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Infographic - Best time to visit Vietnam (Travel Guide & Tips 2022)

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Vietnam is blessed with cultural and natural attractions throughout the three regions which means each region and destination has its distinct ideal time for visiting. For first-time visitors to Vietnam, worry no longer! In this travel guide, we’ll show you in detail what to notice in the weather in Vietnam, the best time to visit Vietnam, and when and best places to visit Vietnam month to month in the most visualized and easiest way to follow. Are you ready?

Brief Guide on Vietnam Weather Characteristics

At a first glance, anyone knows that Vietnam is a long country, stretching vertically and is divided into three main distinct climate zones: North, Central, and South.

In general, whether in Vietnam is deeply influenced by the monsoon season which brings each region different weather characteristics, partly affected by the oceanic climate.

Therefore, even though Vietnam is located in a tropical area and adjacent to the equator, the climate of Vietnam is still milder than that of a lot of countries that are located on the same latitude thanks to a winter season in the northern part.

Here are Vietnam weather highlights

  • North VietnamNorth Central Vietnam: four seasons with winter lasting from December – February, temperature dropping, and low humidity. Summer from June to August is hot, rainy, and humid.

  • Central Vietnam: Tropical wet climate or a tropical monsoon and trade-wind littoral climate. The hot temperature is almost all year round. Drier months last from November to April while in the summer months the region suffers from storms and flooding.

  • South Vietnam: only dry and wet season while the temperature remains high all year round. The wet season lasts from November to April and the wet season is from May to October.

Peak Tourism Season in Vietnam

For foreign tourists, the peak season of tourism in Vietnam starts around December and goes all the way to the end of March of the next year. These months fall right in the dry season of North Vietnam and Central Vietnam while in South Vietnam, it’s just the perfect time of flooding season in the Mekong Delta when life comes back to the vast plains and wet forests.

The summer months are the time Vietnam is less visited than other months due to the high temperature, and more rains in North and North Central Vietnam. But these months are just perfect for a beach break, photo trip, cheaper prices, and less touristy landscape.

Best time to visit Vietnam

If you’re planning to visit several parts of Vietnam, then we should start the real work to find the best time to enjoy the most of your trip.

Best time to visit Vietnam - Vietnam Weather 2020
As you can see from the table above, the best months to travel to all popular attractions in three regions in Vietnam are February, March, April, and March is the best month since it’s one of the ideal months to visit all these destinations.

For more information on where to go and what to do in each month in Vietnam, we’ve made a set of check-list for all 12 months to help you see in the easiest way where you can go in each month.

Vietnam’s weather month by month (Best places to visit Vietnam in each month)

January

Vietnam Weather in January

January in Vietnam is one of the best months for tourism activities and also the month with the most diverse weather characteristics throughout the country. January is the first month of the year in the Gregorian calendar but the last month in the Lunar year. This makes the atmosphere in Vietnam generally bustling, festive, and happy.

North Vietnam in January is blessed with the prime of winter which brings almost no rain, dry air, and low temperature (avg. 10-15 degrees Celsius). Water activities in Halong Bay, Cat Ba island, and other beaches in north Vietnam are quite impossible because of the cold temperature. In Sapa, there’s a chance that it might snow.

Central and South Vietnam in January are warmer than North Vietnam with an average temperature of 20 and 30 degrees Celsius. If you’re seeking some tropical sunlight then we suggest you go south.

Where to travel to Vietnam in January

Where you should visitWhere you shouldn’t visit
Phu Quoc IslandFansipan (Sapa)
Mui NeCat Ba Island
Nha TrangHa Giang
Hanoi
Mekong Delta
Ban Gioc Waterfall
Moc Chau

There are a lot of things to do in Vietnam from north to south in January. In the north, you can enjoy the festive atmosphere when the lunar new year comes so close. In central and south, beach paradises and pristine islands are in the best time for swimming, snorkeling, and diving.

Best time to visit Vietnam - vietnam weather in January

February

How Vietnam’s weather like in February is like?

Not much different from January, February has dry, bright weather across the country with temperatures raising southward. This month is also the first month of the lunar new year, so you can you the festive atmosphere of the most important holiday in Vietnam everywhere you go.

