The best time to visit Vietnam is usually from November to April. But with each region showcasing its unique climate, you can explore different experiences every month. Follow the article below to get the best trip to Vietnam.
Vietnam Weather Overview
Vietnam extends more than 1,600 kilometers from the north to the south, and the Vietnam climate ranges from region to the other. Follow the table below to take a look at Vietnam’s weather by month:
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Month
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North
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Central
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South
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Travel Tips
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January
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Cool and dry
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Mild and dry
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Dry and sunny
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Ideal time for full-country tours
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February
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Pleasant and dry
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Warm and dry
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Dry and hot
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Tet Holiday celebrations begin
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March
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Warming up
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Warm and dry
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Hot and dry
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Best month to visit Vietnam overall
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April
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Hotter, still dry
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Hot and dry
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Very hot, still dry
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Great for beaches
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May
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Hot, humid starts
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Hot, light rain begins
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Beginning of the rainy season
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Good mix of sunshine & savings
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June
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Hot and rainy
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The rainy season begins
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Wet and humid
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Good for fewer crowds
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July
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Hot, rainy
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Wet season
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Rainy season
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Avoid the Central region
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August
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Rainy
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Heavy rains and storms
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Wet season
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Best time to travel to the North
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September
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Cooling off, less rain
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Storm season
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End of rainy season
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Beautiful landscapes in the North
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October
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Cool and dry returns
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Rain fades, still wet
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Drier weather begins
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Trekking season starts
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November
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Mild and dry
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Dry and pleasant
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Dry season returns
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Best time of year to visit Vietnam
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December
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Cold
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Cool and dry
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Warm and dry
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Excellent for South & Central
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When Is The Best Time To Visit Vietnam? – by Region
Time matters a lot when you visit any foreign country, especially with a travel destination like Vietnam. At the same time, it allows visitors to avoid the heavy rainfalls or the burning heat, and allows them to experience the best of the cultural and natural beauty that Vietnam has to offer. Let’s break down Vietnam by region to see what the best month to visit Vietnam:
North Vietnam
For most of Northern Vietnam, the best time to visit is March to April and September to November. It’s green and yeah, it’s nice to sight-see there.
Central Vietnam
By February, typhoon seasons have begun to wane, and you start to notice warmer and sunnier days creeping back into regular rotation. If you are considering a visit from February through August, that’s great! It’s the perfect weather to be outside. It’s 30°C, which is hot (or 29°C), and it’s July or August, the beach is waiting for you, and the sun is shining!
South Vietnam
South Vietnam is such a warm place, you always feel like you are on vacation, no matter what time of the year it is. In fact, many photographers swear that the monsoon season is the best time to take those awe-inspiring photographs.
But by March, the heat can kick in, with temperatures rising to an eye-watering 40°C, or even more! So, if you don’t like the idea of sweltering temperatures, it might be a better idea to head there at a cooler time of year!
Best Month To Visit Vietnam
Vietnam’s weather ranges from subtropical in the north to tropical in the south, and the scenery changes accordingly. Each month brings its own features, so let’s continue reading as we explore the beauty of each month in Vietnam.
January
Best for: Cultural sightseeing, discovering ancient towns, and festive Tet preparations.
Believe it or not, but it’s a great time to visit Vietnam despite being in the winter! During this time, the temperature is pleasantly warm, amounting to a lot of sunshine and low humidity. The temperature averages around 25°C, just perfect for exploring.
There are cities like Hanoi, Hue, and Hoi An, full of culture and history, waiting for you. Plus, there’s a magical feeling in the air with the abundance of Lunar New Year (Tet) festivities taking place all over Vietnam. It’s such a busy time, and it’s certainly a good opportunity to reap the rewards of those celebrations.
But this month brings the approach of Tet, and many local shops, restaurants, and services may take time off to celebrate it.
February
Best for: Bar hopping in Ho Chi Minh City, taking cozy day trips to the Mekong Delta, or soaking up the sun at one of those amazing rooftop pools.
It is an amazing month to discover Vietnam! The weather is just about perfect, with temperatures hovering around 23°C. If you’re dreaming of sandy beaches, the southern islands are your best bet for some warmth and a lazy afternoon. For a bit of excitement, you can head to Ho Chi Minh City and soak up those jaw-dropping rooftop views.
This time of year, the energy shifts as the Lunar New Year (Tet) rolls around, filling the streets with lively celebrations. Therefore, in case you need to escape the hustle and bustle, take a day trip to the Mekong Delta. You’ll find the floating markets in all their splendor, thanks to the higher water levels.
March
Best for: Trekking in Sapa, cruising Halong Bay, and exploring ancient towns.
