Best time to visit vietnam & worst time: what you need to know
As a Vietnamese travel writer who speaks the language fluently, I’m thrilled to share my insider knowledge on the best time to visit Vietnam.
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Are you dreaming of slurping steaming pho on bustling Hanoi streets, cruising through the misty limestone karsts of Halong Bay, or wandering the lantern-lit alleys of Hoi An? Having spent three unforgettable weeks traversing my homeland from north to south last November, I’m here to spill the secrets on the best time to visit Vietnam.
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Best time to visit vietnam & worst time to visit: what you need to know
Spoiler alert: There’s no single “perfect” season or best time to visit Vietnam because it’s a diverse country–– Vietnam stretches over 1,000 miles from north to south, encompassing everything from chilly mountain peaks to sultry tropical beaches. But don’t worry – I’ve got you covered with a month-by-month breakdown to help you plan the trip. Without further ado, onto…
Best Time to Visit Vietnam & best time to travel Vietnam
The best time to visit Vietnam overall is from February to April and September to November. These shoulder seasons offer a great balance of comfortable temperatures and lower rainfall across most of the country. You’ll dodge the summer crowds and sky-high prices while still enjoying plenty of sunshine.
But the “best” time really depends on your specific itinerary and priorities. Let’s dive into the details so you can pick the perfect season for your Vietnamese adventure!
best month to visit Vietnam (Vietnam Weather by Month: A Seasonal Breakdown)

Best Time to Visit Northern Vietnam best time to visit Vietnam: Hanoi, Halong Bay, Sapa
Peak Season: September to November, March to April
- Low Season: May to August
- Shoulder Season: December to February
Northern Vietnam experiences four distinct seasons, with chilly winters and hot, humid summers. Here’s what to expect:
- Spring (March to April): Ideal weather with warm days, cool nights, and low humidity. Perfect for exploring Hanoi and cruising Halong Bay.
- Summer (May to August): Hot and humid with frequent afternoon downpours. Great for trekking in Sapa if you don’t mind some rain.
- Fall (September to November): The best overall season with sunny days, cool nights, and low rainfall. Prime time for outdoor activities.
- Winter (December to February): Cold and sometimes damp, especially in the mountains. Pack layers! Hanoi can be chilly and misty.
Helpful Tip: If you’re planning on trekking in Sapa, aim for September to November when the rice terraces turn a stunning golden color for the harvest.

Best Time to Visit Central Vietnam: Best Time to Visit Danang Vietnam, Hoi An, Hue
- Peak Season: February to August
- Low Season: September to January
- Shoulder Season: April to May, September to October
Central Vietnam has a tropical climate with a pronounced wet season. Here’s the breakdown:
- Dry Season (February to August): Hot and sunny, perfect for beach time in Danang. Hoi An is magical in the spring.
- Wet Season (September to January): Heavy rains and potential flooding, especially October to November. Some attractions may close.
- Shoulder Seasons: April-May and September-October offer a nice balance of sunshine and fewer crowds.
Helpful Tip: The Hoi An Lantern Festival, held on the 14th day of each lunar month, is a breathtaking sight. Plan your visit to coincide with this magical event!

Best Time to Visit Southern Vietnam: best time to visit ho chi minh city vietnam
- Peak Season: December to April
- Low Season: May to November
- Shoulder Season: April to May, October to November
Southern Vietnam has a tropical climate with two distinct seasons:
- Dry Season (December to April): Hot and humid, but rainfall is rare. Ideal for exploring HCMC and the Mekong Delta.
- Wet Season (May to November): Daily short, intense downpours, usually in the afternoon. Cheaper prices and fewer crowds.
Helpful Tip: Don’t let the wet season scare you off! The rain usually comes in short bursts, and the lush green landscapes are stunning.
