Vietnam, a vibrant and captivating Southeast Asian country, is renowned for its rich history, stunning landscapes, and warm hospitality. Whether you are seeking to immerse yourself in the bustling streets of Hanoi or explore the pristine beaches of Da Nang, Vietnam offers many unforgettable experiences. However, with its diverse climate zones and varying regional weather patterns, determining the best time to visit Vietnam can be challenging. This article will delve into the different seasons and provide valuable insights to help you plan your ideal trip to Vietnam.
Vietnam is a lovely, long country with distinct northern, central, and southern regions. Many visitors come for the warm weather and enjoy the scenic beauty, laid-back ambience, and excellent food.
Read Our Most Beautiful Places to Visit in Vietnam
Planning your trip to Vietnam is essential to avoid visiting during the hottest months of the year or when it rains the most.
The weather is diverse in various parts of Vietnam.
Generally, travelling all over Vietnam is best from March to April and October to November. It is down to what region you are planning to visit.
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Best Time to Visit Northern Vietnam
Northern Vietnam (Hanoi, Ha Long Bay, Sapa):
- Best time: October to April
- These months bring cooler temperatures and drier weather, which is ideal for trekking in Sapa and cruising Ha Long Bay.
May to October are hot and humid months.
July and September are the wettest months. The coldest months are January to March.
The end of September and October are good months to visit the North for the rice fields.
The following places are considered part of North Vietnam but are not limited to:
Sa Pa, Hanoi, Halong Bay, Cuc Phuong, Mai Chau, and Ninh Binh.
Best Time to Visit Central Vietnam
- Central Vietnam (Hue, Hoi An, Da Nang):
- Best time: February to August
- This period offers sunny weather, perfect for exploring the beaches and historic sites. Avoid the rainy season (September to November).
The following places are considered part of Central Vietnam but are not limited to:
Quy Nhon, Hoi An, Hue, Dalat, Nha Trang, and Danang.
Best Time to Visit Southern Vietnam
Southern Vietnam (Ho Chi Minh City, Mekong Delta):
- Best time: November to April
- Expect dry and warm weather, perfect for sightseeing and exploring the delta.
Many people agree that December through to February is the most excellent time to visit the south of Vietnam because of all the celebrations. As the southern area experiences high temperatures (up to 39°C) but moderate humidity, late December is an ideal time to come and soak in the holiday spirit.
In general, the rainy season in the South runs from May to November with the heaviest months being June, July and August.
The dry season is between November and April.
The following places are considered part of Southern Vietnam but are not limited to:
The Mekong Delta, Phan Thiet, Mui Ne, Ho Tram, Phu Quoc,
Con Dao, Long Hai, and Ho Chi Minh City.
Busiest Time to Visit Vietnam
It is recommended to make hotel reservations well in advance during July and August since these are the busiest travel months in Vietnam, and rates might increase by up to 50% along the coast.
The whole nation, except for the very far north, has high levels of heat and humidity, which are sometimes broken up by impressive summer monsoon downpours.
TET in Vietnam
Tết, short for Tết Nguyên Đán, is the Vietnamese Lunar New Year, the most important holiday in Vietnam. It marks the arrival of spring based on the lunar calendar and is a time for family reunions, paying respects to ancestors, and celebrating new beginnings.
When is Tết?
Tết typically falls in late January or early February, aligning with the first day of the Lunar New Year.
What does Tết mean?
- “Tết Nguyên Đán” translates to “Festival of the First Morning of the First Day,” symbolizing renewal and the start of a new year.
- It’s a time for Vietnamese people to clean their homes, settle debts, exchange gifts, and prepare traditional foods like bánh chưng (sticky rice cake).
- Families honour their ancestors through offerings and visit temples to pray for prosperity, health, and happiness in the year ahead.
Tết is also a vibrant time for travellers to experience Vietnamese culture through parades, lion dances, and colourful decorations. However, many businesses may close during the peak days of the holiday.
Cheapest Time to Visit Vietnam
Flight costs to Vietnam drop to their lowest point of the year in September and October, the low season. Since there will be fewer crowds at your destination, you can get better deals on flights and accommodations.
When to Avoid Visiting Vietnam
Typhoon season is not a good time to visit Vietnam. Since Mother Nature is seldom predictable, hurricane season (typhoon season) typically ends sometime in December. The start date depends on whether you’re in northern, middle, or southern Vietnam. August through November is often the stormiest time of year, with October being the most violent.
The Tet Holiday is a very busy time to visit Vietnam. You will find that transport will be booked well before the dates of Tet which generally fall either late January or early February. Some of the major tourist attractions may also be closed during Tet. Costs for food and services may double during this time.
Winter in Vietnam
Vietnam has a unique climate in the winter that complements its rivers, stunning beaches, and ancient pagodas. From the end of November to about the middle of February, Vietnam experiences winter, with January being the coldest month.
