What's the Weather Like in Hanoi in January
Temperature
Hanoi, the Vietnamese capital, features moderate temperatures in January. Daily averages usually range between 14C (57.2F) and 20C (68F). Still, these values tend to vary down to 9C (48.2F) and up to 26C (78.8F), rarely more. According to historical data, January 19 is the coldest day throughout the year in the city, with temperatures mostly remaining within usual limits. Regarding average lows and highs, the capital of Vietnam features similar temperatures to Vientiane, the capital city of neighboring Laos, this time of year.
If we disregard subtle variations, the most pleasant time of day in this destination in January is from 12 pm to 6 pm. During this interval, we could describe air temperatures as comfortable. The rest of the day, it feels cool.
Sunshine
The destination features scarce sunlight during wintertime. Because of compact cloud cover, the city receives around 2 sunshine hours per day on average from the beginning of January until its end, whereas December in Hanoi receives 5 hours. If we break the daylight into sunny and cloudy periods, cloudy weather would heavily overwhelm sunny weather with the 87% to 13% ratio.
Rain
Hanoi has between 7 and 14 rainy days during the month of January. However, this time of year is the dry season, despite many wet days. The most common form of precipitation is light rain, which occurs frequently in winter. Even so, the city receives a low amount of rainfall throughout the month. It usually doesn't exceed 20 mm (0.79 in) on a monthly basis. According to statistics, January 31 is least probable to be a wet day throughout the year, with the chances of precipitation around 5%.
In general, time of day between early morning and midday is much more likely to receive rainfall than late afternoon and evening. Most of January, around noon is the most probable time of day for rain to occur.
Wind Speed
The speed of wind is on a constant increase in the city of Hanoi during January. At the beginning of the month, the average wind speed is 2.9 m/s. By the month's end, it is 3.2 m/s. Mid-morning (around 9:30 am) is the windiest time of day in January. From then on, the strength of this gentle breeze decreases until it reaches its lowest levels shortly before midnight.
Humidity
The relative humidity during this period in this city in Vietnam is around 68%, which feels very comfortable. Still, the chances of a muggy or even oppressive day do exist and range between 15% and 18%. In that regard, January 21 is statistically the least muggy day in the course of year (15%).
Sunrise and Sunset
In January, duration of daylight is constantly increasing in Hanoi, the capital city of Vietnam. January 1 has the shortest daylight in this month. On that day, the sun rises at 6:33 am and sets at 5:26 pm, which gives the city 10:53 hours of daylight. On January 31, daybreak occurs at 6:34 am while the sundown takes place at 5:46 pm, with 11:12 hours of daylight.
Extraordinary Weather Occurances
Northern Vietnam, with the country's capital included, is prone to typhoons and floods. However, these natural disasters are "reserved" for summer months, with the arrival of the wet season. On the other hand, Hanoi is located in the seismically active area. Still, earthquakes take place infrequently. Only several of them occurred relatively near the city in the last 3 decades.
Hanoi Hotels in January
Hanoi, the capital city of Vietnam, has a wide selection of hotels and accommodation providers suitable for every budget. Among many different options, you can stay in a hostel, colonial-style villa, mid-range or a high-end hotel
Hanoi 3B Homestay
Hanoi 3B Homestay is a reputable 2-star property, located in Hanoi Old Quarter. Hence, the majority of the city's points of interest is no more than 2 km/1.24 mi away. The international airport is 20 km/12.4 mi distant, and the hotel has the airport shuttle service on offer for an additional charge. All air-conditioned rooms of Hanoi 3B Homestay feature free Wi-Fi.
Hanoi Old Quarter Hostel
Hanoi Old Quarter Hostel is a well-reputed accommodation provider, located in the Old Quarter. Therefore, guests of the hostel benefit of a short walking distance to many of the city's top points of interest. The Hanoi Citadel, for example, is only half a kilometer away, while Hoan Kiem Lake is less than 1 km/0.62 mi distant. All rooms and dorms feature fast internet access, while some of them boast views of the city. Hanoi Old Quarter Hostel is 20 km/12.4 mi away from the airport.
