The weather and the best time to visit Vietnam vary enormously between the north and the south. Depending on where you want to spend most of your time, make sure you are prepared for the weather.
Best time to visit Vietnam
The best time to visit Vietnam is from December to April. The temperature is pleasant and there is almost no rain. But the best time to visit Vietnam also depends on where in Vietnam. In the north it can get quite cold in December and January. Therefore, view the weather by month for each region. March is the best month to travel throughout Vietnam.
Regional best travel times in Vietnam
Vietnam’s climate varies significantly across its northern, central, and southern regions. Knowing the best time to visit each region can help you plan a more enjoyable trip.
Best time for Northern Vietnam
The best time to visit northern Vietnam is from October to April when the weather is cooler and drier. During these months, you can enjoy comfortable temperatures and clear skies, perfect for exploring Hanoi, Ha Long Bay, and Sapa. If you want to avoid the cold, which can be prevalent from December to February, the ideal months to visit are October, November, March, and April.
From May to September, northern Vietnam experiences hot and humid weather with frequent rain. While the landscape is lush and green, the heavy rains can affect travel plans and outdoor activities.
| Months | Average temprature | Rain per month (mm) |
|---|---|---|
| January | Row 1, Content 1 | Row 1, Content 2 |
| February | Row 2, Content 1 | Row 2, Content 2 |
| March | Row 3, Content 1 | Row 3, Content 2 |
| April | Sample #3 | Sample #3 |
| May | Sample #3 | Sample #3 |
| June | Sample #3 | Sample #3 |
| july | Sample #3 | Sample #3 |
| August | Sample #3 | Sample #3 |
| September | Sample #3 | Sample #3 |
| October | Sample #3 | Sample #3 |
| November | Sample #3 | Sample #3 |
| December | Sample #3 | Sample #3 |
Best time for Central Vietnam
Central Vietnam is best visited from February to August. During these months, the weather is warm and dry, making it ideal for visiting Hoi An, Da Nang, and Hue. Beach lovers will find this period perfect for enjoying the coastal areas.
From September to January, central Vietnam experiences its rainy season, with occasional typhoons. While the rain can be heavy, it typically doesn’t last all day, allowing for some exploration between showers.
| Months | Average temprature | Rain per month (mm) |
|---|---|---|
| January | Row 1, Content 1 | Row 1, Content 2 |
| February | Row 2, Content 1 | Row 2, Content 2 |
| March | Row 3, Content 1 | Row 3, Content 2 |
| April | Sample #3 | Sample #3 |
| May | Sample #3 | Sample #3 |
| June | Sample #3 | Sample #3 |
| july | Sample #3 | Sample #3 |
| August | Sample #3 | Sample #3 |
| September | Sample #3 | Sample #3 |
| October | Sample #3 | Sample #3 |
| November | Sample #3 | Sample #3 |
| December | Sample #3 | Sample #3 |
Best time for South Vietnam
The best time to visit southern Vietnam is from November to April when the weather is dry and temperatures are warm. This is the perfect time to explore Ho Chi Minh City, the Mekong Delta, and Phu Quoc Island.
From May to October, southern Vietnam enters its rainy season. Although the rain can be intense, it usually occurs in short bursts, so it’s still possible to enjoy many activities during this time.
| Months | Average temprature | Rain per month (mm) |
|---|---|---|
| January | Row 1, Content 1 | Row 1, Content 2 |
| February | Row 2, Content 1 | Row 2, Content 2 |
| March | Row 3, Content 1 | Row 3, Content 2 |
| April | Sample #3 | Sample #3 |
| May | Sample #3 | Sample #3 |
| June | Sample #3 | Sample #3 |
| july | Sample #3 | Sample #3 |
| August | Sample #3 | Sample #3 |
| September | Sample #3 | Sample #3 |
| October | Sample #3 | Sample #3 |
| November | Sample #3 | Sample #3 |
| December | Sample #3 | Sample #3 |
High season & low season
In Vietnam, the high season for tourism generally runs from November to April. During this period, the weather is most favorable, and popular tourist destinations are at their busiest. Accommodation prices are higher, and attractions can be crowded.
The low season, from May to October, coincides with the rainy season in many parts of the country. While the weather can be less predictable, this period offers lower prices on accommodation and fewer tourists, making it a great time for budget travelers
Tip: Tet New Year
Tet, the Vietnamese New Year, is the most significant and busiest time of the year. It usually falls between late January and February. During Tet, travel and accommodation prices can spike, and many businesses may close for the holidays. It’s essential to plan and book well in advance if you’re visiting during this period.
Weather in Vietnam throughout the year
Vietnam experiences distinct seasons, with variations across its regions:
Winter (December to February)
Winter in northern Vietnam is cool and dry, while central and southern regions enjoy mild, pleasant weather. This is a great time to visit for comfortable temperatures and clear skies.
Spring (March to May)
Spring brings warmer temperatures across the country, with blooming flowers and lush landscapes. It’s an excellent time for visiting both northern and central regions before the heat and rains of summer begin.
Summer (June to August)
Summer is characterized by hot and humid weather, especially in the north and south. While central Vietnam generally has good weather during this period, heavy rains and typhoons usually start in the next season. Despite the heat, it’s a vibrant time to explore the country’s beaches and mountains.
Autumn (September to November)
Autumn offers cooler temperatures and less rain in the north, making it ideal for trekking and exploring the countryside. However, this is the rainy season for central Vietnam, which can experience heavy rains and occasional typhoons. The south generally sees a mix of rain and warm temperatures during this period.
Traveling during rainy season
The rainy season in Vietnam varies by region. In northern and southern Vietnam, the rainy season typically occurs from May to October. It doesn’t rain every day, but when it does, the rain can be heavy and short-lived, often occurring in the afternoon. Central Vietnam experiences its rainy season from September to December, which can include heavy rains and typhoons.
The landscape during the rainy season is lush and green, and it’s a great time to experience fewer tourists and lower prices. However, the rainy season can also bring challenges, such as flooding and transportation disruptions. It’s essential to plan accordingly and be flexible with your travel itinerary. For more detailed information and tips, read our complete guide about traveling during the rainy season in Vietnam.
Best time to see northern rice fields
For some travelers, it’s not just the weather in Vietnam that matters, but the stunning views of terraced rice fields. The best time to visit Vietnam for these views doesn’t always align with the ideal travel months. Below is a list per month for the most famous terraced rice fields in Sapa and Mu Cang Chai. Note that other regions can differ, and this is a general indication that may vary each year.
April - Preparing the fields
Ethnic people prepare the lands with buffaloes.
May - Watering season
Watering the fields, creating a mirror effect.
June - First sprouts
First sprouts start to come up.
July - Fields getting greener
Fields become lush and green.
August - Stunning fields
Fields are at their most stunning, with some early harvests.
September - Harvest time
Harvest begins, mostly at the start of the month, with some areas extending later.
October - Late harvest
Sapa is often already harvested, but late harvests can be found in Mu Cang Chai and Hoang Su Phi.
Weather per month in Vietnam
January
February
March
April
Like March, April is the best time to visit to travel to the country and you will see more crowds, with fantastic weather everywhere.
May
June
July
August
September
October
November
The high season begins again and many people head to Vietnam for the colder winter months in the north. By the end of the month, the entire country is generally dry, with the exception of the central region, which can have some showers
