The best time of year to visit Vietnam

COVID-19 update – Vietnam, September 18, 2020: As one of the first countries to open the domestic tourism market, Vietnam is cautiously planning to welcome international visitors.

The best months to visit Vietnam are in December, January, the first half of February, the second half of March and April. August and November are also good times to go.

December, January, first half of February: the weather is cool and dry, best times to travel to this S-shaped country and enjoy trekking in the northern mountains. At the end of January and the beginning of February (date vary), Vietnamese New Year is the best festival to experience.

From the second half of March to the end of April: Thanks to warm, dry weather and clear sky, a perfect time to visit this quaint country and enjoy beach activities.

The rainy months are at the end of May, June, September and November. In the North, there are some muggy days from the end of February to the first half of March. Winter (December, January) is the coldest season, but only takes place in the North, the northern high mountains may have snow when the temperature drops below 0°C. May, June, July are the 3 hottest months when the average temperature is about 30°C – 35°C and outdoor temperatures on the hottest days can reach over 40°C.

If you want to know the cheapest time to fly to Vietnam, check at Google Flights or Skyscanner.

If you travel both Vietnam and Cambodia, the best months are December, January, the first half of February and April. Cambodia has a climate similar to southern Vietnam, Chol Chnam Thmay in April is Cambodian New Year.

In order to protect your health and skin from the intense sunlight on blazing hot summer days, you should bring along hats, sunglasses, sunscreen and deodorant. In contrast, the temperature on winter days can be even below 0°C (32°F) on high mountains in northern; therefore, it is advisable to prepare some pieces of warm clothing. Waterproof accessories like daypack, sandals, shoes are also essential things for varied weather.

Vietnam weather guide

From a bird’s eye view, Vietnam is a year-round destination with humid subtropical climate in the North and tropical savanna climate in the South. This climate division is due to the elongated terrain that is split by Bach Ma mountain. In Northern Vietnam, from Hai Van Pass northwards, there are 4 distinct seasons including spring, summer, autumn and winter. Meanwhile, the weather in Southern Vietnam, from Hai Van Pass southwards, is divided into dry and rainy seasons.

The North

Spring in the North lasts for about 2 months, from March to April, with the average temperature is 18°C – 23°C (64°F – 73°F), the average humidity is about 70%. In some muggy days from the end of February to the first half of March, humidity can increase to 90%.

Summer begins in May and ends in August, with the average temperature is about 30°C – 35°C (86°F – 95°F) and humidity is 60% – 70%. In May, high levels of rainfall increases average humidity to 70% – 80%.

Autumn is from September to October, the average temperature is 23°C – 28°C (73°F – 82°F), the humidity ranges from 60% to 70%. In September, the appearance of tropical storms causes the humidity to increase to 70% – 80%.

Winter lasts from November to February, the temperature hovers around 15°C – 21°C (59°F – 69°F) and the humidity is between 60% and 70%.

The South

Southern Vietnam has a tropical savanna climate due to its proximity to the equator. The annual average temperature is about 27°C (80°F). The Southern climate comprises 2 distinct seasons, dry and rainy seasons. The rainy season begins in May and ends in November, the dry one is from December to April. The average humidity of the former ranges from 75% to 80% and that of the latter is between 65% and 70%.

The climate of the top destinations

High temp. (°C) Low temp. (°C) Rainfall (mm)

Travel season in Vietnam

From November to April is the high tourist season for international visitors to Vietnam. Particularly, December is the peak month, which causes travel service prices to increase by 10% or more. However, contracting prices among tourism businesses are normally stable.

The low tourist season is from April to October. The cheapest time is April and September, which is the off-peak time of both domestic and international tourism.

Vietnamese people travel mainly on 2 occasions that are summer and Tet holiday. Summer is the peak travel season for the Vietnamese because children have a summer break that lasts for about 2 months. Most of the Vietnamese choose sea travel during their vacation. At the end of the year, they tend to visit religious or mountainous tourist destinations. It is noted that travel service prices for Vietnamese people will increase sharply in the summer but not in the traditional Tet holiday.

Time to enjoy the festivals

Vietnam boasts a vibrant culture with 54 ethnic groups and 7966 festivals, most of which take place at the beginning of the year. These are the top 5 festivals and time to enjoy.

National holidays

List of Vietnamese national holidays in 2020 and 2021.

On holidays, Vietnamese people tend to travel more. Many famous touristy spots are even overloaded during Liberation Day, International Labour Day and Independence Day. Moreover, the price of air, train and car tickets will be much higher than that in regular days without reservation in 2 – 3 months.

The ideal time to visit the best places

Sapa

Sapa is beautiful year-round but there may be floods from June to September. If you wish to “date” with terraced fields, you should go in May – watering season or from the end of September to early October – ripe rice season.

Hanoi

You can visit the pulsing Hanoi at any time of the year. On Tet Holiday and Independence Day, Hanoi stands out with its peaceful atmosphere.

Ha Long Bay

Ha Long Bay has the most gorgeous beauty in April with a crystal blue sky. The weather is pleasant from November to March, a good time to go. However, you should consider visiting in August and September due to its typhoon season.

Ninh Binh

Ninh Binh is scenic year-round. From late May to June and from late September to October, Ripe rice fields add fascinating yellow to the picturesque scene.

Hue

From December to April, the weather is dry and cool. Most annual festivities are held in April. From late May to June is the time for heat waves with the temperature can reach over 40°C (104°F). Rainy season can occur in October and November.

Da Nang

The best time to visit Da Nang is from November to April. March and April are the most exquisite months, it’s warm and dry, perfect for both beach activities and mountain trekking. Fireworks festivals are usually from May to July. There may be storms in November.

Hoi An

Hoi An is appealing all time of the year, but more elegant on Tet Holiday and every night of the 14th lunar month with lantern festivals held in the ancient town. March and April are months to enjoy An Bang beach. It is blazing hot in late May, June and July.

Ho Chi Minh City

From December to April is the best time to visit this bustling city. Unlike its usual vibrancy, Ho Chi Minh City is more peaceful on Tet Holiday and Independence Day.

Mekong River Delta

This floating maze is worthy-visited in any season of the year. Ripe rice seasons are in early April, late August and late November.

Phu Quoc

Feel free to enjoy this tropical paradise all year round except rainy season from July to September.

Nha Trang

This coastal town is alluring from December to April. The rainy season is from October to November.

Mui Ne

From December to April is the best time to travel to Mui Ne, one of the localities with the lowest rainfall in Vietnam.