August is a hot and humid month in Hanoi, yet there is plenty of life in the city. Nature is blooming, there is plenty to explore, the rich vegetation, summer festivals are going on, and a lively street food scene that delights any traveler.
Is August A Good Time To Visit Hanoi?
August in Hanoi is acknowledged as the end of summer, which means warm weather and the potential for significant amounts of rain falling all at once. Who knows what the Hanoi weather in August will bring? The month does bring Vietnam’s lush and green time of year, which can be great for capturing some of the beauty of the city and nature. Many travelers enjoy fewer tourists and cheaper travel days than in popular spring or autumn months.
August also brings the hustle and bustle of local life, especially with students preparing to begin a new school year and the markets filled with seasonal fruits. Unless you mind bringing an umbrella and fully accepting the nature of a tropical climate, August is one of those months for you to possibly enjoy as a visitor in Hanoi.
What’s The Weather Like In Hanoi In August?
August in Hanoi is in what we would consider late summer. The Hanoi temperature in August is still high with significant humidity. It is common for daily temperatures to be between 28°C and 35°C, with occasional temperatures going even higher on an especially humid day. Although it is still warm, the extreme heat of June and July begins to subside, and you might enjoy going outside during the day.
Another unique aspect of the weather in August in Hanoi is the little rain showers that are common. These sudden rain showers provide a cooling sensation and a break from the summer heat. A light rain jacket or umbrella is recommended if you are out and about in the afternoon.
By the end of August and until September, the weather begins to resemble that of early autumn. The sun is less fierce, and there is coolness in the air, creating a pleasant switch from summer to fall. The softer sunlight, moderate breezes, and absence of great crowds make August an enjoyable month to experience the warmth and charm of Hanoi.
Best 7 Places To Visit In Hanoi In August
August in Hanoi is a special time, when summertime rains add a romantic touch to the dynamic vibrancy of the city. Of course, there will be some heavy rain, but August is a nice month to love the city, visit landmarks, and enjoy delicious seasonal food.
Experience The Flag Raising Ceremony At Ba Dinh Square
- Location: 8 Hung Vuong Street, Ba Dinh District, Hanoi
You visit Ba Dinh Square, where President Ho Chi Minh claimed Vietnam’s independence. From this historic place, you’ll have a chance to participate in the flag raising and lowering ceremony at the Ho Chi Minh mausoleum every day at 6 AM and lowering at 9 PM. Seeing the flag ceremony is an amazing daily ceremony of national pride, and an important experience for any visitor to Hanoi in August!
Photographs On Phan Dinh Phung Street
- Location: Phan Dinh Phung Street, Ba Dinh District, Hanoi
Sometimes referred to as the “set of a Korean movie,” this tree-lined street is one of the prettiest and most Instagrammable places in Hanoi. Will colonial buildings on either side and trees shielding you from the sun, it is a lovely and quiet retreat from Hanoi’s busyness (if you can find a time without cars).
There will be a few places where you’ll want photographs here, but in the morning, and, if you’re particularly lucky, during the misty, rainy days in August, when the trees look like umbrellas hugging the feet of these lovely buildings, you’ll see who the real artist is here.
Take the Double-Decker Bus To See Hanoi
- Location: Central Hanoi
When in a city with idyllic bus routes and panda-like experiences, get on a double-decker bus for the best opportunity to see all of Hanoi’s key attractions. You can enjoy hopping on and off anywhere from the Old Quarter to West Lake. If you choose a mix of sun and rain in August, be prepared for the top open-air deck to be a breeze; it’s often surprising how refreshing it can feel on a hot, humid day.
Explore The Historical Long Bien Bridge
- Location: Ngoc Thuy Street, Long Bien District, Hanoi
Long Bien Bridge is a river crossing built during the French colonial era. It’s popularly visited, but it’s more than a simple crossing; it’s a bridge that represents what Hanoi is all about. Visit Long Bien Bridge and walk or bike across its rusty structure, and enjoy the views of the Red River. If you go before 7 am on a late summer morning, you will see the quieter side of Hanoi shrouded in mist.
Take A Walk Among The Flower Valley At West Lake
- Location: Nhat Chieu Junction, West Lake, Hanoi
August is the right month to enjoy the colorful splendor of the Flower Valley at West Lake. During this transition from summer into fall, the fields may still be filled with sunflowers, marigolds, and a variety of lovely flowers, and a touch of warm and golden hues.