March in Vietnam is just incredible! In the north, the weather is around 19°C, while in the south it is warmer. It’s such a great moment to get outside and enjoy everything that nature has to offer.
Visitors should try hiking through the stunning terraced fields of Sapa or sailing across the dazzling emerald waters of Halong Bay. And let’s not forget about Hoi An. The sunshine washes over the ancient streets, inviting you to explore every nook and cranny or just kick back on the gorgeous nearby beaches.
April
Best for: Hue Festival celebrations, learning about ancient traditions, and cultural sightseeing.
April is such a wonderful time to visit Vietnam! The weather is warm, but there’s a lovely mildness in the air that makes exploring so enjoyable. In the South, the weather can quickly change, causing rain.
Interestingly, there are not too many tourist crowds, so it’s a good opportunity to wander around stunning places like Tran Quoc Pagoda in Hanoi or Thien Mu Pagoda in Hue.
May
Best for: Visiting beaches, exploring the highlands, and experiencing local festivals.
May has arrived, and that means summer is officially in full swing here in Vietnam! You can practically feel the heat rising, along with the humidity. It’s the perfect excuse to escape to gorgeous beaches like Phu Quoc or Nha Trang, where the sun and sea beckon. The highlands, especially Da Lat, offer a refreshing break with their cool breezes and stunning landscapes.
Additionally, May is a vibrant month packed with local festivals that showcase the beauty of Vietnamese culture. You shouldn’t miss the Red Flamboyant Flower Festival in Hai Phong with street performances, music, and floral displays. Also, beautiful Buddhist festivals happen throughout the country during Vesak, which marks Buddha’s Birthday.
June
Best for: Museum visits, cycling, and visiting the National Park.
June is often called the “hottest month in Vietnam,” but it’s still a great time to check out the middle parts of the country. You can soak up the sun on Danang and Nha Trang’s sandy beaches, and bike along pretty coastal roads.
In the South, people can dive into the rich culture and history at some of Ho Chi Minh City’s interesting museums, like the War Remnants Museum and the Reunification Palace. Also, June marks the start of turtle nesting season on Con Dao Island’s beautiful beaches. If you’re in that area, make sure to visit Con Dao National Park and learn about how they protect the environment.
However, it’s not recommended for trekking in the northern highlands in June. The sweltering heat mixed with high humidity and those unexpected downpours. Therefore, hiking trails at this time are slippery and uncomfortable.
July
Best for: Days at the beach, diving, and exploring UNESCO World Heritage sites.
July is the middle of the low season, so there are few tourists in cities like Ho Chi Minh and Hanoi. You’ll snag some great deals on places to stay. Good weather, relatively speaking, continues to hold in Central Vietnam, and that’s great news for anyone looking for sun and blue skies. But if you go north to places like Halong Bay and Sapa, brace yourself for hot, rainy days, with temperatures often rising above 30°C.
August
Best for: Baby Green Turtles hatching and beach lounging.
If you were considering a trek through the mountains in northern Vietnam, you might want to make other plans for August. It’s not exactly prime time for hiking. But life is “chilling” at the beaches in Hoi An and Da Nang.
Also, when you go to Con Dao Island, let’s be amazed by the image of little Green Turtles beginning their sweet trip, handed down to the ocean. These are the moments that you remember a vacation by!
September
Best for: Witnessing rice harvests in the north and enjoying autumn festivals.
September brings beauty to Vietnam. The summer’s heat begins to cool, giving both north and south a break from hot, muggy days. At the same time, Central Vietnam plunges into its rainy season, with heavy downpours and some flooding.
October
Best for: outdoor activities, Moc Chau excursion.
November
Best for: Halong Bay cruises, fishing, and mountain hiking.
This is when the country’s stunning mountains come to life, and there’s no better time to hit the great outdoors! Think of the beautiful beaches down south, like Phan Thiet and Mui Ne. They’re eager to wave good riddance to the typhoon season and to welcome travelers. Its sandy beaches are sure to please, with crystal-clear waters to boot.
December
Best for: joining Christmas and New Year’s Eve celebrations
Southern Vietnam in December is a lovely place to be! We have perfect weather, with temperatures that make you wish you could be outside all the time.
The cities are getting ready for Christmas and the New Year. It’s festive everywhere you go; shop windows everywhere are decorated for the season, and markets are popping up all over the place. It’s great to see the culture and be a part of the celebration that unites people!
From mystical mountain trips in the North to lazy beach vacations in the South, Vietnam’s incomparable experiences remain throughout the year. But if you’re wondering when the best times to visit Vietnam are, then you must decide where you want to start from. Just connect with Seni World, we have awesome travel guides, itineraries to discover Vietnam in ways you never thought of.
