Short answer: Hanoi in April is warm and humid, with average lows around 22°C (72°F) and highs of 28–30°C (82–86°F). Expect about 90–105 mm of rain, mostly light drizzle early in the month and short afternoon thunderstorms towards the end. It is one of the last comfortable months before the summer heat arrives in May – a good time for walking the Old Quarter, day trips to Ninh Binh and a Halong Bay cruise.
Hanoi Weather in April at a Glance
| What | April average |
|---|---|
| Temperature (low – high) | 22°C – 28/30°C (72°F – 82/86°F) |
| Rainfall | about 90–105 mm |
| Rain | frequent drizzle early in the month, short thunderstorms late in the month |
| Humidity | high, around 76–84% |
| Sea temperature at Halong Bay | warming up, but most visitors still find it cool for swimming |
| Crowds | moderate; busy around the 30 April – 1 May holidays |
Figures are long-term averages from climate records; every year is a little different, so check the forecast a few days before you fly.
Early, Mid and Late April: How the Weather Changes
Early April (1–10 April): mild, damp and grey
The first days of April often still feel like spring. Mornings are mild (around 20–22°C), the sky is frequently overcast and a fine drizzle can hang in the air for hours. Locals call this sticky, damp weather nồm – floors and walls feel wet and clothes take longer to dry. It rarely stops sightseeing, but a light rain jacket is useful.
Mid April (11–20 April): warm and more settled
By mid-month the sun comes out more often and afternoons reach 27–29°C. For most travellers this is the sweet spot: warm enough for T-shirts, not yet as hot as May. It is a good window for walking tours, cycling around West Lake and day trips out of the city.
Late April (21–30 April): hot, humid, first storms
Towards the end of the month highs can touch 30–32°C and the air feels heavy. Short, heavy thunderstorms may roll in during the afternoon or evening, then clear quickly. Plan outdoor sightseeing for the morning and keep museums, cafés or a cooking class for the afternoon.
Is April a Good Time to Visit Hanoi?
Yes – April is a good month for Hanoi, especially if you prefer warm weather to the cool, grey days of winter. Here is the honest picture from our guides:
- Pros: warm days, green trees and spring flowers, fewer international crowds than December–March, and good conditions for Ninh Binh, Halong Bay and Sapa.
- Cons: high humidity, some grey drizzly days in early April, and busy roads, trains and hotels around the 30 April – 1 May national holidays.
Tip: Reunification Day (30 April) and Labour Day (1 May) are public holidays. Many Vietnamese families travel at this time, so book trains, sleeper buses and Halong Bay cruises for those dates well in advance.
What to Wear in Hanoi in April
- Light, breathable clothes: T-shirts, linen shirts, light trousers or skirts.
- A thin long-sleeve layer or light jacket for early-April mornings and air-conditioned buses.
- A compact umbrella or rain jacket – drizzle in early April, storms in late April.
- Comfortable walking shoes or sandals that can get wet.
- Sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat for the brighter, hotter days later in the month.
- Covered shoulders and knees for temples, pagodas and the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum.
Best Things to Do in Hanoi in April
1. Catch the white Easter lily season
In early April, street vendors cycle through the Old Quarter with baskets full of white Easter lilies (hoa loa kèn). The season is short – usually only a few weeks – and it is one of the most photographed moments of the Hanoi year. Look for flower bikes around Hoan Kiem Lake and Phan Dinh Phung Street in the morning.
2. Walk the tree-lined streets during the leaf change
In spring many of Hanoi’s old street trees drop their leaves and grow new ones. Streets like Phan Dinh Phung, Hoang Dieu and the roads around the Temple of Literature are covered with yellow leaves in the early morning, before the street sweepers arrive.
3. Visit the classic sights in the cool morning
Start early at Hoan Kiem Lake, the Temple of Literature, the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum complex and the One Pillar Pagoda, then slow down in the heat of the afternoon. Check opening hours before you go: the Mausoleum usually opens only in the morning and closes on some weekdays.
4. Eat your way through the Old Quarter
Warm evenings are perfect for street food on plastic stools. Try bun cha, pho, banh cuon and fresh spring rolls – see our list of the best bun cha restaurants in Hanoi for places we actually take our guests.
5. See the Hung Kings Festival
The Hung Kings Commemoration Day falls on the 10th day of the 3rd lunar month – Friday 16 April 2027. It is a national public holiday; the main ceremony takes place at the Hung Temple in Phu Tho, about 2 hours from Hanoi, and many temples in the city hold smaller rituals.
Day Trips and Tours from Hanoi in April
- Ninh Binh (Trang An, Tam Coc, Bai Dinh): green rice fields and comfortable boat rides before the heat of summer. Join our Trang An – Bai Dinh 1-day group tour from Hanoi.
- Halong Bay: the sea is usually calm in April, with some haze in the morning. See all Halong Bay cruises.
- Sapa: spring weather in the mountains, fresh green terraces and cooler nights (bring a jacket). Travel by SP7 night train or limousine bus.
Want April planned for you? Our 7-day Northern Vietnam group tour covers Hanoi, Halong Bay and Sapa with a local guide. Message us on WhatsApp for a free itinerary built around your dates.
Hanoi in April vs March and May
| Month | Temperature | Rain | Feels like |
|---|---|---|---|
| March | 18–24°C | light drizzle, grey skies | cool, damp spring |
| April | 22–30°C | drizzle early, short storms late | warm and humid |
| May | 24–32°C | more frequent heavy storms | hot start of summer |
If you like cooler, drier weather, compare with Hanoi in October – many locals’ favourite month.
FAQs: Hanoi Weather in April
How hot is Hanoi in April?
Daytime highs are usually 28–30°C (82–86°F) and nights around 22°C (72°F). Late April can reach 32°C on the hottest days.
Does it rain a lot in Hanoi in April?
Not a lot, but often. Early April brings fine drizzle, while late April brings short afternoon thunderstorms. Monthly rainfall is roughly 90–105 mm, far less than in July or August.
Is April a good time to visit Hanoi and Halong Bay?
Yes. Temperatures are pleasant, the sea is generally calm and cruises operate normally. Book early if your dates include 30 April – 1 May.
What is the weather like in early April vs late April?
Early April is milder and damper with more grey days; late April is hotter, sunnier and more humid, with the first summer storms.
Are there festivals in Hanoi in April?
The Hung Kings Commemoration Day (16 April 2027) is a national holiday, and Reunification Day (30 April) and Labour Day (1 May) create a long holiday weekend with busy transport.
