Small Boat on the Mekong, Mekong Delta, Vietnam

The best time to visit Vietnam

The best time to visit Vietnam will depend on whether you are heading to the north or south of the country. If you are planning on a complete tour then February and March are excellent times to travel. However, any time between November and April when there is less rain should be considered.

Information & Highlights

Red Bridge, Hanoi, Vietnam

Northern Vietnam

Between November and April you can expect drier, cooler conditions. The temperature is often in the low 20s, and often lower January to March.

Between May and October, it is humid and hot, which can lead to quite a lot of rain, particularly in July and September. It is probably best to give Hanoi a miss at this time of year and head to coastal areas around Halong Bay.

Solitary rowing boat on a lagoon as sun sets over water and mountains in background.

Central Vietnam

Covering cities such as Hue and Hoi An, the dry season runs from January to August with temperature in the 20s rising to mid 30s.

Between September and December, there is considerably more rainfall, particularly in October and November.

Beach, Amanoi, Nha Trang, Vietnam

Southern Vietnam

The dry season here is typically between November and April, but sometimes stretches into May.

From May onwards it starts to get wetter, with considerable rainfall in June, July and August. Temperature range from 25 – 32°C. By October it starts to dry up again.

Explore the best time to visit

  • Jan
  • Feb
  • Mar
  • Apr
  • May
  • Jun
  • Jul
  • Aug
  • Sep
  • Oct
  • Nov
  • Dec

Visiting Vietnam in January

Dry and warm weather prevails throughout the majority of the country. The only exception is in the northern alpine regions, where it can be surprisingly chilly. Halong Bay can be quite hazy so you may not get the best views at this time.

Visiting Vietnam in February

Dry and warm weather continues across the majority of the country, but the alpine north remains much colder. Experience the Lunar New Year, the biggest festival of the year, with colourful red and yellow in the streets.

Visiting Vietnam in March

The busiest month, but for good reason. All regions experience good weather and the ideal time to see Halong Bay with clear skies.

Visiting Vietnam in April

Also peak season, as the great weather continues across the country, and the beaches warm up. The chilly mornings are gone in the alpine north but showers become a little more frequent.

Visiting Vietnam in May

Countrywide, temperatures are soaring, and the chances of a shower are increasing. A great time to explore the varied central region which remains hot and dry.

Visiting Vietnam in June

Central Vietnam is the place to be, as there is plenty of sunshine and warmth. Showers are possible in the south and north, but there will be fewer tourists in general.

Visiting Vietnam in July

The fine weather continues in central regions, with plenty of sunshine and little rain. The northern alpine regions are at their warmest, but there is a good chance of a shower.

Visiting Vietnam in August

Temperatures peak across the country, with central Vietnam continuing to enjoy the best weather. The most frequent showery month for many other regions.

Visiting Vietnam in September

The tables turn, with the central regions becoming wetter, whilst the other regions become drier. A good time to return to the alpine regions of the north, and Halong Bay.

Visiting Vietnam in October

A fantastic time to explore the alpine north. Trek in Sapa or get off the tourist trail in Ha Giang. It’s a quieter time in general as the central regions have their wettest months.

Visiting Vietnam in November

The start of the high season, with the northern alpine regions remaining good for hiking if a little cooler. The central region is still wet, but the rest of the country will generally be hot and dry.

Visiting Vietnam in December

The season gets into full swing, especially as Christmas approaches. Beaches open up as the central region starts to dry out, and the majority of the country is hot and dry.

Vietnam climate guide

Drag the slider to see monthly temperature and rainfall.

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sept
Oct
Nov
Dec
Maximum Temperature (°C) Monthly Rainfall (mm)
Con Dao Islands
Halong Bay
Hanoi
Hoi An
Hue
Mekong Delta
Nha Trang
Phu Quoc
Saigon
Sapa & the Tonkinese Alps

Explore Vietnam

  • Con Dao Islands
  • Halong Bay
  • Hanoi
  • Hoi An
  • Hue
  • Mekong Delta
  • Nha Trang
  • Phu Quoc
  • Saigon
  • Sapa

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