Franz ElizHeading to Hanoi at the end of the year? Then you better pack a winter jacket because it will be winter – yes, there’s winter in Hanoi. The temperatures start to drop by the end of November.
I didn’t know this until I experienced it myself in 2016. Had I done my research, I would’ve packed a better jacket. Heck, I was cold.
In this article, I’ll discuss what winter in Hanoi is like and how to dress for Hanoi winter. Keep reading.
Winter in Hanoi
Winter in Hanoi is between December and late February. You can expect temperatures below 20°C (even below 10°C) during this time. January is the coldest month.
While these temperatures are tolerable, especially for people who are used to much colder temperatures, it’s still important to dress properly. Layering is ideal.
Hanoi Doesn’t Get Much Rain in December
December doesn’t get much rain, unlike January and February. But it helps to pack an umbrella or raincoat for your trip. Alternatively, you could buy one in Hanoi. You’ll find many shops selling The North Face raincoats in Hanoi.
Dark, Gloomy Days in Winter
When I travelled to Northern Vietnam (Hanoi included) during winter a couple of years ago, I couldn’t help but notice the gloomy skies. Bad air pollution has got something to do with those gloomy skies. I didn’t like them. There was also a lot of rain from January to February.
It Can Get Windy and Colder
The wind can blow hard during the winter months. Carrying a windbreaker with you is best, even if you’re not on a motorbike or bicycle. A beanie or scarf will come in handy to warm you or keep your hair from messing up. The strong wind and high humidity can make Hanoi winter feel colder.
What To Wear for Hanoi Winter
Layering is the best way to stay comfortable in Hanoi during winter. You can layer the way you do during winter in other countries. Okay, maybe not like when you’re in Russia or Latvia. Lol!
The following explores tips on how to dress for Hanoi winter:
Wear Warm and Comfortable Base Layers
The first layer has to be fitting – but not tight – and comfortable. I like merino wool base layers, like this Icebreaker Women’s Butter Rib Racerback Tank. It’s warm, feels good on the skin, and can even be worn on its own.
Camisoles are also great, like this Icebreaker Women’s Merino Siren Cami Singlet or the Uniqlo HEATTECH Camisole. You can find many other cheaper options online. I prefer padded camisoles, like the Amazon Essentials Women’s Slim-Fit Camisole, helping me save space on packing a bra.
For extra warmth, pack a long-sleeved breathable base layer that you can pair with your shirt, t-shirt, hoodie, or dress.
Choose Thick, Warm Tops
While cotton isn’t the best fabric for winter, a thick, cotton hoodie can still keep you warm during Hanoi winter. I recommend going for a cotton blend, like cotton mixed with polyester. Polyester is hydrophobic and dries quickly. However, it’s not very breathable. So, having a cotton blend hoodie means you can enjoy the properties of both cotton and polyester.
I usually avoid wearing cotton in cold weather and opt for merino wool or quality synthetic materials. But if I pack something cotton for my winter travels, I always ensure that I have a quality and breathable base and outer layer.
Cover Your Feet and Legs
You want to make sure not to keep your legs exposed, especially if you’re not used to the cold. I’ve seen some people comfortably wearing mini shorts in winter – it amazed me every time – but it’s best to avoid doing so. Besides, you might not want to stand out in the crowd since Hanoi locals don’t usually dress like that in winter.
Wear thick trousers and put on breathable socks. Suppose your trousers aren’t thick; you could wear leggings or fitting thermal bottoms underneath.
Want to wear shorts, mini skirts, or dresses? Consider pairing them with stockings. Black or skin-colour stockings or pantyhoses are good options. They look good and keep you warm.
Pack Good Jackets
Even though winter temperatures in Hanoi aren’t very low, the winter can feel much colder due to high humidity.
If you’re visiting other places in Northern Vietnam after your trip to Hanoi, I recommend packing a winter jacket and a rain jacket. Other areas in Northern Vietnam will experience rain, light and heavy, so it’s wise to be prepared.
A rain jacket can also give you extra warmth in winter, especially if you plan to go hiking in Hanoi. It can get very chilly in the mountains.
Consider getting packable jackets suitable for the Hanoi winter. Fortunately, you’ll find many shops around Hanoi selling winter jackets from brands like The North Face. Since Hanoi’s winter isn’t harsh, there’s no need for a heavy-duty winter, even though you may notice locals wearing puffer jackets with furry hoods.
Opt for packable jackets, like the Ultra Light Down Jacket from Uniqlo. They’re typically good enough to keep you warm during Hanoi winter. Alternatively, you could wear a coat. You’ll see many locals wearing them during the winter.
Put On Comfortable Shoes
Even if it doesn’t rain much in Hanoi in December, you should always opt for comfortable shoes, preferably shoes that fully cover your feet, such as boots. But regular walking or running shoes are ideal, too.
Suppose your feet are sensitive to cold. Consider wearing ankle boots. If you only have regular walking shoes, you could insert wool insoles into your shoes to give your feet extra warmth. Otherwise, pack a pair of thick and moisture-wicking long socks.
Pack Essential Winter Accessories
Must-have winter accessories are a pair of scarves, gloves, and hats. A buff or bandanna would also come in handy.
Consider packing a long or big scarf to cover your neck and head. Choose the fabric you like; it doesn’t need to be a woollen scarf. Many locals like to wear beanies or berets, so you’ll find many of those selling around Hanoi.
It Can Also Feel Cold Indoors
Your layering system won’t just come in handy when you’re out and about but also indoors. Since many buildings aren’t designed for cold weather, hence the thin walls, you may feel cold in your Hanoi home or hotel. Furthermore, not all homes have proper heating systems.
That said, you’ll want to pack essentials that are both comfortable indoors and outdoors. As discussed earlier, winter in Hanoi can feel much colder than it seems. So you might want to pack a lightweight but warm travel blanket like the Cocoon Coolmax Blanket, especially if you’re very sensitive to the cold.
Consider going out for a hotpot dinner and sitting with the locals on small stools by the roadside. Eating hotpot is a favourite activity in Hanoi during the cold months. There are also indoor hotpot restaurants, like the Cumulus Vietnamese Restaurant, if you prefer eating indoors on bigger stools and with bigger tables.
Final Thoughts
The temperature in Hanoi starts to drop at the end of November. Hanoi experiences winter from December to late February, so you’ll want to pack winter clothing and accessories for the cold months.
Even though the winter temperatures in Hanoi are usually between 10°C and 20°C, the weather can feel much colder. Pack a winter jacket, a windbreaker or raincoat, and comfortable shoes like boots. And don’t forget travel accessories like a beanie, scarf, and gloves for extra warmth.
