Hanoi Weather in September: Weather, Temperatures & Travel Tips

Features of Hanoi weather in September

The weather in Hanoi in September is pleasant with little rain, not too hot or not too cold. The sky is bluer, the golden sunlight stretches across the street corner, on the treetops. The breeze blew through, blowing along with the falling yellow leaves like notes, giving everyone a pleasant and refreshing feeling.

Average temperature (day & night)

As Hanoi shifts into the early days of autumn, temperatures in September begin to ease from the summer heat. Average temperatures generally fall between 26°C and 31°C, offering a warm but comfortable atmosphere ideal for sightseeing and outdoor adventures. Throughout the day, highs can reach up to 35°C, while the evenings and early mornings cool down to 21°C - 27°C. Most days, however, temperatures commonly stay within the 24°C to 31°C range.

When compared with Manila, the capital city of the Philippines, Hanoi shares a nearly identical temperature pattern during this month. The intensity of daytime heat tends to fade as the month goes on. At the beginning of September, the warmest hours usually stretch from 11:30 to 18:00. By month’s end, this hot window shortens, typically occurring between 13:00 and 17:30. Outside of these peak hours, the weather remains mild, making it a perfect time to wander the tree-lined streets, enjoy lakeside cafes, or explore Hanoi’s cultural landmarks.

Rainfall statistics

Weather in Hanoi September marks the final stretch of the rainy season, with rainfall levels starting to decline compared to previous months. On average, the city receives around 265 mm of precipitation spread over approximately 14 wet days. 

Although thunderstorms remain common (especially in early September), the likelihood of rain decreases noticeably as the month progresses. The second half of September is generally drier than the first, allowing travelers more opportunities to explore outdoor attractions with minimal disruption.

Humidity levels

Hanoi in September typically experiences high humidity, averaging around 73%. However, the chance of extremely humid conditions gradually drops from 99% at the beginning of the month to about 92% by the end.

Air quality & UV index

September weather in Hanoi typically features moderate air quality, with AQI levels around 75 - 80, so those with respiratory sensitivities may wish to limit prolonged outdoor exertion. In Hanoi weather September, daily peak UV indices that average about 7 (High), indicating a significant risk of sunburn without proper protection. Additionally, AQI begins its seasonal rise in September, as pollution levels in Hanoi generally worsen from this month through March.

Typical weather patterns (e.g., sudden showers, cooler evenings)

September in Hanoi brings a pleasant shift in climate, with mild temperatures, soft sunlight, and clear blue skies, ideal conditions for sightseeing and outdoor activities. However, as Hanoi weather in September still falls within the typhoon season, you may occasionally experience sudden showers or light flooding, so it's wise to carry a lightweight raincoat or umbrella. 

Even so, these weather changes are usually brief and unlikely to affect your travel plans significantly. Evenings tend to be cooler, offering a refreshing atmosphere as the city transitions into autumn with fewer crowds and a calmer pace.

Is September a good time to visit Hanoi? 

Hanoi weather September typically brings milder temperatures and less rainfall after the peak typhoon season, making it an ideal time to explore the city comfortably. Beyond the pleasant weather in Hanoi September, the city also comes alive with unique cultural festivals that add extra charm to your visit.

Some of the notable festivals in Hanoi during September include:

• Vietnam National Day (September 2): Held at Ba Dinh Square, this event features a formal flag-raising ceremony and a military parade reenacting President Ho Chi Minh's 1945 Declaration of Independence. Spectacular fireworks light up the Old Quarter skyline in the evening, creating a festive atmosphere.
• Vu Lan Festival (15th day of the 7th lunar month, early September): Known as the “Ghost Festival,” families visit temples like Quan Su to offer food, flowers, and lanterns in honor of their ancestors. The solemn rituals and lantern-lit river ceremonies highlight themes of gratitude and filial piety.
• Hanoi Autumn Festival (September 12 - 15): Centered around Hoàn Kiếm Lake, this four-day celebration features the “Autumn in Hanoi” music gala under sparkling city lights, over 150 artisan booths along Dinh Tien Hoang Street, and a “Flavours of Hanoi” alley showcasing northern specialties.
• Mid-Autumn Festival (15th day of the 8th lunar month, late September): The Old Quarter transforms into a colorful lantern wonderland with nightly lantern parades, traditional lion dances, and mooncake tastings. Children carry vibrant lanterns while families gather outdoors to celebrate the harvest moon.

