The Best Time to Visit Vietnam - Monsoon Season & Best Weather for Travel

When to Go?

While different regions will experience different seasons and temperature changes, the best time to visit Vietnam is from November to April as you’ll find amicable temperatures and light rainfall throughout the entire country.

A key element of planning when to travel to Vietnam should be the specific places or locations you intend to visit. Beaches are most crowded in July and August, as the rest of the country experiences high temperatures and humidity along with heavy rainfall.

Late winter or early spring is a great time to visit the North as it’s drier and temperatures are low but comfortable, whereas the South reaches up to 100F (38C) with heavy downpours during these months.

Keep in mind that Vietnam’s Lunar New Year celebration (Tet Festival), usually taking place in late January or early February, includes high prices and crowded streets, as well as local businesses remaining closed.

Monsoon season in Vietnam
Vietnam's climate is affected by two monsoon seasons. The winter monsoon, from October to March, provides rain and cold to the north while offering warmth and dryness to the south. From April through October, the summer monsoon brings hot, humid weather and heavy rain to most of the country, except for mountainous places. Between July and November, typhoons hit northern and central Vietnam.

To get the most out of your Vietnam cruise, familiarize yourself with the local weather and best travel seasons. Because Vietnam is so small, the weather differs drastically from region to region. When one region of the country is excessively hot, humid, or dry, another is sure to be pleasant.

Vietnam Weather (By Region)

To get a clearer insight into the weather of Vietnam’s regions, here are some suggestions for deciding the best time to go to each one.

South Vietnam (Ho Chi Minh City, Mekong Delta, Phu Quoc)

Temperatures in South Vietnam are fairly constant year-round, creating only two seasons in this region: Wet and Dry. The dry season lasts from November through late April or early May, with late February to May tending to be slightly hotter and more humid. The wet season lasts from May to early November, with June through August experiencing the highest rainfall.
South Vietnam rainfall typically occurs as a heavy yet predictable afternoon downpour that rarely leads to canceling travel plans for the day. Average temperatures in the South are between the mid-70s to mid-90s F year-round.

Phu Quoc beaches are in a monsoon climate with the wet season lasting from late July to October, while the dry season lasts from November through July. Outside of October, the chances of enjoying sunny and warm days in this region are very high, though navigation of waterways is sometimes made difficult from July to October due to high rains.

If you’re planning on traveling along the Mekong Delta, the best time would be the dry season, between November and April. November to January prove to be the best months to visit as the average temperature will not be excessively high and the wet season will have passed. Check out our detailed best time to cruise the Mekong River article.

Far north (Sapa, Ha Giang)

The Far North is generally divided into winter and summer seasons. October to late March is typically dry with temperatures reaching their lowest in December and January, as this is when snow is likely in the higher mountains. April through September is hotter but also wetter with the bulk of the rainfall occurring during these months.

The best time to trek in Sapa is during the two shoulder seasons either September to November or from March to May. Temperatures typically range from 59-82F during the day and 50-65F at night during this time of year. Between September and October, the terraces of Sapa are at their most beautiful. This is the best time to go hiking and take photos as it's chilly and dry, and consistent in temperature. The weather is great for travelers at this time of year. The weather is dry, clear, and sunny.

North Vietnam (Halong Bay, Hanoi, Ninh Binh)

North Vietnam weather patterns create distinct winter and summer, as well as spring and fall shoulder seasons. Winter is usually dry and lasts from November to April, with the coldest months occurring from January to March when temperatures dip to the low 60s F. Summer lasts from May to October when it is hot and humid. Vietnam’s rainy season, from July through September, is when severe weather can occasionally cause Halong Bay cruises to cancel departures.

The warm and dry seasons of spring (March-June) and fall (September-October) are the best months to visit Halong Bay and take part in its many water-related activities. However, be prepared to encounter twice the crowds during these times as Fall is the second peak season in Halong Bay.

Central Vietnam (Hoi An, Hue, Danang, Nha Trang)

Central Vietnam enjoys hot and dry weather from mid-January to late August with temperatures reaching the 90s F. Rainfall increases during the winter months, with typhoons being possible during October or November.

Hoi An and Hue sit on opposite sides of a mountain range and sometimes may experience completely different weather on the same day. Hue has a rainy season from October to December with its hottest days occurring between May and August.

Hoi An enjoys a dry and hot season from February through July, making it a great beach destination during the first half of the year. Nha Trang is further South and enjoys a longer dry season from January through September.

Make the most out of your Vietnam trip by choosing when is the best time of the year for the places and activities you want to experience. Reach out to plan the perfect trip with our travel experts!