In August, the average daily maximum is 33°C (91°F) and the average daily minimum is 25°C (77°F). August is in the summer monsoon season in Vietnam and it can expect an average of 17 to 22 days of rain.
However, the rain is usually short-lived, occurring in short bursts in the afternoon or evening.
Vietnam's Regional Weather
Vietnam is a long country and the weather in the North (Sapa, Hanoi, Halong Bay), South (Ho Chi Minh City, the Mekong Delta), and Central regions (Danang, Hoi An) is different.
Northern Vietnam's average temperature is 29°C (85°F) in August, the last month of summer in Vietnam. As rainfall soaks the mountains and brings out the lush beauty of Vietnam, with green, verdant hills and full, powerful rivers and waterfalls, Halong Bay and Hanoi are prone to heavy showers at this time of year.
Central Vietnam has sunny weather with temperatures around 30°C - 35°C in August. However, it may also have some rain and overcast days towards the end of August.
Hoi An, Da Nang, and Nha Trang are good places to visit in this month. They are likely to see the best of the weather and you can benefit from cloud thinning and sun for the day, although it can become overcast sometimes.
Southern Vietnam is in the middle of its monsoon season, with high rainfall and frequent storms. The air is cooled down by the rain, and the average temperature is 27°C (80°F).
On the plus side, the storms come and go very quickly and you can still expect plenty of dry and bright daylight hours.
Averages Temperatures for August
Averages for August | Min. Temp. | Max. Temp. |
---|---|---|
Sapa | 16ºC (60ºF) | 25ºC (77ºF) |
Hanoi | 26ºC (78ºF) | 32ºC (89ºF) |
Halong Bay | 25ºC (77ºF) | 30ºC (86ºF) |
Hoi An | 25ºC (77ºF) | 33ºC (91ºF) |
Ho Chi Minh | 23ºC (73ºF) | 32ºC (89ºF) |
Mekong Delta | 25ºC (77ºF) | 34ºC (93ºF) |
Phu Quoc Island | 25ºC (77ºF) | 31ºC (88ºF) |
Averages Rainfalls for August
Major City | Rainfall (mm) | Rainfall (in) |
---|---|---|
Sapa | 245 | 9.6 |
Hanoi | 230 | 8.9 |
Halong Bay | 265 | 10 |
Da Nang | 127 | 5 |
Ho Chi Minh | 144 | 5.7 |
Mekong Delta | 170 | 6.7 |
Phu Quoc Island | 400 | 15 |
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The 6 Best Places to Visit in Vietnam in August
The northern and central beach cities are the top travel destinations in August with their not-so-hot weather and less rain. The rains bring lush green mountains, fresh air, and clear seascapes (post-rain).
Compared to the high travel season, traveling in August is much cheaper. However, storms or typhoons might affect your cruise in Halong Bay, so it is best to prepare a plan B.
When planning a trip to Vietnam in August and looking for the best places to visit, consider these six places:
1. Sapa
Sapa is well known for its stunning panoramic views, unforgettable rice-terrace-lined valleys, and the highest peak in Vietnam. August is a time when rice is growing in Sapa and you will have the opportunity to admire the stunning views of verdant paddy fields.
Trekking in Sapa is a great way to discover its slow-paced lifestyle, as is a homestay in a remote village. It may be hot and rainy in August, however, it is still worth hiking in Sapa at this time.
2. Hanoi
In August, it is not so hot in Hanoi, and you will feel comfortable with a gentle wind blowing more often. The rain often comes in the afternoon, after which everything in the streets looks clear and bright.
As the capital city of Vietnam, with a history of more than 1,000 years, Hanoi boasts a lot of well-preserved temples, monuments, and heritage architecture, which offer many indoor activities options when it rains.
You can also visit shopping centers for shopping, try delicious local cuisine, go to watch a water puppet show, and so much more to dodge the rain.
>> Continue to read Planning Your First Trip to Vietnam
3. Ninh Binh
The possible typhoons in August might make you miss the renowned Halong Bay cruise. Ninh Binh, just 100 kilometers from Hanoi, is unique for its karst landscape among the rice paddies, which is comparable to Halong Bay, while still being visitable in the event of a typhoon.
Traveling to Ninh Binh in August, you can enjoy the beauty of vast stretches of rice fields. Although it often rains in Ninh Binh in August, it quickly disappears each day, allowing you time to get out and explore.
An escape to Ninh Binh can be a wonderful day trip from Hanoi, or a two- or three-day retreat into the countryside, depending on the time you have available!
4. Hoi An
Hoi An is a beautiful and ancient port city in central Vietnam with over 2,000 years of history. The town has plenty of pedestrian streets and is full of ancient buildings. You can enjoy the sight of many historic buildings that are well preserved or reconstructed as they were centuries ago.
Although August is the rainy season in Hoi An, there is still sunshine in the daytime. When it rains, of course, indoor attractions will be a top priority, such as the galleries or museums in the old town.
If a sudden shower stops your touring, find a café or bar, and sample the local coffee/drinks and snacks.
5. Nha Trang
Nha Trang is a popular beach destination in Central Vietnam. In August, Nha Trang is considered an ideal place to visit as it is warm with little or no rain. The average temperature in August is around 27.5°C (81.5°F) with some dry days.
However, it may also be very hot and crowded with domestic tourists due to the local summer holiday. Contact us to book your trip in advance.
6. Ho Chi Minh City
Located in southern Vietnam, Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC) is considered 'the most delicious city in Vietnam' — a must-travel destination on any Vietnam trip. Although August is during its rainy season, Ho Chi Minh City is still beautiful and bustling.
The showers do not last long, and the rain can help by cooling down the air. It is the perfect time to discover some indoor historical/war relics in the city.
If you are interested in Vietnamese art and culture, you can enjoy the À Ố ('Village and City') show, which can only be seen in Ho Chi Minh City.
Less Crowding and Cost
The heat and humidity keep many people from traveling around Vietnam in August. This results in cheap prices and good low-season deals. August is a great time to visit for the aspects of price and crowding.
What to Wear in August
Pack light and cool clothing with quick-dry fabrics. Be sure to bring along some rubber boots as well as sandals if you want to keep your feet dry. UV levels will be high, so pack plenty of sun cream, a sunhat, and good sunglasses.
Long trousers and long-sleeved shirts are suggested to protect you from leeches/mosquitoes in some areas. Take an umbrella as the weather is usually too warm to wear a rain jacket, apart from in the northern mountains (Sapa), where a light rain jacket would be a good idea.
Don't forget your insect/mosquito repellent.
Monthly Weather and Travel Information for Vietnam
Learn about the weather in Vietnam for 12 months and find out the best places to visit each month.
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