Hanoi in March: Weather, Things To Do, Holidays & Tips

March in Hanoi is a time of delightful transitions and cultural vibrancy, where the city's charm blossoms alongside its famous flowers. It offers you a unique blend of mild weather and local festivities. For those seeking a journey infused with authenticity and seasonal beauty, visiting Hanoi in March presents a tapestry of experiences waiting to be unraveled.

If you're craving Vietnam’s emerging cuisine or exploring its quieter historical sites, March offers a uniquely special experience. At GTrip, we recognize Hanoi's allure during this period, it’s about what's visible and what you can feel in the air: an invitation to explore more deeply. In our guide, you'll discover how to navigate these experiences seamlessly while tapping into hidden gems that only reveal themselves as part of March’s transformation magic.

Is March a good time to visit Hanoi?

Yes, March is an excellent time to visit Hanoi. The city enters a transitional period between winter and spring, offering pleasant conditions for exploring Vietnam's capital. With mild temperatures and low rainfall, March offers ideal weather for sightseeing and outdoor activities.

March is a great time to visit Hanoi, with mild weather, little rain, and perfect conditions for exploring the city

Weather in Hanoi in March

The information you remember about the "ret nang Ban" (late spring cold spell) phenomenon in Hanoi around this time (March) is completely accurate. Here is a detailed analysis based on reliable sources:

March in Hanoi is the transition period from winter to spring, with daytime temperatures usually around 22 - 24°C (72 - 75°F), nighttime around 18 - 20°C (64 - 68°F), the weather gradually warming up with drizzle and high humidity.

However, towards the end of March, there is often a late cold air outbreak causing a return of cold weather, known as "ret nang Ban". This is the last cold spell of the winter season. It occurs when the weather has started warming but then suddenly turns cold for a few days, usually accompanied by drizzle and high humidity, causing a chilly feeling.

According to the 2025 weather forecast, from around March 29 - 30 to early April, Hanoi will experience a new cold air mass that will reduce temperatures to about 17 - 22°C (63 - 72°F). This period will feature cloudy skies, light rain, increased humidity, and damp conditions, typical characteristics of "ret nang Ban".

Culturally, "ret nang Ban" is linked to a folk legend about Nang Ban, the daughter of the Jade Emperor, who made a warm coat for her husband but finished sewing it late. So the cold weather returned at the end of the third lunar month for her husband to wear the coat. This is how this late cold spell got its name.

In summary, the information about Hanoi’s weather in March, having "ret nang Ban" is correct. March usually brings warmer weather, but in 2025, a brief cold spell with drizzle is expected at the end of the month. You should prepare some light warm clothing and rain gear when going out during this time.

"Ret nang Ban" marks a brief return of cold, drizzly weather in late March, adding a poetic twist to Hanoi’s spring transition

Things to do in Hanoi in March

March offers clear skies and cultural events. Plan a mix of outdoor exploration and festival visits to enjoy spring in Hanoi. While this list highlights seasonal specialties, you can explore more things to do in Hanoi to immerse yourself more in the beauty of Hanoi.

1. Visit Perfume Pagoda

The Perfume Pagoda Festival continues through March, representing one of Vietnam's most significant spiritual pilgrimages. This centuries-old tradition draws thousands of visitors seeking blessings for the year ahead. The journey itself is part of the experience:

• Boat journey: Glide along the peaceful Yen Stream on a rowboat paddled by local women, surrounded by limestone mountains and rice fields bursting with spring colors
• Hiking adventure: Follow the mountain path through fragrant forest to reach Huong Tich Cave
• Prayer rituals: Join locals in offering incense and prayers for prosperity and good fortune

During March, the festival reaches its peak with special ceremonies, traditional music performances, and food offerings. The surrounding countryside transforms with vibrant greenery and early spring blossoms, creating perfect photo opportunities.

Visitor tip: Visit on weekdays to avoid the heaviest crowds, and bring comfortable walking shoes for the steep climb.

The Perfume Pagoda Festival in March offers a scenic spiritual journey filled with prayer rituals, boat rides, and vibrant spring landscapes

2. Responding to the excitement at flower markets

International Women's Day transforms Hanoi into a floral wonderland every March 8th. The city's flower markets burst with activity as men of all ages purchase blooms for the important women in their lives.

Quang Ba Flower Market becomes particularly vibrant, operating around the clock with vendors displaying spectacular arrangements of roses, lilies, and orchids. The prices may increase slightly due to high demand, but the festive atmosphere is worth experiencing.

Streets like Hoang Hoa Tham and Lac Long Quan become lined with pop-up flower stalls, creating colorful corridors throughout the city. Even if you're not buying, the spectacle of thousands of flowers and the joyful energy make for memorable people-watching and photography.

