Hanoi Tours in Rain, Heat and Storms: Our Weather Policy (2026 Guide)

Do tours run in the rain?

Yes. All our tours run in rain or shine. Hanoi gets regular rain, especially from May to September, and a light shower rarely spoils a tour – the Old Quarter looks different in the wet, cafés become shelters and street-food stops taste even better. We provide rain ponchos on all our tours, in Hanoi and Sapa, whenever it rains, and your guide may change the order of stops to keep you dry and comfortable.

What we will not do is take you out in weather that is unsafe. That is where the weather policy comes in.

Our weather policy, exactly

The decision to cancel for safety is ours, based on conditions. If you are worried about a forecast, message us on WhatsApp – we would rather talk it through and move your date early than have you stress about it. Our general cancellation policy also applies: deposits are non-refundable, but you can move your tour to another date, subject to availability.

What a rainy tour looks like

• Jeep tours: the army jeeps are open-air, so you wear a poncho on the move. Stops at cafés and covered spots come into their own.
• Scooter and female-rider tours: you wear a poncho over your clothes and your helmet stays on.
• ATV tour: ponchos are provided here too; wear closed shoes and clothes you do not mind getting dirty.
• Instagram tours: ponchos are provided whichever vehicle you ride, and a helmet if you choose the motorbike. If you choose your vehicle, the green limo is the most comfortable in hot or rainy weather. The incense drying yards at Quang Phu Cau are most colourful on sunny days, so keep that tour for a fine day if you can.
• Food tours: the order of tastings may change anyway depending on opening times; in rain your guide favours covered places.
• Countryside, e-bike and ATV tours: paths can get muddy. Wear shoes and clothes you do not mind getting dirty.

Rainy-day packing: quick-drying clothes, shoes that cope with puddles (or sandals with a back strap), a zip-lock bag for your phone and a spare pair of socks.

Hot days: staying comfortable

Hanoi summers are hot and humid. Long-term averages for central Hanoi (1991–2020) put average daytime highs at about 33 °C in May, 35 °C in June and around 33 °C through July and August, with humidity around 80%. The official tourism site advises staying hydrated and using sunscreen in the hot season.

• Drink bottled water steadily – it is included on many tours
• Sunscreen, sunglasses and a thin long-sleeved layer for scooter and jeep rides
• Light, loose clothing in breathable fabrics
• A small towel or cooling cloth for the back of your neck
• Tell your guide straight away if you feel dizzy, sick or overheated

Moving in a jeep or on a scooter creates a breeze, which helps – the hottest moments are usually standing still at photo stops in direct sun.

Choosing a cooler departure time

Each tour has its own departure times. In summer, the early and late slots are noticeably more comfortable:

The sunrise tour is made for travellers who want to avoid heat and crowds. Check the tour page for the departures of the tour you want, as some tours differ.

Rain and heat through the year

A rough guide to Hanoi’s seasons, based on long-term averages:

• May–September: hot, humid and the wettest part of the year. August has the most rainy days on average.
• October–November: temperatures and rainfall drop. November averages about 8 rainy days.
• December–February: cool and drier, with grey, drizzly spells. December is the driest month.
• March–April: drizzle, high humidity and little sunshine early on; it warms through April.

For full month-by-month numbers, see Hanoi weather by month.

Storms, typhoon season and wet-season health

Vietnam’s tropical cyclone season is usually considered to run from June to November, with the most activity from July to October. Most of the time this means nothing more than a wet day in Hanoi, but a strong storm can bring heavy rain and wind for a day or two. This is exactly the case our weather policy covers: if conditions are unsafe, we cancel and you choose a free date change or a full refund. Keep an eye on local news and your accommodation’s advice when a storm is forecast, and message us if you are unsure.

If bad weather is forecast before your tour

1. Do not cancel on your own. If the tour runs and you choose not to join, the deposit is not refundable – though you can still change your date.
2. Message us on WhatsApp with your booking reference. Tell us what worries you.
3. Consider moving early. A date change is free, subject to availability, and moving a day or two ahead of time gives you the most choice.
4. If we cancel for safety, you choose between a free date change and a full refund.

Rain, mosquitoes and dengue

Wet weather and standing water go hand in hand with mosquitoes. In 2026 Vietnam has seen a sharp rise in dengue, and Hanoi officials say it now occurs year-round. Use insect repellent on tour days, especially on countryside, e-bike and evening tours, and follow the Ministry of Health advice to see a doctor promptly if a fever lasts more than two days.

Sapa weather is different

Sapa sits in the mountains and its weather changes quickly. Tours run in light rain and mist, which are part of Sapa’s character. If storms, landslides or road closures mean we have to cancel, the same policy applies: a free date change or a full refund. The route may be adjusted for weather, road conditions or the best light, and on the full-day jeep tour the guide may swap the morning and afternoon sections for the best weather. Rain ponchos are provided on Sapa tours too, but bring a warm layer and a light rain jacket year-round. See our Sapa packing list.