The best time to visit Vietnam is from October to April, when rainfall is low and temperatures are milder. With a country that spans over 1,600 kilometers (1,000 miles) from north to south, the weather in Vietnam varies considerably, ranging from a temperate to a tropical climate.
This variety makes Vietnam a year-round destination, but spring (March to April) is typically the best time to visit the entire country. During this time, days are generally pleasant, temperatures are moderate, and rainfall is light. However, tropical monsoons can bring heavy rains and occasional flooding during other parts of the year, while extreme temperatures can make summer days uncomfortably hot and sticky. Below is a guide for the best time to visit different regions of Vietnam.
When to visit North Vietnam (Sapa, Hanoi, Halong Bay, Ba Be National Park)
The best time to visit North Vietnam, including places like Sapa, Hanoi, Halong Bay, and Ba Be National Park, is during the spring (March to April) and autumn (September to November) seasons. During these times, the days are generally warm and sunny. The north of Vietnam experiences cold dry winters from December to February, where overnight temperatures can dip to 6°C (39°F). The summer months (May to August) are typically very hot and humid. So if you want to avoid extreme temperatures and enjoy pleasant weather, it’s best to plan your trip during the spring or autumn seasons. 😊
When to visit Central Vietnam (Hue, Hoi An, Da Nang)
The best time to visit Central Vietnam, including places like Hue, Hoi An, and Da Nang, is between February and August. During this time, you can expect warmer temperatures and more sunshine. The coast of central Vietnam is often battered with typhoons during its wet season, which generally runs from August to November. It’s difficult to predict when these heavy rains and hurricane-like winds can hit coastal cities like Hoi An, so it’s best to avoid traveling during this time. The rainy season usually subsides in February, and sunny 30°C (86°F) days are the norm in July and August. So if you want to enjoy pleasant weather and avoid the typhoon season, it’s best to plan your trip to Central Vietnam between February and August.
When to visit South Vietnam (Ho Chi Minh City, Mekong Delta)
The best time to visit South Vietnam, including places like Ho Chi Minh City and the Mekong Delta, is during the dry season, which generally runs from December to May. South Vietnam experiences warm, pleasant temperatures year-round, making travel good at any time. However, a rainy season runs from June through November, and while flooding can occur, rain usually comes in short bursts and rarely impacts travel. In fact, the monsoon season is often the best time for photography as dramatic thunderheads float across the Mekong Delta and rice fields turn a vibrant emerald-green. Some travelers might find temperatures unbearable from March to May, when the mercury regularly reaches 40°C (104°F), so it’s best to plan your trip accordingly.
January
January is considered one of the best times to visit Vietnam, as the country experiences warm, sunny, and relatively dry weather. Temperatures and weather patterns can differ slightly depending on your location in the North, South, or Central part of Vietnam, but on average, you can expect highs of around 25°C and low humidity levels. This makes it a great time for exploring Hoi An’s Old Town, swimming, and other water-based activities.
The atmosphere is also likely to be festive thanks to various Luna New Year (Tet) celebrations happening around the country. Make sure you get involved as much as you can to experience the local culture and traditions. Popular destinations to visit during January include Hoi An and the southern islands of Phu Quoc and Con Dao. These places offer beautiful beaches, stunning scenery, and plenty of opportunities for relaxation and adventure.
February to April
February to April is a great time to visit Vietnam, as the weather is generally at its best, with mostly dry and sunny days and average temperatures of around 23°C. Central and south Vietnam tend to be warmer than the north, so if you’re after a beach holiday, head to the southern islands for ultimate relaxation or to Ho Chi Minh City for those rooftop pool vibes. February is also likely to be busy with Luna New Year (Tet) festivities ongoing, but you can escape all the hustle and bustle on a day trip to the North of Vietnam, such as Ba Be National Park, where the weather is perfect for trekking.
temperatures are on the rise, especially in Central and Southern Vietnam, where highs can get to a sweat-inducing 29°C+. Northern Vietnam is still relatively cool with plenty of sunshine during the month, so it’s a great time to get outside and start exploring some of this country’s beautiful national parks and rainforest areas. There’s also never a bad time to try Vietnamese cuisine, but March is one of the best months for growing star fruit and rambutan, so make sure to taste these sweet snacks during your trip.
April is still firmly entrenched in Vietnam’s ‘best time to visit’ season and enjoys warm but comfortable temperatures. However, a transitional period (weather-wise) is just around the corner, so expect an increase in rainfall and humidity levels, especially in the south. The peak season crowds are also starting to thin out in April, so it’s a good time to visit popular temples such as Tran Quoc Pagoda in Hanoi and Thien Mu Pagoda in Hue. Additionally, April is a great time for Hue Festival celebrations, learning about ancient traditions, and temple visits.
