Best Time of Year to Visit Hanoi

Hanoi changes a lot depending on the season, and timing your trip well makes a big difference.

The best months to visit are October to April. The weather is cooler, drier, and much more comfortable for walking and eating across the day. This is when Hanoi feels most enjoyable, especially if you’re spending long days exploring on foot.

November sits right at the start of the cooler, drier season in northern Vietnam. You can still get rain, sometimes even heavier showers, but it’s far less consistent than during the summer months. On average, rainfall drops off significantly compared to May–September, and temperatures are much milder.

Overall, November is still a good time to explore Hanoi on foot, just with the expectation that you might need to duck into a café occasionally when showers roll through.

December to February can be surprisingly cool, especially in the evenings. Bring a light jacket and enjoy the calmer, cosier vibe.

March and April are warmer but still pleasant, with lively streets and great eating weather.

The summer months (May to September) are hot, humid, and come with heavy rain showers. Food is still excellent, but you’ll want to plan days more carefully, with breaks, cafés, and fewer long walks in the heat.