Most tourists visit Hanoi via the Noi Bai International Airport which is about thirty-five kilometers north of the city. The airport had small premises, catering to a massive influx of tourists. Endless queues were a common phenomenon at the airport. These queues, however long, stayed shorter than the ones at the Tan Son Nhat International airport of the Ho Chi Minh City. The waiting hours, however, became a thing of the past with the opening of an international terminal at the Noi Bai International Airport in 2015. Immigration became a lot faster, the whole process is completed in about just 15-20 minutes. The new terminal has several major airlines flying from the Noi Bai International Airport including Qatar Airways, Singapore Airlines, Air Asia, China Airlines, Thai Airways International, Cathay Dragon, and Japan Airlines.

Best time to visit Hanoi

Hanoi represents the typical tropical monsoon climate like that found in Northern Vietnam. Its summers are hot and see high rainfall and winters are dry and cold.

However, sunlight and humidity stay present throughout the year. Despite the months being either dry or rainy, they can still be categorized into four major types, which make it tricky to decide when to visit Hanoi.

1. May-August

Hanoi’s summers are hot and last from May to August, with July being the hottest month. With the onset of the problems of global climate change and resultant global warming, some years the summer season gets dry while during the others they witness extremely high levels of humidity. A typical day in the summer month would involve screeching hot sun during the day and thunderstorm during the evening. Rains are a usual sighting during the summer months. However, the summertime also gives a taste of Hanoi&’s tradition through the celebration of Chem temple festival that sees kite flying festivities and the famous Red River Dragon Boat Festival.

2. September to November

The most beautiful and romantic time of the year is the Fall season which usually begins from mid-September and extends up to the end of November. The sunlight is far milder and warmer than experienced in the months of summer with a cool breeze and dry atmosphere. The autumn months are best for travelers who can appreciate the pace of nature and the season’s specialties like young green rice.

3. December to February

If you thought Hanoi is about casual wear throughout the year, think again. Winters in Hanoi see a drop in temperature to as low as below ten degrees. The winters in Hanoi set in from December and extend until late February. Thanks to its humid conditions, the weather tends to get icy cold during its winter months. Though a tropical country, Hanoi prepares well for its winters by ensuring a lot of street food and other delicacies help in pacifying the bitter cold season.

4. Late February to April – Best time to visit Hanoi

That brings us to the spring season in Hanoi. Spring in Hanoi begins from February and lasts till April. The average temperature usually lies somewhere between fifteen to twenty degrees Celsius which is neither too hot nor too cold. The season witnesses plants in their full bloom and blossoming flowers. The air remains mildly humid with spells of drizzles here and there that do not cease throughout the season. For those looking to get closer to nature, spring is the best time to visit Hanoi. The season marks the beginning of Tet New Year, celebrated either during late January or early February depending on the Lunar calendar. It is the most essential and biggest festival of the Vietnamese that extends up to three days. February also sees the celebration of Co Loa, a festival that involves wrestling and cockfighting. The spring season celebrates the most festivals of Hanoi including Dong and Le Mat festivals celebrated during the month of March. In a gist, spring is the best time to visit Hanoi as the city sees the best of traditional practices and weather conditions during this time of the year.