Best Season to Go to Vietnam by Region
Northern Vietnam (Hanoi, Sapa, Halong Bay)
- Best Season: September to November, March to April
- Why: Sunny days, cool nights, low rainfall, and stunning autumn foliage
Central Vietnam (Hue, Hoi An, Danang)
- Best Season: February to April
- Why: Dry weather, moderate temperatures, and smaller crowds before the summer peak
Southern Vietnam (Ho Chi Minh City, Mekong Delta)
- Best Season: December to April
- Why: Dry season with comfortable temperatures and low humidity
Best Season to Visit Vietnam
The autumn months of September to November generally offer the most pleasant experience across the country. During this time, you’ll enjoy:
- Comfortable temperatures
- Lower humidity
- Less rainfall
- Beautiful scenery (especially the golden rice terraces in the north)
- Fewer crowds than the winter high season
Worst Time to Visit Vietnam
- Summer (June to August):
- Extremely hot and humid, especially in the cities
- Peak of the rainy season in the north and south
- Potential for typhoons in central Vietnam
- October to December in Central Vietnam:
- Heavy rains and potential flooding in Hoi An and other central areas
- Some attractions may close due to weather
- Tet Holiday (Late January or Early February):
- While culturally fascinating, it’s the busiest and most expensive time
- Many businesses close for a week or more
- Transportation is overcrowded
Helpful Tip: If you must visit during these times, plan indoor activities for the hottest parts of the day in summer, and be flexible with your itinerary during rainy seasons.
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Regional Breakdown: Best and Worst Times to Go to vietnam
Northern Vietnam (Hanoi, Sapa, Halong Bay)
- Best: September to November, March to April
- Worst: June to August (hot and rainy)
Central Vietnam (Hue, Hoi An, Danang)
- Best: February to April
- Worst: October to December (heavy rains, potential flooding)
Southern Vietnam (Ho Chi Minh City, Mekong Delta)
- Best: December to April
- Worst: June to August (very hot and wet)
ideal time to visit vietnam: Month-by-Month Guide to best month to go to vietnam
January in Vietnam
- North: Cold and occasionally damp. Sapa can see freezing temperatures.
- Central: Pleasant and dry. Great time for beach vacations.
- South: Warm and dry. Ideal for exploring HCMC and the Mekong Delta.
- Events: Tet (Lunar New Year) celebrations – the biggest holiday in Vietnam!
February in Vietnam
- North: Chilly but dry. Halong Bay cruises are less crowded.
- Central: Warm and sunny. Perfect beach weather.
- South: Hot and dry. Excellent time to visit.
- Events: Tet celebrations may continue into early February.
March in Vietnam
- North: Warming up with low rainfall. Great for outdoor activities.
- Central: Sunny and dry. Beach season is in full swing.
- South: Very hot and dry. Consider early morning or evening activities.
- Events: Perfume Pagoda Festival near Hanoi.
April in Vietnam
- North: Pleasant temperatures and low rainfall. Ideal for exploring Hanoi.
- Central: Hot but still enjoyable. Good time to visit before peak season crowds.
- South: Very hot. Mekong Delta trips are great this time of year.
- Events: Hung Kings Festival (national holiday).
May in Vietnam
- North: Getting hot and humid with increasing rainfall.
- Central: Hot but still relatively dry. Beach time!
- South: Start of the wet season, but rain usually comes in short bursts.
- Events: Buddha’s Birthday celebrations.
June in Vietnam
- North: Hot and rainy. Sapa trekking can be muddy but lush.
- Central: Hot and dry. Peak season for beach resorts.
- South: Frequent short afternoon downpours.
- Events: Danang International Fireworks Festival.
July in Vietnam
- North: Hot and very wet. Not ideal for outdoor activities.
- Central: Hot and dry. Crowded beaches but perfect weather.
- South: Regular short rainstorms, but still plenty of sunshine.
- Events: Cau Ngu Festival (Fisherman’s Festival) in central coastal towns.
August in Vietnam
- North: Peak of the hot, wet season. Occasional typhoons possible.
- Central: Last month of the dry season. Very hot and busy at beach resorts.
- South: Wet season continues with afternoon downpours.
- Events: Ghost Festival (Wandering Souls Day).
September in Vietnam
- North: Cooling down with decreasing rainfall. Great month to visit Hanoi and Halong Bay.
- Central: Increasing chance of rain, but still many sunny days.
- South: Wettest month in HCMC, but rain usually comes in short bursts.
- Events: Mid-Autumn Festival.
October in Vietnam
- North: Excellent weather. One of the best months to visit northern Vietnam.
- Central: High chance of rain and storms. Not ideal for beach vacations.
- South: Rainy season continues, but tapering off.
- Events: Hanoi Pride.
November in Vietnam
- North: Cool, dry weather. Perfect for exploring Hanoi and trekking in Sapa.
- Central: Rainy season peaks. Hoi An may experience flooding.