Top Activities to Enjoy Hanoi's Beautiful Weather in September

Explore Hanoi Old Quarter

Hanoi Old Quarter is home to a lot of ancient houses with classic architecture, famous historical sites, pagodas and Buddhist temples, and eye-catching shops. Hanoi’s Old Quarter is best explored on foot as there are plenty of great spots to stop, grab a drink at a local café, or try street food along the way. Staying in Hanoi over the weekend, you have the chance to join the Night Market in Old Quarter, where you can enjoy more activities, including traditional games, street foods, traditional art, singing, and dancing on the streets.

Tourists explore various shops and street life in Hanoi Old Quarter's vibrant cultural setting

Take a cup of beer or “bia hoi”

Every afternoon, you can see Hanoi people head to the lakeside or sidewalk restaurants to enjoy a cup of cool beer. Try to drink a cup of Bia Hoi on the sidewalk in Ta Hien beer street and see the hurried life of local people on the street; you can feel the enjoyment of the slow life and the beauty of the old city. Drinking beer has become the culture of Hanoi, which is not only a place to ease the thirst, but also where both locals and foreigners come to drink with friends, strangers, talk about any topic, and refresh after a working day.

Drink Bia Hoi at the Hanoi Old Quarter

Watch Water Puppet Show

The water puppet show is one of the most unique traditional arts of Vietnam, which has existed for more than thousand of years. This reappears in the daily life of Vietnamese farmers such as cultivating, catching fishes, tending buffalo, and so on. Watching water puppet shows, tourists can learn more about how Vietnam, especially the rural area looks like.

Watch a water puppet show

Events & festival

The Mid-Autumn Festival is a popular public event in Vietnam. The festival takes place around the end of September and the beginning of October. During the festivals, Hanoi’s streets are colored red with lanterns and children's toys. You should not miss eating moon cakes when in Hanoi at this festival. Hang Ma Street in the Old Quarter is a great place for sightseeing and shopping. You can also walk around Hoan Kiem Lake, visit the Temple of Literature to enjoy the joyful atmosphere, or join various entertaining activities.

Hanoian also celebrates Vietnam’s Independence Day on September 2nd with many events organized around the city. There are speeches, parades, fireworks, and other festivities in Hanoi, with a large march in Ba Dinh Square in Hanoi, where the Declaration of Independence was made. Traveling this time, many customers get the benefit of discount offered by the shopping center.

Vietnamese flags line a Hanoi street, celebrating Independence Day with bright red and yellow colors

Join a cooking workshop

Participating in a cooking class in Hanoi is a fun and engaging way to explore Vietnam's culinary traditions. You'll get hands-on experience making authentic dishes, visit local markets to learn about fresh ingredients, and discover the cultural stories behind each meal.

Tourists join a Vietnamese cooking class in Hanoi, guided by professional chefs, learning to prepare traditional dishes

Visit the museums

Hanoi hosts an impressive array of museums that showcase the depth and diversity of Vietnam's cultural and historical heritage. The Vietnam Museum of Ethnology offers a captivating insight into the lives of the country's 54 ethnic groups, featuring immersive exhibits and traditional artifacts that bring their customs to life. The Vietnam Military History Museum presents a comprehensive collection of more than 15,000 relics, tracing Vietnam's military past from ancient naval engagements to the modern era of the Vietnam War. 

