Hanoi
Hanoi
Vietnam
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Hanoi, the soulful capital of Vietnam, is a city of distinct seasons, offering a vastly different experience depending on when you land. Unlike the tropical climate of Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi experien...
About Hanoi
Hanoi, the soulful capital of Vietnam, is a city of distinct seasons, offering a vastly different experience depending on when you land. Unlike the tropical climate of Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi experiences four true seasons: a crisp winter, a humid spring, a scorching summer, and a golden autumn. Whether you are navigating the narrow alleys of the Old Quarter or sipping egg coffee by Hoan Kiem Lake, timing is everything. While the peak season of autumn offers postcard-perfect weather, the shoulder seasons provide a balance of lower costs and manageable crowds. This guide breaks down the best months to visit to ensure your North Vietnam adventure is unforgettable.
Fly from Halifax, or anywhere in Atlantic Canada, and discover Hanoi at its best. We'll show you when to go, what to see, and where to eat, so you can simply enjoy the journey.
February to April
Spring
May to August
Summer
September to November
Autumn
December to January
Winter
What's Included
Seasonal Guide
Complete 12-month breakdown with weather, crowds & pricing
Flights from Halifax
Routes: Halifax — Hanoi, or via major hubs from Atlantic Canada
Neighborhoods
4 curated areas to stay, from budget to luxury
Budget Guide
Vietnamese Dong (VND) daily budgets: $35–$50/day to $250+/day
At a Glance: When to Visit Hanoi
Best Overall
September–November and March–April
Cheapest
May–August (Low Season) and January–February
Busiest
October–December and during Tet (Lunar New Year)
Best Weather
October and November (Dry, cool, and sunny)
For Events
January–February (Tet Festival) and September (Mid-Autumn Festival)
For Families
March–April (Mild temperatures for walking)
For Couples
October–November (Romantic autumn foliage and cool evenings)
Budget Travel
May–June (Hotter weather leads to significant hotel discounts)
From Atlantic Canada
Halifax to Hanoi.
Month by month.
Everything you need to know about travelling from Canada to Hanoi — the best seasons, what to pack, and how to save.
Month-by-Month Guide to Hanoi
January
14°C–20°C (57°F–68°F). Low precipitation, frequent mist, and overcast skies. Approx 2 hours of sunshine daily.
“Best for travelers who enjoy a 'winter' atmosphere without snow and want to see the city prep for Tet.”
February
15°C–21°C (59°F–70°F). High humidity with 'crachin' (persistent drizzle). Grey skies are common.
“Best for cultural immersion, though many shops close for several days during the Tet holiday.”
March
18°C–23°C (64°F–73°F). Rising humidity and fog. Rain is light but frequent.
“A shoulder month perfect for those who want mild temperatures before the summer heat arrives.”
April
22°C–28°C (72°F–82°F). Transition to summer. Clearer skies and occasional thunderstorms.
“One of the best months for pleasant weather and clear visibility for photography.”
May
25°C–32°C (77°F–90°F). Summer begins. Increased humidity and heat. Showers become more intense.
“Ideal for budget travelers as hotel prices begin to drop significantly.”
June
27°C–34°C (81°F–93°F). Very hot and humid. Frequent heavy afternoon downpours.
“Best for those who can handle the heat and want to avoid the tourist crowds.”
July
28°C–35°C (82°F–95°F). Peak of summer heat and wet season. Occasional typhoons may occur.
“Tough weather-wise, but great for deep-discount luxury hotel stays.”
August
27°C–33°C (81°F–91°F). High humidity and the highest rainfall of the year.
“Good for travelers who enjoy the dramatic atmosphere of tropical storms and lush greenery.”
September
26°C–32°C (79°F–90°F). Rain begins to taper off. Skies clear up, marking the start of autumn.
“One of the most festive and beautiful months to experience local culture.”
October
23°C–28°C (73°F–82°F). Low humidity, dry air, and plenty of sunshine. Peak 'Golden' season.
“The absolute best month for weather. Book far in advance.”
November
19°C–25°C (66°F–77°F). Cool and dry. Minimal rainfall and crisp air.
“Perfect for active travelers who want to explore the city and surrounding nature on foot.”
December
15°C–22°C (59°F–72°F). Coldest month. Dry but often cloudy and grey.
“Best for those who enjoy a festive, chilly holiday atmosphere.”
