Feb 2024
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Ask for Victor!
If you are traveling to Bangkhok you need to request Victor. He made our trip amazing! My family completed bucket list items with his guidance. He knew exactly how to get us places, kept us on time, made us feel safe, educated us on history, spoke excellent English and was genuinely a nice man! Everyone we encountered was awesome- but Victor is the reason for my 5 star review! More
Sandy, Jan 2024
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Thank you Alisa for helping us plan a…
Thank you Alisa for helping us plan a wonderful trip to Thailand. We had a great time. The tour guides were wonderful as were the hotels you booked for us. We will definitely contact you to plan our next trip More
Carol Yeung, Jan 2024
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Ying was the best
Ying was the best. She was really knowledgeable and kind. Thank you Ying for wonderful experience in Thailand! More
Sylvester Yeung, Jan 2024
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Very well organized
Very well organized. Our tour guide, Ying, was amazing! She had full knowledge of every location we visited and made sure our itinerary was fulfilled as expected. She was extremely helpful for our airport experiences, and made sure we arrived at an appropriate time. More
David M. Kang, Jan 2024
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Family trip to Thailand
We were lucky to be greeted by Marie and her driver.In Marie, we have made a friend for life. She is incredibly smart and knowledgeable about her home country. From the vast number of temples to safely traversing Chinatown.She helped give us tips on our free days, locate left behind lost clothing and arrange for pickup. She even helped check us in for our flight to Chiang Mai.She prepared us ahead of time for every event we had scheduled and bonded with our kids, 3x 13 year olds. More
Justin Levenbrook, Jan 2024
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Thailand with and amazing tour guide Ying
I highly recommend Ying as a tour guide in Thailand. Her expertise in Thai culture, combined with her passion for food and genuine love for her country, made the tour an exceptional experience. If you're looking for a guide who will not only show you the sights but also immerse you in the local culture and help you discover delicious Thai cuisine, Ying is the perfect choice. More
Diana Irizarry, Jan 2024
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Asia Highlights Thailand trip
Asia Highlights provided us with a great travel trip. They made it very easy to navigate through Thailand with everything going very smoothly. From the easy transportation to the great day itinerary everything was awesome. Will definitely look to use this agency again in the future. More
Taylor Jones, Jan 2024
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Perfect 2 WK Thailand Trip for a Solo Female Traveler
Bank was our guide in Bangkok and he showed us around the city with ease and we were able to see and try things I never would have planned on my own. After Bangkok, our small group flew to Chiang Mai for Yi Peng lantern festival and that was a breathtaking experience that I will never forget! Pop was our guide in this city and she was knowledgeable, kind and caring which made our experience even more memorable. More
Tia, Dec 2023
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We recently have just returned from Thailand
We recently have just returned one from a 5 week trip to Thailand through Asia Highlights. We had a wonderful time and Asia Highlights went beyond our expectations. They truly tried their best to make sure everything went smoothly and we were taken care of! Everyone was amazing and we would definitely use them in the future!! Many thanks to everyone that helped to make this an incredible once in a lifetime experience!! More
Karen Rocque, Dec 2023
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Indochina Experience
On our 5th day of our trip with Asiahighlights. We felt well taken care of before and it hasn’t changed since we started from Bangkok to Hanoi (guide Kim was verrry knowledgeable!) to Halong Bay (spectacular scenery) to Hoi An (guide Nhieu Tran, giving great local (shopping) tips and insights). More
Stefan Eisenhut, Dec 2023
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The Worst Times to Visit Hanoi (and nearby Halong Bay)
With regards to weather, the worst time to visit Hanoi and Halong Bay is during the summer months from May to September.
During these months, the weather is usually hot and humid, with daily high temperatures averaging around 35–38°C (95–100°F) and high levels of rainfall. Additionally, there is a high chance of typhoons (with the highest risk period being from August to September) and heavy rains.
During the typhoon season, your Halong Bay cruise may be canceled and the visibility can be poor due to the mist and fog that often covers the bay during this time. Contact us for alternative recommendations.
On the bright side, at those times you can find the most favorable prices and enjoy less-crowded attractions. The heat can also be avoided as much as possible by organizing your schedule wisely. Although rain is a bit of a nuisance, it usually rains in the late afternoon or early evening. So, it wouldn't affect your whole visit.
>>>Vietnam's Rainy Season: When It Is and the Best Places to Go
The Dry Season (November to April)
From November to April, Hanoi experiences its cool and dry season. The average daily temperature range is from 15 to 20°C (68–75°F) and precipitation is the lowest. The average rainfall in June is 270 mm (11 inches), as compared to 20 mm (1 inch) in January, so you can see why many people choose this time of year to travel.
The dry season comes with blue skies, few clouds, cool breezes, and warm afternoons. The streets are always full of activity during this time of year as people enjoy the best months outside.
What to Do:
If you're visiting Hanoi during the dry season from November to April, here are some things you can do:
- Explore the Old Quarter: You can take a walking tour or rent a bicycle to explore Hanoi's Old Quarter, with its narrow streets, colonial architecture, and street food stalls.
- Have an Overnight Cruise in Halong Bay: You can enjoy panoramic views of the bay and watch the sunrise or sunset over the water. You can also participate in activities and excursions, such as kayaking, swimming, visiting local fishing villages, or exploring caves and grottoes.
- Take a day trip to Ninh Binh: Ninh Binh is a beautiful province located south of Hanoi, known for its stunning natural scenery and historical sites. You can take a day trip to Ninh Binh to visit the Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex, the Bai Dinh Pagoda, or the Hoa Lu Ancient Capital.
- Attend a cultural event: Hanoi has many cultural events during the dry season, such as the Tet holiday in January or February, the Hanoi International Marathon in April, or the Hanoi Craft Week in November. You can enjoy live music, traditional performances, and other cultural activities.
