Haiphong Weather in January

January: mild, often cloudy

January is one of the best months to visit Haiphong, and the weather backs that up with an excellent rating of 9.4 out of 10 on our comfort score. Days reach around 20°C, so it feels mild rather than wintry, though evenings can turn chilly, especially near the waterfront. Skies are often overcast, and rain tends to come in short spells rather than settle in for the day.

December and February are almost as good. December is a touch warmer and drier, and February is a little wetter and warmer, so if January's grey skies put you off, either neighbouring month could suit you. Together, December to February is the best stretch of the year here.

January is a good month for walking around the Opera House and the old French Quarter, or for a food-focused wander through the city centre. The damp, cool weather is less inviting for long beach days on Cat Ba, and cloudy skies can make sea views feel muted. Keep outdoor plans flexible in case rain rolls in.

Holidays and local life

New Year's Day brings a public holiday, though it's usually a quieter occasion than Tet. Tet, Vietnam's Lunar New Year, sometimes falls in January and sometimes in February. If it does, expect family travel, closed shops and a busier run-up to the holiday. The exact dates change each year, so check before you book.

Travelling with kids? A warm bowl of bánh đa cua, Haiphong's crab noodle soup, makes a comforting lunch after a grey morning. Try it around the city centre, where local noodle shops are part of everyday life.

Crowds and practical tips

January sits in Haiphong's cooler season, well away from the summer rush for beaches and trips to Cat Ba. City sights usually feel calmer than during the warm beach months, and prices are generally less pressured than in peak summer. Tet is the exception: transport and stays can fill up as people travel to see family.

For a simple local outing, visit Du Hang Pagoda, then head back towards the centre for bánh đa cua. The temple grounds suit a cool day better than a windswept beach, and the short city trip keeps you close to shelter if rain starts.