North Vietnam still is in wintertime, with clear skies with little rain which bring a certain romantic feeling to the new year since people say if it rains on the first day, the whole year will be lucky. Northern mountainous areas are covered in pastel colors of plum, apricot, and peach blossoms with the backdrop of grey mountains.

The weather in Central and South Vietnam offers a great condition for a beach break with clear, sunny skies and warm seawater. The average temperature is from 25-27 degrees Celsius.

Where to visit Vietnam in February

Where you should visitWhere you shouldn’t visit
Hoi AnFansipan (Sapa)
Mui NeCat Ba Island
Con Dao IslandHa Giang
Phu Quoc Island
Hanoi
Mekong Delta
Sapa

Like January, you can visit a lot of places in Vietnam during February, especially since February is a season of flowers. As mentioned, this month is lunar new year month, so you should visit major cities to enjoy the culture and cuisine. Come to north Vietnam plateaus to breathe in the fresh air and enjoy the natural landscape of spring blossoms. Drift south if you want to work on your tan and enjoy the water. Da Lat also sees the beautiful sight of cherry blossoms at this time of year. If you have more time, you can also combine your Vietnam Trip with Cambodia. February is one of the best months to visit Vietnam & Cambodia

 

February weather in vietnamMarch

Weather in Vietnam during March

March is one of the best months to discover Vietnam with ideal weather suitable for all kinds of activities.
In North Vietnam, March is not as cold and dry as January and February while in central and south Vietnam, it’s warm and dry. March is the month that many festivals are held throughout the country, of which the most bustling and important is the Perfume Pagoda festival. People from all parts of the country come here to pray for luck, health, and happiness in the upcoming year.

Many central coast cities in this time turn into beach paradises with warm water, mild weather, and pristine culture. Southern islands are still the places to go for high blue sky and sunny beaches.

Vietnam destinations for March

Where you should visitWhere you shouldn’t visit
Tay Nguyen (Pleiku & Gia Lai)
Hue
Hoi An
Da Nang
Phu Yen
Dien Bien Phu
Quy Nhon
Mui Ne
Ho Chi Minh City
Mekong Delta

It’s not at all to choose where to visit in Vietnam in March. It’s the month for almost all destinations both famous attractions and off-the-beaten-path destinations.

Tay Nguyen at this time has white coffee flowers season blooming all over the place and also the most bustling festival in the area – Elephant Racing Festival.

The central coastal line Hue – Da Nang – Hoi An is just the right time for you to explore. If you want to visit South Vietnam, Ho Chi Minh City in March is perfect to visit.

march weather in vietnam

April

Vietnam weather in April

April marks the end of tourism peak season in Vietnam. It’s the last month of spring, wrapping up the festive season of Lunar New Year as well as the winter in North Vietnam. From this month onward, the average temperature and humidity throughout the country rise. Still, the weather in March is still much milder than the summer months and there’re still many things to do and places to see at this time of year.

things to do in ninh binh

Ninh Binh can be visited almost all year round.
In North Vietnam, it’s getting warmer with fewer cold days, and slightly rainier but you can expect plenty of dry days to see around. In Central and South Vietnam, it’s not different much from summer with an average temperature of 25-33 degrees Celsius.

April is also a historical month in Vietnam history, marking the reunification of the whole country after the Vietnam-America War.

Best places to visit Vietnam in April

Where you should visitWhere you shouldn’t visit
HanoiPublic beaches on April 30 holiday
Sapa
Ly Son Island
Ninh Binh
Ho Chi Minh City
Halong Bay
Hue
Da Nang

Hanoi in April turns vibrant red with the flags and flowers everywhere you go. Perfume Pagoda in the suburb of Hanoi is also in the month it’s most beautiful and less crowded since the festival ended.

April is also the month to visit Vietnam’s best beaches and islands like Halong Bay, Co To Island, and Ly Son. In North Vietnam, it’s the time farmers water the rice fields, making a gorgeous sight of nature. 

In central Vietnam, April is ideal to visit Da Nang city with an average temperature of 27-29 degrees Celsius. The beaches have blue water and calm waves. 

