From outstanding cuisine, historical areas, beautiful architecture, and lovely landscapes, Vietnam has it all! Located in Southeast Asia, bordered by Laos, China, and Cambodia, Vietnam is home to stunning beaches, rolling hills, and vibrant cities. With so many fantastic experiences awaiting, Vietnam is a wonderful destination for every kind of traveller.
When is the Best Time to Visit Vietnam?
Vietnam’s climate is largely varied based on the region. In general, this country has a tropical monsoon climate, but your experiences with the weather can be drastically different depending on whether you are in the North or the South.
The summer monsoon is felt mainly in the southwestern region from May to September, while the winter monsoon happens in the northern and central coast regions from October to April. In general, March and April are the best months to visit Vietnam.
Best time to visit Vietnam for honeymoon
The best time for a honeymoon in Vietnam is during the cool, dry season which spans from October to April. Optimal months include October and November for their pleasant weather and lush landscapes, making them ideal for exploring destinations like Hanoi, Halong Bay, and Sapa. For central Vietnam, February to August offers the best weather, with May to July being perfect for beach activities in places like Da Nang and Hoi An. In southern Vietnam, November to April provides the most comfortable conditions, suitable for romantic getaways in Ho Chi Minh City, the Mekong Delta, and the sunny beaches of Phu Quoc Island.
Best time to visit Vietnam for good weather
The best time to visit Vietnam for excellent weather is during its dry season, which varies by region. In the north, particularly in Hanoi, Halong Bay, and Sapa, the months of October to April offer pleasant, rain-free conditions, with October and November being prime choices. Central Vietnam, including Hue, Da Nang, and Hoi An, experiences its best weather from February to August, with May to July being warmer but still enjoyable. Meanwhile, southern Vietnam, encompassing Ho Chi Minh City, the Mekong Delta, and Phu Quoc Island, offers the finest weather from November to April when it’s sunny and dry, making these months ideal for a visit.
Vietnam in January
Northern Vietnam has four distinct seasons, so January is a colder month in this region at an average temperature of 18°C. However, southern Vietnam is much warmer, with a daily average of around 26°C, while central Vietnam is generally pleasant at around 23°C.
Vietnam hosts its most important festival during January: the Lunar New Year. Also known as Tet, this is the best time to see the streets of Vietnam bustling with fireworks, drums, and parades.
● Average Temperature in Ho Chi Minh City: 26.1°C
● Average Rainfall in Ho Chi Minh City: 28 mm
Vietnam in February
In February, the winter begins to warm up in northern Vietnam. The central and southern regions continue to experience warm and sunny temperatures, creating the perfect atmosphere for a beach holiday.
This month is also a great time to witness the wildflowers growing in northwest Vietnam. In Ha Gong or Moc Chau, you can marvel at the endless fields of peach blossoms, apricot flowers, and other vibrant blooms.
● Average Temperature in Ho Chi Minh City: 27.1°C
● Average Rainfall in Ho Chi Minh City: 11 mm
Vietnam in March
March is the best time to visit Ho Chi Minh City, thanks to the warm temperatures, low humidity, and plenty of sunshine. Near Hanoi, you can expect mist, drizzle, and high humidity, while central Vietnam also has high humidity during this season.
For those who love hiking, March is a great time to trek in the northwest mountain regions, which continue to display the incredible wildflowers that start blooming in February. You can also enjoy the stunning beaches in the South during this season of warm and sunny weather.
● Average Temperature in Ho Chi Minh City: 28.3°C
● Average Rainfall in Ho Chi Minh City: 27 mm
Vietnam in April
April is the perfect time to visit any region of Vietnam. Long hours of sunshine, generally dry weather, and clear skies make for ideal sightseeing conditions.
Hanoi has excellent weather this time of year, and while you’re there, you will likely see the city blooming with flowers. As a 1,000-year-old capital city, this area is a fantastic place for travellers with a love for history. April is also fantastic for relaxing on the beaches of Da Nang or Nha Trang, offering calm waves and stunning turquoise waters.