Best Places to Visit in Vietnam in Winter
Mount Fansipan
See one of the most stunning regions of Southeast Asia by trekking into the mountains of Sapa and taking in the breathtaking vistas of the region’s terraced rice fields. Participate in the Sapa Winter Festival, a fantastic opportunity to learn about the culture and cuisine of Northern Vietnam and to celebrate the arrival of the snowy season.
Highlights
- Check-in Fansipan Peak with a majestic and beautiful view
- Experience the cable car ride on one of the longest cable car routes in Vietnam
- Enjoy many architectural and cultural attractions of Indochine
- Beautiful rice view, Bamboo forest, waterfall, culture, mountain view
- Private car pick up and drop off at the hotel in Sapa centre
Ha Long Bay
Those who prefer to experience the scenery from a boat go to Ha Long Bay in the winter, near the mouth of the Red River Delta. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is one of the most visited places year-round, but the winter months showcase its stunning natural beauty.
Please read our review here of our 2-night stay in Halong Bay
Spring in Vietnam
Spring between January and April offers many wonderful activities and attractions. Vietnam is best during springtime. Visit these beautiful spring destinations.
Best Places to Visit Vietnam in Spring
Moc Chau Plateau
Moc Chau is a strange and beautiful North West destination in spring. Spring is the most beautiful season in the countryside when peach and plum blossoms are bright. Spring adds rustic charm with flowers.
Hanoi
In April, visit the Capital. Hoan Kiem Lake, Temple of Literature, Thang Long Imperial Castle, and West Lake Water Park are attractions. The city is decorated for the holidays. People visit Tran Quoc Pagoda and West Lake Palace to sightsee, relax, and pray for good fortune.
Please read our article here on What To Do in Hanoi
Summer in Vietnam
Vietnam’s coastlines and rich landscapes are perfect destinations in the summer months. The months of March to early June are ideal for those who wish to visit the beaches or the valleys.
Best Places to Visit Vietnam in Summer
Hoi An
The summer sky makes Hoi An’s historic city appear magnificent. Enjoy a diversity of architecture and gastronomy by foot, bike, or scooter. Visit Bang Beach or Cham Island via public boat.
How about a day tour around Hoi An and Danang in a sidecar?
Nha Trang
Nha Trang’s crescent-shaped coastline, scenic beaches, and blue bay are famous. There are small islands in the bay and many hills on all sides. When visiting Nha Trang, windsurfing, parasailing, underwater walking, and flyboarding are all possible.
Autumn in Vietnam
With the Mid-Autumn Festival and September 2nd’s Independence Day, autumn is a great time to take a vacation, have a picnic, and relax in Vietnam.
Best Places to Visit in Vietnam in Autumn
Lan Ha Bay
Lan Ha Bay, which encompasses more than 7,000 hectares and is located south of the East Bay and Cat Ba Island, is renowned for its breathtaking natural beauty and the unique forms it gives to its 400 lush islands. In contrast to Ha Long, every one of Lan Ha Bay’s islands—even the little one—is forested.
Mekong Delta
It is located at the furthest southern tip of Vietnam. It’s a complex network of waterways, wetlands, and islands. As most people in this area depend on boats for transportation and commerce, the floating market is a must-see.
Please read our article on 4 days/3 nights on the Mekong Delta
Conclusion
You can finally confidently plan your journey to Vietnam now that you know the best time to visit. Vietnam is home to various events, historic places, stunning coastlines, and delectable dishes; it’s time to start preparing. Travel safely!
General Travel Information for Vietnam
Wondering which airport to fly into? Read our Vietnam Airport Guide for information.
You may need to organise an e-visa on arrival in advance of your travel to Vietnam.
Travel Insurance
We always recommend travel insurance when you start booking your flights, hotels, tours and cruises. You just never know when you may need it.
Bus, Train and Ferry Travel
Our ‘go-to’ is 12goasia for all our land transport options and bookings.
Flights into Vietnam
For flights into Vietnam and around Vietnam our preferred partner is Skyscanner.
Air Asia fly into Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Danang and Nha Trang from various destinations in Asia.
Hotel Bookings Throughout Vietnam
Our favourite hotel booking engine is booking.com. Did you know you can save money by booking all your hotels with booking.com and becoming a ‘genius’!
Do You Need an E-Sim?
Using an eSIM from e-Simatic when you travel offers convenience, flexibility, and cost savings. With no physical SIM card required, you can easily activate a local or international data plan before or during your trip. e-Simatic’s eSIMs provide reliable mobile coverage in multiple countries, eliminating the hassle of swapping SIM cards or dealing with expensive roaming charges. Stay connected for navigation, communication, and sharing your adventures without interruption, making your travel experience smoother and more enjoyable.
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We did Central Vietnam in the summertime and yep; it was sweltering and sunny indeed. We loved it there. Drink ample water to replenish fluids lost, cover up and apply sun block to be A-OK.
Ryan
Great tips Ryan for all travellers! We love Vietnam!