Weather Comparison
Side-by-side weather comparison for May
| Metric | Hanoi | Vientiane | Better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average HighHigher is warmer | 31°C (88°F) | 32°C (90°F)▲ | Vientiane |
| Average LowHigher is milder | 24°C (75°F) | 25°C (77°F)▲ | Vientiane |
| Rain DaysFewer is drier | 17 days▲ | 23 days | Hanoi |
| PrecipitationLess is drier | 230 mm▲ | 242 mm | Hanoi |
| Sunshine HoursMore is sunnier | 8h/day | 9h/day▲ | Vientiane |
| HumidityLower is more comfortable | 78% | 78% | Tie |
| UV IndexLower is safer | 9 | 9 | Tie |
| Wind SpeedCalmer is better | 13 km/h | 10 km/h▲ | Vientiane |
Hanoi and Vientiane are closely matched in May. Neither city has a clear advantage across all metrics. Your decision should come down to personal preference, cultural interests, and travel logistics rather than weather alone.
Hanoi can feel quite hot at 31°C, so plan for heat. Vientiane runs hot at 32°C.
For travelers who prioritize dry weather, Hanoi is the stronger choice in May. Vientiane receives 1 more hour of sunshine per day, which matters for sightseeing and outdoor activities.
Hanoi reaches an average high of 31°C (88°F) and drops to 24°C (75°F) at night during May. The daily temperature range is 7°C, meaning relatively stable temperatures from day to night.
Vientiane averages 32°C (90°F) for the high and 25°C (77°F) for the low, with a daily range of 7°C. The two cities feel quite similar in terms of temperature.
Both cities are in the Northern Hemisphere, so they share the same seasonal pattern in May.
Hanoi receives approximately 230 mm of rainfall across 17 rain days during May. Rain is frequent, so waterproof gear is essential.
Vientiane sees 242 mm over 23 rain days. That makes Hanoi the drier option by 6 rain days and 12 mm of total precipitation.
Both cities share similar humidity levels at 78%.
Highs of 31°C, lows of 24°C, 17 rain days
Highs of 32°C, lows of 25°C, 23 rain days
Pack for both: lightweight breathable clothing, sunscreen SPF 50+, sunglasses, a wide-brimmed hat, waterproof jacket, compact umbrella, waterproof shoes, moisture-wicking fabrics. These items are useful in either destination during May.
The table below shows average high temperatures and rain days for every month. May is highlighted for quick reference.
| Month | Hanoi | Vientiane | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High | Rain | High | Rain | |
| Jan | 20°C | 8d | 27°C | 2d |
| Feb | 22°C | 8d | 30°C | 2d |
| Mar | 25°C | 11d | 32°C | 6d |
| Apr | 29°C | 11d | 34°C | 11d |
| May | 31°C | 17d | 32°C | 23d |
| Jun | 33°C | 19d | 30°C | 26d |
| Jul | 32°C | 21d | 30°C | 28d |
| Aug | 31°C | 23d | 30°C | 28d |
| Sep | 30°C | 19d | 30°C | 24d |
| Oct | 28°C | 12d | 29°C | 11d |
| Nov | 25°C | 7d | 29°C | 3d |
| Dec | 21°C | 7d | 27°C | 1d |
Hanoi Weather in May
Full forecast, packing tips, and activities
Vientiane Weather in May
Full forecast, packing tips, and activities