Vietnam experiences two main seasons: the rainy season and the dry season. Generally, the best time to visit most of Vietnam is from November through April, when temperatures are mild and rainfall is relatively low.
Vietnam doesn't seem very big, but it's very diverse, and the weather varies a lot from north to south. Planning the best time to go to Vietnam can be tricky. We would like to give you some insider suggestions and tips, and help you to find the right place to explore at any time of year.
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Best Times to Visit Vietnam for Great Weather, Low Prices
As mentioned above, November to April is the best period to visit Vietnam. However, this can depend on which part of the country you plan to visit, what activities you want to do, budget, and weather preferences.
1) Best Time to Visit for Great Weather
Northern Vietnam, including Hanoi and Halong Bay, has a subtropical climate with four distinct seasons. The best time to visit this region is from October to April when the weather is cooler and drier. The summer months from May to September can be hot and humid, with occasional typhoons and heavy rain.
Central Vietnam, including Hue, Hoi An, and Danang, has a tropical climate with two seasons: a dry season from January to August and a rainy season from September to December. The best time to visit this region is from February to June when the weather is dry and mild.
If you and your children are planning to visit during the summer holidays ( between June and August), you could enjoy sunny and blue skies but expect high temperatures around 35°C (95°F) and crowds. Our 2-Week Vietnam Family-with-Teenagers Holiday is specially designed for a family summer vacation.
In Southern Vietnam, including Ho Chi Minh City and the Mekong Delta, the rainy season runs from May to October and the dry season runs from November to April. The best time to visit this region is from November to April when the weather is dry and pleasant.
2) Best Times to Visit for Low Prices
Vietnam is a very affordable destination throughout the year, though travelers typically find the steepest discounts on accommodations, flights, and tours during the rainy season (May to October in north and south Vietnam, September to December in central Vietnam).
Cultural and historical cities, like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh, are less affected by the weather. And they have plenty of indoor activities, such as cooking classes and making lanterns. Thus, if you are flexible and prepared, the low season promises smaller crowds, big savings, and still plenty of things that can be enjoyed.
3) An Insider's Guide to the Best Times to Visit Vietnam
In our experience, if your travel time is flexible, the ideal times to travel are the period just before the peak season and the period just after the peak season (the periods of early May and late October). At this time, the weather is still fine, crowds die down, and hotels are cheaper.
Check out more tips on planning your trip to Vietnam or contact our specialist, who would tailor-make an itinerary for you based on your requirements including available travel times.
The Worst Times to Travel to Vietnam (Monsoon and Typhoon Seasons)
If you don't like rain, you should consider avoiding the rainy season.
The truth is that even in the peak of the rainy season, the rainfall is not persistent, mainly coming in short downpours of one or two hours. You can still enjoy most of a day without much inconvenience.
One thing that needs to be noted is the disruptive typhoon season in north and central Vietnam. Your Halong Bay cruise can be canceled or delayed if you travel between July and August, when the bay is at risk of typhoons and storms. Your trip in coastal places of central Vietnam, such as Hoi An, may have to be interrupted due to typhoon flooding, usually occurring between September to October.
Although the rainy season has its drawbacks, it also means lower crowding and better prices. With a well-planned and flexible schedule, you can still enjoy a great trip.
Our flexible private tours are guaranteed to make your trip smoother and easier. You would get timely support and expert contingency plans, if the weather causes delays/cancellations or itinerary changes.
Contact us to start your worry-free Vietnam trip.
Vietnam Travel Guide by Month
Vietnam Weather in January
- Northern Vietnam: cool and dry, 15–20°C (59–68°F)
- Central Vietnam: mild and damp, 22–27°C (72–81°F)
- Southern Vietnam: warm and dry, 26–32°C (79–90°F)
January is generally a cool/mild and dry/damp month in the northern and central regions of Vietnam. However, it can be quite cold in the mountainous far north in places such as Sapa, with temperatures dropping below 10°C (50°F). The southern region tends to be warmer and dry.
January is a great time to visit most parts of Vietnam. However, if you're hoping to visit the beaches, keep in mind that the weather may be a bit cool for swimming or sunbathing.
