When is the best time to visit Vietnam?

The best time to take Vietnam tours greatly depends on which season, region, as well as activities you are interested in. Basing on the fact that Vietnam is in a long and narrow shape spreading over 2,000 miles of coastline, low-and-highland, that the weather may vary dramatically across the country (comprising the North, Central, and South as three primary regions). Generally, the South and Central often receives more rain and enjoys a tropical climate year-round, whereas the North (and farther) has cooler winters and severer summers, but the most pleasant springs and falls at intervals.

Again, there is no right, nor wrong time to visit Vietnam as it offers different climates upon the specific areas.However, you may refer to our Vietnam month-to-month travel guideline below to wrap up the global weather variations over seasons in Vietnam as a whole, also figure out when, and where to visit Vietnam at its best.

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Vietnam climate overview

Typical climates of seasons of Vietnam

Spring

March and April in Vietnam are quite hot, with temperatures averaging around 31 degrees. Typically, rain begins in full force by late April and by May, the heat and humidity are intense. The upside: Fewer crowds.

Summer

Summertime weather can vary depending on where you are in the country. The South is quite warm, with highs climbing in the 34s° regularly, and is often victim to frequent heavy showers. If you’re in the northern part of the country, you’ll want to bring plenty of insect repellants—mosquitoes are at their peak, thanks to frequent heavy rainfall.

Fall

Rains continue through September and October, but typhoons can cause rough seas. Unsuspecting tourists should also beware that Central regions of Vietnam are subject to hurricanes during the fall months.

Winter

At last, come December, the country dries out. Winter marks the best time for seaside vacations in Vietnam, but the Northern part of the country can be quite cool and gloomy. Expect temperatures in the range of 16°C – 29°Cand occasional drizzle.

Typical weathers of regions of Vietnam

Northern Vietnam

Northern Vietnam is generally warm and sunny from October to December, after which cold winter weather sets in, accompanied by fine persistent mists, which can last for several days. Temperatures begin to rise again in March, building to summer maximums that occasionally reach 40°C between May and August, though average temperatures in Hanoi hover around a more reasonable 30°C. However, summer is also the rainy season, when heavy downpours render the low-lying delta area almost unbearably hot and sticky, and flooding is a regular hazard. The northern mountains share the same basic regime, though temperatures are considerably cooler and higher regions see ground frosts, or even a rare snowfall, during the winter (Dec–Feb).

Central coast

Along the central coast, the rainfall pattern reverses under the influence of the Northeast monsoon. The rains onHue and Da Nang may last from September to February, so it pays to visit these two cities in the spring (Feb–May). Temperatures reach their maximum (often in the upper 30°C) from June to August, when it’s pleasant to escape into the hills. The Northern stretches of this coastal region experience a more extreme climate, with a shorter rainy season (peaking in Sept and Oct) and a hot dry summer. The coast of Central Vietnam is the zone most likely to be hit by typhoons, bringing torrential rain and hurricane-force winds. Though notoriously difficult to predict, in general the typhoon season lasts from August to November.

Southern Vietnam

In Southern Vietnam, the dry season lasts from December to late April or May, and the rains from May through to November. Since most rain falls in brief afternoon downpours, this need not be off-putting, though flooding at this time of the year can cause problems in the Mekong Delta. Average daytime temperatures in the region rarely drop below 30°C, occasionally hitting 38°C during the hottest months (March, April and May). The climate of the central highlands generally follows the same pattern, though temperatures are cooler, especially at night. Again, the monsoon rains of May to October can make transport more complicated, sometimes washing out roads and cutting off remoter villages.

Vietnam month-to-month travel guideline

January

Dry and pleasant weather can be enjoyed throughout most of the country at this time of teyear, with the only exception being the Northern regions. Temperatures can drop dramatically in these areas at mornings and late evenings. However, river travel in Mekong Delta tours is at its peak, while for the best beach weather we recommend heading to Phu Quocfor guaranteed sunshine.

February

The days are barely warmer in the North, and hot weather is expected throughout the rest of the country. Destinations can be considered are Hoi An and Hue, as they are getting good weather and still dry.

Key festival:Lunar New Year (Tet),the biggest festival of the year, sometimes lasting a week or more. In the streets, you will see lots of red and yellow, which are considered good luck, and travel may be busier at this time. Besides, the majority of shops, museums and restaurants are closed for about a week, so this may impact your stay.

March

This is peak season for travel to Vietnam. Tourists now have a broader choice of destinations across the country, including Hoi Anfeasibly as a beach destination. This is the perfect time to visit Halong, which should have clear blue skies without haze.

April

Like March, April is peak time to travel to the country and you will notice more crowds, with great weather expected everywhere. At this timeSapa,Pu Luong, Mu Cang Chai,Ninh Binh, and Ha Giang should be ideal places for trekking and camping.

May

It’s getting hot. Rain should hold off, but you may get the odd shower towards the end of the month in the Northern and Southern regions. Tourists often favor the most Phu Quocduring this time.

June

The travel season start reaching its peak. You may get the odd shower in the North and South of the country, however,Hanoi, Mai Chauand Halong are likely to have clear blue skies for the majority of the time, andHoi An serves as a lovely beach destination.

July

Central Vietnam is the best place to be, seeing hours of sunshine and little rain over Hoi An and Hue. The rest of Vietnam is likely to experience some showers, but not enough to impact on your enjoyment.

August

Central Vietnam,including Hoi An and Hue, remains at the top of the board, although the rest of the country is still worth visiting providing you don’t mind a few showers. While flights may be more expensive, hotels offer great promotions during Vietnam’s low season.

Key festival: Le Co hon (Feast of the Wandering Souls and Hungry Ghosts) as the time to pardon condemned souls, thus releasing them from hell. Offerings of food are given to the homeless and animals such as birds are released.

September

Catch the last of the sun on Vietnam’s central coast at Hoi Anand Huebefore the rains become more frequent. The North and South are usually very wet at this time of the year, but hotels and flight are cheap due to low travel season.

Key festival:Vietnam National Day (2nd September) as the national holiday commemorating the Vietnam Declaration of Independence from France in 1945.

October

The sun comes back to the North of the country and this is a great time to venture off the beaten track in Sapa, Pu Luong, Mu Cang Chai, Ninh Binhand Ha Giang. While this isn’t the best time for a beach holiday, you may otherwise consider the city tours in Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh, as the rainfalls come less often and the weather is milder.

Key festival:Mid-Autumn Festival (full moon between September and October) as a harvest festival celebrating ‘gathering’, ‘thanksgiving’ and ‘praying’. Dragon and Lion dances are performed and lanterns are lit.

November

The high season of river travel begins again in Mekong Delta, besides crowded Ho Chi Minh city touras many flocks of tourist try to hit Vietnam before the colder winter months in the North. Towards the end of the month, the whole country will generally be hot and dry, the exception being the Central region, which may experience a few showers.

December

There is still a chance of rain in the Central part of the country.However, beach season returnsin Phu Quocwhile river travel in Mekong Deltalasts. For trekking, Sapa, Pu Luong and Mu Cang Chaiare recommendable because the dry season (yet coolerweather) is back within. We advise travelling before the Christmas period as availability is few and far between.