Spring (March-May) is a transition season in Hanoi — mild temperatures, peach and plum blossoms, and the post-Tet calm make it one of the city’s most charming times. But spring also brings “mua phun” (drizzle) and humidity. This complete Hanoi spring guide for 2026 covers what to expect, festivals, what to do, and what to pack for a March-April-May visit.
Spring Weather in Hanoi
- March: 17-23°C (63-73°F). Mild, occasional drizzle.
- April: 20-27°C (68-81°F). Warming, comfortable.
- Early May: 24-29°C (75-84°F). Heat increasing.
- Humidity: 75-85% (sticky).
- Rain: Light drizzle (mua phun), some showers in late spring.
- Sunshine: Improving from March (70 hrs) to May (175 hrs).
Why Visit Hanoi in Spring
- Mild temperatures — perfect for walking, sightseeing.
- Spring blossoms — peach, plum, ban (mountain orchid).
- Pre-tourist peak — quieter than autumn.
- Post-Tet recovery — everything reopens, locals back to work.
- Spring festivals — Perfume Pagoda Festival, Lim Festival.
- Photography — soft light, blossoms, atmospheric mist.
Spring Festivals & Events
Tet (Lunar New Year) Aftermath – February-March
Decorations linger; spring temple visits popular. Traditional foods and lucky money envelopes still around.
Perfume Pagoda Festival – February-April
The biggest annual Buddhist pilgrimage in northern Vietnam. Hundreds of thousands visit. See our Perfume Pagoda guide.
Lim Festival – 13th day of first lunar month
Traditional folk songs (Quan Ho) in Bac Ninh province (40 km from Hanoi).
Hung Kings’ Temple Festival – 10th day of 3rd lunar month
National holiday honoring Vietnam’s legendary first kings. Phu Tho province.
Hanoi International Film Festival – April-May
Bi-annual. Screenings, talks, industry events.
Best Things to Do in Spring
1. Spring Photography Walk Hoan Kiem & Old Quarter
Soft mist, flower vendors, blossoms. Best photography conditions of year.
2. Visit West Lake (Tay Ho)
Sakura/cherry blossoms in early March (limited but exists). Lotus blooms begin late May.
3. Spring Day Trips
Tam Dao (cool, misty), Mai Chau (greener rice fields), Ninh Binh (less crowded), Ba Vi (lush forest).
4. Pagoda Pilgrimages
Tran Quoc Pagoda, Ngoc Son Temple, Quan Su Pagoda. Spring is traditional pilgrimage time.
5. Coffee Shop Hopping
Mild weather perfect for outdoor cafe sitting. Try egg coffee or coconut coffee at outdoor terraces.
6. Walking Food Tours
Comfortable temperatures make street food tours far more pleasant than summer heat.
7. Halong Bay Cruise (April-May)
Calm water, less rain than summer. Avoid March (occasional fog).
8. Ha Giang Loop
April-May spring blossoms make this Vietnam’s most scenic motorbike journey.
9. Sapa Trekking
Spring greenery and rice planting season. Less crowded than autumn.
10. Cooking Class
Try seasonal spring vegetables (banana flower, mountain greens, fresh herbs).
What’s Blooming in Spring
- Hoa Dao (Peach Blossom): Symbol of Tet (Jan-Feb).
- Hoa Mai (Plum Blossom): White-yellow blooms (Feb-Mar).
- Hoa Buoi (Pomelo Blossom): Fragrant white blooms (March).
- Hoa Soan (Persian Lilac): Purple flowers (March-April).
- Hoa Sua (Milk Flower): Sweet-smelling (April).
- Phuong Vi (Royal Poinciana): Brilliant red (May begins).
- Lotus (Tay Ho): May begins through August peak.
What to Pack for Spring
- Light cotton shirts and pants.
- 1-2 light layers (sweater or cardigan).
- Light rain jacket or compact umbrella.
- Comfortable walking shoes (waterproof if possible).
- Light scarf for cool mornings.
- Sunglasses and sun hat (for late spring).
- Light moisturizer (humid skin).
- Camera (great photography).
Where to See Spring Blossoms
- Nhat Tan Peach Blossom Garden — west of Hanoi. Famous Tet destination.
- West Lake (Tay Ho): Various trees and gardens.
- Botanical Garden: Variety of flowering trees.
- French Quarter streets: Pomelo and milk flower trees line streets.
- Hoan Kiem Lake: Cherry blossoms (limited but present).
Spring Travel Tips
- Pack a light rain jacket — mua phun (drizzle) common.
- Watch for slippery sidewalks after morning drizzle.
- Take advantage of cool mornings for outdoor activities.
- Hotels can be cool indoors — bring a sweater.
- Ha Long Bay water can be cool — bring a layer for boat days.
- Allergies: Spring blooms may trigger allergies — bring meds.
Spring Crowds & Pricing
- Tet period (late Jan/early Feb): High domestic, low foreign tourism.
- Mid-Feb to mid-March: Quietest period.
- Late March – April: Tourism increasing, prices rising.
- Early May: Vietnamese Liberation Day spike (Apr 30, May 1).
- Hotel prices: 10-20% lower than autumn peak.
Spring vs Autumn Comparison
- Weather: Both mild but spring more humid.
- Crowds: Spring quieter except festival days.
- Pricing: Spring slightly cheaper.
- Photography: Spring has blossoms; autumn has clearer skies.
- Festivals: Spring has Tet aftermath, Perfume Pagoda. Autumn has Mid-Autumn.
Hanoi Spring FAQs
What months are spring in Hanoi?
March-May. April is peak spring.
Is it rainy in spring?
Light drizzle (mua phun) and occasional showers. Not heavy.
Can I see cherry blossoms?
Limited. Hanoi has some but not abundant. Sapa has more.
Is Tet in spring?
Tet falls late January or early February (lunar calendar). Often considered between winter and spring.
Are crowds bad?
Mostly no. Less crowded than autumn (Sept-Nov) and summer holidays.
What should I pack?
Light layers, rain jacket, walking shoes, sunglasses.
Can I do Halong Bay in spring?
Yes — April and May are excellent. March can have fog.
Is mua phun annoying?
Like a fine mist — you don’t need umbrella but you’ll get wet over time.
Plan Your Hanoi Spring Trip
Spring is one of the most charming times to visit Hanoi. Pair this guide with our best time to visit Hanoi guide, month-by-month weather, and packing list.
