If you plan to visit Vietnam in April, Hanoi should be on your itinerary. This month is a fantastic time to visit Vietnam’s capital, and the weather is pleasant, and the city comes alive with the beauty of spring. Hanoi in April is also a transition period, shifting from the cool spring to the warmer summer months. With clear skies, blooming flowers, and lively streets, travelers can enjoy outdoor attractions, cultural sites, and traditional festivals. This guide will help you understand why this month is a great time to explore Hanoi and what to expect when you arrive.
What you will find in this travel blog:
- Is it worth visiting Hanoi in April?
- Hanoi in April weather
- Cost and Crowd when visiting Hanoi in April
- Things to do in Hanoi in April
- Travel tips to visit Hanoi in April
- Best Northern Vietnam Tour including Hanoi, Halong Bay, and Ninh Binh
Is it worth visiting Hanoi in April?
April stands out as one of the best months to visit Hanoi, offering a perfect balance of pleasant weather, cultural experiences, and practical advantages for travelers.
- Comfortable temperatures between 20-27°C make outdoor exploration enjoyable
- Fewer tourists compared to peak season means shorter lines at attractions
- Hotels and tours offer better availability and sometimes lower prices
- Trees and flowers bloom throughout the city, creating beautiful photo opportunities
- Several cultural festivals take place, including the important Hung Kings Temple Festival
- Spring produce brings fresh seasonal ingredients to Hanoi’s famous food scene
- Extended daylight hours (about 11 hours daily) allow for full days of sightseeing
- Light, brief rain showers rarely disrupt travel plans
- Balanced humidity levels provide comfort without the oppressive feel of summer months
- Ideal conditions for day trips to surrounding attractions like Ninh Binh and Halong Bay
Hanoi in April weather
Understanding the Hanoi weather in April will help you plan a smooth and comfortable trip. April is a transition month, marking the shift from spring to summer. The temperature gradually rises, humidity increases and occasional rain showers occur. Despite these changes, April remains a great time to visit Hanoi, especially for those who enjoy outdoor activities.
Temperature: The daily temperature range spans from 20°C (68°F) to 27°C (81°F), creating favorable conditions for sightseeing and outdoor activities. Morning and evening temperatures may dip to around 16°C (61°F), while midday can occasionally reach up to 35°C (95°F) on particularly warm days. This temperature range means you’ll want to dress in layers, especially early in the month.
Rainfall: Rainfall increases in April compared to earlier months, with the city receiving between 80-100mm (3.15-3.94 inches) of precipitation. This translates to approximately 8 rainy days spread throughout the month. Most rainfall comes as brief drizzles rather than heavy downpours, with early April typically drier than late April. The chance of precipitation rises from 19% at the beginning of the month to 28% by month’s end, indicating the gradual transition toward the summer monsoon season.
Humidity: Humidity levels hover around 76% during April, creating a slightly sticky feeling that isn’t yet as oppressive as summer months. The humidity comfort level changes significantly throughout the month, with the chance of muggy conditions increasing from 68% in early April to approximately 90% by late April. This progressive increase in humidity becomes particularly noticeable in the final week of the month.
Sunlight: Sunlight remains abundant, with approximately 11 hours of daylight per day. The sun rises at 5:50 AM and sets at 6:11 PM at the beginning of April, extending to a 5:27 AM sunrise and 6:20 PM sunset by month’s end. This provides ample time for sightseeing, though cloud cover increases noticeably through the month, from 41% to 58% coverage.
Wind: Wind conditions remain fairly constant throughout April, averaging about 7.7 miles per hour (3.5 m/s). The windiest time typically occurs around 4 PM with speeds reaching 4.7 m/s, while early mornings around 5 AM experience calmer conditions with speeds dropping to approximately 2.5 m/s.
UV index: The UV index remains high during April even on partly cloudy days, making sun protection essential. The daily incident shortwave solar energy averages 5.5 kWh throughout the month, with the highest values occurring around April 24th at 5.6 kWh.
Cost and Crowd when visiting Hanoi in April
April is a mid-season for tourism in Hanoi, meaning prices and crowds vary throughout the month. Early April is relatively calm, while the end of the month becomes busier due to Vietnam’s national holidays.
Traveling to Hanoi in April offers a balanced experience in terms of both cost and crowd levels. This month falls within the shoulder season for tourism in Vietnam, creating a sweet spot where travelers can enjoy reasonable prices while avoiding the most congested periods.
Cost
Hanoi remains an affordable destination in April. Hotels, transportation, and food are reasonably priced compared to peak travel months. However, around Reunification Day (April 30), hotel rates may rise slightly due to increased domestic tourism.
Crowd
April is not as crowded as the peak winter months, but it’s not entirely quiet either. The first half of the month sees fewer visitors, making it easier to explore attractions. Towards the end of the month, local travelers join the influx, increasing crowds at major sites.
Things to do in Hanoi in April
Explore local markets
Hanoi’s markets come alive in April with fresh spring produce and flowers.