May
May is a great time to visit Vietnam, as it is technically the first month of the wet season but still remains a popular time to visit due to its generally favorable weather. However, you can expect different weather patterns depending on your location due to the varying climates. Rainfall is starting to increase in the northern regions, such as Hanoi and the Sapa Valley, while central Vietnam retains temperatures of around 30°C and enjoys blue skies and relatively dry days. This makes it a great time for pottery village visits, exploring historical buildings, and wandering through markets.
June
June is a great time to visit Vietnam, especially the central regions of the country. Despite being the hottest month in Vietnam, June boasts sunny days that are perfect for cycling and relaxing on the beaches in Da nang and Nha Trang. However, the same can’t be said for the South, where downpours are now a daily occurrence. The good news is that if you’re visiting Ho Chi Minh City and Can Tho in June, while these daily showers are heavy, they’re often short-lived and occur in the afternoon, giving you plenty of time to wander outside in the mornings.
While it’s raining, you might want to spend your time in some of the fascinating museums in Ho Chi Minh City, such as the War Remnants Museum and the Reunification Palace, or do some serious shopping while you wait for the rain to ease up. June also marks the start of Green Turtle nesting season on the beaches of Con Dao Island. If you’re in the vicinity, visiting Con Dao National Park to hear about their conservation program will add another layer of awesomeness to your trip.
July
July is considered to be in the middle of the low season in Vietnam, so popular destinations like Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi are less crowded and accommodation is generally cheaper. However, the weather varies a lot from region to region, so it’s important to plan accordingly to avoid disappointment or disruption to your travel plans.
Central Vietnam’s weather patterns remain relatively the same as in previous months, so spending time in Hue and Hoi An are good options if you’re into plenty of sunshine and rain-free days. These places are great for beach days, diving, and checking out UNESCO World-Heritage listed sites. The northern regions, such as Halong Bay and Sapa, experience hot, stormy weather with temperatures reaching 30°C+ most days, while the south is still firmly in its wet season, so a mix of rainy days and sunny weather is the norm.
August
August is a great time to visit Vietnam, especially if you’re interested in lounging out on beaches in Hoi An and Da nang. While temperatures in central Vietnam can reach beyond 30°C+, short bursts of rain are common (especially towards the end of the month), and they’ll give you a slight reprieve from the heat. However, if you’re set on trekking through the mountainous regions of northern Vietnam, then August isn’t the best month to travel.
If you’re visiting Con Dao Island, watching baby Green Turtles hatch should definitely be on your agenda. They start their slow but adorable journey to the sea from mid-August onwards. August is also a great time to learn how to cook Vietnamese food and enjoy some beach lounging. So if you’re looking for a relaxing and enjoyable vacation, August is a great time to visit Vietnam.
September
September is a great time to visit Vietnam, especially if you’re interested in experiencing cultural events and celebrations. The northern regions, such as Hanoi and Ba Be Lake, emerge from their hot and humid seasons and experience 14 and 17 days of rain respectively (out of the month). This means that there are still plenty of days where the sun is shining and temperatures aren’t too warm.
However, Central Vietnam enters its monsoonal era in September, with torrential downpours and flooding in places such as Hoi An and the caves of Phong Nha. While typhoon season technically started in June (and runs until November), they’re more likely to occur in September, so it’s important to be aware of changing weather conditions and keep up to date with local advice.
There’s also celebration in the air thanks to the Mid-Autumn Festival and Vietnam Independence Day, both occurring in September. Why not make the most of these cultural events and immerse yourself as much as you can? You can visit Hoan Kiem Lake for Mid-Autumn Festival celebrations, take a trip to Ba Be Lake to explore its natural beauty, or simply enjoy the local cuisine and culture.
October to December
October to December is a great time to visit Vietnam, as the weather is generally favorable and there are many cultural events and celebrations to enjoy. In October, temperatures are starting to come down again after the summer heat in the northern regions, while typhoons are less likely to occur in the south. However, Central Vietnam is still in the thick of its wet period, so it’s best to avoid those areas if you want to spend your holiday outside enjoying the country’s beautiful landscapes. October is also a great time for Keo Pagoda Festival celebrations, Halloween festivities, and day trips to Ba Be National Park.
The northern regions of Vietnam really start to shine (literally). The rainy days of the summer season are mostly gone and temperatures are no longer stifling, making it the perfect time to explore the country’s breathtaking mountains. Beachside destinations such as Phan Thiet and Mui Ne in Vietnam’s south are also ready to wave goodbye to typhoon season and hello to excited travelers looking to make the most of the region’s sunny, clear weather. Indulge in 27°C days and spend your time laying out on pristine beaches or swimming in crystal-clear waters. November is also a great time for Halong Bay cruises, fishing, and mountain hiking.
I hope this information helps you plan your trip to Vietnam!