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Weather Comparison

Vientiane vs Hanoi

Side-by-side weather comparison for January

Vientiane: 27°CHanoi: 20°C477 km apart

January Weather: Vientiane vs Hanoi

MetricVientianeHanoiBetter
Average HighHigher is warmer27°C (81°F)20°C (68°F)Vientiane
Average LowHigher is milder17°C (63°F)13°C (55°F)Vientiane
Rain DaysFewer is drier2 days8 daysVientiane
PrecipitationLess is drier10 mm41 mmVientiane
Sunshine HoursMore is sunnier10h/day4h/dayVientiane
HumidityLower is more comfortable78%78%Tie
UV IndexLower is safer33Tie
Wind SpeedCalmer is better11 km/h12 km/hVientiane

Which City is Better in January?

Based on sunshine hours, rain days, comfortable temperatures, and humidity levels, Vientiane edges ahead as the better destination in January. Vientiane offers 10 hours of daily sunshine with only 2 rain days, while Hanoi sees 4 sunshine hours and 8 rain days.

Vientiane sits in the comfortable travel range at 27°C. Hanoi is also comfortable at 20°C.

For travelers who prioritize dry weather, Vientiane is the stronger choice in January. Vientiane receives 6 more hours of sunshine per day, which matters for sightseeing and outdoor activities.

Temperature Comparison in January

Vientiane reaches an average high of 27°C (81°F) and drops to 17°C (63°F) at night during January. The daily temperature range is 10°C, meaning moderate variation throughout the day.

Hanoi averages 20°C (68°F) for the high and 13°C (55°F) for the low, with a daily range of 7°C. There is a notable 7°C gap between the two cities, so expect a very different feel.

Both cities are in the Northern Hemisphere, so they share the same seasonal pattern in January.

Rainfall Comparison in January

Vientiane receives approximately 10 mm of rainfall across 2 rain days during January. Rain is rare this month, so dry conditions are likely.

Hanoi sees 41 mm over 8 rain days. That makes Vientiane the drier option by 6 rain days and 31 mm of total precipitation.

Both cities share similar humidity levels at 78%.

What to Pack: Vientiane vs Hanoi

Packing for Vientiane in January

Highs of 27°C, lows of 17°C, 2 rain days

  • light layers
  • a light jacket for evenings
  • sunscreen
  • moisture-wicking fabrics

Packing for Hanoi in January

Highs of 20°C, lows of 13°C, 8 rain days

  • light layers
  • a light jacket for evenings
  • sunscreen
  • a packable rain jacket
  • an umbrella
  • moisture-wicking fabrics

Pack for both: light layers, a light jacket for evenings, sunscreen, moisture-wicking fabrics. These items are useful in either destination during January.

Year-Round Comparison: Vientiane vs Hanoi

The table below shows average high temperatures and rain days for every month of the year, helping you find the best time to visit either city.January is highlighted for quick reference.

MonthVientianeHanoi
HighRainHighRain
Jan27°C2d20°C8d
Feb30°C2d22°C8d
Mar32°C6d25°C11d
Apr34°C11d29°C11d
May32°C23d31°C17d
Jun30°C26d33°C19d
Jul30°C28d32°C21d
Aug30°C28d31°C23d
Sep30°C24d30°C19d
Oct29°C11d28°C12d
Nov29°C3d25°C7d
Dec27°C1d21°C7d
27°

Vientiane Weather in January

Full forecast, packing tips, and activities

20°

Hanoi Weather in January

Full forecast, packing tips, and activities

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Vientiane warmer than Hanoi in January?
Yes. In January, Vientiane is warmer with an average high of 27°C (81°F) compared to Hanoi at 20°C (68°F), a difference of 7°C.
Which city gets more rain in January, Vientiane or Hanoi?
Hanoi gets more rain in January with 8 rain days and 41 mm of precipitation. Vientiane is the drier option with 2 rain days.
Is it better to visit Vientiane or Hanoi in January?
It depends on your preferences. Vientiane averages 27°C and 10 hours of daily sunshine with 2 rain days. Hanoi averages 20°C with 4 sunshine hours and 8 rain days. If you prefer warmer weather, choose Vientiane. For drier weather, Vientiane is the better pick.
How far apart are Vientiane and Hanoi?
Vientiane and Hanoi are approximately 477 km (296 miles) apart. Vientiane is located in Laos (Asia) while Hanoi is in Vietnam (Asia).
What is the best month to visit Vientiane and Hanoi?
For Vientiane, April tends to be the best month with 11 hours of daily sunshine and a high of 34°C. For Hanoi, October is typically ideal with 8 sunshine hours and 28°C highs.

Compare Vientiane and Hanoi in Other Months

Climate data sourced from the Open-Meteo Historical Weather API, using ERA5 reanalysis data covering 30-year normals from 1991 to 2020. All temperatures shown in Celsius with Fahrenheit equivalents. Rain days count days with 1 mm or more of precipitation. Sunshine hours represent average daily values. This comparison is generated from long-term climate averages and individual trips may vary.

Vientiane coordinates: 17.98°N, 102.63°E | Hanoi coordinates: 21.03°N, 105.83°E