The Best Time to Visit Vietnam

When is the Best Time to Travel to Vietnam?

Vietnam is an enchanting year-round travel destination, with ideal weather varying depending on the region and activities you have your sights set on. If you’re traveling the length of the country from north to south, January to April is generally considered the ideal time to visit, when you’ll experience drier, milder weather overall. 

But given that the country spans over 1,000 miles from top to bottom, even during that window there can be stark differences in temperature. From December to February, the mountains of Sapa in the north might see a dusting of snow, while the Mekong Delta in the south enjoys balmy summertime weather. That doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy both regions on the same trip, and if you don’t mind the heat or a little rain, there are also perks to traveling during the off-season no matter where you’re headed.  

Best
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
Nov
Good
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Nov
Dec
Avoid
Sep
Oct

A word about weather: Bear in mind that this guide is founded on historical “norms” and trends based on our cumulative travel expertise. Weather patterns, average temperatures, rainfall, and the natural phenomena that react to seasonal changes are becoming less easy to predict as the climate warms.

Vietnam Climate & Weather Guide

Ho Chi Minh City

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Mekong Delta

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Mai Chau

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Ha Long Bay

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Ninh Binh

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Phong Nha

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Hoi An

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The Vietnam Coast

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Vietnam is a long, narrow country that stretches down the easternmost edge of Southeast Asia. It’s bordered by China to the north and Laos and Cambodia to the west. A thousand-mile coastline snakes down the east coast fringing the China Sea, and the country’s two major rivers, the Mekong in the south and the Red in the north, journey through deltas to reach the open water. Mostly famously, the Mekong Delta is one of the most fertile, vibrant regions in the country, home to plentiful orchards, rice paddies, and floating markets. 

Inland in the north and northwest, visitors will find Vietnam’s most iconic mountain ranges, including its highest peak, Mount Fansipan. The country’s varied topography of mountains, forest, wetlands, and coastlines has created unique ecosystems that support a diverse range of flora and fauna.

This diversity of terrain and elevation also creates unique weather systems that can vary widely by region, even at the same time of year. 

When to Travel to Vietnam:
A Month-by-Month Guide

© Frederik Wissink for Zannier Hotels

Best Time to Travel Northern Vietnam: November to April 

Whether you’re exploring time-honored traditions in the capital city of Hanoi and cruising the emerald waters of Ha Long Bay or heading to the far north for trekking in Sapa or Mai Chau, November to April will usually guarantee dry weather. Temperatures sit comfortably around 70 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit close to the capital, however, mountainous regions such as Sapa can get quite chilly in December and January and even see light snowfall. Pack warm layers if you plan to spend time in the north’s forested hills during those months. 

Although October is off-season and can bring heavy rains to northern Vietnam, temperatures are still mild, everything is green and in bloom, and its harvest season in Mai Chau. So, not only will you get a look at traditional farming and harvest practices in the small villages you visit, but you’ll enjoy less crowds. 

Best Time to Travel Central Vietnam: January to August

The weather is dry and warm during this period, with temperatures often hitting 90 degrees Fahrenheit. March is the perfect time to head to the riverside town of Phong Nha to cycle along tranquil rural trails and embark on thrilling caving expeditions. This season is also ideal walking-around weather to dive into Vietnam’s imperial past in the historic city of Hue or lose yourself in the colorful, lantern-lit streets of romantic Hoi An

The rainy season sweeps in from September through December in the center of the country, and caving expeditions are off the menu because of flooding risk. 

Best Time to Travel Southern Vietnam: November to April

The south of the country experiences its dry, hot season from November to April. Immerse yourself in art and culture in the dynamic metropolis of Ho Chi Minh City or while away languid days in the Mekong Delta weaving through its floating markets. You’ll also enjoy calm, clear waters for snorkeling, diving, and boating along the Vietnam Coast. Head to the Con Dao archipelago to soak up the sun from powdery, white-sand beaches fringed by lush jungle. 

From May to October, the weather turns warm and wet in this region, with the heaviest rainfall typically arriving from June to August—not ideal for beach days. 

Planning Your Trip 

While there are certain times of year where you’ll experience the most comfortable weather, there are no extremes in Vietnam, and if you’ve packed properly, travel in the off-season in most regions is feasible and often benefits from fewer crowds. Exceptions to this are Phong Nha, where caving expeditions stop running from September to November, trekking in Sapa in December and January when temps drop below zero, and November in central Vietnam when the region experiences heavy rains and flooding. 

Connect with an Extraordinary Journeys Southeast Asia expert to craft a bespoke Vietnam travel itinerary that takes all factors into consideration for an unforgettable trip. 

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