When to go to Vietnam? Weather and climate

When is the best time to go to Vietnam?

When to fly to Vietnam? This is a question many travelers ask themselves before boarding a plane to Southeast Asia. There is no clear answer to the question of when is the best time for a vacation in Vietnam, because planning a trip to this country depends on the part of the country you are visiting (north, center, south) and the season. Vietnam does not have a tropical climate everywhere, as one might think, and in the north of the country, winter jackets may be necessary in winter. Are there rainy seasons in Vietnam? When is the dry season in Vietnam? Let's answer the most important questions and determine when is the best time to go to Vietnam. Before your trip, you can use our other guides about Vietnam:

• Vietnam – how to best plan your trip to this country?
• Vietnam tourist guide – visa, accommodation, attractions
• What to see in Vietnam? Sightseeing plan
• 10 most interesting dishes to try in Vietnam

Weather in Vietnam month by month

Temperatures in Vietnam vary throughout the year and differ depending on the region (North, Center, South) and month. To best answer the question of when to go to Vietnam, you need to analyze what weather will be best for your travel plans. Important, but often overlooked: the temperature does not always reflect the actual weather. Especially in the summer months, from June to September, high humidity can make the temperature feel up to 10 degrees higher than the actual reading on the thermometer.

• January: Northern Vietnam experiences the peak of a cold and foggy winter; in the mountains, the temperature drops to 8°C–15°C, and in Hanoi to 10°C–20°C. The center has mild and dry conditions, around 20°C–25°C, which is ideal for sightseeing. The south is sunny and warm, with temperatures of 25°C–30°C, making it the best time to visit this region.
• February: The north continues to experience cool and foggy weather, although the first signs of spring are appearing, with temperatures in the mountains ranging from 10°C to 17°C. The center enjoys dry and pleasant weather, 21°C to 26°C. The south remains warm and sunny, with temperatures of 26°C–31°C, offering an escape from winter.
• March: This is a transitional month, bringing increasingly comfortable weather across the country. In the north, temperatures rise to 12°C–20°C, and the fog lifts, revealing mountain views. The center has the most pleasant weather of the year (22°C–27°C), with clear skies conducive to sunbathing. The south is warm and sunny (26°C–32°C).
• April: Often considered the ideal month to visit Vietnam. The north has pleasant temperatures ranging from 18°C to 25°C and cloudless skies. The center is warm and dry, 23°C to 30°C. In the south, humidity increases and temperatures can reach up to 35°C.
• May: The north is warm (20°C–28°C), and the rice terraces are starting to turn green, but there are occasional rains. The center remains relatively dry, 25°C–32°C, making it a great time for sunbathing. In the south, the rainy season begins with frequent, intense but short downpours, and temperatures range from 27°C to 34°C.
• June: Considered the hottest month. In the north, temperatures rise to 28°C–35°C, and afternoon rains are frequent, providing relief from the heat. The center remains mostly sunny, 28°C–34°C, ideal for beach activities. The south continues to experience high humidity and short showers (27°C–33°C).
• July: Brings high humidity and the height of summer. The north is hot and humid (28°C–35°C), with frequent downpours. The center remains sunny and warm (29°C–35°C), and beaches such as Da Nang are crowded. The south continues to experience the rainy season (26°C–33°C), but rainfall is intermittent.
• August: This is the peak of the rainy season in most of the country (except the center) and the beginning of the typhoon season. The north has hot and humid weather (26°C–33°C). The center is relatively dry but very hot (28°C–35°C), although the typhoon season is approaching. The south experiences heavy rainfall (26°C–32°C).
• September: The North is transitioning into autumn, bringing cooler and drier weather (25°C–30°C in Hanoi). The mountains are picturesque, and the rice terraces are golden and ready for harvest. Central Vietnam experiences the beginning of the wet season and high rainfall, with temperatures ranging from 26°C to 32°C. In the south, rain is commonplace (around 32°C).
• October: This is one of the best months to travel to the North and South. The North enjoys mild and clear weather (15°C–22°C). The center is in the rainy season, and sunbathing is not recommended (24°C–30°C). The south is entering the dry season (26°C–31°C).
• November: Offers favorable conditions throughout the country. The north has crisp and dry weather (20°C–26°C). The center is slowly coming out of the rainy season, with more stable weather and temperatures of 23°C–29°C. The south is in the dry season, with warm and sunny weather (26°C–32°C).
• December: The north is entering the winter season, with cool and foggy weather (15°C–20°C). The center is becoming cooler and drier (20°C–25°C). The south is sunny and warm (25°C–31°C), and the dry season is ideal for exploring Saigon.