Festivals & Events in Hanoi
Tet Nguyen Dan (Lunar New Year)
The most important festival in Vietnam. The city is decorated with flowers, but many shops and museums close.
Hotels sell out early; transport is difficult to book; many services are closed for 3-5 days.Perfume Pagoda Festival
A major Buddhist pilgrimage to the Huong Tich cave. Thousands of devotees travel by boat.
Very crowded at the pagoda site; local transport to the area is packed.Dong Da Festival
Commemorates the victory against the Qing Dynasty invaders at Dong Da Mound.
Local road closures near the mound area; vibrant but crowded.Reunification Day
National holiday celebrating the end of the Vietnam War. Often combined with May Day for a long break.
Domestic travel surges; trains and flights to/from Hanoi are often fully booked.Independence Day
Commemorates the declaration of independence in Ba Dinh Square. Parades and fireworks are common.
High police presence and road closures around the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum area.Mid-Autumn Festival (Tet Trung Thu)
A children's festival featuring lion dances, lanterns, and mooncakes.
Hang Ma street becomes impassable due to crowds; great for atmosphere.Hanoi Liberation Day
Celebrates the liberation of the capital from French colonial rule in 1954.
Festive atmosphere but minimal impact on general tourism services.Christmas Eve
Massive gatherings around St. Joseph's Cathedral and the Great Church.
Traffic in the Old Quarter comes to a complete standstill in the evening.Budget Guide: How Much Does It Cost to Visit Hanoi?
Vietnamese Dong (VND)
Daily Budget
Peak
$100–$250 (4-5 star)
Off-Peak
$50–$120 (4-5 star)
Prices spike significantly during Tet (Lunar New Year) and the October-November peak season. Conversely, May through August offers the best deals on luxury hotels, sometimes at 40-50% off peak rates.
Where to Stay in Hanoi by Season
Old Quarter (Hoan Kiem)
Budget to Mid-RangeAutumn and Spring
The heart of the action. Best for walking when the weather is mild.
French Quarter
PremiumWinter
Home to luxury hotels and high-end dining; very festive during the holidays.
West Lake (Tay Ho)
Mid-Range to PremiumSummer
Breezier and cooler than the cramped city center; popular with expats.
Ba Dinh District
Mid-RangeSpring
Quiet, leafy streets near the botanical gardens and major historical sites.
What to Pack for Hanoi
Spring (Feb–Apr)
Pro tip: Wear layers, as it can go from chilly and damp to warm and humid within a few hours.
Summer (May–Aug)
Pro tip: Pack more shirts than you think you need; the humidity means you'll likely want to change twice a day.
Autumn (Sep–Nov)
Pro tip: This is the best time for outdoor activities; pack clothes that look good for photos against the fall colors.
Winter (Dec–Jan)
Pro tip: Hanoi's cold is 'wet cold,' which pierces through light layers. Don't underestimate the need for a real winter jacket.
FAQs: Visiting Hanoi
What is the best month to visit Hanoi?
October and November are the best months. You'll enjoy the iconic 'Hanoi Autumn' with dry air, blue skies, and comfortable temperatures between 20-28°C.
When is the cheapest time to fly to Hanoi?
The cheapest months are usually during the hot and rainy summer season (May to August) and the period immediately following Tet in late February or March.
What is the weather like in Hanoi in October?
October is delightful. It marks the end of the rainy season, offering crisp, cool breezes and plenty of sunshine. It's the peak of the golden autumn.
Is Hanoi worth visiting in winter?
Yes, especially if you enjoy a cozy atmosphere and street food. The lack of rain makes it great for walking, but you must pack warm clothing as it gets quite chilly.
Does it rain a lot in Hanoi?
Hanoi has a distinct wet season from May to September. July and August are the wettest months, often seeing heavy tropical downpours and occasional flooding.
How does Hanoi's weather compare to Ho Chi Minh City?
Hanoi has four distinct seasons including a cold winter, while Ho Chi Minh City is tropical year-round with only a wet and dry season.
Should I visit Hanoi during Tet?
Only if you want a very quiet, local experience. Most tourist attractions and restaurants close, and the city becomes a ghost town for a few days, but the decorations are beautiful.
When is the best time for a Ha Long Bay cruise from Hanoi?
March-April or October-November offer the best visibility and calmest waters. Avoid July and August due to potential typhoon cancellations.
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