When is the best time to visit Vietnam?
by Pilar Dujan | August 30, 2022
Vietnam is a very particular country in terms of weather, and it’s a huge factor to take into account when planning a trip! But don’t worry, this guide will blow your worries away and make everything clear as day. Let’s dive into the best time to visit Vietnam and a month-by-month overview!
What is the weather like in Vietnam?
Due to Vietnam’s length, there are some regional differences in terms of weather. It’s common to split the country into three distinct areas: North, Central and South Vietnam. The South has a tropical climate, but the North has a mountainous landscape that creates a more temperate climate.
North Vietnam
The climate of northern Vietnam is milder than the rest of the country due to the mountain range that crosses it.
There are recognizable seasons: winter lasts from November to April, and the summer from May to October. January is the coldest month of the year.
While winters tend to be cold and dry, the summer in northern Vietnam is hot and humid: the rainy season coincides with the summer. From July to September there’s the highest amount of rainfall.
Central Vietnam
Central Vietnam has only two seasons: dry (from December to August) and wet (from September to November). You’re likely to run into typhoons and floods during the rainy season, especially between October and November. The months ranging from February to August are the hottest and driest of the year.
South Vietnam
Vietnam’s south has the most tropical weather out of all three regions. The heat in Southern Vietnam is no joke!
There are two distinct seasons: dry (from November to May) and wet (from May to November). June, July and August are the months with the highest rainfall of the year.
Vietnam weather by month
As I’ve already mentioned, Vietnam can be divided into three distinct regions when it comes to weather patterns. To help you make the best out of your trip, here’s an overview of Vietnam’s temperature by month for each area.
January
North Vietnam
If you travel to Northern Vietnam in January, you can expect clear skies and mild temperatures. You’re not likely to run into heavy rains, and the average temperature is 18ºC. You should know that early morning and late nights are going to be much cooler than 18ºC so, if you travel to this area in January, pack accordingly.
Central Vietnam
The weather in central Vietnam gets better as the month advances, with temperatures averaging 23ºC. January is the end of the rainy season, so you can expect dry and chilly days.
South Vietnam
January is a good month to explore the south part of the country. With an average temperature of 26ºC, the beaches of the area are ready for travelers, who can expect sunny days with little or no rain.
February
North Vietnam
North Vietnam starts to get warmer in February, although not yet at the same level as the rest of the country. On average, you can expect clear days of 18ºC and virtually no rainfall.
Central Vietnam
Central Vietnam has an average daily temperature of 22ºC in February. The beaches are perfect for sunbathing and swimming: days are usually hot and sunny, and it’s not likely you’ll see any rainfall. It’s a great time to travel if you enjoy trekking or adventure sports as well!
South Vietnam
The South has the best weather for beach lovers in February. With temperatures averaging 28ºC, packing a swimsuit is an absolute must. Just like the rest of the country, there’ll be almost no rainfall during February.
March
North Vietnam
March is the best month to visit Vietnam as a whole: even the North starts getting hot! Average temperatures range around 20ºC, making it a great time to explore the surrounding mountains and all natural landscapes. Rain is very scarce in March as well.
Central Vietnam
Central Vietnam sees clear, sunny days with no rainfall at this time of the year. The average temperature is 24ºC, but you can assume that it’ll be a lot hotter during the day (perfect beach weather!).
South Vietnam
If you consider yourself a cold lover, then you might want to avoid traveling to South Vietnam in March. The days get quite hot (29ºC on average), especially by the end of the month. However, since it’s also a dry month, you can run away from the heat by going straight to the sea without being bothered by the rain.
April
North Vietnam
April is considered by many as the best month to go to Vietnam, although it starts to get rainy by the end of the month. However, early to mid-April sees an average temperature of 24ºC, a great time to walk around and see flowers in full bloom.
Central Vietnam
With average temperatures of 27ºC, as you can imagine, April is a good time to explore central Vietnam and its beaches. Sunny days and blue skies are all that you’ll see!
South Vietnam
Southern Vietnam can get very hot during April, with temperatures averaging 30ºC. Although it can get a bit windy, it’s a great month to head to the beaches of this region.
