Hanoi in May begins to welcome the first signs of a sweltering summer. At this time, the heat level does not show any signs of increase, it is still quite cool, the number of sunny hours in a month is also higher, the wet drizzle of rain is no longer there. It can be said that May is one of the ideal times of the year for you to walk around the streets, enjoy the fresh air of the green-covered streets or sip an iced tea - a popular drink of the locals and see the bustling city scene.
I - Hanoi weather in May
When night falls, the whole city will be immersed in the cool air, suitable for outdoor activities of tourists such as: going to the night market, exploring the pedestrian street, Ta Hien west street,... It is also the time when Phuong's flowers bloom, blazing red in the sky - in Vietnam this is a flower associated with students' time when they were still sitting in school.
1 - Temperature
The average temperature in a day around May is 27.4oC, the temperature range is about 6-7oC. In which, the average low temperature measured during the day is 24.6oC and the average high is only 31.4oC - compared to the peak of 33.1oC summer and July, it’s relatively low. With this heat background, you can delight in visiting and experiencing outdoor activities without worrying about the weather.
However, if you need to go out at noontime, you should also prepare for yourself basic sun protection measures such as sunscreen, or a hat. Using a Vietnamese conical hat to shade the sun is also a very enjoyable experience.
Ta Hien Street is always busy in May - Source: Frida Aguilar Estrada
2 - Humidity
Although at the beginning of the summer, the humidity of Hanoi in May is around 85.5%. However, the wet spring has completely disappeared, so you do not need to worry too much. High humidity in the air is also a factor that helps to keep the temperature, even if it is high, quite comfortable.
3 - Rainfall
Rainfall in May is also slightly higher than April of 165 mm/month, mainly showers (heavy rain - quickly stops). Therefore, the number of sunny hours in a month also increases by about 183 hours/month compared to July, the number of sunny hours in the month is 195 hours. This is also an ideal time for you to choose the right places to sunbathe.
Read more: The weather in Hanoi
II - Events in Hanoi in May
1 - International Labor Day: May 1
May 1 every year is international labor day, in Vietnam in general and in Hanoi in particular, this is also a holiday to commemorate the international worker movement. Combined with the holidays of April 30 - Liberation of the South to reunify the country, this is one of the major holidays of the year in Vietnam. At the same time, this is also a milestone marking the peak season for domestic tourists, because it is a big holiday and coincides with the summer vacation of Vietnamese students.
The special activities that are taking place in Hanoi on this day can be mentioned as: houses are flying the national flag, harmonizing the holiday atmosphere of the whole country. Most indigenous people who live and work in Hanoi at this time will choose to travel or return to their hometown to visit relatives, so the city atmosphere seems quieter than usual. That is also a favorable condition for you to walk around, take beautiful pictures, or see a different "look" of Hanoi,....
What to do in Hanoi in May - Source: Kenh14
2 - Date of birth of President Ho Chi Minh: May 19
May is also a time for the people of the country to pay respect and remembrance to President Ho Chi Minh. It's time for people across the country to visit Uncle Ho's Mausoleum or have activities to commemorate the people's great contributions to the people of Vietnam.
Visiting Hanoi this day, you can mingle with the people of the country in this atmosphere by visiting Uncle Ho's Mausoleum. However, at this time, people flock to the Mausoleum quite a lot, so be aware of crowding, waiting in line for a long time, or some convenient services that may increase prices more than usual.
III - Highlights to visit
1 - Hoan Kiem lake
Source: Kenh14
The climate is favorable and the weather is cool, so one of the best attractions to visit Hanoi in May is Hoan Kiem Lake, Ngoc Son Temple. You can experience many of the architectural beauties of ancient Vietnam through works such as the Turtle Tower, the Ngoc Son Temple.
On weekends (Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays), you can enjoy the youthful and fun atmosphere of the pedestrian street with many unique activities such as rope skipping, parasols, soccer, tug of war, etc. In particular, coming to Hoan Kiem Lake in May, you also have the opportunity to admire the beauty of the lake with the red color of the phoenix flower and the purple color of the shrine.
2 - The Old Quarter night market
Walk around the night market in Hanoi Old Quarter and enjoy the typical snacks of the city such as iced tea, fruit, candy scissors, dried beef salad, La Vong fish ball, pho roll, etc delicious dishes with prices from 5,000 - 50,000 VND (0.21 - 2.15 $). Travelers not only visit but also have the opportunity to find and buy essential items at affordable prices such as clothes, shoes, cards, accessories, or small souvenirs, etc. This has turned the Old Quarter night market into an attractive destination for international tourists.
Hanoi in May has many interesting things waiting for you to explore and experience. The above are just a few enjoyable destination suggestions in May for you to refer to and consider for their travel itinerary. Hopefully, you will have new and wonderful experiences when traveling to Hanoi at this time.
— Quan Nguyen
