What's the Weather Like in Hanoi in May
Temperature
Temperatures of air continue to rise during May in the city of Hanoi. Average morning temperatures are around 24C (75.2F) while average maximum temperatures usually rise up to 32C (89.6F). Variations in this regard are possible, with daily lows usually falling to 21C (69.8F) or rising to 28C (82.4F). Daily highs tend to fluctuate from 26C (78.8F) to 37C (98.6F). Occasionally, air temperatures go beyond these values, but this happens rarely. Average temperatures for this period indicate that Bangkok in Thailand is slightly warmer than the capital of Vietnam in May.
Regarding the rise of temperatures, we could consider May the first month of the hot season in this destination. Although most of the day feels warm, this interval shortens at a rapid rate in the course of the month. The hot interval initially lasts approximately 3 hours, from 2 pm to 5 pm. At the end of May, the duration of this interval is already 9 hours, lasting from around 11 am to around 8 pm.
Sunshine Hours
The number of sunshine hours in the city is higher this time of year than in the previous period. On average, Hanoi receives around 5 hours of sunshine per day on average during this month. Still, cloud cover continues to dominate over the city, despite higher chances of sunny weather. In general, around 32% of daylight hours constitute sunshine while the remaining 68% is a share of overcast or mostly cloudy sky.
Rain
With the arrival of May, the rainy season officially begins in this destination in Northern Vietnam. The amount of rainfall doubles in comparison to April, with the city receiving around 190 mm/7.48 in of precipitation on average. The number of wet days remains virtually unchanged in regard to the previous month, usually ranging between 14 and 18 days. Drizzle is the most common form of rain this time of year, but torrential downpours are becoming an option, too.
The chances of a rainy day increase at a fast rate from the beginning of May toward the end of the month. According to statistics, May 1 has 29% of chances to be a wet day. This probability rises up to 46% on May 31. Days are usually much rainier than nights, with the highest chances of precipitation around noon. Evenings around 7 pm and 8 pm are the least rainy periods of the day.
Wind Speed
The wind speed gradually decreases as time passes during May in Hanoi, the Vietnamese capital. At the beginning of the period, the average speed of the wind is 3.4 m/s. By the end of the month, it drops to 2.9 m/s. Still, moderate breeze substitutes gentle breeze at times. The windiest time of the day is around 4 pm, when the strength of the wind rises up to 4.4 m/s. Around 4 am is the calmest time of the day, with the speed of wind decreasing down to 2.2 m/s.
Humidity
Hanoi, the capital city of Vietnam, becomes a very humid place this time of year. The average relative humidity is 69%. The chances that any day will be muggy, oppressive or miserable range between 92% (May 1) and 98% (May 31) from the statistical point of view.
Sunrise and Sunset
Days become longer in this destination during May. On May 1, the sun rises at 5:26 am, and sets 12:54 hours later, at 6:21 pm. On May 31, sunrise takes place at 5:14 am while sundown occurs at 6:33 pm, which gives the city 13:19 hours of daylight.
Extraordinary Weather Occurances
With the arrival of the rainy season, certain parts of Hanoi tend to experience occasional flooding. Yet, this possibility is lower in May than during subsequent months since heavy showers are still less numerous. Also, the season of typhoons begins in the second half of May, but these unwelcome occurrences usually take place in summer in this destination.
The location of the city lies in the area where earthquakes do happen. Yet, none of particularly destructive ones affected the capital of Vietnam in a last couple of decades.
Hanoi Hotels in May
Since weather conditions grow less favorable, Hanoi, the Vietnamese capital, receives fewer tourists during this month. Hence, May tends to be a time of year when you can benefit of lower accomodation rates.
Little Hanoi Deluxe Hotel
Little Hanoi Deluxe Hotel is a mid-range property located in the downtown area. Most of the city's top tourist attractions are within a walking distance while the international airport is 25 kilometers (15.5 miles) away. The hotel disposes of rooms of various sizes (17 m2 to 40 m2), which feature air-conditioning, free Wi-Fi, tea/coffeemakers and satellite TVs. Some units have DVD players. A business center and a restaurant are complimentary facilities.
Meracus Hotel 2
Meracus Hotel 2 is a 3-star hotel, located near Hoan Kiem Lake and the majority of the city's top tourist points of interest. The distance between the property and the airport is around 26 km/16.2 mi. Meracus Hotel 2 has rooms and suites on offer, which include free internet access, air-conditioners, TVs with flat screens, safes and minibars. The luggage storage is an additional amenity for arriving or departing guests.