● Average Temperature in Ho Chi Minh City: 28.9°C
● Average Rainfall in Ho Chi Minh City: 74 mm
Vietnam in May
May marks the beginning of Vietnam’s summer season. While the North warms up, the South gets even hotter. However, the humidity in the South is still generally low, so May is the perfect month to enjoy the beach.
May is also one of the best times to take a cruise around Halong Bay. Halong Bay boasts limestone landscapes, uniquely shaped islands, and lovely bluish-green water, making for a fantastic day trip from Hanoi.
● Average Temperature in Ho Chi Minh City: 28.1°C
● Average Rainfall in Ho Chi Minh City: 204 mm
Vietnam in June
June is the beginning of the South’s rainy and humid season, while northern and central Vietnam are generally warm, ranging from 27°C to 36°C. If you’re planning a holiday in June, check out the fruit orchards in Bac Giang. Many visitors flock to this area to experience the local lychee fruit.
● Average Temperature in Ho Chi Minh City: 27.1°C
● Average Rainfall in Ho Chi Minh City: 248 mm
Vietnam in July
Throughout July, most regions of Vietnam are hot and rainy, especially in northern Vietnam and Hanoi. Central Vietnam offers sunnier weather than the rest of the country, so take some time to explore Hue or Hoi An, both UNESCO World Heritage Sites filled with incredible architecture and history.
● Average Temperature in Ho Chi Minh City: 26.8°C
● Average Rainfall in Ho Chi Minh City: 260 mm
Vietnam in August
August continues to be a rainy month in the southern region, while the tropical climate is still present in the North. This month is the hottest in central Vietnam, due to the temperatures staying around 31°C. Because of this, August is a great time to visit the beaches of central Vietnam, including Quy Nhon or Mui Ne. You can also witness the spectacular scenery of the golden rice fields in Sapa, Moc Chau, or Mai Chau.
● Average Temperature in Ho Chi Minh City: 26.7°C
● Average Rainfall in Ho Chi Minh City: 279 mm
Vietnam in September
Central Vietnam is very rainy in September due to the monsoon season coming in from the Eastern Sea. The rainy season continues in the southern region, but storms are typically short, with the sun returning shortly after.
● Average Temperature in Ho Chi Minh City: 26.5°C
● Average Rainfall in Ho Chi Minh City: 308 mm
Vietnam in October
Much of Vietnam cools down during October, and the weather in Central Vietnam can be very unpredictable. To enjoy dry and sunny weather in October, opt for southern Vietnam, where the temperatures will not disappoint.
Besides the South’s pristine beaches, the Central Highlands are great to explore in October. Boasting fields of blooming golden shower trees and terraced golden hills, this scenery is magnificent at dawn.
● Average Temperature in Ho Chi Minh City: 26.3°C
● Average Rainfall in Ho Chi Minh City: 262 mm
Vietnam in November
With dry and cool weather in the North, storms in the central region, and mild weather in the South, Vietnam’s November weather is diverse. In the region of Saigon, the dry season peaks in November, allowing you to enjoy the area’s fabulous beaches, like Ho Tram and Long Hai.
● Average Temperature in Ho Chi Minh City: 26.3°C
● Average Rainfall in Ho Chi Minh City: 142 mm
Vietnam in December
December is the coolest month for major cities in the North, while central Vietnam is slightly balmier, averaging around 23°C. However, cities such as Ho Chi Minh City and Phu Quoc have beautiful weather in December, with temperatures ranging from 23°C to 31°C
● Average Temperature in Ho Chi Minh City: 26°C
● Average Rainfall in Ho Chi Minh City: 66 mm
Final thoughts
Vietnam’s diverse weather allows for exploring its beaches, highlands, and bustling cities at any time of the year. Cruise in Halong Bay or visit Vietnam’s UNESCO architectural marvels to make the most of your holiday. The takeaway from this weather breakdown is that the best time to visit Vietnam is anytime!
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