When Should You Go to Vietnam? An Overview for Every Traveler
Because of Vietnam’s length of over 1,600 kilometers, there are significant differences in its weather patterns. There may not be a single “best” time to visit, but the period from November-April is commonly considered the “sweet spot” for happy, dry weather in most of Vietnam.
The best time for you to visit subsequently depends on where you go. Let’s break it down, region by region.
An Easy Overview: Vietnam at a Quick glance
- Best Weather Overall (N & S): November to April
- Best Conditions for Central Coast Beaches (Danang, Hoi An): February to August
- Best Low Budget, Less People: May to October “Green Season”
- When Weather might be risky: September to December in Central Vietnam (typhoon season)
Northern Vietnam: Hanoi, Halong Bay, Sapa
The north has four distinct seasons with a colder and dry winter and a very hot and humid summer.
- Best Time to Visit (October – April): The most ideal to visit Vietnam is during this period. In Autumn (Oct-Nov), typically clear skies and nice temperatures around 20-27°C (68-81°F) conditions are perfect for trekking in Sapa or cruising Halong Bay. In winter (Dec-Feb) temperatures are still cooler, dry but can drop to about 15 degrees Celsius (59 °f) in Hanoi. Alternatively in the mountains it can be much colder, even below 5 degrees Celsius (32 °f). Light frost is possible. In Spring (Mar-Apr) it typically starts to warm back up again.
- Off Season (May – September): Characteristics of summer heat and humidity. Expect temperatures to exceed 32°C (90°F) with heavy and sometimes daily downpours. Travel is possible during the summer; just be prepared for rain and the most humid, hazy conditions in Halong Bay.
Central Vietnam: Hoi An, Danang, Hue
This part of Vietnam has a long dry season that lends it to being a perfect beach destination for most of the year.
- Best time to visit (February – August): Basically a long stretch of dry and sunny weather. Early in the season (Feb-Apr) temperatures are warm (24-29°C (75-84°F)). May-August the weather is hot, frequently reaching 35 °C (95 °F), and perfect weather for laying on the beaches of Da Nang or An Bang!
- Rainy Season (September – January): Generally this is the monsoon season for the central coast. Rainfall is common and frequent and heavy, and also the central coast is most vulnerable during the typhoon belt of late September through November. It typically remains warm, outdoor activities are more damaged!
The south features a classic tropical climate with two main seasons: dry and wet.
- The Dry Season (November – April): This is the best time to visit Southern Vietnam. You can expect brilliant sunshine, low humidity and always warm temperatures ranging from 25-33°C (77-91°F). It is the best time to explore Ho Chi Minh City’s lively streets or take a boat trip through the canals of the Mekong Delta.
- The Wet Season (May – October): “Wet season” should not put you off too much. The rain usually builds up to a short sharp downpour (but high humidity) that can be refreshing after the heat of the day. In fact, the wet season is very hot and humid in Southern Vietnam but gives you the chance to see the Mekong Delta at its best, lush and green! Time your activities for the morning and leave your afternoons open.
Beyond the weather, other factors to consider.
- Tet (Vietnamese New Year): This is the most important festival in Vietnam, occurring around late January or early February. Traveling during Tet offers a fascinating cultural experience, but keep in mind that restaurants and shops close for a number of days and transportation is booked out months in advance.
- Crowds & Cost: The tourist high season (Nov-Apr) will mean higher prices and more people. If you travel in “green season” (the wet months) you will have much fewer tourists, more green scenery, and you will discover cheaper flights and accommodation.