The climate of Hanoi
Based on the Köppen climate classification,
Hanoi, the capital of
Vietnam, experiences a Cwa climate. This classification indicates a humid subtropical climate with dry winter conditions. The geographical location of Hanoi plays a pivotal role in shaping its climate, resulting in diverse weather patterns throughout the year.
Analyzing the provided climate parameters indicates a significant fluctuation in monthly temperatures, humidity, rainfall, and sunlight hours. The monthly average temperature ranges from 14.4°C (57.9°F) in winter to an impressive 35.4°C (95.7°F) during the summer months. Concurrently, the relative humidity fluctuates between 69% and 80%, showing a higher prevalence of moisture in the air during the latter part of the year.
Rainfall and daylight patterns follow an interesting trend. Rainfall varies quite substantially from a minimal 7mm (0.28") in
February to a hefty 135mm (5.31") in
August. Likewise, daylight hours oscillate from a low of 10.9 hours in
December to a peak of 13.4 hours in
June. Sunshine hours, on the other hand, are highest in the summer months from
May to
July, reaching up to 10.1 hours in June before receding again.
The best time to visit Hanoi
For those looking to experience
Hanoi's comfortable weather,
October and
November prove ideal. During these months, temperatures range from 19.3°C (66.7°F) to 29.6°C (85.3°F) accompanied by a moderate amount of rainfall ranging between 20mm (0.79") and 46mm (1.81"). Sunshine duration ranges from 5.1 to 6.9 hours, providing plenty of daylight to explore the city's historic charm and natural beauty.
The worst time to visit Hanoi
August could be considered an unfavorable time to plan a visit to
Hanoi. The city receives the highest rainfall during this month, averaging around 135mm (5.31"). Consequently, the relative humidity also peaks during this time, reaching 80%.
July and August experience similarly high humidity, but July generally sees slightly less rainfall. Despite this, the robust temperatures from 26.3°C (79.3°F) to 34°C (93.2°F) could still appeal to those who enjoy tropical climate conditions.
Spring weather in Hanoi
The onset of spring carries a gradual rise in temperature from 14.4°C (57.9°F) in
February, peaking at 21.8°C (71.2°F) in
April. Rainfall also begins to increase, contributing to enhanced humidity levels. Sunshine hours start to extend noticeably, offering between 4.2 hours and 7.2 hours of sunlight in a day.
Summer weather in Hanoi
Summer in
Hanoi is typically hot and humid, with the mercury soaring up to 35.4°C (95.7°F) and humidity levels oscillating between 71% and 74%. Ample sunshine hours ranging from 9 hours to 10.1 hours amplify this effect. Rainfall reaches its peak during this season, especially in
August with approximately 135mm (5.31").
Autumn weather in Hanoi
Autumn sees a decline in temperature and rainfall rates compared to summer. The average temperature swings between 24.2°C (75.6°F) and 29.6°C (85.3°F), while the rainfall drops down to between 46mm (1.81") and 73mm (2.87"). The daylight hours reduce slightly from 12.3 in
September to 11.2 in
November.
Winter weather in Hanoi
The winter season ushers in cooler temperatures, dropping to as low as 14.4°C (57.9°F) in
December and slowly rising to 19.2°C (66.6°F) in
February. Rainfall remains relatively low, with figures averaging between 15mm (0.59") to 18mm (0.71"). Sunshine hours decrease to a yearly low of 4.7 hours in December but improve to 5.7 hours by February. Wind speed generally remains between 7.7km/h (4.8mph) to 7.8km/h (4.8mph) during this period.
Weather in January
Kickstarting the year in
Hanoi,
January tends to be cooler when compared to the other months. This coolness contributes to making it the month with the lowest relative humidity throughout the year at 69%. The new year also carries the lowest rainfall, with the minimal precipitation recorded from 15mm (0.59").
Weather in January »Weather in February
February brings a shift in the weather pattern with a creep-up in temperature, making it warmer than
January. A noteworthy characteristic of
Hanoi's February weather is its daylight duration, extending to approximately 11.5 hours.
Weather in February » Weather in March
The month of
March exhibits
Hanoi transitioning into the Spring weather, indicated by a further increase in temperature. Also during this period, a striking feature of the weather can be observed in the hike of the relative humidity to 74%.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
Summer reigns in
April and
Hanoi dresses up in high temperatures, making it one of the warmer months. Of note here, the maximum temperature recorded shoots up significantly to 30.8°C (87.4°F). This signals the commencement of the city's hot months.
Weather in April »Weather in May
May in
Hanoi signals mid-summer with the city experiencing higher temperatures and significant humidity. The city's peak daytime temperature reaches a scorching 34°C (93.2°F), highlighting the typical tropical summer. With increased rainfall, May also initiates the onset of the monsoon.
Weather in May » Weather in June
June maintains the summertime climate from
May, represented by comparatively high humidity and temperature levels. Interestingly, daylight hours peak at 13.4 hours in June, the longest in the year. This extended daylight provides a longer time frame for tourists to explore the beauty of
Hanoi.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
Hanoi's
July weather forms the heart of summer with high temperatures, increased humidity, and vigorous rain. Indeed, this latter parameter reaches its annual zenith with approximately 92mm (3.62") of rainfall, suggesting the heaviest downpours of the year occur in July.
Weather in July » Weather in August
August carries forward the high summer temperatures from
July but grants
Hanoi a slight relief from rain with a slight decrease in precipitation. This month indeed crowns itself with the maximum average relative humidity of 80%.
Weather in August » Weather in September
The weather in
September brings about somewhat cooler temperatures compared to the previous summer months. Significantly, compared to
August, precipitation decreases considerably to 73mm (2.87"). This dip in rainfall coupled with lower temperatures signifies the commencement of autumn.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October in
Hanoi brings in the autumn with slightly chillier temperatures. A remarkable attribute of this month's weather would be the sharp decrease in precipitation to 46mm (1.81"), compared to the previous high rainfall months.
Weather in October » Weather in November
November's weather in
Hanoi continues to carry the beauty of autumn presented by
October. However, November distinguishes itself with the least number of sunshine hours, recorded at just 5.1 hours. The shorter sunshine duration and dropping temperatures paint a picturesque canvas, inviting visitors to experience Hanoi's serene and scenic landscapes.
Weather in November » Weather in December
Concluding the year,
December in
Hanoi witnesses further plummeting of the thermometer, marking the beginning of winter. The prominent weather attribute for this month rests in its usable daylight, reducing to an annual low of just 10.9 hours.
Weather in December »