Weather Comparison
Side-by-side weather comparison for May
| Metric | Vientiane | Hanoi | Better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average HighHigher is warmer | 32°C (90°F)▲ | 31°C (88°F) | Vientiane |
| Average LowHigher is milder | 25°C (77°F)▲ | 24°C (75°F) | Vientiane |
| Rain DaysFewer is drier | 23 days | 17 days▲ | Hanoi |
| PrecipitationLess is drier | 242 mm | 230 mm▲ | Hanoi |
| Sunshine HoursMore is sunnier | 9h/day▲ | 8h/day | Vientiane |
| HumidityLower is more comfortable | 78% | 78% | Tie |
| UV IndexLower is safer | 9 | 9 | Tie |
| Wind SpeedCalmer is better | 10 km/h▲ | 13 km/h | Vientiane |
Vientiane and Hanoi 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.
Vientiane can feel quite hot at 32°C, so plan for heat. Hanoi runs hot at 31°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.
Vientiane reaches an average high of 32°C (90°F) and drops to 25°C (77°F) at night during May. The daily temperature range is 7°C, meaning relatively stable temperatures from day to night.
Hanoi averages 31°C (88°F) for the high and 24°C (75°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.
Vientiane receives approximately 242 mm of rainfall across 23 rain days during May. Rain is frequent, so waterproof gear is essential.
Hanoi sees 230 mm over 17 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 32°C, lows of 25°C, 23 rain days
Highs of 31°C, lows of 24°C, 17 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 | Vientiane | Hanoi | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High | Rain | High | Rain | |
| Jan | 27°C | 2d | 20°C | 8d |
| Feb | 30°C | 2d | 22°C | 8d |
| Mar | 32°C | 6d | 25°C | 11d |
| Apr | 34°C | 11d | 29°C | 11d |
| May | 32°C | 23d | 31°C | 17d |
| Jun | 30°C | 26d | 33°C | 19d |
| Jul | 30°C | 28d | 32°C | 21d |
| Aug | 30°C | 28d | 31°C | 23d |
| Sep | 30°C | 24d | 30°C | 19d |
| Oct | 29°C | 11d | 28°C | 12d |
| Nov | 29°C | 3d | 25°C | 7d |
| Dec | 27°C | 1d | 21°C | 7d |
Vientiane Weather in May
Full forecast, packing tips, and activities
Hanoi Weather in May
Full forecast, packing tips, and activities