Carefully gathering information and working up a detailed plan is paramount before traveling. Especially when you come to Vietnam from a different continent for the first time, it is highly suggested to know about the climate and culture well beforehand. Factors like weather, living practices, and yearly events vary at different points of time of the year. So, how are they different? And which is the best time to travel in Vietnam? The answers can be found in this article.
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When is the Best Time to Travel in Vietnam?
Stretching from north to south for more than 1,600km (around 1,000 miles), Vietnam shows different features of climate across the land. This variety brings diverse experiences to travellers and makes this country a year-round destination. However, spring (from March to April) is considered the best time to travel to Vietnam.
During this time, daytime weather is generally mild, temperatures are moderate, and rainfall is light. During other parts of the year, tropical monsoons result in heavy rains and occasional flooding, there can be swelteringly hot and humid weather due to extremely high temperatures.
So, the best time of year to travel in Vietnam is from March to April, when the weather is the mildest.
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Overview of Vietnam Weather and Temperature by Month
January
In the first month of the year, it is generally dry in the north and the south while the central region is still at the end of the rainy season. Usually, it is cooler in the north, around Hanoi, than in the far south. In the mountainous area in the far north, it can get really cold in the mornings and evenings, with temperatures as low as 5°C.
If you are interested in Vietnamese traditional festivals, this can be the best time to travel to Vietnam, as people celebrate New Year’s Eve on Jan 1st, and maybe the Lunar New Year (Tet Nguyen Dan) at the end of January or at the beginning of February, depending on the lunar calendar. Please be noted that almost all restaurants and entertainment centers are closed for at least 3 days during Tet Nguyen Dan.
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February
In February, the weather is pretty much that of January, but a bit milder and dryer. This kind of weather is perfect for trekking, cycling, or motor traveling. Don’t forget sunscreen as it starts to get sunny and light jackets for the nights when the temperatures go down.
As mentioned earlier, Tet Nguyen Dan can fall at the beginning of February so hotels and other spots might close for several days. If you prefer experiencing an ordinary day in this country, this might not be the best time to go to Vietnam for you.
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March
March marks the start of the peak season for Vietnamese tourism, although it begins to get uncomfortably hot in the south towards the end of the month. This month, people start to make for coastal destinations, such as the limestone islands of Ha Long Bay for an excursion. Trekking and cycling in northern and central Vietnam are most preferred at this time.
April
The weather in April is not too different from that in March. It is ideal to pay a visit to the northern mountains, where you can gaze at the specular spring flowers blooming. Also this time of the year, the south is entering its dry season. This means that you can enjoy the sapphire sea without being disturbed by rain, and also fresh seafood from coastal cities like Quy Nhon or Nha Trang.
As mentioned, March and April are the best time to travel in Vietnam, mostly because of the nice weather and magnificent landscapes.
May
In May, tourists in hot destinations start to thin out. Ho Chi Minh City can reach 40°C, with a hot and humid atmosphere and short showers in the afternoons as the monsoon is coming. There are likely sudden rains in the north, but the temperature is much less extreme.
At the end of April and the beginning of May, there’s a big festival in Vietnam (the Unification day on April 30 and International Labour Day on May 1). On these days, people have several days off and make for the famous spots. If you don’t like crowded places, the holidays in Vietnam are not the ideal time for you to visit.
June
If you want to avoid the crowds and the exorbitant pricing in peak season, you’d agree that June is likely the best time to travel in Vietnam. In the south during this time, there are short and sharp showers that hardly have a severe effect on travel and can result in sporadic flooding in some areas of the Mekong Delta. The north witnesses heavy rainfall and occasional storms in the mountains, which are adverse conditions for trekking and climbing. However, the weather is pretty dry and sunny. This is a great chance to head to Hoi An, Da Nang, Hue to enjoy the blue sea waves, warm winds, and their exquisite cuisine.
July
The weather in Vietnam in July is not so different from that in June. It is rainy at both ends of the country, even in the central Highlands, so trekking, cycling, or motorbike travelling aren’t suggested. There are also floods in the Mekong Delta. However, it is ideal to spend time in the central region, where it is not too hot – around 30°C at times. When it’s very hot and humid, and there are heavy downpours sometimes, some more secluded areas become difficult if not impossible to access.