- Dong Xuan Market, the city’s largest, houses hundreds of vendors selling everything from food to clothing. The comfortable April temperatures make exploring this bustling market pleasant without summer’s heat.
- Quang Ba Flower Market offers a special treat in April as spring blooms reach their peak – visit between 3-6 AM to see wholesalers bringing fresh flowers from surrounding areas.
- The weekend Night Market in the Old Quarter runs Friday through Sunday evenings, with April’s mild nights creating perfect conditions for browsing handicrafts, clothing, and street food stalls.
- Food markets like Hom Market show the incredible variety of ingredients used in Vietnamese cooking, with April bringing seasonal herbs that form the base of many spring dishes.
Watch a water puppet show
Water puppet shows present a traditional Vietnamese art form that began in the rice fields centuries ago. The Thang Long Water Puppet Theater near Hoan Kiem Lake hosts several performances daily, each lasting about 50 minutes. Puppeteers stand in waist-deep water behind a screen, controlling wooden puppets that appear to dance on the water’s surface. The shows tell folk tales and historical stories accompanied by live traditional music.
April performances sometimes include spring themes reflecting the season. The indoor venue provides a good activity option if you encounter one of April’s occasional rain showers. Evening shows are especially popular, so booking tickets a day in advance is wise.
Take a cyclo tour
Cyclo tours provide a relaxing way to see Hanoi in April’s pleasant weather. These three-wheeled bicycle taxis move slowly through the Old Quarter and around Hoan Kiem Lake, letting you notice details you might miss on foot. The comfortable April temperatures make sitting in an open-air cyclo enjoyable without the summer heat.
Most rides last 1-2 hours and cover the main highlights of central Hanoi. Your driver often points out interesting sights along the way, though their English may be limited. Taking a tour in the cooler morning or late afternoon offers the most comfortable experience during April.
Visit Hoan Kiem Lake
Hoan Kiem Lake sits at the heart of Hanoi, and April provides ideal conditions for enjoying this scenic area. The 1.5-kilometer path around the lake features trees showing fresh spring foliage, making for pleasant walks in April’s mild weather. Morning hours reveal locals practicing tai chi and aerobics along the shores.
The red Huc Bridge leads to Ngoc Son Temple on a small island, which offers good views back toward the city – especially beautiful in April’s clear light. Weekends bring special activities when surrounding streets close to traffic and fill with performances and food vendors.
The Turtle Tower on a small island commemorates the legend that gives the lake its name. Lakeside cafes do brisk business in April, providing perfect spots to rest and watch local life between sightseeing activities.
>>> Read more about Hoan Kiem Lake: Is Hoan Kiem Lake worth visiting? What to do & nearby attractions
Explore Hanoi Old Quarter
The Old Quarter forms Hanoi’s historical heart, with April’s pleasant weather creating perfect conditions for exploring its maze of 36 streets. Each street traditionally specialized in specific goods – some still maintain these themes today. The distinctive tube houses feature narrow facades with extended depths, designed to minimize street frontage when taxes were based on width.
Ta Hien Street (“Beer Street”) becomes especially lively in April evenings as people enjoy sitting outside at small tables sampling local draft beer. Shopping opportunities abound, with April bringing new spring merchandise to many stores.
Walking tours, whether self-guided or with a local guide, help you discover hidden temples and specialty shops tucked away in small alleys. The occasional April showers actually enhance the experience by washing away dust and revealing the true colors of building facades.
Visit Ho Chi Minh Complex
The Ho Chi Minh Complex offers insights into Vietnam’s revolutionary leader and the struggle for independence. The complex includes the Mausoleum where visitors can view Ho Chi Minh’s preserved body in a solemn atmosphere. April visitors benefit from shorter queues than peak season.
Nearby stands the Presidential Palace, a yellow colonial building where Ho Chi Minh refused to live, preferring instead a simple stilt house within the grounds. April’s mild temperatures make walking through the botanical gardens surrounding the house particularly pleasant, with many plants blooming during this spring month.
The Ho Chi Minh Museum uses modern exhibits to tell the story of Vietnam’s revolutionary struggle. Early morning visits (from 7:30 AM) help you avoid both crowds and the warmer temperatures that develop by midday.
Visit Temple of Literature
The Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s first national university, dates to 1070 and represents one of Hanoi’s most significant historical sites. April visitors enjoy the temple grounds at their most beautiful, with gardens flourishing in the spring warmth.
The five courtyards take you through different stages of Confucian learning. Stone stelae mounted on turtle backs record the names of successful doctoral graduates from 1442 to 1779. The Great House of Ceremonies features an altar dedicated to Confucius and his disciples.
University students often visit in April to pray for academic success before exams. The gardens burst with new growth, creating tranquil spaces that contrast with Hanoi’s urban energy. Morning visits provide the best lighting conditions for photography before the midday sun creates harsh shadows.
Visit Vietnamese Women’s Museum
The Vietnamese Women’s Museum showcases the lives, contributions, and cultural roles of women throughout Vietnam’s history. Modern, well-designed exhibits spread across five floors, covering themes from family life to fashion and revolution to religion. The Marriage and Birth gallery displays traditional wedding costumes from various ethnic groups.
