With bustling cities, white sandy beaches, and vast rice fields, Vietnam has become every photographer’s dream. So, when is the best time to travel to Vietnam?
With bustling cities, white sandy beaches, and vast rice fields, Vietnam has become every photographer’s dream. No matter which area you want to explore, choosing the right time to visit can make or break your trip to Vietnam.
The ideal time to visit Vietnam is during the dry season, which lasts from December to February. The weather is quite cool, with the northern regions possibly experiencing cold nights.
Most of Vietnam has a tropical climate, characterized by strong monsoon winds, high humidity, and plenty of rain (often accompanied by dangerous winds). During the hot season, the high humidity in Vietnam can make it more uncomfortable compared to other Southeast Asian destinations. In the northern part of the country, especially in mountainous regions, the weather is more temperate and divided into hot and cold periods.
From tropical storms, pleasant sunny days to occasional snowfall, discover the best months to visit Vietnam, which months to avoid, and how the seasons differ across the country.
Best Time to Travel to Vietnam
The period from December to February is the driest. Traveling to Vietnam during this time means you won’t have to worry about flooded cities, impassable rural roads, or monsoon rains disrupting your itinerary. Depending on where you’re headed, these months can range from chilly to very cold, especially in mountainous regions.
For city travel, this is a great time to visit, with low humidity and comfortable temperatures for long days of exploration. For rural experiences, this period also offers better weather, less mud, and lower humidity for trekking through forests.
If you want to save money, you’ll need to shift your travel plans to the rainy season. At this time, you can find great deals on flights and accommodations. If you arrive early in the rainy season, the rains won’t be too severe.
Best Season to Visit Vietnam
Winter
Vietnam is the only place in Southeast Asia that experiences a real winter in the north. The capital Hanoi, the mountainous region of Sapa, and parts of Ha Long Bay have two distinct seasons: summer (May-October) and winter (November to April). Winter temperatures average below 20 degrees Celsius, although it can be warmer during the day.
In the far north, particularly in mountainous towns, temperatures can drop to single digits. The Hoang Lien Son mountain range and Bat Xat village in the Sapa region occasionally see snowfall in winter. This season in places like Hanoi feels like spring in temperate regions and is the best time to visit with smaller crowds. In summer, these areas can reach temperatures in the mid-30s Celsius with high humidity and occasional heavy rain.
Dry Season
The rest of Vietnam only has dry and rainy seasons. The rainy season in Vietnam comes with monsoon rains and coastal storms. Heavy and frequent rains occur from May to November. Many areas experience flooding and strong winds, sometimes causing power or internet outages, even in city centers.
The dry season is the best time to visit central and southern Vietnam, including towns like Hoi An, Da Nang, Ho Chi Minh City, and anywhere around the Mekong Delta. Year-round temperatures in these areas range from 25-35 degrees Celsius, but the dry season brings sunny days and little rain, except for short afternoon showers.
Best Months to Visit Vietnam
February
If you’re heading to central or southern Vietnam, February is a great month to visit. From December to February, the weather is mostly sunny, with only about 2 rainy days throughout the month. Humidity is relatively low, and water temperatures remain at 27-28 degrees Celsius, ideal for swimming and water sports.
March – April
The rainy season doesn’t start until May, so March and April are also relatively good months. Although the number of rainy days doubles, the average temperature rises from 30 degrees Celsius in January to about 34 degrees Celsius in May.
Tet Nguyen Dan
Tet Nguyen Dan is Vietnam’s biggest festival, usually falling in January or February each year, making hotels and flights more expensive. However, the country is vibrant with festivities during this time, making it an experience not to be missed.
December
December is the driest month in northern Vietnam, with only 3 rainy days and pleasant temperatures around 22 degrees Celsius. Winter nights can be cold, but rarely freezing unless you go to mountainous areas. International travelers often need only a light windbreaker. However, this is not a good time to visit Ha Long Bay for swimming or kayaking due to cold water temperatures. On the other hand, it’s a great time to secure travel deals and visit favorite destinations without crowds, allowing for a more relaxed experience.
Best Time to Visit Hanoi
November to February
Hanoi has a humid tropical monsoon climate, divided into distinct hot and cold seasons. During the cold season, temperatures in the city rarely drop below 15 degrees Celsius. You may feel chilly at night, especially when it’s windy. During the day, from November to February, temperatures range from low to mid-20 degrees Celsius, with dry and sunny weather. This is a great time to stroll through Hanoi’s narrow streets, explore markets, and visit temples.
April and October
If you prefer a warmer trip to Vietnam, April and October ensure average temperatures in the mid-20s with clear skies. Hanoi experiences heavy rains from June to September, so the city in October is dry and more pleasant.