Vietnam's Lunar New Year, known as Tet, sometimes falls in late January, and it can be an exciting time to visit Vietnam to experience the festive atmosphere and traditions. But get ready for more crowds and higher prices.
Learn more about Vietnam in January and the best places to visit.
Vietnam Weather in February
- Northern Vietnam: mild and dry, 14°C to 22°C (57°F to 72°F)
- Central Vietnam: mild and dry, 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F)
- Southern Vietnam: warm and very dry, 25°C to 32°C (77°F to 90°F)
February is a good time to visit Vietnam, with pleasant weather and little rainfall. The north can still be cool, while the south really starts to warm up.
February is considered part of the high season for tourism in Vietnam, but it's not as busy as December and January. However, it's important to note that the Lunar New Year (Tet) usually falls in February, and many Vietnamese people travel during this time, so transportation and accommodations may be more crowded and expensive. Book hotels as early as possible.
Learn more about Vietnam in February and the best places to visit.
Vietnam Weather in March
- Northern Vietnam: warm and dry, 15–25°C (59–77°F)
- Central Vietnam: warm and dry, 20–30°C (68–86°F)
- Southern Vietnam: hot and very dry, 23–34°C (73–93°F)
As winter comes to an end, the weather in Vietnam becomes warm in March. The north and central regions can still be cool in the evenings and mornings, while the south tends to be hot and rainless.
March is a good month for outdoor activities like exploring the countryside around Hanoi and Hoi An. It's also a good time to visit the beaches in central Vietnam, as the sea is usually calm and the weather is warm.
Learn more about Vietnam in March and the best places to visit.
Vietnam Weather in April
- Northern Vietnam: warm, moderately rainy, 19°C to 28°C (66°F to 82°F)
- Central Vietnam: sunny and hot, 22°C to 33°C (72°F to 91°F)
- Southern Vietnam: hot, low rainfall, 25°C to 35°C (77°F to 95°F)
April is generally a good time to visit Vietnam as it's mostly dry and warm, with temperatures ranging from around 20–30°C (68–86°F) in most regions. However, it can be hot and humid in the south, and sudden showers may come and go quickly.
It is a great time to explore Vietnam's natural beauty, such as cruising on Halong Bay, enjoying the beaches in central Vietnam, or visiting the Mekong Delta in the south.
Learn more about Vietnam in April and the best places to visit.
Vietnam Weather in May
- Northern Vietnam: warm, medium rainfall, 25–30°C (77–86°F)
- Central Vietnam: hot, light showers, 28–32°C (82–90°F)
- Southern Vietnam: hot, high rainfall, 30–35°C (86–95°F)
May is the beginning of the hot season in Vietnam, particularly in the central and southern regions. Temperatures can reach up to 40°C in some areas.
A private tour with a flexible travel pace is essential to avoid the burning sunshine and have an enjoyable trip. You can choose to start your days earlier in the morning, have a siesta, and go out later in the afternoon, or plan some indoor activities such as cooking class.
The bright side of this month is that you can expect fewer crowds and lower prices.
Learn more about Vietnam in May and the best places to visit.
Vietnam Weather in June
- Northern Vietnam: hot, heavy showers, 26–33°C (79–91°F)
- Central Vietnam: hot, light showers, 26–35°C (79–95°F)
- Southern Vietnam: hot and wet, 25–32°C (77–90°F)
June is one of the hottest months of the year in Vietnam. It is also the start of the rainy season in the north and south, with regular thunderstorms and heavy rain.
June can be a challenging time to visit Vietnam due to the hot and humid weather, especially in the south. However, if you're comfortable with the heat and enjoy outdoor activities, it can still be a good time to visit central Vietnam and enjoy the beaches. Just be prepared for heavy rain showers in some regions, and make sure to stay hydrated and protect yourself from the sun.
Learn more about Vietnam in June and the best places to visit.
Vietnam Weather in July
- Northern Vietnam: hot, heavy showers, 26–33°C (79–91°F)
- Central Vietnam: hot, humid, 25–34°C (77–93°F)
- Southern Vietnam: hot, heavy showers, 24–32°C (75–90°F)
July is a hot and humid month in most parts of Vietnam, with regular rain showers due to the summer monsoon season.