Best tours in Vietnam in April:
Hanoi – Halong – Ninh Binh 4 Days
Hanoi – Halong – Sapa 7 Days
Vietnam Glance Tour from North to South 9 Days

april weather in vietnam

May

Weather in Vietnam during May

May is the month right before summer hits north Vietnam. You can see the season changing in north Vietnam so blatantly and beautifully. The sun shines, nice breezes, and the temperature rise slightly to 30 degrees Celsius. However, you can barely feel the heat in early May. The rain happens more frequently but also ends quickly.

things to do in cat ba island

Throughout the country, the summer holiday for students is about to start so you can feel a certain excitement of Vietnamese people. In central and south Vietnam, the rain starts to happen more but not as frequently as in the north. May is a great time to visit the major cities of Vietnam.

Like April, May is also a historical month with two important events: Dien Bien Phu Victory on May 7 and Ho Chi Minh’s Birthday on May 19.

Where to visit in May

Where you should visitWhere you shouldn’t visit
Mu Cang ChaiPublic beaches on May 1 holiday
Cat Ba Island
Pu Luong
Ninh Binh
Nha Trang
Halong Bay
Come to mountainous areas in North Vietnam to see the terraced rice fields turn into mirroring patches filled with water in preparation for the next crop. This sight in Mu Cang Chai is just heavenly to beholders. Visit Ninh Binh for its butterfly season from late April and May. Beach paradise-like Nha Trang and a pristine islands like Cat Ba have the best condition of seawater for you to enjoy.

Best tours in Vietnam in April:
Private Hanoi – Halong – Ninh Binh – 4 Days
Private Hanoi – Halong – Sapa – 7 Days
Private Vietnam Glance Tour from North to South – 9 Days
Private North Vietnam Tour – Endless Golden Terraced Fields – 4 Days

may weather in vietnam

June

Vietnam weather in June 

June is the first month of summertime in Vietnam, overwhelming you with a serious rise of temperature and humidity. This month also belongs to the wetter southwest monsoon in Vietnam, starting from May and ending in October. The rain will be much more frequent with intensity, storms might happen at the end of hottest days. When it’s sunny the skies are clear and blue, suitable for photo taking.

firework festival da nang
June has the best weather to enjoy International Firework Competition 2020 in Da Nang city
In northern mountain areas, there is a real threat of landslides and flash floods so we suggest you stick to the lowlands of southern Vietnam for the safest conditions.

Where to go in Vietnam during June

Where you should visitWhere you shouldn’t visit
HueHanoi
Da NangHo Chi Minh City
Con Dao IslandNorthwest Vietnam
Hoi An
Da Lat
Mui Ne

Halong bay, southern islands, and coastal line cities are the best destinations in Vietnam during June. Con Dao island has not only endless blue beaches but this month, it’s the month of turtles hatching season. Halong Bay is bluer than ever and Da Lat is one of the best places to stay away from the heat and enjoy the cool air.

Coastal cities have not only pristine beaches but also rich local culture. Nha Trang, Da Nang and Hoi An are the best places to go in this month.

>>> Best Vietnam tours in June:

Best of Vietnam Tour – 12 Days
Family Fun in Vietnam 10 Days
Follow Anthony Bourdain in Vietnam Cambodia Laos – 17 days


june weather in vietnam

July

Vietnam weather in July

The temperature in July can reach 40 degrees on the hottest day and last just below that all the way until midnight. Like June, downpours happen around day’s end often with strong winds and thunders which might pose certain threats.

 

best time to visit vietnam - phong nha ke bang

However, this month is perfect to enjoy beach breaks across the country. You can choose the hottest days for a little trip to Halong, Phu Quoc, or Nha Trang. In South Vietnam, the rainy season just hits its peak with daily downpours, especially in Mekong Delta. Central Vietnam enjoys decent weather with sunny, warm weather with less rain than North Vietnam.

Where to visit Vietnam in July

Where you should visitWhere you shouldn’t visit
Halong BayHo Chi Minh City
Phong Nha Ke BangNorthwest Vietnam
Phu Quoc IslandHanoi
Da LatMekong Delta
Con Dao Island
Mui Ne

Halong Bay, Cat Ba Island, and Southern Islands are the best places to enjoy the cool ocean, sunny skies, and savory seafood. July is also a great time to visit the cities of the central coastal line: Da Nang, Hoi An, and Hue.  

