Question 1

What is the driest month in Hanoi?

Accepted Answer

November is the driest month in Hanoi, with just 11.9mm (0.47 inches) of rainfall recorded in 2024. This makes it an excellent time to visit Vietnam's capital for outdoor exploration without the interruption of heavy rains.

During November 2024, Hanoi experienced comfortable temperatures averaging 23.6°C (74.5°F) alongside the minimal precipitation. Humidity levels dropped to 68.2%, noticeably lower than the sticky 85% levels seen during the monsoon season. December follows as the second driest month with only 14.8mm (0.58 inches) of rain, making the November-December period ideal for sightseeing.

The contrast between Hanoi's driest and wettest periods is dramatic. While November received less than 12mm of rain, September 2024 saw a staggering 645.8mm (25.43 inches)—over 54 times more precipitation. The city's total annual rainfall of 2,655mm (104.5 inches) is concentrated heavily in the summer monsoon months from May through September.

For travelers planning a visit to Hanoi, the dry season spanning November through February offers the most reliable weather conditions. These four months combined received just 167.3mm (6.6 inches) of rain, representing only a small fraction of the annual total. The cooler, drier conditions make it perfect for exploring the Old Quarter, visiting temples, and enjoying street food without the oppressive heat and sudden downpours characteristic of summer.

Question 2

What are the average summer temperatures in Hanoi?

Accepted Answer

Hanoi experiences hot and humid summer weather, with average temperatures of 28.9°C (83.9°F) during the summer months of June through August 2024. Daily highs typically reached 32.7°C (90.9°F), while nighttime lows averaged 25.8°C (78.5°F).

Among the three summer months, June 2024 was the hottest in Hanoi with an average temperature of 29.1°C (84.4°F), while July and August both averaged 28.7°C (83.7°F). The highest recorded temperature during summer 2024 reached 36.9°C (98.4°F) on July 26, and the city experienced 14 days with temperatures exceeding 35°C (95°F).

Summer in Hanoi is characterized by high humidity, which averaged 84.1% throughout the season in 2024. This combination of heat and moisture creates conditions that feel considerably warmer than the actual temperature readings suggest. The monsoon season also brings substantial rainfall, with 1,282.6mm (50.5 inches) of precipitation recorded over the 92 summer days, and 82 of those days seeing some rainfall.

Visitors planning summer travel to Hanoi should prepare for consistently warm conditions and frequent afternoon thunderstorms. Lightweight, breathable clothing and rain gear are essential, and outdoor activities are best scheduled for early morning hours when temperatures are more manageable.

Question 3

What is the average humidity in Hanoi throughout the year?

Accepted Answer

Hanoi experiences an annual average humidity of 79.4%, reflecting its tropical monsoon climate with distinct wet and dry seasons throughout 2024.

The city's humidity levels vary significantly across the year, ranging from 67.3% to 85.9%. During the monsoon season from May to September, humidity peaked at 84.5% on average, with September recording the highest monthly humidity at 85.9%. This period coincides with heavy rainfall and warm temperatures, creating muggy conditions typical of tropical climates.

In contrast, Hanoi's dry season from October through April brought notably lower humidity levels, averaging 75.7%. The driest months were October through December, with December recording the lowest humidity at just 67.3%. November followed closely at 68.2%, making late autumn and early winter the most comfortable period for outdoor activities in Hanoi.

The summer months of June through August maintained consistently high humidity at 84.1% on average, combining with temperatures around 28-29°C (82-84°F) to create the characteristic sticky heat that visitors should prepare for. Nine months of the year recorded humidity levels at or above 80%, while only October, November, and December dropped below 75%.

For travelers planning to visit Hanoi, the late autumn and winter months offer the most pleasant humidity conditions. Lightweight, breathable clothing is essential during the humid monsoon season, while the drier months from November to February provide more comfortable conditions for sightseeing and outdoor exploration.

Question 4

What is the wettest month in Hanoi?

Accepted Answer

September is the wettest month in Hanoi, receiving 645.8mm (25.4 inches) of rainfall in 2024. This single month accounted for nearly a quarter of the city's total annual precipitation of 2,655.1mm (104.5 inches).

Hanoi's monsoon season runs from May through September, bringing approximately 86% of the year's rainfall. In 2024, the three wettest months were September with 645.8mm (25.4 inches), July with 568.8mm (22.4 inches), and June with 429.0mm (16.9 inches). During September, temperatures remained warm at 27.3°C (81.1°F) with humidity reaching 85.9%.

The contrast between wet and dry seasons in Hanoi is dramatic. While the monsoon period (May–September) delivered 2,295.0mm (90.4 inches), the dry season from October through April saw only 360.1mm (14.2 inches). Visitors planning trips to Hanoi in September should expect frequent heavy downpours, often in the afternoon. Waterproof clothing and flexible itineraries are essential during this peak rainfall period, though the rain typically arrives in intense bursts rather than lasting all day.

Question 5

What is the sunniest time of year in Hanoi?

Accepted Answer

Hanoi enjoys its sunniest weather during the summer months, with August 2024 recording the highest sunshine at 283.6 hours. The period from June through October offers the most consistent sunny conditions in the city.

In 2024, the summer season (June to August) accumulated 798.9 hours of sunshine, representing 36% of the annual total of 2,218.9 hours. August stood out as the sunniest month with an average of 9.1 hours of daily sunshine. June followed closely with 265.2 hours, while October also proved remarkably sunny with 259.7 hours despite transitioning into autumn.

The contrast between seasons is significant in Hanoi. Winter months average just 83.7 hours of sunshine per month, with January being the least sunny at only 56.2 hours (approximately 1.8 hours per day). This dramatic difference means summer days in Hanoi receive roughly five times more sunshine than winter days.

For visitors seeking sunny weather, late summer through early autumn (August to October) offers an ideal combination. During this period, Hanoi provides abundant sunshine while temperatures become more comfortable, dropping from 28.7°C (83.7°F) in August to a pleasant 25.4°C (77.7°F) in October. This makes it an excellent time for sightseeing and outdoor activities around the city.

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FAQ

What is the driest month in Hanoi?

What are the average summer temperatures in Hanoi?

What is the average humidity in Hanoi throughout the year?

What is the wettest month in Hanoi?

What is the sunniest time of year in Hanoi?