Vietnam Weather Overall
To know when to travel to Vietnam, we will have an overview of the country’s weather first. Vietnam has a tropical monsoon climate with an average temperature of around 25 - 30°C (77 - 86°F) throughout the year. The average annual rainfall of the country is high.
The weather can vary significantly depending on not only the time of the year but also from North to South and West to East. Vietnam has a territory stretching long over 15 latitudes with 3 main regions: North, Central, and South. The terrain varies from mountain, delta, coastal and island areas.
An example to see the difference is that while the Northern land may be chilly and require people to wear warm clothes, the Central and Southern land are hot and people may only need to wear t-shirts when going out. Let’s check out the next part with us to see Vietnam's best time to visit by season.
Vietnam Weather by Season
Spring (February - April)
Spring is one of the best times to visit Vietnam!
The weather in the North is generally warm and sometimes has high humidity with occasional drizzles. Sometimes it can get cold also, especially at night. The temperature is around 15°C to 25°C (59 - 77°F).
In the Central and the South, temperatures range from 20°C to 35°C (68 - 95°F). Spring in the center is often warm and sunny. There may be occasional heavy rains and gusty winds as well. In the Southern region, spring is usually hot and humid. There may be rainfall, but they generally do not last long.
Summer (May-August)
Vietnam's summer is hot, humid, and rainy in the North, whereas the Central and the South are hot and sunny. The Central region may experience typhoons in late August. The temperatures typically range from 25°C to 37°C (77°F to 100°F).
This would be the low season for international tourists coming to Vietnam, but it would be the high travel season for local people. However, it is the ideal time to enjoy a beach and island holiday. And the cost (hotel, Cruise, transportation...) to visit some famous attractions such as Halong Bay, Sapa, Hanoi, Hoi An, and Mekong Delta...will be much cheaper than during peak season in Winter.
Autumn (September-November)
Autumn is another best time to visit Vietnam, with cooler and drier weather. Temperatures range from 20°C to 28°C (68°F to 82°F). This duration is one of the best times to visit Hanoi and the North of Vietnam, the cost for the trips also are reasonable due to it is not coming into the peak tourist season of year-end.
The Central region is still prone to occasional typhoons and rain during this season.
The South of Vietnam Ho Chi Minh City, Mekong Delta still in Raining season. November is the last month of the rainy season in this region.
Winter (December-January)
Vietnam's winter is typically cold in the North and Central regions. It can get foggy and drizzly with temperatures averaging around 10°C to 20°C (50°F to 68°F), while the South remains warm and sunny.
But this could be the peak season for international tourists when they have a long year-end holiday. Some services as accommodation and transportation are expensive. Actually, the temperature around 15°C is still ideal for foreigner tourists.
Spring and autumn are considered the prime seasons for traveling to Vietnam, with each offering unique experiences. Spring provides a vibrant display of blooming flowers and traditional festivals, while autumn features comfortable weather conditions, ideal for exploring all parts of the country. To further understand the best times to visit Vietnam based on region, let's delve into the next part.
Spring in mountainous Northwest Vietnam
Best Time of the Year to Visit Vietnam by Region
Northern Region
The best time to travel to Northern Vietnam is from September to April next year. During these months, the weather is pleasant and favorable for outdoor activities. There are many exiting festivals also.
The rice terraces are at their best during the harvesting season from September to October. You may experience some thunderstorms during these months.
From December to February, the weather can be quite chilly with fog and drizzles, while from June to August, it can be hot and humid with occasional heavy rain.
Central Region
The best time to go to Central Vietnam is from January to May when the weather is mild and dry. The temperatures are not too hot or too cold during this time of the year, making it perfect for exploring coastal cities like Danang, Hoi An, and Hue.
Additionally, this time falls outside of the rainy season, so you will have fewer chances of experiencing sudden downpours. Traveling to the region from September to December should be carefully checked, as it is the typhoon season and the weather can be unpredictable and dangerous.
Southern Region
Phu Quoc - Pearl Island has a calm sea with crystal-clear water
The best time to travel to Southern Vietnam is from December to April when the weather is dry and cool. During these months, temperatures are often more comfortable, with less humidity and rain, making outdoor activities more enjoyable.
The rainy season in Southern Vietnam is from May to November, with July to September being the wettest months. The rain can be heavy and frequent during these months.