While major cities are places you should avoid because the heat might make you exhausted. Floods and landslides in the northwest can happen after long, heavy rains.

>>> Best destination for July: Phong Nha Ke Bang
>>> Best Vietnam tours in July:
Hanoi – Halong Bay – Ninh Binh Tour – 4 Days
Ho Chi Minh City – Mekong Delta – Phu Quoc Tour – 7 Days
Romantic Vietnam Honeymoon Tour – 10 Days

july weather in vietnam

August

Vietnam Weather in August

The temperature in August is still high but not as severe as in June and July and the rains can cool down the heat. Temperature ranges from 27 to 32 degrees in Hanoi and slightly lower in Da Nang and Ho Chi Minh city.
In Mekong Delta, August marks the start of the flooding season caused by the Mekong River. Life slowly comes back to the wet forests, swamps, and plains. Storms might happen in the north and central Vietnam. While rainy season still goes on in northwest mountainous areas.

Where to visit in August

Where you should visitWhere you shouldn’t visit
HanoiMekong Delta
Halong BayNorthwest Vietnam
Hoi AnCoastal beaches when there are typhoons
Phong Nha Ke Bang
Nha Trang
Cat Ba Island
Mui Ne

August is a great month to explore the caves in Phong Nha Ke Bang and Halong Bay, relax on the white beaches of Cat Ba island, Nha Trang, stroll the ancient town of Hoi An, and have fun with sand sliding in Mui Ne. However, Mekong Delta isn’t ideal since it’s the rainy season this month while trekking to mountainous areas in North Vietnam can be dangerous. When there’re typhoons, stay away from the coastal beaches of the area where the typhoons hit.

Recommended Vietnam tours in August:
Spirit of Vietnam and Cambodia – 17 Days
Vietnam Essential Tour – 7 Days
Vietnam Travel Line – 14 Days

Pin our August check-list for later:

august weather in vietnam

September

Vietnam Weather in September

As one of the best months to visit Vietnam, September offers diverse weather conditions and natural landscape features across the country. September is also the end of summer with the temperature dropping significantly. In northern Vietnam, there is still rain but not as heavy as rain in June – August. While in central highlands, it rains more frequently. In the south, rain is less and less while Mekong Delta enters its flooding season.

Cat Ba Island and Halong Bay have great conditions to enjoy the water and the scenery. Mountainous areas start their harvesting season: terraced rice fields turning golden.

Where to visit in September

Where you should visitWhere you shouldn’t visit
Mu Cang ChaiPhong Nha Ke Bang
SapaHoi An
Bach Ma National Park, HueCoastal beaches when there are typhoons
Mekong Delta
Phu Quoc Island
Hanoi
Mui Ne

Northwest Vietnam in general and Mu Cang Chai, in particular, becomes a real cultural paradise with its gorgeous endless terraced rice fields and rich local culture. Bach Ma National Park in Hue should be your off-the-beaten path to explore. Mekong Delta is just so beautiful in the flooding season. September brings a romantic atmosphere to Hanoi.

Phong Nha Ke Bang is closed in its flooding season (September – November) and Hoi An suffers more rains in this month.

Recommended Vietnam tours in September:
Vietnam and Cambodia Discovery – 16 Days
Ultimate North and Central Vietnam

October

Vietnam Weather in October

Autumn officially arrives in North Vietnam when October starts: the skies are blue, cooler breezes, and bountiful treats. Rain is lesser, the air is drier and the temperature drops a little bit further.

The beauty of the northwest in October is in its prime. When you go to a higher altitude, the air gets chillier. In central Vietnam cities like Hue, Hoi An, and Da Nang, the rain continues but doesn’t make these cities any less beautiful than themselves in any other month.

In the south, the average temperature is fixed at 24-31 degrees Celsius with much less rain.

