Hanoi Weather in January

January is the coldest month in the winter in Hanoi due to suffered strong freezing wind from the northeast. If you want to organize your holiday in Hanoi at this time, take a look at the weather to get a great trip without any delay by bad weather.

To help you prepare for your trip, Incredible Asia Journeys is pleased to show you all you need to know about the weather in Hanoi in January.

Hanoians in Hoan Kiem Lake in the early morning

1. The temperature in Hanoi in January

The average temperature in Hanoi in January ranges from 14˚C (57.2˚F) to 20˚C (68˚F). The lowest temperature in a day may be below 10˚C (50˚F), while the highest temperature is up to 26˚C (78.8˚F). If you come from Europe and other freezing climate countries and be familiar with the cool weather in their native countries, you will feel comfortable with the cold winter in January in Hanoi. Even with the sun, it can still be freezing cold.

1.1. Rainfall

Hanoi receives from 7 to 14 rainy days during January with a low amount of rainfall, 21mm on average. Although January has many wet days, this time is still dry season. In January, morning and midday is the most probable time for rain in the day.

1.2. Sunshine

The number of sunshine hours in Hanoi is 2 on average from the beginning to the end of January. The time of daylight increases from January 1 to January 31. On January 1, the sun rises at 06.30 am and sets at 05.26 pm, giving Hanoi 10.53 daylight hours; while it is about 11.12 hours of daylight from 05.46 am to 06.34 pm.

2. Things to do in Hanoi in January

2.1. Hanoi Old Quarter

Hanoi Old Quarter is one of the should-not-be-missed attractions when visiting Hanoi. Located on the northern side of Hoan Kiem Lake, the Hanoi Old Quarter consists of many narrow streets and ancient houses with unique architecture. In the past, the area is a famous trade center with the development of different workshops.

Therefore, every street is named after a specific type of product like Paper Products, Silver Products, and so on. Walking around or hiring a cyclo are the best ways to discover the Hanoi Old Quarter. You can go shopping and enjoy street food.

Cyclo in Hanoi

2.2. Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum

Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum is a monumental structure which was made of marble. You can visit the mausoleum in the morning hours, up to 10.30 AM or 11.00 AM. It is noticed that formal clothes are allowed to enter the monumental structure. 

Ho Chi Minh Museum

2.3. Tran Quoc Pagoda

Tran Quoc Pagoda is one of the most beautiful pagodas you can visit in Hanoi, which attracts many people who love religious places. This pagoda is like an island in the southern West Lake. It is known as the oldest pagoda in Hanoi with more than 1,500 years of existence. Visiting Tran Quoc Pagoda, you can also go for a walk to the fresh and peaceful atmosphere of West Lake in the cold weather of January in Hanoi.

Tran Quoc Pagoda

2.4. Enjoy hot food in Hanoi

The cold weather of January is suitable for enjoying hot food in Hanoi like street food, pho, hot pot… January is also the time Vietnamese people prepare for the Tet holiday. So you can enjoy some kinds of special food at this time. Bánh Chưng, Bánh Tét, and Dưa Hành are some of than that you must try when visiting Hanoi during the time of Vietnam Tet holiday. Join the Hanoi Street Food Tour or Hanoi Scooter Tour to enjoy the Hanoi atmosphere in January.

3. Best places to visit from Hanoi in January

3.1. Halong Bay Tours from Hanoi

Halong Bay in January is cold enough to wear a winter coat, but it is very atmospheric. You can have a chance to enjoy a tranquil Halong Bay in winter. You can get on kayaking adventures to be taken up close to fishing boats and feel like remnants of a watery ghost town. Besides, you can enjoy a cup of coffee on the sundeck to enjoy the atmosphere and see the beauty of the limestone karsts.

You can book our Halong Bay Day Trip to explore the beauty of Halong Bay in only one day from the morning to the afternoon if you don't have much time. Besides, if you want to explore more about Halong Bay, you can get on 2-day 1-night cruise or 3-day 2-night cruise.

Halong Bay in Winter

3.2. Sapa Tour from Hanoi

Like November and December, January is also an ideal time to visit Sapa. Sapa in winter is so beautiful as a mysterious landscape. At this time of the year, the iconic rice terraces are not as vibrant at this time of year but Sapa is still fantastic trekking at any time. Both the house roofs, forests, gardens, and roads are covered in snow and fog, which makes Sapa more vaporous and mysterious.

Tourists visiting Sapa to see snow

3.3. Ninh Binh Tours from Hanoi

Ninh Binh is well-known for a lot of attractive destinations including Hoa Lu, Bai Dinh Pagoda, Trang An Grottoes, and Tam Coc (Three Grottoes). You can book our Hoa Lu Tam Coc Day Trip to enjoy trekking between green rice paddies in Tam Coc, explore the ancient beauty of Hoa Lu Ancient Capital, or take a boating tour to discover beautiful caves.

Green rice paddies in Tam Coc

3.4. Ho Chi Minh City Tours from Hanoi

If you want to avoid the cold weather of Hanoi in January, you can travel to Ho Chi Minh City. Ho Chi Minh City at this time is full of warm sunshine. You should visit Ben Thanh Market to join the lively atmosphere when people prepare for the Tet holiday. January is also a wonderful time for any tourist visiting Ho Chi Minh City to enjoy mild weather and flower blossom. You can appreciate grandiose flower installations and buy some tropical flowers at Nguyen Hue Walking Street and dozens of Tet flower streets around the city.

Warm weather in Ho Chi Minh City in January

4. Tips when traveling in Hanoi in January

• It can be cold even with the sunshine in January, so bring several thin sweaters or thin coats if they don’t take up too much space in your suitcase.
• If you want to adventure outside in Hanoi, you should prepare yourself warm coat, boots, and gloves to keep you warm and avoid catching a cold. In case you forgot your warm clothes or don’t want to bring such heavy and thick clothes, you can buy some at any store in Hanoi. If you want to buy it in some shops or night markets in Hanoi Old Quarter, let's ask for a bargain. They will give you fixed prices.
• Drink a lot of water to stay hydrated in the dry weather of the winter in January, especially when you are trekking or walking outside.
• Don’t forget to use sun cream to be protected from ultraviolet radiation during the daytime.
• A pair of shoes will not only help you to stay warm but also be suitable for your outdoor activities all daytime than flip-flops or high heels.