Rainy Season In Vietnam: When & Travel Advice

Rainy season in Vietnam

The rainy season in Vietnam is not uniform across the country. What may be the dry season in one region could be the wet season in another.

Generally, humidity levels during the rainy season in Vietnam hover from 70% to 95%, with rainfall accounting for more than half of the annual total, and temperatures ranging from 25°C to 30°C. It is common to experience a mix of sunshine and rain within a single day.

Rainy season in Vietnam

Time of rainy season in Vietnam

North Vietnam

Northern Vietnam goes through four seasons: spring, summer, autumn, and winter. The rainy season here falls during the summer months from June to August, characterized by hot weather interspersed with sudden downpours. This sometimes leads to flooding in Hanoi or landslides in mountainous areas like Ha Giang, Cao Bang, and Sapa.

During the rest of the year, rain is less common and only happens occasionally. Early in the year, around February and March, you might encounter drizzles.

Central Vietnam

Central Vietnam (including places like Da Nang, Hue, and Hoi An) has just two wet and dry seasons. The rainy season here typically occurs from August to December, bringing extended periods of rain, sometimes accompanied by storms and rising waters that can even flood homes.

South Vietnam

In Southern Vietnam (covering Saigon and the Mekong Delta), the rainy season spans from May to October. Expect heavy but brief showers that often give way to clear skies. During this time, river levels rise significantly, and the landscape flourishes in lush green.

Travel Vietnam During Rainy Season

Given that the rainy season occupies a substantial portion of the year in Vietnam, how might travelers find their experience if they choose to visit during the rainy season?

How would it be

If you decide to travel to Vietnam during the rainy season, you will encounter some pros and cons:

Rainy season in Vietnam

Visit Vietnam during rainy time

Pros	Cons
Lower costs: Tour prices, hotel rates, and airfare are generally more affordable. Fewer crowds: With fewer tourists, you will avoid the crush of peak season and the over-tourism phenomenon. Unique experiences: Walking or boating through knee-deep floodwaters, or admiring the mist-covered scenery of ancient towns like Hue, Hanoi, or Ninh Binh, can offer a poetic charm. Weather variability: Not every day of the rainy season is rainy, and not every rain lasts all day. There is still a good chance of catching clear skies during your visit.	Weather-dependent activities: Activities like mountain trekking, biking, or boat trips might be hindered by rain. So it is necessary to have flexibility and backup plans. Gloomy scenery: Rain can cast a grey pall over landscapes that might otherwise be shiny and vibrant. Safety concerns: Landslides in mountainous regions (like Ha Giang or Sapa) or typhoons along coastal areas (such as Da Nang or Quang Binh) can disrupt travel plans.

Pros

Cons

Lower costs: Tour prices, hotel rates, and airfare are generally more affordable.
Fewer crowds: With fewer tourists, you will avoid the crush of peak season and the over-tourism phenomenon.
Unique experiences: Walking or boating through knee-deep floodwaters, or admiring the mist-covered scenery of ancient towns like Hue, Hanoi, or Ninh Binh, can offer a poetic charm.
Weather variability: Not every day of the rainy season is rainy, and not every rain lasts all day. There is still a good chance of catching clear skies during your visit.

Weather-dependent activities: Activities like mountain trekking, biking, or boat trips might be hindered by rain. So it is necessary to have flexibility and backup plans.
Gloomy scenery: Rain can cast a grey pall over landscapes that might otherwise be shiny and vibrant.
Safety concerns: Landslides in mountainous regions (like Ha Giang or Sapa) or typhoons along coastal areas (such as Da Nang or Quang Binh) can disrupt travel plans.

What to prepare

If you decide to take a journey through Vietnam during the rainy season, it is not necessarily a bad choice. Each season offers its own set of experiences. Here is how to prepare for it:

Rainy season in Vietnam

Prepare for the rainy season in Vietnam

Pack wisely: Lightweight, quick-drying clothes are ideal for layering under a raincoat.
Rain gear: Bring a durable raincoat, umbrella, and waterproof boots.
Footwear: Sandals may be more practical for wet outdoor conditions than closed shoes.
Weatherproof your belongings: Use waterproof bags to protect your belongings.
Flexible plans: Have backup plans for outdoor activities in case of rain.
Check the forecast: Stay updated on weather conditions.
Sun protection: Even in the rainy season, the sun can be strong thus it is summertime; remember to apply sunscreen and stay hydrated.

What to do

Here are some activities to consider if you find yourself in Vietnam during the rainy season:

Rainy season in Vietnam

Things to do during the rainy season in Vietnam

Indoor attractions: Visit museums, exhibitions, temples, and pagodas.
Cultural shows: Enjoy indoor performances like water puppetry or traditional arts.
Cafe culture: Sip coffee while watching the rain from a cozy café or bar.
Indoor pools and spas: Choose hotels with indoor or semi-outdoor pools, or indulge in a relaxing massage, hot spring soak, or jacuzzi session.
Workshops: Participate in indoor workshops like coffee making, cooking classes, lantern making, papermaking, or kite crafting.
Shopping: Explore indoor markets or shopping malls.
Rainy day photography: Capture the unique atmosphere of destinations during the rainy season.
Local cuisine: Savor local dishes in restaurants or street-side eateries.

As noted earlier, not every day during the rainy season will be rainy. You can still enjoy outdoor activities when the sun is shining, or don a raincoat and venture out in the drizzle. However, always prioritize your health, as rainy weather can sometimes lead to illness.

Local Tips

Flood-prone cities: Hanoi, Hoi An, and Hue tend to flood more during the rainy season. Yet, flooding doesn’t impact all regions.
Traffic delays: Expect possible traffic jams, which can last anywhere from a few minutes to half an hour in populated cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh.
Avoid mountainous regions: It is wise to avoid mountainous areas like Ha Giang, Cao Bang, and Sapa during the rainy season due to the risk of landslides.
Cruise cancellations: In case of storms, your Halong Bay cruise may be canceled. If that happens, you might consider staying at a hotel in the city and enjoying urban activities instead.
Appealing hotel deals: Hotels often offer deep discounts during the rainy season, so you can indulge in high-quality amenities while waiting out the rain.

Don on the raincoat and see the outside

To complete your understanding, read our article on best time to visit Vietnam!

Traveling during the rainy season in Vietnam might affect your itinerary, but the key is to be well-prepared and flexible. We wish you the best on your journey. You may find more useful travel tips on our website and in case you need consultation for your Vietnam tour, you can contact us for personalized advice.