Where to visit in October

Where you should visitWhere you shouldn’t visit
Ha GiangPhong Nha Ke Bang
HanoiHoi An
SapaCoastal beaches when there are typhoons
Halong Bay
Can Tho – Mekong Delta
Ba Be Lake – Ban Gioc Waterfall
Da Lat

Ha Giang appeals to visitors from all over the world with its beauty of golden terraced rice fields and pink fields of buckwheat flowers. Hanoi is best to visit in autumn and trekking in Sapa would be too strenuous when the heat is gone.

In October, Da Lat becomes a romantic foggy town with all the colorful flowers blooming. Ba Be Lake and Ban Gioc Waterfall show their full beauty at this time of year.

Recommended Vietnam tours in October:
Hanoi – Halong – Sapa 7 days
Best of Vietnam 12 Days from North To South
Vietnam Travel Line 14 Days
Lush Mekong Delta Tour 5 Days
Ba be Ban Gioc Waterfall 3 Days

November

Vietnam Weather in November

If you’re planning to visit Vietnam in November, you should expect to stay longer than you plan. Because Vietnam in November is incredibly beautiful. 

ha giang flower season 5 days

In the north, the flowers start to bloom when the temperature drops even further down, the air is clearer and the humidity is lower. Central Vietnam is still in the rainy season but it’s not a reason to not visit these destinations, in fact, people visit Hoi An for the rain. South Vietnam sees sunny weather, suitable for all kinds of activities.

Where to visit in November

Where you should visitWhere you shouldn’t visit
Ha GiangPhong Nha Ke Bang
HanoiHoi An
SapaCoastal beaches when there are typhoons
Halong Bay
Can Tho – Mekong Delta
Moc Chau
Con Dao Island
Mui Ne
Long Hai
Ho Tram
Ho Chi Minh City

There are a lot of places to visit in Vietnam in November from north to south. Hanoi still can enchant its visitors with its nostalgic, transparent autumn. Northwest Vietnam takes the cake as the best destination to visit in this month, boasting the unique ethnic culture and traditions. In the south, beaches and islands offer calm waves and cool water to stay away from the tropical heat.

Recommended Vietnam tours in November:
Vietnam Travel Line 14 Days
Lush Mekong Delta Tour 5 Days
Ba be Ban Gioc Waterfall 3 Days
Ha Giang Flower Season 5 Days
Hanoi – Halong – Sapa 7 days
Best of Vietnam 12 Days from North To South

november weather in vietnam

December

Vietnam Weather in December

As the most suitable month to visit Vietnam with the least rain, you can visit many destinations in Vietnam without any weather hindrances. December is the beginning of winter in north Vietnam, average temperature dropping down to 20 degrees Celsius, with bright skies and chilly breezes.
In central Vietnam, the rainy season has ceased, returning the beaches to their original beauties. The average temperature is about 24 degrees Celsius.

In the south, the sunny days continue with a temperature of 26 degrees Celsius, sunny days and less humidity.

Where to visit in December

Where you should visitWhere you shouldn’t visit
Moc Chau
Halong Bay
Perfume Pagoda in Hanoi
Ban Gioc WaterfallBa Be Lake
Ho Chi Minh City
Phu Quoc Island

If you want to stay away from the winter in North Vietnam, head south for some sunny beaches and warm water in Phu Quoc island. However, if the cold doesn’t bother you, then Moc Chau is the best place in North Vietnam to explore the nature and culture of Vietnam.

Ban Gioc waterfall, the most beautiful waterfall in Vietnam is still a true beauty in this time of year. Perfume Pagoda sees a poetic beauty of Yen river covered in full lilies blooms. Visiting Perfume Pagoda in its off-season is just so relaxing and you can truly appreciate nature.

Recommended Vietnam tours in December:
Vietnam Travel Line 14 Days
Lush Mekong Delta Tour 5 Days
Ba be Ban Gioc Waterfall 3 Days
Ha Giang Flower Season 5 Days
Hanoi – Halong – Sapa 7 days
Best of Vietnam 12 Days from North To South
Moc Chau Up Hill Tour 2 Days



december weather in vietnam
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Tailor-made
Inquiry

Send us a quick inquiry so that we can offer you an
itinerary with price for your information. This short
inquiry is FREE and NOT a commitment
for booking.