In April, the rains and scorching temperatures haven’t arrived yet, making it a beautiful time to enjoy the sunshine without the humidity. Remember that these two months are also peak seasons, so you’ll encounter more crowds and higher service prices when traveling in Vietnam.
Best Time to Visit Ho Chi Minh City
May to September
Located in the southern part of the country, Ho Chi Minh City (or Saigon) doesn’t have a cold season, with year-round temperatures consistently around 30 degrees Celsius. Instead, Saigon experiences a dry and rainy season with tropical storms bringing heavy rains, high humidity, and frequent flooding from May to September.
This is a good time to visit if you’re on a budget, as accommodation prices are significantly lower. However, be prepared to walk in the rain or stay in restaurants when the downpours hit the city. August and September are the rainiest months, so avoiding these times at least ensures some clear skies between the showers.
December to April
The peak season lasts from December to April, with dry and sunny weather. In December, you might experience a few cool nights, with temperatures dropping below 20 degrees Celsius. However, temperatures start to rise afterward, sometimes reaching up to 40 degrees Celsius in March. Due to slightly lower humidity (around 70% instead of the high 80%), it will be somewhat more comfortable. However, March and April are generally not the best months to travel to Vietnam if you plan to spend a lot of time outdoors.
Best Time to Visit Da Nang
February to May
Once a French colonial port, Da Nang is famous for its fine sandy beaches, beautiful coastline, and clear blue waters. Da Nang is also close to the ancient town of Hoi An and the former imperial capital of Hue – three famous tourist spots in central Vietnam for anyone interested in a blend of tropical paradise and ancient history.
Most tourists visiting Da Nang want to experience beach time, including stopping by the luxurious 5km-long Non Nuoc Beach. Therefore, the period from February to May is the best. April sees a few showers, and by June, temperatures rise quickly. When August arrives, the weather is scorching, with temperatures above 30 degrees Celsius.
However, February and March are perfect times, and you should bet on sunny beach weather with bearable temperatures above 20 degrees Celsius. This is a popular tourist season for both locals and international visitors, so be prepared for higher prices and crowded beaches when traveling to Vietnam.
Note During the Rainy Season
While the rainy season is often a good time to travel to Vietnam, Da Nang is not ideal during the monsoon season. Strong winds and dangerous tropical storms are known to hit the coast in September and October. At this time, there are constant, heavy rains and slippery, dangerous roads.
Best Time to Visit Vietnam’s Caves
Notable Caves in Vietnam
Vietnam is home to many limestone caves, including a vast network of caves with underground rivers, vegetation, and some of the world’s tallest stalagmites. Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park is the main cave exploration destination in Vietnam, with over 300 caves, including the world’s largest natural cave, Son Doong Cave.
Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park is located in North Central Vietnam and has distinct cold and hot seasons. During the cold season, average temperatures are 18 degrees Celsius but can drop to single digits. This is not the best time to visit the caves, as temperatures inside can be even lower. Although the park is open year-round, this region of the country experiences heavy rains from July to December. This not only causes inconvenience on long trips, making it slippery to reach the caves, but the rains also cause flooding with dangerous conditions inside and near the cave entrances.
February to April
The period from February to April is ideal for traveling to Vietnam. At this time, the weather is dry and not too hot, with temperatures around 20 degrees Celsius. You will have to walk quite a distance through the forest to reach the caves. Although it doesn’t rain until July, May and June are hot and humid months, with temperatures around 30 degrees Celsius and much higher humidity.
Best Time to Travel to Vietnam and Cambodia
The climates of southern Vietnam and Cambodia are very similar, so combining these two regions in one trip is not too difficult. Cambodia has a shorter rainy season, lasting from May to October, while southern Vietnam’s rains start in May and last until November.
March to April
March and April are the best times to travel to Vietnam and Cambodia as the rainy season has not yet started in either country. Although this is considered peak season in both countries, the number of tourists starts to decrease with more affordable prices. So, you will surely find some great deals in these months. With the Vietnam-Cambodia travel experience at this time, you can expect temperatures of 30 degrees Celsius, plenty of sunshine, and quiet, clear beaches.
If you need to save costs, you may have to travel a bit later, risking encountering rain. The heaviest rains in both countries fall at the end of the rainy season. So, traveling to Vietnam and Cambodia in May-June will avoid the worst storms, especially dealing with afternoon or overnight showers.
Rainy Season
The hot and humid rainy season usually has temperatures reaching up to 40 degrees Celsius. However, this is the season of lush green foliage and also a quieter time to visit without too many people around. Fewer crowds make for stunning photos, especially at Angkor Wat and Ha Long Bay, along with cheaper airfare and accommodations.