3. Attend Co Loa Temple Festival

The Co Loa Temple Festival celebrates Vietnam's ancient history at one of its oldest archaeological sites. Taking place in late March, this event commemorates King An Duong Vuong and the legendary Co Loa Citadel from the 3rd century BC.

Festival highlights include:

• Traditional procession reenacting historical events
• Vietnamese folk music and cultural performances
• Traditional games like human chess and cock fighting
• Food stalls featuring ancient recipes and local specialties

The festival offers a rare opportunity to see the ancient citadel animated with the same energy and ceremony that would have filled it thousands of years ago. You can explore the archaeological remains while experiencing living history through the performances and rituals.

4. Admire hoa sua (fragrant rosewood flower) - The pure beauty of Hanoi in March

March is the peak season for hoa sua (fragrant rosewood flower), when this delicate white flower blankets Hanoi in a soft, poetic charm. Blooming from late February, fragrant rosewood flower marks the heart of spring with drizzles and humid air typical of northern Vietnam. Clusters of tiny white blossoms against the pale sky create a dreamy, almost surreal landscape amid the city's bustle.

The pure whiteness of fragrant rosewood flower seems to slow down the pace of life, making Hanoi feel more peaceful and gentle. Though the blooming season is brief, it captivates many with its quiet beauty, drawing locals, tourists, and photographers alike to capture the fleeting charm of the flowers.

One of the best spots to enjoy and photograph fragrant rosewood flower is Phan Dinh Phung Street, where the flower-laden trees line colonial French buildings. It offers a picturesque blend of nature and history. You can also find fragrant rosewood flower blooming along Thanh Nien Street, Hoang Hoa Tham, and around the Temple of Literature area.

March is when fragrant rosewood flowers bloom across Hanoi, cloaking the city in soft white blossoms and poetic spring beauty

5. Savor a hot cup of coffee and taste Hanoi’s signature dishes

March in Hanoi is the season of blooming purple crape myrtle and flamboyant red flame trees and an ideal time to slow down and find peace amid the city’s hustle and bustle. The first summer rains bring a cool, refreshing breeze, perfect for pausing at a quiet coffee shop with a warm coffee in hand.

Sitting in a tranquil space, enjoying a rich, velvety egg coffee at Giang Cafe, a creamy coconut coffee at Loading T, or a traditional Vietnamese drip coffee in the Old Quarter. You’ll experience the soulful depth of Hanoi’s coffee culture, where coffee is not just a drink, but a way of life, a habit steeped in time and memory.

May is also a wonderful time to explore the capital’s signature dishes. A fragrant portion of grilled pork with rice noodles, a steaming bowl of authentic pho, or delicate Thanh Tri steamed rice rolls served with cinnamon pork all delight the senses. Add a refreshing bowl of black bean sweet soup, and you have an unforgettable culinary symphony. Hanoi cuisine isn’t overly elaborate, but it’s refined in every detail, carrying the stories, warmth, and traditions of its people.

March in Hanoi invites you to slow down with blooming trees, soothing rains, rich coffee, and unforgettable local flavors

Holiday in Hanoi in March

March in Hanoi offers vibrant festivals that highlight Vietnamese traditions. Religious pilgrimages, historical and modern celebrations, are perfect for authentic cultural immersion.

International Women's Day

International Women's Day on March 8th receives special recognition throughout Hanoi, reflecting Vietnam's cultural emphasis on women's contributions to society. Unlike many Western observances, this day features visible public celebrations throughout the city:

Many businesses offer special amenities for female customers, while government offices and organizations hold recognition ceremonies for women's achievements. For travelers, this provides a fascinating glimpse into Vietnamese gender dynamics and an opportunity to enjoy the festive atmosphere throughout the city.

Perfume Pagoda Festival

Held from the 6th day of the first lunar month through March, the Perfume Pagoda Festival is one of Vietnam’s most important spiritual events. Pilgrims and tourists journey to the sacred site in My Duc District, starting with a peaceful rowboat ride along the Yen Stream, surrounded by lush mountains and rice fields. Afterward, visitors hike up stone steps to reach the Huong Tich Cave, where they offer incense and prayers. The festival also features traditional music, folk performances, and local delicacies such as bamboo shoot soup and vegetarian rice cakes.

The Perfume Pagoda Festival offers a spiritual spring journey of boat rides, mountain hikes, sacred rituals, and rich cultural experiences

Co Loa Temple Festival

Usually held in early March, the Co Loa Temple Festival commemorates King An Duong Vuong, who built the ancient spiral-shaped Co Loa Citadel in the 3rd century BCE. Taking place in Dong Anh District, the celebration includes solemn processions, temple rituals, traditional wrestling matches, and folk music performances. It’s also an opportunity to explore historical sites like the ancient earthen walls and the temple of King An Duong Vuong.