The Chi Boutique Hotel
The Chi Boutique Hotel is a 4-star establishment, located in the city center. The St. Joseph Cathedral is a stone's throw away while Hoan Kiem Lake is barely farther. The international airport is 21.5 kilometers (13.4 miles) away. The hotel's rooms feature TVs with flat screens, safety deposit boxes, minibars and complimentary toiletries. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the property. Additional facilities are a spa, business center and a restaurant serving local and international food.
Apricot Hotel
Apricot Hotel is an upscale, 5-star hotel, flanking Hoan Kiem Lake. Hence, this centrally-located property is near most top tourist points of interest in the city of Hanoi. The distance to the international airport is 21 km/13 mi. The hotel disposes of rooms and suites that are air-conditioned and have flat-screen TVs, free wireless internet and minibars. Parking is available on-site, and some other complimentary facilities are a rooftop bar and a library on the 9th floor. Swimming pool atop the hotel and a fitness center with views of the city are available, too.
Bars and Restaurants
Walking the streets of Hanoi Old Quarter is rewarding in many ways. For example, shopping, and dining are some top activities here. Of course, there are many places around where you can stop by for a short break and refershments. In general, food served at the city's eateries is a combination of Vietnamese, Chinese and French influences. Traditional restaurants alternate with street food stalls, but high-end places for dining are also available. You would do well to have cash because some venues don't accept credit cards.
Hong Hoai's Restaurant
Hong Hoai's Restaurant is a reputable eatery that serves tasty dishes for decent prices. Besides dining, you can book a cooking class at the restaurant. Former guests underline a high level of service and friendliness of the staff. Hong Hoai's Restaurant is open daily from 10 am to 10 pm.
JW Café
JW Café is one of the best dining venues in the capital of Vietnam, serving specialties of different cuisines. In addition to Vietnamese, the restaurant prepares Chinese, Korean, Japanese and Mediterranean specialties. Plus, JW Café features beautiful views of one of the city's lakes. This reputable eatery is open on a daily basis from 6 am to 10:30 pm.
Duong's 2 Restaurant
Duong's 2 Restaurant is a mid-range fusion restaurant. Here, you can enjoy a combination of Vietnamese and French cuisines. The eatery caters to gourmands and vegetarians, and salads, seafood, soups and pork- and chicken-based dishes are a part of Duong's 2 Restaurant's extensive menu. Also, you can join a cooking class if you are especially interested in this type of cuisine. The restaurant's opening hours are daily from 11 am to 10 pm.
Red Bean Central Restaurant
Red Bean Central Restaurant is an exclusive dining venue featuring utmost elegance. It serves Vietnamese dishes and boasts great views of the city from its rooftop bar. The restaurant's menu comprises dishes based on pork and chicken meat, fish, soups and cakes among other dishes on offer. Red Bean Central Restaurant also has a selection of cocktails. Stop by from 4 pm to 6 pm for a drink to benefit of Happy Hour. The restaurant is open from 6:30 am. You can make a final order at 10 pm.
Things to do in Hanoi in January
Hanoi Old Quarter
Hanoi Old Quarter is the tourist hotspot of the city, featuring plentiful shopping, dining and sightseeing opportunities. Assuming the northern side of Hoan Kiem Lake, the area consists of dozens of narrow streets. In the past, it started to develop around workshops adjacent to the royal palace, becoming a trade center at some point. Hence, every street is named after a specific type of commodity that was traded there Paper Product, Silver Product and so on. The Old Quarter is best explored by walking
Shopping
Shopping is one of the most enjoyable activities in Hanoi, the Vietnamese capital. Everything is available here, from indoor and open-air markets to modern shopping malls. Opening hours vary widely, and while some markets are open during daylight, others are open during the night. One thing is certain prepare a lot of money if shopping is your passion
Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum
The Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum is one of the top tourist points of interest in the city. It is a monumental structure made of marble where the unifier of Vietnam rests. Note that the mausoleum is open to the public only in the morning hours, up to 10:30 am or 11 am. Also, dress respectfully in order to be allowed to enter the monumental structure.
Tran Quoc Pagoda
Hanoi is the city of pagodas, and the Tran Quoc Pagoda is one of the most beautiful ones you can visit here. Regarded as a cultural symbol by the local populace, this particular pagoda dominates over an island in the southeastern section of West Lake. The pagoda is the oldest in the city and offers a glimpse into the Buddhist religion through architecture, engravings, sculpture and artifacts.
