Hanoi faces rising temperatures due to climate change and urban heat island effect

Hanoi is increasingly at risk of becoming one of Vietnam’s hottest regions due to the combined effects of global climate change and the urban heat island effect. Recent data shows the capital frequently recording the highest temperatures in the country during heatwaves.

In 2026, Hanoi recorded several peak temperatures, including 38.7 degrees Celsius in May and 40.8 degrees Celsius in June. A rare late-season heatwave in September also saw temperatures reach 38.4 degrees Celsius, setting a new record for that month. While the historical maximum for the city remains 42.5 degrees Celsius recorded in 2017, meteorologists warn that actual temperatures in urban areas may be significantly higher than official readings due to heat absorption by asphalt and concrete surfaces.

The 2025 climate change update scenario indicates that major Vietnamese cities, specifically Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, will face intensified heat, extreme weather, and increased urban heat island impacts as urbanization continues.