Chua Tram Pagoda Festival

Held on the 2nd day of the 2nd lunar month in Phung Chau Commune, Chuong My District, this festival honors Buddha and local deities. You can observe monastic prayer ceremonies, incense offerings, and processions with beautifully decorated palanquins. Traditional music played with ancient instruments enhances the spiritual atmosphere. The pagoda itself, dating back to the 17th century, is a cultural gem worth visiting.

Groom-picking Festival

Groom - Picking Festival is one of Vietnam’s most unusual cultural events, taking place on the 2nd day of the 2nd lunar month in Duong Yen Village, Xuan Non Commune. In this tradition, young women take the lead in courtship by symbolically “catching” the bachelor of their choice. The event includes gift exchanges, community feasts, and traditional folk games. It offers a rare glimpse into local customs and the evolving perspectives on gender roles and relationships.

Mai Dich Communal House Festival

Celebrated on the 12th day of the 2nd lunar month in Cau Giay District, this festival honors local guardian deities. The rituals include incense offerings, water processions, and ancient ceremonies for prosperity and peace. You can enjoy folk opera performances (known as chèo) and participate in traditional games that reflect the area's rich cultural heritage.

Bach Ma Temple Festival

Taking place on the 12th - 13th days of the 2nd lunar month at 76 Hang Buom Street in Hanoi’s Old Quarter. This festival honors the White Horse deity who, according to legend, guided King Ly Thai To in constructing the city’s walls. It begins with a solemn midnight incense ceremony and features symbolic rituals, folk performances, and communal meals. It’s a meaningful celebration tied closely to Hanoi’s founding history.

Held in Hanoi’s Old Quarter, the Bach Ma Temple Festival honors the city’s legendary protector with rituals, folk shows, and communal traditions

Bat Trang Ceramic Village Festival

From the 14th to the 16th day of the 2nd lunar month, Bat Trang Village in Gia Lam District celebrates its centuries-old pottery tradition. The Bat Trang Ceramic Village Festival features pottery demos, rare ceramic exhibits, artisan contests, and workshops where visitors can craft their pieces. It’s a vibrant showcase of Vietnamese craftsmanship.

Note: Many traditional festivals in Hanoi take place around March, but their exact dates vary each year as they follow the lunar calendar. If you're planning to join any of these events, be sure to check the updated schedule in advance.

Tips in Hanoi in March

Navigating Hanoi in March requires some strategic preparation to fully enjoy the transition from winter to spring. The city's unique climate and bustling atmosphere during this period call for specific considerations to enhance your experience. Here's what you need to know before exploring Vietnam's captivating capital in March.

Packing essentials

The key to comfort in Hanoi's March weather lies in versatile clothing choices:

• Layered clothing: Essential for temperature fluctuations between cool 18°C mornings and warm 24°C afternoons
• Light sweaters or cardigans: Perfect for removing as the day warms up
• Breathable T-shirts and tops: For comfortable afternoon exploration
• Light scarf or shawl: Versatile for cooler evenings or temple visits
• Thin jacket: Ideal for early morning or evening outings

Proper footwear is crucial when navigating Hanoi's diverse terrain:

• Comfortable walking shoes: The pleasant weather makes March ideal for extended walking tours
• Water-resistant footwear: Helpful for occasional spring drizzles
• Slip-on shoes: Convenient for temple visits requiring footwear removal

Weather preparedness

March in Hanoi brings increasing sunshine with occasional precipitation:

• Compact umbrella: Essential for unexpected brief showers that can occur without warning
• Portable raincoat: A lightweight alternative that takes minimal luggage space
• Waterproof phone case: Protect electronics during sudden rainfall
• Quick-dry clothing: Optimal for maintaining comfort if caught in a shower

Culinary recommendations

March offers excellent seasonal delights to sample in Hanoi:

Practical navigation tips

For the most enjoyable experience during this increasingly popular month:

• Visit attractions early: March sees growing tourist numbers; arrive at popular sites before 9 AM
• Book accommodations in advance: Particularly important as tourism increases after winter
• Carry small denominations of currency: Useful for street food and market purchases
• Download offline maps: Helpful for navigating the intricate streets of Old Quarter
• Consider face masks: Helpful on particularly humid or polluted days

Plan ahead for Hanoi’s unique March weather with layered clothing, rain gear, and local tips to enjoy seasonal foods and navigate the city comfortably

As you now understand, visiting Hanoi in March offers a unique blend of vibrant local culture, delightful weather, and welcoming festivities. The city's charm truly unfolds with the blooming scenery and lively streets buzzing with anticipation of spring. By delving into the rich experiences GTrip highlights, your journey becomes more than just a vacation. It transforms into an unforgettable adventure rooted in authentic exploration. Should any lingering curiosity about unexplored corners or local secrets persist, consider diving deeper into the wealth of knowledge available through other guides and insights. As you plan your trip, remember that every moment in Hanoi this March will become a cherished part of your travel story. Happy travels!