O'Gallery Premier Hotel & Spa
O'Gallery Premier Hotel & Spa is a 4-star establishment, located in the Old Quarter of the city of Hanoi. Hence, most of the key points of interest, including Hoan Kiem Lake, St. Joseph's Cathedral and Old City Gate, are nearby. Accommodation units include rooms and suites between 23 m2 and 50 m2 in size. Their equipment consists of flat-screen TVs, safes, minibars and complimentary Wi-Fi. A restaurant preparing Vietnamese and international dishes, business center, and wellness and banquet facilities are also available.
Lotte Hotel Hanoi
Lotte Hotel Hanoi is a 5-star property. The rooms and suites are spacious, ranging in size from around 43 m2 to approx. 63 m2. They include safes, flat-screen TVs with satellite channels, tea and coffee makers, minibars and free internet. Many units feature views of the city, including West Lake. Swimming pools, both indoor and outdoor, free parking, a spa, restaurant and a business center are some facilities offering additional amenities. The airport is 24 km/14.9 mi away.
Bars and Rstaurants
The capital of Vietnam is a very picturesque and lively city. It abounds with vendors offering a variety of goods food stalls, scooters and cyclos coming from every direction and so on. There are also many eateries and bars offering a journey into the world of the authentic Vietnamese cuisine. International dining opportunities, with Chinese and French options for the most part, are also available.
Paying with cash here has its benefits, and not only because certain businesses don't accept credit cards. Even those that accept this means of payment may incur a few percent fee on transactions.
Green Farm Restaurant
Green Farm Restaurant is a reputable and affordable eatery, located in the Old Quarter. The place has options for gourmands and vegetarian in the menu. If you come to like any of these, you may consider signing up for a cooking class at the restaurant. Green Farm Restaurant's opening hours are from 11 am to 10:15 pm.
Muse Home
Muse Home is a small bar in Hanoi Old Quarter, near Hoan Kiem Lake. The bar features a big selection of drinks, including cocktails. If you are passionate about chocolate, consider ordering Cocoa Trung, a chocolate drink with egg. Just note that tables are near one another, in case you mind overhearing what you or other people say.
Thang Long Deli Restaurant
Thang Long Deli Restaurant is a cozy, centrally-located restaurant, serving specialties of the Vietnamese cuisine. The menu is quite extensive, comprising meals of pork, beef and chicken meat, seafood, pastas and pizzas among other mouth-watering specialties. Dishes tailored for fans of the western cuisine and vegetarians are also available. The recommendation is that you reserve a table via the restaurant's official website.
Jacksons Steakhouse
Jacksons Steakhouse is an exclusive dining venue specializing in steaks. Located just south of Hoan Kiem Lake, the restaurant also has seafood on offer. Jacksons Steakhouse comprises a lounge, restaurant and a private dining room on the fourth level. The eatery serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. You can reserve your table via the restaurant's official website.
Things to do in Hanoi in May
Festival
The traditional ball scrambling festival takes place in the village of Thuy Linh, in the Hoang Mai district of Hanoi. The event promotes a healthy competition among children of different ages and adults. This old tradition was originated in the 11th century by a son of the emperor. The main aim of the competition was to keep imperial soldiers training.
Bach Tao Park
The name of Bach Tao Park translates as "Hundreds of Plants" Park, but is also known as Hanoi Botanic Gardens. Regarded as "green lungs" of the city, the park boasts a large number of rare trees. Besides native flora, some plant species were brought overseas from Oceania, Africa and America. While walking around, you are likely to see macaques and squirrels. Also, return at night to enjoy interesting illumination
Vietnam Museum of Ethnology
The Vietnam Museum of Ethnology is an outstanding exhibition venue that showcases tribal art, jewelry and clothing used by 54 Vietnamese minorities throughout history. The museum consists of indoor and outdoor sections that reveal how these people used to live and highlight their differences. Replicas of houses introduce architectural styles while religious objects introduce funerary practices. Descriptions are available in French, English and Vietnamese. Besides exhibition spaces, the Vietnam Museum of Ethnnology features a library, auditorium and a research center. The location of the museum is in the Cau Giay neighborhood, some 7 km/4.3 mi away from the downtown of Hanoi, the capital city of Vietnam.
