It's easy to assume Hanoi is hot all year and pack only T-shirts. December to February brings highs of 22–23°C (72–73°F) and lows as low as 14°C (57°F), while May to September is hot and wet, with highs of 31–33°C (88–91°F) and rain on 19 to 26 days a month. What you pack depends on when you go.
Hanoi weather by month
Daily high and low (°C), and days with rainSee the numbers
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High | 22°C72°F | 23°C73°F | 26°C79°F | 31°C88°F | 32°C90°F | 33°C91°F | 33°C91°F | 32°C90°F | 31°C88°F | 29°C84°F | 26°C79°F | 23°C73°F |
| Low | 14°C57°F | 16°C61°F | 18°C64°F | 23°C73°F | 25°C77°F | 26°C79°F | 26°C79°F | 26°C79°F | 25°C77°F | 22°C72°F | 19°C66°F | 16°C61°F |
| Rain days | 7 | 13 | 8 | 11 | 19 | 22 | 21 | 26 | 22 | 9 | 6 | 6 |
Season by season
Cool season
December–FebruaryHighs are 22–23°C (72–73°F) and nights drop to 14–16°C (57–61°F), which feels chilly in buildings without heating. February is the dampest of the three months, with 13 rain days. Bring a light sweater or fleece and a packable rain shell, and wear long trousers for evenings around Hoan Kiem Lake.
Spring
March–AprilThe city warms fast. March has highs of 26°C (79°F) and lows of 18°C (64°F), then April jumps to 31°C (88°F), with 11 rain days. Pack light layers you can take off by midday, plus one long-sleeved top for March evenings.
Rainy season
May–SeptemberThis is Hanoi's hot, humid stretch, with highs of 31–33°C (88–91°F), lows of 25–26°C (77–79°F) and rain on 19 to 26 days a month. August is the wettest month, with 26 rain days. Quick-dry clothes, sandals and a small umbrella are more use here than any jacket.
Autumn
October–NovemberPlenty of visitors think this is the best time to come. October has highs of 29°C (84°F) and 9 rain days, and November cools to 26°C (79°F) with only 6. T-shirts work by day, but bring a light layer for November evenings, when lows reach 19°C (66°F).
What to bring to Hanoi
0 of 24 packedSliding US and EU plugs cover Vietnam's flat-pin and round-pin outlets, and it charges a phone and a few small devices at once.
- Sawyer 20% Picaridin Insect Repellent Lotion, 4 ozHealth & Safety
Mosquitoes are out in the hot, wet months from May to September, and picaridin is gentle on synthetic clothes and camera gear.
- Bearwind S40 Portable Handheld Turbo FanTech & Power
Makes Old Quarter walks easier from May to September, when highs reach 31–33°C (88–91°F).
- Hydro Flask 24 oz Wide Mouth Bottle with Flex Straw CapWater Bottles & Hydration
Keeps water cold through humid summer days, when you'll drink far more than usual.
- Pacsafe GO Anti-Theft Tech CrossbodyDocuments & Security
Phone, cards and passport in one secure bag on the crowded streets of the Old Quarter.
A light shell for damp cool-season days, when February brings 13 rain days and highs of only 23°C (73°F).
A light, packable women's rain shell for Hanoi's showers. Easy to keep in a day bag.
- Anker Nano Power Bank 5,000mAh (Built-In USB-C)Tech & Power
A pocket-size top-up for long days of maps, translation apps and ride-hailing, with no cable to carry.
Clothing
- Breathable quick-dry shirts · 4May–Sep highs of 31–33°C
- Lightweight long trousers or skirt · 2Cover knees at pagodas and the Mausoleum
- Light scarf or overshirt · 1Covers shoulders at pagodas
- Light sweater or jacket · 1Dec–Feb lows as low as 14°C
- Swimsuit · 1
Footwear
- Sandals that handle puddles · 1 pairRain on 19 to 26 days, May–Sep
- Closed walking shoes · 1 pair
Gear
- Compact umbrella
- Dry bag or zip pouchesProtects phone and passport in downpours
- Sun hat and sunglasses
Health and toiletries
- Sunscreen · 1
- Stomach and rehydration medicine
- Hand sanitizer
Documents and money
- Passport and Vietnam visa or e-visa
- Some cash in dong
Tech
- Phone with offline maps
What shoes should you pack for Hanoi?
Plan to walk in the street. Old Quarter sidewalks are often taken over by parked motorbikes and food stalls, so wear comfortable shoes with grip for wet tiles, and slip-ons for pagodas where shoes come off. Cross roads at a slow, steady pace so motorbikes can flow around you.
What do people wear in Hanoi?
Hanoians dress modestly and bundle up in the cool season, often in warm jackets while visitors are still in T-shirts. In summer lots of people cover their arms against the sun on motorbikes. At pagodas, the Temple of Literature and the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, cover your shoulders and knees.
What plugs does Hanoi use?
Vietnam uses plug types A, C and F at 220V. A universal adapter with US and EU style plugs covers both flat-pin and round-pin outlets. Most phone and laptop chargers handle 220V, but check hair tools before you pack them.
Tours and things to do in Hanoi
Packed and ready? Browse guided tours, day trips and tickets for Hanoi.
What should you leave at home for Hanoi?
Leave the heavy winter coat, since a fleece and a rain shell cover Hanoi's cool season. Skip the extra shoes and dressy outfits too. Old Quarter shops and markets make it easy to buy light clothes or a rain poncho once you land.
Around Hanoi
Packing for Hanoi: questions people ask
Is Hanoi cold in winter?
Cool rather than cold. Highs are 22–23°C (72–73°F) from December to February, but lows drop to 14–16°C (57–61°F), so bring a sweater or fleece for evenings.
When is the rainy season in Hanoi?
Rain builds from May and peaks in August at 26 rain days. May to September all have 19 or more rain days, and October drops to 9.
What is the best month to visit Hanoi?
October or November, for warmth without much rain, with highs of 26–29°C (79–84°F) and only 6 to 9 rain days. March is another mild option, with highs of 26°C (79°F).
What should I wear to the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum?
Cover your shoulders and knees, take off your hat and keep quiet inside. Long trousers or a knee-length skirt with a sleeved top is fine.
What plug adapter do I need for Vietnam?
Vietnam uses types A, C and F at 220V. A universal adapter with US and EU style plugs fits most outlets.
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