- South: End of the wet season. Comfortable temperatures.
- Events: Oc Om Bok Festival (Khmer Moon Festival) in the Mekong Delta.
December in Vietnam
- North: Cold but dry. Pack warm layers!
- Central: Rain decreasing, but still cool and sometimes damp.
- South: Warm and dry. High season begins.
- Events: Christmas is celebrated in major cities.
Best Time to Visit Vietnam for…
Beaches
- Best Time: February to August
- Where to Go: Danang, Nha Trang, Phu Quoc Island
- Why: Dry weather and sunny skies make for perfect beach days.
Trekking/hiking
- Best Time: September to November, March to April
- Where to Go: Sapa, Ha Giang, Cao Bang
- Why: Comfortable temperatures, low rainfall, and stunning scenery.
Cultural Experiences
- Best Time: January/February (for Tet), April, September
- Where to Go: Hanoi, Hue, Hoi An
- Why: Major festivals and comfortable weather for exploring.
Budget Travel
- Best Time: May to June, September to October
- Where to Go: Throughout Vietnam
- Why: Shoulder season offers lower prices and fewer crowds.
Halong Bay Cruises
- Best Time: March to April, September to November
- Why: Comfortable temperatures, clear skies, and calm waters.
vietnam temperature by month
Average Temperature and Rainfall in Key Destinations
City | Season | Avg. Temp (°F) | Rainfall (inches) |
---|---|---|---|
Hanoi | Winter (Dec-Feb) | 57-62 | 0.8-1.8 |
Spring (Mar-May) | 70-81 | 1.6-6.3 | |
Summer (Jun-Aug) | 82-84 | 8.3-13.4 | |
Fall (Sep-Nov) | 73-79 | 5.1-6.7 | |
Hoi An | Dry (Feb-Aug) | 75-84 | 1.2-3.9 |
Wet (Sep-Jan) | 72-79 | 12.6-29.5 | |
Ho Chi Minh City | Dry (Dec-Apr) | 82-87 | 0.2-2.4 |
Wet (May-Nov) | 81-84 | 5.9-11.8 |
Key Festivals and Events in Vietnam
Month | Festival/Event | Location |
---|---|---|
January/February | Tet (Lunar New Year) | Nationwide |
March/April | Hung Kings Festival | Phu Tho Province |
April | Hue Festival (biennial) | Hue |
June | Danang International Fireworks Festival | Danang |
September | Mid-Autumn Festival | Nationwide |
December | Sa Pa Winter Festival | Sapa |
FAQs: Best Time to Visit Vietnam
Q: When is the cheapest time to visit Vietnam? A: May to June and September to October are generally the most budget-friendly months. You’ll find lower prices on accommodations and flights during these shoulder seasons.
Q: What is the rainy season in Vietnam? A: The rainy season varies by region:
- North: May to September
- Central: September to December
- South: May to November
Q: When should I avoid visiting Vietnam? A: Try to avoid the Tet holiday (usually late January or early February) unless you specifically want to experience it. Many businesses close, and prices skyrocket. October and November can be very wet in central Vietnam, with a risk of flooding in Hoi An.
Q: What’s the best time to visit Halong Bay? A: March to April and September to November offer the best weather for Halong Bay cruises. You’ll enjoy pleasant temperatures, clear skies, and calm waters.
Q: When is the best time to go to Sapa for rice terraces? A: September to early October is the best time to see Sapa’s famous golden rice terraces during harvest season. For lush green terraces, visit between May and August.
The Verdict: When Should I go to vietnam?
The best time to visit Vietnam ultimately depends on your specific itinerary and priorities. However, if you want to experience a bit of everything, I recommend planning your trip for March to April or September to November. (I went to vietnam in November and it was a great month!) These shoulder seasons offer the best overall weather throughout the country, with comfortable temperatures, lower rainfall, and fewer crowds than peak season.
My personal favorite? I visited in November, and it was magical. The weather was perfect in Hanoi and Halong Bay, and while we had some rain in Hoi An, it only added to the romantic atmosphere of the lantern-lit streets.
Remember, Vietnam is a year-round destination, and each season has its own unique charm. Whether you’re slurping pho in a Hanoi alleyway, cruising through the mist on Halong Bay, or cycling through vibrant green rice paddies, you’re in for an unforgettable adventure.
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