April coincides with an increase in Vietnamese weddings, so you might notice connections between museum exhibits and actual ceremonies around the city. The Women in History section documents the crucial roles women played in Vietnam’s independence struggles.
The Fashion gallery showcases traditional clothing from Vietnam’s 54 ethnic groups, with displays of lightweight summer garments particularly relevant as April temperatures warm. The museum offers excellent air conditioning, making it a comfortable indoor option if you encounter occasional spring showers.
Travel tips to visit Hanoi in April
- Pack smart clothing: Bring lightweight, breathable clothes for daytime and a light jacket for evenings. Include a small umbrella or packable rain jacket for April’s occasional showers. Walking shoes with good traction help navigate sometimes slippery sidewalks after rain.
- Stay hydrated: Carry a refillable water bottle as April temperatures can rise unexpectedly. Tap water isn’t safe to drink, but bottled water is widely available and affordable. Consider bringing electrolyte packets if you’re not used to humid conditions.
- Protect yourself from the sun: April sun can be intense even on cloudy days. Bring sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat, especially for visits to open areas like West Lake or the Temple of Literature gardens where shade may be limited.
- Guard against insects: Apply mosquito repellent, particularly in the evenings and near water. Mosquitoes become more active as April humidity rises. Products with DEET or picaridin work best in Hanoi’s climate.
- Manage your money wisely: ATMs are plentiful and dispense Vietnamese dong. Notify your bank of travel plans to prevent card blocks. Keep small denominations handy for street food, markets, and taxis where making change can be difficult.
- Use reliable transportation: Download the Grab app for convenient, fixed-price transportation. For traditional taxis, choose Mai Linh or Vinasun companies to avoid overcharging. Bus #86 offers affordable airport transfers if you’re on a budget.
- Practice cultural sensitivity: Remove shoes when entering homes, some temples, and establishments with signs requesting it. Dress modestly when visiting religious sites. Ask permission before photographing individuals. Learn basic phrases like “xin chào” (hello) and “cảm ơn” (thank you).
- Follow food safety precautions: Choose busy street food vendors with high turnover and clean preparation areas. Look for places where locals eat. Avoid raw vegetables and unpeeled fruits if you have a sensitive stomach. Carry hand sanitizer for before meals.
- Book accommodations in convenient areas: Stay in the Old Quarter for easy access to major attractions and vibrant street life. The West Lake area offers more upscale options with beautiful views. Book in advance for April as it’s becoming a more popular travel month.
- Time your visits strategically: Visit popular attractions early in the morning to avoid crowds and midday heat. The Ho Chi Minh Complex and Hoan Kiem Lake area are best experienced before 9 AM. Save indoor activities like museums for the warmest part of the day.
- Check for local festivals: April may feature celebrations like the Hung Kings Temple Festival (dates vary by lunar calendar). These events offer authentic cultural experiences but can affect transport and accommodation availability.
- Plan for weather changes: April weather can shift quickly from sunny to rainy. Build flexibility into your itinerary with backup indoor options for rainy periods. Most showers pass quickly, so don’t cancel plans – just adjust timing.
Best Northern Vietnam Tour including Hanoi, Halong Bay, and Ninh Binh
A journey through northern Vietnam that connects Hanoi, Halong Bay, and Ninh Binh gives travelers a complete picture of the region’s diverse beauty. This route takes you from lively urban streets to calm limestone bays and peaceful countryside settings with rice fields against mountain backdrops.
In Hanoi, you’ll wander through busy streets filled with amazing food stalls and historic buildings. When you reach Halong Bay, you’ll cruise among countless islands and get to sleep on a boat surrounded by calm waters. Ninh Binh offers a different experience where you can travel by small boats through water-filled caves and ride bicycles past bright green rice fields. This trip shows you how varied northern Vietnam can be, from city life to natural wonders.
Hanoi – Halong Bay – Ninh Binh Itinerary:
- Day 1: Arrive in Hanoi, explore the Old Quarter.
- Day 2: Full-day Hanoi city tour, visiting major attractions.
- Day 3: Travel to Ninh Binh, explore Hoa Lu and Trang An.
- Day 4: Head to Halong Bay, enjoy an overnight cruise.
- Day 5: Return to Hanoi, departure.
This itinerary provides a great mix of history, culture, and nature. You can customize your trip based on your preferences. Contact us by filling out this form or email at vietnam@indochinavoyages.com and let us know your interest, our team of travel experts will help you plan a perfect trip to Vietnam with all your needs.
>>> Find more about Vietnam tours with updated prices by clicking here!
This travel guide helps you easily plan a visit to Hanoi in April. From understanding the weather to exploring the best attractions, you now have all the information needed for a memorable trip. Whether you want to enjoy Hanoi’s vibrant streets, participate in cultural experiences, or explore northern Vietnam’s natural beauty, April is a great time to visit. Plan your trip, pack wisely, and enjoy all that Hanoi has to offer!
Mo Nguyen – From Vietnam Travel Online
