Best Time to Visit Vietnam
Vietnam’s long, narrow geography stretches over 1,600 km, meaning weather can vary dramatically depending on when and where you visit. To help you plan the perfect trip, we’ve broken down the best time to visit Vietnam month by month, highlighting climate conditions, travel costs, and key festivals across the country.
Quick Overview – Vietnam Travel by Season
- Spring: Mar–May:
Ideal temperatures, low rainfall
- Summer: Jun–Aug:
Hot, humid, occasional typhoons
- Autumn: Sep–Nov:
Cool breezes, fewer tourists
- Winter: Dec–Feb: Cool north, sunny south, Tet festival
January
- Cool & Dry (North), Sunny (South)
- North (Hanoi, Sapa): Cold (10–18°C), dry. Bring jackets.
- Central (Da
Nang, Hue): Mild, some rain.
- South (Ho Chi
Minh City, Phu Quoc): Warm & sunny—perfect beach weather!
- Events: Early
Tet (if applicable)
- Best for: Sightseeing, beaches in the south, city tours.
February
- Lunar New Year
Season
- All Regions:
Still dry, great travel weather.
- Tet Festival:
Biggest holiday in Vietnam. Some shops close, but cultural activities abound.
- Tip: Book
accommodation and flights early, prices spike.
- Best for: Culture lovers, festival-goers.
March
- North: Crisp
spring air, flowers blooming.
- Central &
South: Dry and warm (25–30°C).
- Great time for
Hanoi, Halong Bay, Da Nang, and Phu Quoc.
- Best for: Outdoor activities, photos, exploring.
April
- Warm &
Welcoming
- Days get warmer,
especially in the south.
- North &
Central: Still dry. Hanoi and Hue look their best.
- Events: Hung
Kings’ Festival (national holiday)
- Best for: Family trips, countryside visits, food tours.
May
- Beginning of Low
Season
- South: Hot and
humid. Occasional showers.
- North/Central:
Warming up but still manageable.
- Fewer crowds =
better deals on tours and hotels.
- Best for: Budget travelers, fewer tourists.
June
- Hot & Rainy
- All Regions: Hot
(~30–35°C), especially in the south.
- Rain begins
(mostly afternoon downpours).
- Good time for
indoor museums, cafes, and cultural experiences.
- Best for: Urban travel (Saigon, Hanoi), early summer deals.
July
- Peak Summer
& Rain
- Typhoon season
begins, especially along the central coast.
- South Vietnam:
Heavy rains but still warm.
- Tip: Carry light
rain gear; showers are short-lived.
- Best for: Indoor adventures, mountain escapes like Da Lat.
August
- Humid, But
Beautiful Landscapes
- Green rice
fields, lush mountain views.
- North Vietnam:
Sapa and Ha Giang are stunning this time of year.
- Rain continues,
but mornings are often clear.
- Best for: Nature photography, mountain trekking.
September
- Start of Autumn
(Ideal Travel Begins)
- North/Central:
Cooler, less rain, golden rice terraces in the north.
- South: Rain
easing off.
- Events:
Mid-Autumn Festival (with lanterns & mooncakes)
- Best for: Romantic trips, nature travel, cultural events.
October
- Peak Travel Time
- North &
Central: Cool, dry, and scenic.
- Best time to
visit Hanoi, Halong Bay, Hue, and Hoi An.
- South: Rain
nearly gone.
- Best for: First-time visitors, classic itineraries.
November
- Cool & Calm
- Best balance of
weather and fewer crowds.
- North: Misty
hills and cool evenings (perfect for Ha Giang).
- South: Great
beach weather returns.
- Best for: Long-haul trips, relaxing holidays.
December
- Cool Winter
& Christmas Vibes
- North: Cold
(10–17°C); festive lights in Hanoi.
- South: Perfect
for Christmas on the beach!
- Events:
Christmas celebrations in big cities.
- Best for: End-of-year escapes, warm holidays in tropical areas.
Best Time to Visit
Vietnam by Travel Type
- Beach Holidays: Dec–Apr
in Phu Quoc, Nha Trang
- Cultural Tours: Feb,
Mar, Oct, Nov
- Budget Travel: May,
Jun, Sep
- Avoiding Rain:
Dec - Apr
- Avoiding Crowds: May - Sep
Where to Go in
Vietnam by Season
- Spring: Hanoi,
Ninh Binh, Hoi An
- Summer: Da Lat,
Sapa, Ha Giang
- Autumn: Hanoi,
Ha Long Bay, Hue
- Winter: Ho Chi Minh City, Mekong Delta, Phu Quoc
Final Travel Tips:
Bring layered clothing if you're traveling through different regions of
Vietnam, as temperatures can vary greatly. Always check the Tet holiday dates
in advance since they change every year and can affect business hours and
transport. If you're planning to visit during the peak season from October to
April, be sure to book flights and hotels early to avoid high prices and
limited availability.