The Hot and Humid Season (May to October)
The hot and humid season in Hanoi is from May to October. During this time, temperatures can reach up to 35°C (95°F) and the humidity can be quite high. The hottest months are June, July, and August, with temperatures averaging around 32-33°C (90-91°F).
It's important to stay hydrated and wear light, breathable clothing during the hot and humid season in Hanoi. Many locals and tourists prefer to stay indoors during the hottest part of the day and venture out in the early morning or evening when it's cooler.
The hot and humid season can be a challenging time to visit Hanoi, but it's also a great time to experience the city's vibrant culture and festivals. Just be sure to take precautions to stay cool and hydrated.
What to Do:
If you're visiting Hanoi during the hot and humid season from May to September, here are some things you can do to beat the heat and enjoy your trip:
- Visit indoor attractions: You can explore the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology, the Vietnam Fine Arts Museum, or the Vincom Center for shopping and entertainment.
- Take a boat ride in Ninh Binh: If your Halong Bay cruise is affected by bad weather, Ninh Binh boat trip is can be a good alternative option.
- Take a cooking class: This is a great way to stay indoors and beat the heat while also learning about the local cuisine.
- Visit temples and pagodas: Hanoi has many beautiful temples and pagodas that offer a peaceful escape from the heat.
- Take a night tour: The temperature drops slightly in the evening, making it a great time to take a night tour of Hanoi. You can explore the Old Quarter, Hoan Kiem Lake, and the French Quarter while enjoying the cooler temperatures.
- Experience traditional Mid-Autumn Festival: In late-September/early-October Hanoi celebrates Mid-Autumn Festival by decorating the city with red lanterns and giving toys to children. Combined with moon-cake selling in the streets, the red lanterns can give the city a truly exotic and pleasant ambiance.
The Four Seasons of Hanoi
Hanoi has a subtropical climate with four distinct seasons: spring, summer, autumn, and winter.
In spring (February to April), the weather is mild and pleasant, with temperatures averaging around 20-25°C (68-77°F). This is a great time to visit Hanoi if you enjoy blooming flowers and clear skies.
In summer (May to August), the weather is hot and humid, with temperatures averaging around 30-35°C (86-95°F) and frequent rain showers. This can be a challenging time to visit Hanoi due to the heat and humidity.
In autumn (September to November), the weather is cool and dry, with temperatures averaging around 20-25°C (68-77°F). This is a popular time to visit Hanoi due to the clear skies and comfortable temperatures.
In winter (December to January), the weather is cold and dry, with temperatures averaging around 15-20°C (59-68°F). While it can be chilly, winter is a great time to visit Hanoi if you enjoy cooler temperatures and festive holiday celebrations.
Overall, the weather in Hanoi can be unpredictable, so it's important to check the weather forecast and pack accordingly. Bring lightweight, breathable clothing for the hot and humid summer months, and warm layers for the chilly winter months.
Visit Vietnam with Asia Highlights
Asia Highlights welcomes the chance to help you design your perfect trip to Vietnam. Our knowledgeable staff will assist you in selecting destinations, accommodations, and activities that best suit your requirements.
Check out the following links to learn more about our tours and get a head start on planning your hassle-free vacation today!
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Our guide lele is a wealth of information, Lele is very professional and very attentive to our needs. Lele is amazing. Lele got everything spot on. It probably helps that Guilin is a brilliant place to visit so Lele has great material to work with but that doesn't take anything away from how much Lele helped make it a great trip.
moreOur guide for Beijing was super knowledgeable and experienced and able to help us to achieve as much as we wanted within the time given. We had a fun time guided by him as he is also super humorous and you can see how he interacts with the vendors and people whom he comes by. Thank you for a very enjoyable time in Beijing and accommodating to all our needs!
moreOur China Highlight guide. Michael, was attentive, thoughtful and knowledgeable. He narrated many interesting historical events about Chengdu while touring around the city and having afternoon tea with us. He was thoughtful to provide us with snacks during long hikes at Leshan or walks around the city.
moreShe was very flexible and added extra time when we needed it and we felt extremely well taken care of. She also chose the best restaurants for us,
moreOur tour guide Helen, was excellent, she was very kind, professional and passionate for her work and she also loves Pandas! She will take you to take the best panda photos and to know more about Chengdu city. Our tour was great, she took us to all our destinations always with the best spots: Temples, pagodas, famous streets, theaters, pandas...you name it! Everything was great.
moreHe picked up our pre-booked boat/other excursions tickets so we were able to avoid all the long lines and chaos. He is knowledgeable of the places we visited, courteous, fun to travel with and well-versed in Chinese classics.
moreTom is the guide that will take you to where no other guide will. We pushed for the experience and Tom and the team delivered more than what we could have ever asked for. His English speaking ability and his Chinese history knowledge is second to none.
moreTom is the guide that will take you to where no other guide will. We pushed for the experience and Tom and the team delivered more than what we could have ever asked for. His English speaking ability and his Chinese history knowledge is second to none.
moreOur day trip to Hangzhou was phenomenal. Derek, our guide, was impeccable. By far the best guide we have had so far. He is extremely knowledgeable about the country’s history and geography and was always excited to share his insights.
moreXian es encantadora, el hotel Eastern house boutique muy buena elección por parte de la agencia, los desayunos muy completos para complacer todo tipo de gusto, lo recomiendo 100%, el itinerario fue muy acertado fueron 2 días en la ciudad xian, compartimos con la guía Susana, la atención, la amabilidad y sobre todo su profesionalismo fue lo que marcó la diferencia, sus detalles, estaba siempre en el lugar y momento correcto para hacer de xian un lugar inolvidable.
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