August
The stunning beaches are most frequented in July and August. The sun lights still “kiss” the sandy coasts of Hoi An and Da Nang. Due to heavy rains in mountainous areas, you’re unable to trek and cycle there. In the south of Vietnam, there might be a lot of showers, but it’s still dry enough for you to enjoy yourself.
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September
In the first half of September, it is still raining and gets drier towards the end of the month. In the central region, the weather is even more severe, where the storm season is coming. In the last days of this month, central provinces are usually swept by heavy rains and small to big storms and this condition can last through next month.
Though this is when the Mid-Autumn festival takes place, September is hands-down not the best time to travel in Vietnam due to its unpredictable and adverse weather.
October
When the storms are over, and the rains are easing off, October’s weather can be very pleasant on both ends of the country. The temperature is moderate, which is perfect for trekking and motorbike travelling. However, it would help if you kept an eye on the weather forecast as there is still a chance of showers in the central region.
It is highly recommended that you visit Hanoi to enjoy autumn’s mild weather. This is when the scorching heat vanishes, making way for light breezes and chills in the morning.
November
In November, Vietnam enters another high season because of the nice weather during this time. It is dry and cool in both the north and south, which is ideal for trekking and visiting beautiful beaches.
In mountainous provinces like Ha Giang, buckwheat flowers are blooming everywhere, meanwhile, it is the season for wild sunflowers in Da Lat. If you crave a sea cruise, it’s highly recommended to head for Phu Quoc island or Ha Long bay.
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December
Visiting Vietnam in December, you can truly feel the atmosphere of winter, where it is freezing during the day and the temperature is even lower at night. It is almost dry in Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam.
Towards the end of December, central Vietnam witnesses fewer drops of rain but you can still experience some showers. This is also the time when people organise festivals, throw parties, and arrange dates to celebrate Christmas.
It’s safe to say that December is one of the best time to visit Vietnam.
The Best Time to Visit Vietnam per Region
As mentioned, the weather in Vietnam varies across seasons and regions. You’ve been walking through various weather features according to time; now it’s time to learn how things are different according to areas.
The Best Time to Visit North Vietnam: Ha Giang, Sapa, Ha Noi, Ninh Binh, Ha Long Bay
It is freezing in the winter (from December to February) in the north of Vietnam, where overnight temperatures can dip to 4°C. Meanwhile, the region experiences swelteringly hot and humid weather in summertime (from May to August). Therefore, it is ideal to visit northern Vietnam during spring (from March to April) and autumn (from September to November), when it is generally cool and mild.
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The Best Time to Visit Central Vietnam: Hoi An, Hue, Da Nang, Nha Trang
The coastal areas of the central region are usually swept by typhoons during the wet season. Though it is difficult to predict exactly when heavy rains and storms hit the shore and the land, generally typhoon season lasts from August to November. It is usually less rainy in February and you can expect sunny and warm days. So, visitors can enjoy travelling in central Vietnam in pleasant weather from February to August, especially July and August.
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The Best Time to Visit South Vietnam: Ho Chi Minh City, Da Lat, Phu Quoc
It is commonly warm all year round in the south of Vietnam, making it convenient to travel around the region. The dry season generally takes place from December to May and the rainy season is from June through November. Though there are floods and short rains, they are less likely to affect travelling. This can be seen as the best time to visit southern Vietnam, as there are many thunderheads floating in the sky, facilitating people to take magnificent photos of nature.
However, some people might hate the temperature from March to May, when it usually reaches 40°C.
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When Should You Not Go to Vietnam?
As a long country stretching from north to south, the weather differs across Vietnam. When visiting this country, avoid months that are featured adverse weather.
For example, it is not recommended to visit the northern region on the hottest days of summer (May to August) and the coldest days of winter (December to February). You should avoid the typhoon season, from August to November, in the central provinces. And finally, the weather in the three months from March to May in the south of Vietnam might be extreme for many people.
Above are the best tips and pieces of advice for picking the best time to travel in Vietnam. Hope that this guide is useful in helping you have a good time in this S-shaped country.
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