However, you should see more pleasant weather in central Vietnam (Danang, Hoi An, and Nha Trang), where sunny days and blue skies are perfect for a beach vacation. Expect accommodation prices to rise and crowds to thicken due to Vietnamese students' summer holiday. Book your hotels several months in advance.
If you travel to northern Vietnam and southern Vietnam, you're suggested to take rain gear, choose more indoor activities, and always have a "tour plan B" for each day.
Learn more about Vietnam in July and the best places to visit.
Vietnam Weather in August
- Northern Vietnam: hot, heavy showers, 26–32°C (79–90°F)
- Central Vietnam: hot, medium rainfall, 25–34°C (77–93°F)
- Southern Vietnam: hot, heavy showers, 23–32°C (73–90°F)
August is a hot and rainy month in north and south Vietnam. August experiences storms or heavy rains, which might affect your trip in Halong Bay, Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and the Mekong Delta. The good news is that the rains come and go quickly.
The central region of Vietnam including Hue, Danang, and Hoi An is the best choice, due to its sunnier weather. Be prepared for crowded beaches as domestic travel is at a peak because of summer vacations. Contact us for an early booking!
Learn more about Vietnam in August and the best places to visit.
Vietnam Weather in September
- Northern Vietnam: hot, heavy showers, 25–32°C (77–90°F)
- Central Vietnam: warm, very high rainfall, 24–32°C (75–90°F)
- Southern Vietnam: warm, very high rainfall, 23–32°C (73–90°F)
September is a transitional month in Vietnam, with the weather starting to shift from the rainy season to the dry season or vice versa.
North Vietnam edges towards the end of its summer, although you can still expect plenty of hot weather as well as some rain. Central Vietnam enters its extremely torrential rainy season, with a high chance of storms or typhoons. Southern Vietnam also experiences hot temperature and frequent rain.
The best places to go are in Northern Vietnam including Hanoi, Halong Bay, and Sapa.
Learn more about Vietnam in September and the best places to visit.
Vietnam Weather in October
- Northern Vietnam: warm, medium rainfall, 22–29°C (66–84°F)
- Central Vietnam: warm, torrential storms, 23–29°C (73–84°F)
- Southern Vietnam: warm, high rainfall, 23–31°C (73–88°F)
October is one of the best months to visit North and South Vietnam, with moderate temperatures in between the showers. The north is warm, while the south is still hot sometimes.
However, October is the worst time for a vacation in central Vietnam, which faces a high risk of typhoons and violent storms, leading to flooding in lowland cities.
Learn more about Vietnam in October and the best places to visit.
Vietnam Weather in November
- Northern Vietnam: warm, light rain, 19–26°C (66–79°F)
- Central Vietnam: warm, torrential rain, 21–27°C (70–80°F)
- Southern Vietnam: warm, medium rain, 22–31°C (72–88°F)
November is the start of the dry winter season in the north, with cooler temperatures and less humidity/rainfall, which brings large numbers of travelers flocking to Hanoi and Halong Bay.
Meanwhile, the central region is still in the peak of its soaked and stormy typhoon season. If you are travelling in this region (Hue, Danang, Hoi An) in November, keep your itinerary flexible in case of flight delays or cancellations.
The south begins its dry season, with medium-to-low rainfall and sunny skies more likely than not. This month is a great time to visit HCMC, the Mekong Delta, and offshore islands such as Phú Quốc.
Learn more about Vietnam in November and the best places to visit.
Vietnam Weather in December
- Northern Vietnam: becomes mild and dry, 15–22°C (59–72°F)
- Central Vietnam: warm, high rainfall, 20–25°C (68–77°F)
- Southern Vietnam: warm/hot, low rainfall, 21–32°C (70–90°F)
It's all good news in the north and south with some of the best conditions of the year, moderate temperature, and blue skies. Hanoi and the north experience excellent dry and clear days, however it can be cold, especially in the evenings. The southern islands of Phu Quoc can be a top pick for your beach vacation.
In central regions of Vietnam, the rains start to decrease, but stormy weather is still a strong possibility, especially early in December.
The Christmas and New Year holidays bring Vietnam into another high season for travel. Make sure you book a late December tour at least 3 months in advance.
Learn more about Vietnam in December and the best places to visit.
Get Inspired with Some Popular Itineraries
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