What May feels like in Hanoi
May falls in Hanoi's wet season — the rainfall numbers rise clearly above the dry months. Expect proper heat in the afternoon — slow down between noon and four. The gap between afternoon and night is small, so nights stay warm and the temperature hardly changes after dark. High humidity makes the heat feel heavier and sticky, especially on still afternoons.
Rain in Hanoi in May
Dry days are the exception, with rain on about every other day. Rainy days are intense, averaging about 13.4 mm (0.5 in) — downpours rather than drizzle. The yearly figure is similar, around 11.6 mm per wet day.
Daylight and sunshine in May
On 15 May the sun rises at about 5:19 am and sets around 6:26 pm local time, giving 13 h 7 min of daylight. Since mid-April the day has gained 31 min. Measured sunshine covers about 63% of the daylight — there are plenty of bright spells.
How May compares to the rest of the year
In Hanoi's temperature order, May sits as the 4th warmest month. Afternoons run 2.4°C (4.3°F) warmer than in April, with 129 mm more rain. The warm-up continues into June. June averages a high of 33°C (91.4°F).
Who May suits
- Sightseeing: less ideal — rain falls on more than half the days.
- Parks & outdoor: less ideal — afternoons are too warm to linger outside.
- Museums & indoor: a good choice — with rain on most days, galleries and museums make easy plans.
Tips for visiting Hanoi in May
Rain Protection
A packable rain jacket saves the day on showery afternoons.
Sun Protection
Loose, breathable clothing plus sunscreen and a wide-brimmed hat.
Quick questions
How warm is Hanoi in May?
Afternoons average 31.3°C (88.3°F) and nights about 24.4°C (75.9°F) — hot by most people's standards. It is the 4th warmest month of the year.
Does it rain a lot in Hanoi in May?
It does: about 17 rainy days bring roughly 227 mm, so plan some indoor options.
What should I wear in Hanoi in May?
The numbers point to rain protection and sun protection. Evenings feel similar to the day, so the same clothes work from morning to night.
Is May or June better for visiting Hanoi?
On our 12-month climate ranking, May comes out ahead (#8 of 12 vs #11). June is warmer and has more rainy days.