It can be seen that the best time of the year to visit Vietnam is also different between regions. In conclusion, we recommend the best time to visit Vietnam Northern is spring (from February to May) and autumn (from September to November) while the best time to visit Vietnam Central is from February to May, and the best time to travel to Vietnam Southern is from December to April.
Interested? Explore more about our Travel guide to Vietnam blog.
The Best Time to Visit Vietnam by Destination
Here we have some more details about the best time of the year to visit Vietnam by destination. It is based on the most popular travel spots of Vietnam from North to South which have international airports - very convenient for traveling. They are Hanoi City and Halong Bay in the North, Da Nang in the Central, and Ho Chi Minh City in the South.
Hanoi
Vietnam's best time to visit Hanoi is during the months of October to December and from February to April. The weather is cool and dry, making it perfect for outdoor activities and sightseeing. The temperatures are mild, and the skies are usually clear, which provides great opportunities for photography and enjoying scenic views. Overall, Hanoi is a beautiful capital to visit at any time of year. The city can get quite crowded during peak tourist season, so it is good to plan ahead and book your accommodations and activities in advance.
Hanoi in Autumn, from September - November, is one of the best times to visit this city.
Halong Bay
For Vietnam holidays, the best time to go to Ha Long is during the months of March to May or September to November when the weather is more pleasant, with moderate temperatures and lower chances of rainfall - this helps you to enjoy the true beauty of Halong Bay in the best condition. During these months, the skies are clear, making it easier to enjoy the stunning scenery and have outdoor activities. Avoid visiting during the summer months from June to August, as the weather can be hot, humid, and less comfortable to spend time outside. It is also the peak domestic travel season. The winter months from December to February can be cold and foggy.
The stunning view on a Cruise in Halong Bay autumn
Da Nang City and Hoi An Town
The best time to visit Da Nang, Vietnam is from February to May when the weather is typically warm and dry. The summer months from June to August can be hot and humid with occasional rain showers. The typhoon season runs from September to January and can bring heavy rains and strong winds to the region. However, if you do not mind the occasional downpour, then visiting during the off-season can mean fewer crowds, cheaper prices and you can still have fun experiences. Ultimately, the best time to visit Da Nang depends on your travel preferences and the activities planned.
Da Nang City also owns one of the most beautiful beaches on the planet. That is My Khe beach in the central city, Da Nang. Voted by Forbes magazine in 2006 along with 5 other beaches around the globe. So it is full of tourists in every Summer.
Tourists enjoy their time in Hoi An ancient town
Ho Chi Minh City
The best time to go to Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam is during the dry season, which falls between December and April. During this time, the weather is usually dry and sunny, making it ideal for outdoor activities and sightseeing. The temperature is also more comfortable, with daytime temperatures averaging around 30°C (86°F) and nighttime temperatures averaging around 22°C (72°F). The wet season, which falls between May and November, brings heavy rains and high humidity. This can make you easily feel tired even after walking for a short period of about 10 minutes. Our advice for you is to stay hydrated, exercise moderately, and wear comfortable clothes. In this way, you can save your energy for a long expedition.
Tourist taking photo in front of Independent Palace Ho Chi Minh City
Our recommendations for you
That is all you need to know about the best time to visit Vietnam. Preparing carefully for yourself is a great way to reduce the effect of the outside weather and fully enjoy your trip. We have some tips for you.
- If you come to Vietnam during the summer (from May to August), the weather will be very hot and humid, you should bring cool and comfortable clothes, and sunscreen, and make sure to drink plenty of lemon salt water.
- If you come during the winter (from November to February), the weather will be quite cold in the North, so you need to bring warm clothes.
- Additionally, during the rainy season (from June to October), you should bring a raincoat and waterproof shoes to avoid getting wet, walk carefully as Vietnam streets might get slippery.
- During the dry season, you need to bring sunscreen and drink plenty of water to keep your body cool and prevent dehydration. Sometimes the humidity is high with persistent drizzle in the North, prepare yourself with a drier and treat your body with a warm drink.
Ninh Binh province in the North during summer (June, July) is hot and humid. However, it is also a stunning lotus season that many visitors love.
You should track the weather before coming to Vietnam or if possible, ask the locals for more advice. Now, you have the answer for when to travel to Vietnam with an insight into Vietnam's climate. In case you need more precise and detailed support for your exciting Vietnam expedition, feel free to leave us with your comment or message.
