Northern Vietnam attracts many local and foreign visitors every year, thanks to the nice weather, beautiful tourist attractions, and friendly people. As you plan for the trip, there are many things to consider, including choosing the best time to visit Northern Vietnam.
This article gives you an overview of the weather in different seasons and recommends the most popular places in northern Vietnam.
Read it and start planning the best travel trip now!
General Weather In Northern Vietnam
Northern Vietnam has a beautiful climate and low risks of natural catastrophe. You almost never see typhoons or dangerous floods during your northern Vietnam itinerary. However, the weather in the north is more complex than in the central and the south. While the others have only 2 seasons in a year, northern Vietnam is distinct by 4 different seasons, which are:
- Spring: From February To April
- Summer: From April to September
- Autumn: From September to November
- Winter: From November to February
Spring
The weather in the spring is quite comfortable, with the temperature ranging from 59°F – 68°F. The humidity level is about 80%, pretty high. However, the sunshine is pleasant and beautiful. There will be rain on many days in spring, but it is pretty light.
In this season, flowers bloom everywhere. This is the most ideal time to feel the beauty of nature in northern Vietnam.
Summer
The weather conditions in summer are not favorable. You may want to sit inside a room with air conditioners, as the outdoor temperature in big cities is very high (from 79°F to 92°F). The sunlight is so heavy that it can be harmful to your skin.
If you visit Northern Vietnam in this period of the year, better visit provinces that have beaches or mountains, as the weather is cooler.
For example, while the temperature in Hanoi is 89.6°F, that in Sapa is 75.2°F. The reason is that Hanoi is a big city with many skyscrapers and many vehicles, which cause greenhouse effects. In contrast, Sapa is a high hill area with a low number of skyscrapers or vehicles.
Autumn
In autumn, the temperature decreases, and the weather is more pleasant. The outdoor temperature range is from 68°F – 77°F, comfortable to go outside and stroll.
Streets in autumn are charming and pleasing. You may notice the sidewalks full of fallen yellow leaves. Locals say that autumn is the time when trees “change their clothes”.
Winter
During winter, the weather is a bit cold. The average temperature is from 62°F to 71°F, even below 50°F at night.
We advise you to visit provinces with mountains, such as Sapa or Moc Chau to feel the beauty of clear skies, chilling winds, and even white snow (in Sapa on a very cold day).
II. Best Time To Visit Northern Vietnam
The best time to visit northern Vietnam is spring (February to April) and autumn (September to November). In this period, the weather is cool and comfortable, suitable to go outside and do outdoor activities. You will also clearly feel the changes in nature in these 2 seasons. While the flowers bloom in spring, the leaves will age out and fall in the autumn.
You can also join many interesting events and experience traditional holidays in northern Vietnam during these 2 seasons.
More specifically, the biggest holiday in Vietnam is in spring, known as Tet (Lunar New Year). You will have a chance to see unique plants that only bloom during this period of the year, such as kumquat, and peach blossom. Besides, you can also experience Vietnamese specialties like Banh Chung, Gio Cha, Spring Rolls, etc.
On the other hand, Trung Thu – Mid-Autumn festival is held in autumn. You will see a lot of parties on the streets, with a group of adults performing Lion Dance. Many children dance surrounding the adults with their traditional 5-pointed star-shaped lanterns.
>> Read more: Best Time to Visit South Vietnam: When and Where to Go?
Places To Visit In North Vietnam
Here are some popular places to visit in north Vietnam that you should include in your plan.
1. Hanoi
Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam, is a must-visit city when traveling to the north. This is a well-known location for local food, a place with interesting landmarks and friendly residents. Hanoi has a lot to offer, from delicious street cuisine to interesting history, traditional entertainment to leisure activities.
Here are what you should do in Hanoi:
- Visit the Old Quarter Streets (Pho Co) to view the old architecture of houses (built since the French colonial period)
- Come to Ta Hien street to experience the nightlife in Hanoi
- Experience the walking streets surrounding Hoan Kiem Lake in the center on weekends
- Try local dishes such as Pho, Bun Cha, Cha Ca, Com, etc.
- Pay a visit to Van Mien (Literature Temple) – the very first university in Vietnam
- Visit Lang Bac (Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum) and have a look at the preserved body of the President Ho Chi Minh
- Register for cycling or motorbiking tours from Hanoi to other provinces in North Vietnam
2. Sapa
Sapa is well known for its magnificent mountains, amazing valleys, and impressive terraced rice fields. This place is the home of many folks, such as Muong, Hmong, Dao, Tay, etc.
After arriving at Sapa, you should take part in the following activities right away!
- Go hiking or trekking Fansipan – the Roof of Indochina (comprising Laos, Vietnam, and Cambodia) (10,326 feet)
- Visit local villages (Cat cat village), experience traditional events, try unique local food in restaurants or street vendors and buy local handicrafts
- Go hiking in lush green hills
- Take part in a Hmong sewing class
- Visit the silver waterfalls and explore the fairy cave
- Go shopping at Sapa market or Muong Khuong market
- Visit Muong Hoa valley and admire the green terraced rice fields
- Experience Sapa Love Market (every Saturday night) in the downtown
3. Halong Bay
Halong Bay is a part of Quang Ninh province, about 106.8 miles from Hanoi. This place is known as A UNESCO World Heritage Site – the world’s new seven wonders of nature. Besides, Halong Bay is popular with beautiful limestone karsts, 1,600 islands, long beautiful beaches, and turquoise-green waters.
Here are some activities you should experience in your Halong Bay trip:
- Go cruising on boats
- Visit Cat Ba Island and relax on Cat Ba beaches
- Lie on the crescent-shaped Ti Top sand beach and take a sunbath
- Visit the Monkey Island
- Go kayaking in Bai Tu Long Bay
- Visit Cong Do Island and register for snorkeling and diving tours
- Explore the Thrills of Sun World Halong Park
- Learn Vietnamese history in the Quang Ninh museum
- Try local seafood, such as Hai Sam, Cha Muc, etc.
Final words
To summarize, the best time to visit northern Vietnam is the spring and autumn seasons. The weather is more favorable than in summer or winter. You will feel comfortable with the low temperature and moderate humidity. Also, the risks of flooding or typhoons are not high.
There are also famous events and activities you can experience in north Vietnam. Moreover, you should enjoy the most popular holidays in Vietnam, which are Tet (Lunar New Year) and Trung Thu (Mid-Autumn festival). Also, we recommend you visit the famous places listed above. Each area welcomes you with unique food, exciting activities, and beauty spots.
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