With plenty of green lands and beautiful lake views all around, this area lends itself to lovely walks, perhaps a photo shoot, or just a nice place to unwind. Whether you are a couple in search of a beautiful outdoor wander or a solo traveler in search of beauty, this flowery world will gently heal your soul.
Visit Temple Of Literature
- Location: 58 Quoc Tu Giam Street, Dong Da District, Hanoi
Visiting the Temple of Literature in August offers a tranquil touchstone into Vietnam’s awesome academic pathos and cultural heritage. As the earliest university in the country, the site has plenty of shady courtyards, stone steles covered in green moss, and wooden pavilions that usher you through the stories of a bygone era. In particular, the light rain showers and cooling breezes during this time of year turn the site into a quiet sanctuary to slowly stroll through, think under banyan trees, or simply escape the clamoring of the city.
Savor Autumn Flavors Of Hanoi
August ushers in early autumn in Hanoi, and with that season’s arrival, an urge to eat dishes reflective of that time of year. The streets are beginning to fill with the smell of Com, which is young green rice, bundled neatly and wrapped in lotus leaves. There is a heightened demand for local specialties, like Cha Ca La Vong (grilled turmeric fish).
Be sure to sample freshly prepared crispy shrimp cakes from West Lake that are best eaten when the air is cool and the city glistens after a rain. Typically, the dishes represent more than a fulfilled appetite; they hold as memories, cultures, and the intimate charm of a town asking to be in transition.
What To Pack For Hanoi In August
In Hanoi in August, the weather is warm and humid with the chance of afternoon summer thunderstorms. Bring smart, lightweight clothing that’s cool and breathable, quick-drying options so you dry off quickly if you get wet, and sturdy, good-gripped footwear.
Clothing
Pack lightweight, breathable shirts, short-sleeved shirts, tank tops or T-shirts, and quick-drying shorts or lightweight long pants. You should also bring along: a lightweight rain jacket or small travel umbrella in case of a summer downpour.
Shoes
Lightweight and water-resistant walking or breathable sneakers with a good grip and traction, quick-drying sandals, and moisture-wicking socks.
Health Supplies
Sunscreen with a high SPF, insect repellent, hand sanitizer and compact first-aid kit, and personal medications.
Electronics
Phone and charger, power bank, camera with some weather protection. Universal plug and waterproof pouches for electronics.
Money and Documents
Passport with 6+ months left, visa or visa approval letter, some cash in Vietnamese dong, credit cards or debit cards, and digital versions of documents.
Other Items
Pack a lightweight backpack or daypack, quick-dry travel towel, reusable water bottle, sunglasses, a wide-brimmed hat or cap, quick-dry travel clothes, and ziplock bags to store the items for waterproofing.
Travel Tips For Visiting Hanoi In August
August in Hanoi can be an amazing time to visit. If you plan your itinerary and mode of transport carefully, you can turn what would otherwise be a stressful visit into a super fun and relaxing experience. Here are a few simple tips in August, since there is a lot of rain but a great atmosphere:
- Use public transport like buses and taxis, or use an application like Grab to avoid being stuck in huge traffic jams in the city centre of Hanoi.
- If you plan on day trips to Tam Dao, Ba Vi, or Ninh Binh, then consider renting a bike and getting out about 25km on one of the winding rural roads in the countryside or self-driving to places of interest on your own to maximize the use of your time.
- When choosing accommodation, stay near lakes such as West Lake, Hoan Kiem Lake, or Van Quan Lake in order to feel the calm breeze and enjoy the great surroundings.
- If you are exploring the Old Quarter area of Hanoi, some good streets to visit are Hang Buom, Hang Dao, Hang Gai, and Hang Bong, as these offer a combination of culture, shopping, and history.
- Always carry an umbrella or light raincoat as it is common to have small showers in the afternoon, which also brings a relaxed atmosphere to the city.
- Try to wake early in order to have enough time in the dry and cool mornings before the rain sets in.
Final Thoughts: Why August Is A Great Month To Explore Hanoi
While August is likely to bring summer rains to Hanoi, August is the time that many overlook the quieter and, perhaps, more romantic aspects of the city, and all of Vietnam. From flower fields blooming to quieter cultural spaces and seasonal food, this time of year reveals a more unique sort of charm. Let Seni World make your Hanoi visit a reality today!
