Le Cong
If you have chosen to visit Hanoi in September, you have made a good choice. The weather is not as hot as in July, June, and May, and the autumn season is just beginning. All the kids are returning to school and are excited about the Mid-Autumn Festival. However, September 2nd is Independence Day in Vietnam, so it can be very busy to get around. With a little preparation, you can make the most of your time in Hanoi in September. Here is your complete guide to the best of September in Hanoi, along with travel tips and information about events at the beginning of autumn.
>>> Read more: Experience the Poetry of Autumn in Hanoi
Is September a good month to visit Hanoi?
September marks the beginning of the busy tourism season in Hanoi, as the weather becomes much cooler. The summer heat can be scorching, reaching as high as 42 degrees Celsius. In contrast, winter is dry and cold, with temperatures as low as 12 degrees Celsius being quite normal. Therefore, autumn is considered the best time to visit.
Hanoi weather in September
The weather is generally nice with blue skies and comfortable temperatures, but there can be unpredictable rain. While most days are pleasant, there are occasional instances when the weather can take a strange turn. For example, it can be hot and sunny in the morning, only for heavy rain to start suddenly. It is advisable to always carry an umbrella and wear comfortable shoes. If you happen to forget your raincoat or umbrella, you can purchase one from local shops for only 10,000 VND.
Festival and holidays in September
- Mid-Autumn Festival
The Mid Autumn Festival in Vietnam is a significant cultural event. If you visit Vietnam during the 8th lunar month, don’t miss this Full Moon event. Also known as the Full Moon Festival, it is important for the locals. Celebrated on the Full Moon night (the 15th day) of the 8th lunar month, children go out with star lanterns and moon cakes and listen to folklore tales.
- Independence Day – September 2nd
Hanoi can be very busy during this time due to public holidays, as people from all over the country visit Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam. There are numerous events, such as music festivals, that attract a large number of people. It’s better to book the flight tickets, and tours in advance as they are quickly sold out.
What to do in Hanoi in September
Visit Hang Ma Street
Hang Ma Street is well-known for its decorations during the New Year, Christmas, Halloween, and Mid-Autumn Festival. It’s a great place to see kids walking around and choosing their favorite toys. You’ll find a wide variety of masks, star lanterns, and lanterns here.
Enjoy the Hoan Kiem Lake and the French Quarter
Definitely a great place to exercise and take a walk with the locals. The atmosphere here is very enjoyable, with fresh air and locals strolling around. There are also numerous cafes and bookstores in this area. Trying the famous Trang Tien ice cream or enjoying a cup of coffee is highly recommended.
>>> Join our Coffee, History, and Architecture of the French Quarter and discover the historical and cultural beauty of Hanoi.
Enjoy the coffee culture in Hanoi
Hanoi is renowned for its coffee culture. There is nothing better than sipping a cup of strong Vietnamese coffee while enjoying people-watching. A great place to try is Note Coffee near the Lake. If you’re interested in trying the famous egg coffee, Dinh Cafe is a good option. As you take a sip of coffee, you’ll notice many locals sitting around, chatting with each other. If you see them eating something, it’s most likely sunflower seeds, which are very common in Vietnamese coffee shops.
>>> Check out: Weather in Hanoi
I have been living in the city for 7 years now, and autumn has always been my favorite season due to its comfortable weather. While I enjoy the sun of summer, it can sometimes be too hot to fully enjoy the day. When we host tours, guests often find the heat very uncomfortable and end up sweating throughout. That’s why we love autumn and want to showcase the best of this month in Hanoi. Come and join our experiences with the local experts.
If you’re a food lover visiting Hanoi for the first time, we recommend taking the Hanoi food walking tour and The Hidden Hanoi Old Quarter Experience. For vegans and vegetarians, the Vegetarian Street Food & Stories of Hanoi is an excellent choice. If you’re a history buff or looking for a unique experience in Hanoi, consider the Stories from Vietnam War at not-to-go-alone areas tour. Note that 20% of the proceeds go to charity organizations.