May
North Vietnam
As May goes on, North Vietnam starts getting hotter and rainier. However, it’s still a good month to travel. You can expect an average of 28ºC during the day.
Central Vietnam
The beaches in Central Vietnam are at their peak during May. The rain starts increasing towards the end of the month, but you’ll mostly see sunny days with an average of 29ºC.
South Vietnam
May starts very hot in the South, and it gets more humid as the month goes on. Luckily, the increase in rainfall doesn’t mean an increase in heat (29ºC of average temperature, which decreases as the month passes).
June
North Vietnam
June in North Vietnam is quite hot and frequently stormy. The daily average temperature for the month is 30°C. You should know that activities outdoors are not advised at this time of the year because of the rain.
Central Vietnam
This is the region that holds up the best in June, although it starts to get rainy towards the end of the month. However, it’s a good time to explore this region if you’re planning a short trip, for example. The nearby beaches will be calling to you during the 30ºC days, and you better be ready to answer!
South Vietnam
June is not the best month to plan a trip to South Vietnam: you’ll find yourself in the midst of the rainy season. This means that, even though you won’t be able to properly enjoy the natural wonders of the region, museums and shops will be a lot less crowded (and more enjoyable). Plus, with an average temperature of 29ºC for this time of the year, any place that has AC will be a great way to spend the day.
July
North Vietnam
It’s still the rainy season in this part of the country. You can expect 30ºC during the day, accompanied by lots of rain so you can imagine it’s not the most comfortable time for sightseeing.
Central Vietnam
Central Vietnam has the best weather in the country at this time of the year, with perfect beach weather and 30ºC days. It might rain a little once in a while, but I promise you’ll be more than happy about it.
South Vietnam
South Vietnam is also in its wet season, with very hot and humid weather marked by frequent showers. It’s usually around 29ºC during the day, but you won’t have the welcomed relief of sea waters to cool you down.
August
North Vietnam
North Vietnam is still in its hot and rainy season, with average temperatures of 29ºC. You won’t be able to enjoy outdoor activities at this time of the year.
Central Vietnam
Central Vietnam, just like in previous months, still has the best weather in the country. Temperatures of 28ºC are to be expected, and you should know that rainfall will increase as the month goes on.
South Vietnam
August is part of the rainy season in South Vietnam. However, you could still enjoy several sunny days with daily temperatures of 29ºC.
September
North Vietnam
North Vietnam is still hot and rainy in September, but conditions get better towards the end of the month. The daily average temperature is 28ºC, but by the end of September that number will be lower, and the same goes for the amount of rainfall.
Central Vietnam
The weather in this area starts to get worse by September. Temperatures drop to an average of 26ºC and rainfall increases, especially close to October. It’s no longer the season for outdoor activities like going to the beach or trekking.
South Vietnam
At this time of the year, South Vietnam starts getting back to its good season. Daily temperatures range around 27ºC and rainfall will be lower as the month goes on.
October
North Vietnam
North Vietnam sees 26ºC days this month. That number and the amount of rainfall will drop by the end of the month, when the wet season is ending and the dry winter is starting. This is a good time to explore the outdoors.
Central Vietnam
October is not the ideal time to explore Central Vietnam: it’s one of the rainiest months of the year in this region. The daily average is 24ºC. Most outdoor activities will be off limits at this time.
South Vietnam
The weather in South Vietnam slowly starts to get better in October. With days of 27ºC, you might get to enjoy a few beach days before the hot summer starts.
November
North Vietnam
This month marks the return of good weather in North Vietnam. Both the temperature and rainfall are very mild, with a daily average of 22ºC. You won’t have trouble enjoying outdoor activities, both in the water and in the mountains.
Central Vietnam
Central Vietnam is still in the midst of the rainy season in November with daily temperatures of 22ºC. Heavy showers are to be expected at this time.
South Vietnam
South Vietnam comes back to life in November with a daily average of 27ºC. It’s less humid than previous months, which makes the heat a lot more tolerable. Southern beaches are totally ready for enjoyment.
December
North Vietnam
December tends to be cool and dry in North Vietnam. Daily temperatures range around 19ºC, so you should pack clothes that can be layered to face the cold nights.
