| Period | Hanoi | Ha Long Bay | Sapa and Ha Giang | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| September to November | heat easing, clearer skies | calm sea, generally clear sky | golden terraces until early October, buckwheat in Ha Giang from October to December | the best period |
| December to February | cool, sometimes cold; Tet in February 2027 | cool, frequent haze | cold, snow possible some winters | fine for the city, less for the bay and Sapa |
| March to April | mild, getting hotter | haze possible early in the period | warm and fairly dry | very good |
| May to August | hot, humid, thunderstorms, up to 35°C | storms; typhoon risk from July to September | green terraces in summer; July and August very wet | avoid if possible |
Hanoi: autumn and spring
Autumn (October to December according to one guide, late September to November according to another) is when walking is most pleasant in the Old Quarter and around Hoan Kiem Lake. Spring, in March and April, is mild. In summer the heat and humidity are strong and thunderstorms are frequent: sightsee in the morning and keep afternoons for museums and cafés. In winter, bring a jacket.
Ha Long Bay: when to cruise
Sources differ: one gives October to April as the dry season, another recommends March to May. All agree on autumn, with the clearest sky and calmest sea. Summer exposes you to storms and typhoons, which can cancel cruises: check the forecast and the cancellation terms. See our guide to Ha Long Bay and the day cruise from Hanoi.
Sapa and Ha Giang: rice and buckwheat
The rice terraces of Sapa are green from June to August and golden from mid-September to early October, before the harvest; July and August are the wettest. March-April and October-November give clear, cool weather. In Ha Giang, the season for Ma Pi Leng Pass is October to December, with the buckwheat fields in bloom; June to August are rainy and slippery. For the loop, see the Ha Giang loop from Hanoi.
Tet and public holidays
Tet (Lunar New Year) falls on 6 February 2027. For several days many shops and restaurants close and transport is full; room prices rise (dorm beds double in Hanoi during Tet according to one guide). The holidays of 30 April to 1 May and 2 September also draw Vietnamese travellers: book hotels and transport early. To choose an area, see where to stay in Hanoi.
When to go depending on your plan
- City only, 2 to 3 days: October-November or March-April.
- Ha Long Bay or Ninh Binh as well: October-November for clear skies; see Ninh Binh in one day.
- Sapa trek: mid-September to November or March-April.
- Ha Giang loop: October to December.
- Tight budget: avoid Tet and long weekends; see the travel budget for Hanoi.
Going further
Plan your stay next with Hanoi in 2 days, where to stay in Hanoi and the Sapa trek.
FAQ
When is the best time to visit Hanoi? Late September to November and March to April: milder temperatures and clearer skies.
Should you avoid the rainy season? If you can, yes, especially July and August in Sapa. For the city alone, a summer trip is still possible with slow-paced days.
When can you see Sapa's golden rice terraces? From mid-September to early October or so; by late October a good part has already been harvested. Dates vary with the year and altitude.
When is Tet in 2027? On 6 February 2027. Book early and expect closures.
Can you cruise Ha Long Bay in winter? Yes, but it is cool and often hazy; autumn and spring are more pleasant.