Description of Vietnam's climate

Want to decide when to fly to Vietnam? It's best to first learn about the climate in Vietnam. Vietnam's climate is extremely diverse, due to its long geographical length and complex terrain, where mountains and highlands account for about 75% of the country's area. Two main climate types dominate the country: tropical humid in the north and tropical humid (or equatorial humid) in the south. High air temperatures, significant rainfall, very high humidity, and periodic monsoons are characteristic of the whole of Vietnam. Northern Vietnam, including Hanoi, experiences four seasons, with a cool, humid winter, where temperatures can drop below 10°C, and a hot and humid summer. In the mountainous areas of the north, such as Sapa, there is even frost and snowfall in winter, from December to February, and fog makes trekking difficult.

In contrast, the south (e.g., Ho Chi Minh City) has only two distinct seasons: dry (November to April), characterized by heat and sunshine, and rainy (May to October) with violent but short-lived afternoon downpours. Central Vietnam, especially in the Hoi An area, has more complicated weather, enjoying a dry season from February to August but experiencing a rainy season and typhoon season from August to November. The most favorable weather conditions, allowing you to combine sightseeing in most regions of the country, are during the transitional months, such as March, April, October, and November. Due to these varied conditions, Vietnam is a destination that can be visited successfully throughout the year, with routes planned appropriately to suit the local weather.

When to fly to Vietnam? North, South, and Central Vietnam

Thanks to its diversity, Vietnam is an ideal tourist destination all year round. However, weather conditions vary, and personal preferences regarding the weather can be a very important factor when choosing a travel date. Temperatures in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City can be similar or drastically different depending on the month. Let's analyze the climatic differences between the north and south and choose the best time for sunbathing, sightseeing, and additional activities (such as motorcycling). Remember! If you are not afraid of the rainy season in Vietnam and you like a humid climate, I highly recommend the turn of August and September, when I made my last trip. Now let's move on to the analysis:

• Northern Vietnam: The best time to visit is from mid-September to mid-December and in spring (March-April). During these months, temperatures are pleasant (e.g., in September in Hanoi 25°C-30°C, and in March 18°C-24°C) and there are no heavy rains. Autumn (October, November) is particularly recommended for trekking in the mountains, when the rice terraces are golden before the harvest and the weather is mild (e.g., in October, 15°C–22°C in Sapa). Spring (March–May) also offers comfortable conditions for hiking in the mountains and exploring Hanoi (18°C–25°C). Avoid traveling in the middle of winter (mid-December to the end of February), when Hanoi and Ha Long Bay are cool (10°C–20°C) and foggy, making it difficult to enjoy the scenery, and summer (mid-May to late July) can be extremely hot and humid (32°C–40°C).
• Central Vietnam: The best time to visit is during the dry season from February to August. The region from Da Nang to Phu Yen is best visited from January to April and in August and September. The most pleasant weather for sunbathing in Hoi An and Da Nang is from late February to July. March and April offer ideal conditions (22°C–30°C). Avoid the period from August to January, which is the rainy season and typhoon season (especially September–November), which brings the risk of flooding and heavy rainfall.
• South Vietnam: The best time to travel is during the dry season, which lasts from late October to early May. Our calendar winter (December, January, February) is the best time to visit the south, as it is sunny, warm (25°C–32°C), and dry. The south is ideal to visit all year round, but the rainy season (May to late October) is characterized by almost daily, violent but short afternoon downpours. For many travelers, this is not an obstacle, but it can be unbearable for people who cannot tolerate humidity.

Vietnam tourist season – when is it?

