Hanoi Weather in January: What to Expect & Best Travel Tips for a Winter Trip

Hanoi weather in January beckons with its captivating blend of cool breeze, soft sunlight, and peaceful ambiance, creating a perfect backdrop for memorable experiences in Vietnam’s vibrant capital.

With temperatures ranging from 15°C to 20°C, the weather is cool and dry—ideal for sightseeing, food adventures, and festive Lunar New Year preparations. Read on to discover what Hanoi has to offer this time of year, plus practical travel tips!

1. Hanoi January Weather: Overview

Hanoi’s winter weather in January is mild and relatively dry, with pleasant daytime temperatures and cool evenings.

1.1. Average Temperature

January in Hanoi typically sees temperatures between 15°C and 20°C. It can get as low as 9°C in the early morning or late night, and as warm as 26°C during peak afternoon hours. The best time to go out is from noon to early evening.

1.2. Sunshine Hours

Hanoi gets around 2 hours of sunshine daily in January—less than the 5 hours it receives in December. Expect cloudy skies 87% of the time and brief sunny spells 13% of the time.

1.3. Rainfall

January is considered part of the dry season, yet Hanoi still records 7–14 days with light rainfall, totaling about 20mm for the month. Drizzles tend to occur in the morning or midday.

1.4. Wind Speed

Winds in Hanoi gradually increase through January, ranging from 2.9 to 3.2 meters per second. Morning is usually the windiest part of the day, peaking around 9:30 AM.

1.5. Humidity

Humidity hovers at a comfortable 68%, making Hanoi feel fresh and cool without being too damp.

1.6. Sunrise & Sunset

Daylight extends slowly over the month. Sunrise occurs around 6:33 AM, and sunset shifts from 5:26 PM to 5:46 PM by the end of January.

2. Best Things to Do in Hanoi in January

• Visit Hanoi’s Iconic Attractions

Wander through the atmospheric Old Quarter, take in history at the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, marvel at traditional architecture in the Temple of Literature, or enjoy a lakeside walk around Hoan Kiem Lake and West Lake.

Tourists walking through Hanoi's Old Quarter in January

• Indulge in Hanoi Street Food

Warm up with a steaming bowl of pho, enjoy savory bun cha, and don’t miss the famous egg coffee, a delicious blend of whipped egg yolk and Vietnamese coffee.

A steaming bowl of pho in Hanoi during winter

• Visit Hanoi's Temples

At the start of the Lunar New Year, spiritual sites like One Pillar Pagoda and Tran Quoc Pagoda attract both locals and tourists for blessings and reflection.

One Pillar Pagoda in Hanoi

• Explore Tet Flower Markets

Experience the excitement of Lunar New Year by visiting places like Quang Ba Flower Market. See vibrant displays of peach blossoms, kumquat trees, and festive decorations.

Colorful Tet flower market with peach blossoms in Hanoi

3. Travel Tips for January in Hanoi

Pack warm clothing—think jackets, scarves, and layers for chilly mornings and evenings.
Book accommodations and major attraction tickets in advance, as Tet holidays draw many visitors.
Wear respectful attire when visiting pagodas and temples.
Carry a compact umbrella or raincoat for unexpected light rain.
Browse Tet markets for souvenirs, gifts, and a taste of Vietnam’s festive traditions.
Expect larger crowds during the weeks around Lunar New Year—plan visits early in the day.
Check out Tet parades, performances, and cultural events happening across Hanoi.

In summary, Hanoi weather in January offers a wonderful mix of cool temperatures, light rain, and cultural festivity. Whether you’re exploring iconic landmarks, enjoying street food, or taking in the Tet atmosphere, Hanoi in January promises a charming and rewarding winter getaway.

Tranquil view of Hoan Kiem Lake with winter mist in Hanoi

We hope this information about Hanoi’s January weather inspires your travel plans and helps you make the most of your winter journey in Vietnam’s charming capital. For a truly memorable experience, contact World Mate Travel, your trusted Vietnam travel agency!

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