Central Vietnam
By the end of the year, Central Vietnam will get back to some of its former glory. Although rainfall is still to be expected, it will be less intense than during previous months. Daily temperatures range around 21ºC.
South Vietnam
South Vietnam is waiting with open arms for tourists looking for sunny, clear days. The weather is warm (27ºC on average) and there’s virtually no rainfall, especially by the end of the month.
Vietnam rainy season
Heavy rains can be a problem in Vietnam, so it’s very important to select travel dates that don’t coincide with the wet season. Although it won’t affect some activities, if you’d like to explore the outdoors, you could run into issues (canceled tours, roads or trails closed, etc.).
In Vietnam the monsoon season takes place at different times of the year depending on the region:
- North Vietnam: from May to October
- Central Vietnam: from August to November
- South Vietnam: from May to November
If you’d rather share your trip with fewer people than enjoying all the natural wonders of Vietnam (like its beaches), then you should consider traveling during the rainy season. Another upside of traveling during the low season is that prices tend to be a lot cheaper!
What is the best time to visit Vietnam?
The best time of year to visit Vietnam depends on which part of the country you plan on traveling to. Generally speaking though, March to May is the best time to visit Vietnam.
Here’re all the details about the best time to travel to each region:
- North Vietnam: March and April, or from September to November
- Central Vietnam: from February to August
- South Vietnam: from November to April
The best time to visit Vietnam for festivals and events
Tết Nguyên Đán
Tet, Vietnam’s Lunar New Year, is the most important celebration in the country. It usually takes place in January or February, an incredibly busy time to travel.
Tet is a time in Vietnam where families come together to honor their ancestors and pray for the new year. This means that you could be invited to share a meal with a Vietnamese family, which is a huge honor.
Even though it’s a great time to party in Vietnam, most shops, restaurants and museums tend to close during Tet. Take that into account when planning your itinerary!
Thanh Minh Day
April is an excellent time in Vietnam for traveling: the rainy season is coming to an end and there are some interesting festivals going on. Thanh Minh Day, which is on the third day of the third month of the Lunar Calendar, is a time when Vietnamese families honor their deceased ancestors by cleaning and tidying up their graves and making offerings of cold food, incense and flowers.
Phong Sinh festival
May is a good time to visit the center and northern regions of Vietnam as the weather is likely to be clear and warm. The Phong Sinh festival marks the birth, enlightenment and death of Buddha, so it is an ideal time to see temples and pagodas decorated with lanterns and hosting grand celebrations.
Danang International Fireworks Festival
During five weekends in June and July, the city of Da Nang hosts the Danang International Fireworks Festival, which will dazzle with amazing pyrotechnic displays.
You can get your tickets for this amazing festival here.
National Day
September, October and November are part of the low season in Vietnam, but great times to travel around the country nevertheless. On the 2nd of September, Vietnam celebrates its national day. It is the time in Vietnam where huge parades, rallies and fireworks are displayed in Hanoi.
Two more festivals which are usually held between September and November worth seeing are Tết Trung Thu, which is a children's festival centered around toys, and Ok Bom Boc, which is traditionally celebrated in the Mekong Delta to worship the moon.
What to pack when you travel to Vietnam
- A light waterproof jacket can come in handy in Vietnam, especially if you travel during rainy months.
- A good insect repellent is recommended. Although there is a low risk of malaria and dengue fever, it's best to avoid insect bites.
- Take long-sleeved shirts and trousers in case you want to visit a temple or pagoda, as shoulders and knees must be covered.
- If you decide to go hiking in the mountains, pack good hiking shoes or trainers as well as thermal clothing.
- Don’t forget to pack your travel documents and comply with all the requirements to enter Vietnam!
- Prepare to travel to Vietnam with our thorough travel guide.
Pilar Dujan
I’m originally from Argentina, now based in Spain. I’m a writer and Visagov’s Press Officer, which allows me to put my expertise in visa and travel-related matters to the test.
My two roles help me bring forth content that is comprehensive and helpful, always keeping in mind my goal of assisting tourists in putting together the holiday they dream of.
If you’d like to meet, you can find me on LinkedIn.