The tourist season in Vietnam is not uniform due to the large size of the country and its climatic diversity, which means that it can be visited practically all year round. However, the best time to visit Vietnam, combining favorable conditions in many regions, is from November to April, and this is usually the peak tourist season. During the transitional months, such as March and April, most regions enjoy particularly comfortable weather conditions, with pleasant temperatures and little rainfall in the north and center. Both the dry and rainy seasons are perfect times for a vacation in Southeast Asia, so don't hesitate, it's better to book your tickets before Vietnam becomes as touristy as Thailand!

Is it possible to travel around Vietnam during the rainy season?

When you ask online when not to go to Vietnam, the most common answer you will find is: during the rainy season. But what is the rainy season like in Vietnam? Should you really avoid vacationing during the rainy season and only go when it is dry in Vietnam? No, you don't have to avoid Vietnam during the rainy season, and yes, traveling in Vietnam during the rainy season is definitely possible – the rains are usually short but heavy downpours that occur mainly in the afternoons and rarely last all day. During the rainy season, which lasts from May to October in the south, you can easily plan your sightseeing, taking shelter in local restaurants during the downpours. In addition, the rainy season in the south makes the landscapes, especially the lush greenery of the Mekong Delta, particularly picturesque and beautiful.

Weather and climate in Vietnam – summary

Before traveling to Vietnam, you need to be aware of the diverse weather conditions in the country. Depending on the month, the weather can vary in the mountains of northern Vietnam, on the beaches of central Vietnam, and in the Mekong Delta in southern Vietnam. For most of the year, tourist destinations are characterized by high temperatures and high humidity, so you need to remember to protect yourself from the sun, overheating, and dehydration. It is best to bring light, breathable clothing and a cape or light rain jacket. If you are planning a trip to mountainous areas in winter, bring warm clothes and shoes, as it is difficult to buy such clothes in European sizes (for tall people) locally. Be sure to check what the weather should be like in the region in the month you plan to visit so that you can prepare well. Unfortunately, climate change is increasingly affecting weather anomalies, so even our article and similar blog or guide entries can sometimes be wrong.

Is it better to visit the north or south of Vietnam? It depends on your personal preferences and the season. If you want to sunbathe, choose the south and the dry season, from December to April. If you want to explore the north and ride a scooter or motorbike, avoid the wet season, when the temperature and humidity make sightseeing and riding a two-wheeler difficult. When to go to Vietnam, north or south, depends on your travel plans and it is best to tailor it to your individual needs and plans. What is the weather like in Vietnam during the winter season? This question is often asked due to school breaks and winter vacations. What is the weather like in Vietnam in January and February? The weather in Vietnam in January and February is very diverse: in the north (e.g., in Hanoi and Ha Long Bay) , the winter is humid and cool with temperatures around 10-14°C and the possibility of fog, while in the south (e.g., in Saigon and the Mekong Delta), the dry season is hot and sunny. If you are planning a vacation at that time, it is better to choose the south or Phu Quoc Island.

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Questions and answers (FAQ):

• When is it warmest in Vietnam?

Vietnam is usually warmest in spring (March-May) and summer (June-August), especially in the south and central parts of the country, with temperatures often exceeding 30°C and even 35°C, especially in April, which is sometimes the hottest month, although humidity and rainfall also begin to increase at this time, especially in June and July, when temperatures can exceed a perceived 40°C.

• Which month is best for visiting Vietnam and its beaches?

The best time to visit Vietnam and enjoy the beaches is during the dry season, i.e. from November to April, with spring (March-April) being the ideal time to combine sightseeing and beaches, with warm weather and less rainfall, especially in the central part (Da Nang, Hoi An). December and January are great for the south (Phu Quoc) and cruises on Ha Long Bay.

• Are there typhoons in Vietnam?

Yes, typhoons occur in Vietnam, especially between April and December, with the highest intensity between September and October, most often affecting the central and southern regions of the country, causing strong winds, heavy rains, floods, and landslides. However, these weather phenomena are not as dangerous as monsoons in other parts of Southeast Asia and rarely pose a threat to tourists.