Meanwhile, the Hoa Lo Prison Museum, once a notorious French colonial prison and later dubbed the “Hanoi Hilton” during the Vietnam War, preserves original cells and chilling displays that reveal the harsh realities of political imprisonment and the enduring spirit of those who endured it.

The facade of Hoa Lo Prison in Hanoi, showcasing exhibits on political prisoners and wartime resilience

Discover the Tran Quoc Pagoda

Tran Quoc Pagoda, the oldest religious site in Hanoi, is a distinctive feature of the city s skyline. This graceful pagoda, rising eleven stories high, is perched on a small islet at the southeastern tip of West Lake. Originally located on the Red River s bank, it was carefully relocated to its present island home in the 17th century. To experience its full charm and peaceful ambiance, visiting both by day and night is highly recommended.

Tran Quoc Pagoda, reflected in the waters of West Lake, highlights the ancient structure in Hanoi

Best Foods to Eat in Hanoi in September (Weather-Friendly Picks)

September in Hanoi marks the arrival of authentic autumn flavors, highlighted by three popular seasonal specialties: juicy persimmons, fragrant green rice flakes, and tangy Vietnamese olives.

Persimmons (qua hong)

At the beginning of autumn, vibrant orange persimmons ripen fully, delivering a sweet, honey-like taste when eaten fresh and a soft, scoopable texture once peeled. Locals also preserve them by sun-drying, creating chewy snacks that retain their natural sweetness and rich flavor well beyond the harvest season.

Clusters of ripe orange persimmons hanging on branches, signaling the beginning of the autumn harvest in Vietnam

Green Rice Flakes (com)

Green Rice Flakes are crafted from tender young sticky rice grains that are lightly roasted, carefully crushed, and then sieved. This process gives cốm its subtle nutty fragrance and tender, chewy texture. Typically, it is wrapped in fragrant lotus leaves to preserve its freshness and is enjoyed either by itself or alongside ripe fruits as a light, seasonal treat.

Com, made from young sticky rice, gently roasted and flattened, is displayed on lotus leaves with a soft, nutty aroma

Vietnamese Dracontomelon (qua sau)

These dracontomelon fruits add a refreshing tang to chilled drinks and sweet jams. More than just a flavor enhancer for beverages, they also brighten up stews and dipping sauces, providing a sharp, zesty note that reflects the dynamic and flavorful street food culture of Hanoi.

Bright yellow dracontomelon fruits are used in Hanoi's drinks, dipping sauces, and stews

Travel Tips for Hanoi in September, Based on the Weather

During the Mid-autumn Festival and Vietnam’s Independence Day, local people will travel a lot within Vietnam. Therefore, the price for services like hotels the transfers can be increased. You had better sort out everything in advance to avoid any disappointment.

Booking a Hanoi package tour to travel is highly recommended as it ends up at a cheaper price than booking all the services individually. For a great vacation in Hanoi, contact Bestprice Travel.

What to pack?

September is the transition season of weather, so you had better bring both summer and winter clothes such as T-shirts and shorts, as well as light sweaters.

Sunscreen is not really essential, but it can protect you from the UV while being out for a long time. You also need to bring a bottle of water with you all the time.

September is also the wet season, so prepare an umbrella or a raincoat if you join outdoor activities

It is no surprise that Hanoi in September is beautiful and becomes the topic for many local songs and poems. Besides having wonderful natural scenery, September also has a cool and comfortable temperature that is a feature of the transition between summer and autumn. Planning a trip to Hanoi sometime in the future, choose Hanoi for the best experience.

Traveling to Hanoi in September creates unforgettable memories and a special connection to the city's charm. If you are still unsure about experiencing Hanoi weather in September, BestPrice encourages you to book your flight now and immerse yourself in the festive spirit of the capital's National Day celebrations. Wishing you a memorable and wonderful time in Hanoi!

Jenny Tran

Image source: Internet