Hanoi · Month comparison
May vs April
April ranks #1 overall vs May at #9. The best weather month — warm, sunny, low crowds, and the Old Quarter at its most photogenic.
May
#9 of 12 months
Strong option
Summer heat arrives with the rains — still manageable but the comfortable spring window is closing.
- ↑Sunshine hours reach their annual peak at 6.5 daily despite the rain — Hanoi in May has the most morning sunshine of any month; visit outdoor sites like the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and Tran Quoc Pagoda before noon
- ↑Prices remain affordable and the city is not overcrowded — a reasonable value window before international summer travel peaks
April
#1 of 12 months
Best match
The best weather month — warm, sunny, low crowds, and the Old Quarter at its most photogenic.
- ↑April is the joint-best weather month in Hanoi: 26°C, 5.5 sunshine hours, and light rather than heavy rain — the Old Quarter is comfortable to explore for a full day without the humidity and heat of summer
- ↑Crowds are at their annual low outside the peak seasons; the Ngoc Son Temple at Hoan Kiem Lake and the Temple of Literature can be visited without congestion
| Factor | May | April |
|---|---|---|
| Weather score | 5 | 8 |
| Value score | 7 | 7 |
| Crowd score | 6 | 7 |
| Events score | 4 | 5 |
| Atmosphere | 6 | 7 |
| Avg high temp | 31°C | 26°C |
| Monthly rain | 188mm | 88mm |
| Daily sunshine | 6.5hrs | 5.5hrs |
May trade-offs
- ↓Rainfall reaches 188mm — heavy afternoon downpours that can last for hours; the Old Quarter's narrow streets flood quickly after heavy rain
- ↓At 31°C with 83% humidity, the heat and humidity combination becomes uncomfortable; outdoor sightseeing requires early starts and strategic shelter
- ↓The gap between morning sunshine and afternoon rain narrows — planning a full day around it requires flexibility
April trade-offs
- ↓Rainfall increases to 88mm — light but present; afternoon showers are possible; carry a small umbrella or poncho
- ↓April is starting to become more popular as word of the good weather spreads; hotels fill faster than in February-March and prices begin edging upward
- ↓The heat is building toward summer levels by late April — daytime sightseeing between 11am and 3pm can already feel warm
Scores compare months within Hanoi. Climate data: Open Meteo ERA5 30-year normals (1991–2020). Methodology →