A method for quenching a steel pipe by water cooling from an outer surface thereof, where pipe end portions are not subjected to water cooling, and at least part of a main body other than the pipe end portions is subjected to water cooling. A region(s) that is not subjected to direct water cooling over an entire circumference thereof can be along an axial direction at least in part of the main body other than the pipe end portions. The start and stop of water cooling can be intermittent at least in part of the quenching. During the water cooling of the pipe outer surface, an intensified water cooling can be performed in a temperature range in which the pipe outer surface temperature is higher than Ms point. Thereafter, the cooling can be switched to moderate cooling so that the outer surface is cooled down to Ms point or lower.