There is never a bad time to visit Vietnam. The climate in the country is tropical monsoon, with the south or southwesterly monsoon able to dominate from May to September and the northeast monsoon dominating from October to April. So, determining the best weather for Vietnam travel is dependent on which parts of the country you want to visit – unless you don’t mind being caught in a daily downpour or don’t mind fierce temperatures and high humidity.
Weather Of Vietnam
The monsoon season determines the weather in Vietnam. Rain falls on the two deltas and west-facing slopes during the southern summer monsoon. Simultaneously, the cold winter monsoon gathers moisture over the Gulf of Tonkin and deposits it along the central coast and the eastern edge of the central highlands.
There are significant differences based on altitude and latitude; temperatures in the south of Vietnam remain consistent all year, whereas the north experiences distinguishable seasonal variations.
The Best Weather for Vietnam Travel
If you want to see a little bit of everything, you’ll need to plan around regional weather differences. All in all, autumn / winter (September – December) and spring (March and April) are probably the best times to travel across the country.
This month by month guidance to going to visit Vietnam looks in depth at weather patterns and how they can affect any guided tours plans, getting around, recreational sports, and festivals currently happening throughout the year to make your planning easier. All of this will assist you in determining the best time to visit Vietnam.
Winter Travel to Vietnam (December – February)
By December, most of Vietnam has dry weather and is bathed in sunlight. Central Vietnam, on the other hand, is gradually emerging from its rainy season. So now is a good time to head to Vietnam’s southern coast if you want to soak up some rays and spend some time on the country’s beautiful beaches. This month is ideal for visiting beaches such as Mui Ne or the island of Phu Quoc.
It’s also a great time to visit Ho Chi Minh City, with average temperatures a pleasant 26 degrees Celsius.
If you’re making plans a Christmas getaway, keep in mind that things fill up quickly, so plan ahead.
In December, excursions in the north are ideal. Nevertheless, it is rather chilly, particularly in the mountain ranges, so bring extra layers.The north experiences cold winter weather in January. This is commonly accompanied by good enduring mists, which may obstruct your view of Ha Long Bay.
There is also a chance of ground frost in higher elevations, as well as a rare snowfall. Don’t let this deter you from participating in outdoor activities; while January is the coldest month in mountainous regions such as Sa Pa, rainfall is at its lowest, making for ideal trekking conditions. The average temperature in Hanoi is 20oC.
By January, the southern end of the country is well into the dry season, making it an ideal time to visit cities such as Ho Chi Minh City.
In February, Vietnam has ideal weather conditions all year. The southern and central coasts are ideal for beachgoers, with only a sprinkling of rain on the beaches between Hoi An and Da Nang. If you can drag yourself away from the beaches near Da Nang and into the city’s back streets, you’ll find some of the best street food in Vietnam. The chill has lifted in the north, having left clear and comfortable days for trekking and discovering the region.
Visiting Vietnam in spring (March – May)
March is perhaps the best month to visit Vietnam in terms of weather, especially if you want to see the entire country. Temperatures are rising in the north, making March an ideal time for adventure and trekking in the highlands and mountains. Clear skies in Ha Long Bay make it an ideal time for a boat tour that includes a stop at the enthralling Cat Ba Island.
Because of the dry weather, you can visit the incredible Phong Nha Caves in Phong Nha-ke Bang National Park, which boasts the world’s largest cave.
As summer approaches, temperatures in the north are rising, and rain is not uncommon. However, it is still very pleasant and ideal for hiking, with spring flowers in full bloom adding to the region’s beauty.
The center of Vietnam entices with blue skies and sunshine, so visit Hoi An and the nearby beach of An Bang, as well as the broad sands of Da Nang. Nha Trang is at its best further south. Temperatures in Hué are pleasant, and the highlands have beautiful weather at this time of year.
The south is obtaining wetter as the monsoon season approaches, but the short afternoon downpours are easy to avoid. The north is heating up and getting more rain, but it’s still mainly dry and perfect for getting out and about. With hot, sunny days, the central coast is the place to be this month.
Summer Vacation in Vietnam (June – August)
The rainy season is in full swing in the south, and floods are common, while rainfall in the central highlands is increasing. The north is warming and becoming wetter, making trekking dangerous – so bring appropriate footwear and outer layers if trekking is on your itinerary. However, don’t let the rain put you off visiting Vietnam. The central coast is at its best, ideal for lazing on the beaches near Hoi An, Da Nang, and Lang Co, while the south still has plenty of powdered hours during the day.
July is equivalent to June in that there are heavy downpours at both ends of the country. Temperatures peak in the north, and the central coast averages a scorching 31oC. If you don’t mind getting sunburned, it’s still a good month to visit the beaches because there are still plenty of clear days and the rain helps to cool things down. Because of the rain in the central highlands, trekking conditions are poor. Furthermore, transportation can be more difficult, with roads sometimes washed out and villages cut off. Hanoi is notoriously humid.
If you want to go trekking in Vietnam, avoid visiting in August because the north and central highlands are beginning to experience peak rainfall. And the deluge of rain in Ha Long Bay implies you should skip a boat tour this month. The central coast’s conditions are still generally favorable, particularly in Nha Trang, though the good times are drawing to a close. While the south is in the midst of its wet season, it’s not a negative time to visit, that has plenty of rain-free hours to enjoy.
Autumn in Vietnam (September to November)
The north and south are undergoing a similar tale: temperatures are high, but the climate is rinsing out, allowing for another trek in the north, around Sa Pa. The central coast and central highlands, on the other hand, are getting extremely wet, with storms on the horizon.
If you enjoy trekking and other outdoor adventure activities and are wondering when to visit Vietnam, October is a great month. The sun returns to the north, and dry weather creates optimum conditions in Sa Pa and the Dong Van Karst Plateau Geopark in Ha Giang province.
If you enjoy trekking and other outdoor adventure activities and are wondering when to visit Vietnam, October is a great month. The sun returns to the north, and dry weather creates ideal conditions in Sa Pa and the Dong Van Karst Plateau Geopark in Ha Giang province. It’s a good time to visit the picturesque Mai Chau Valley, with its golden rice fields against a backdrop of jagged mountains, and to visit the minority White Thai villages.
This month is ideal for visiting either end of the country, with balmy temperatures in the south and pleasant weather in the north. Choose from the beaches in the south or go trekking in the north. November is also the best month to visit Vietnam for a Ha Long Bay cruise.
Along the central coast, the picture is quite different. The wet season begins with a bang in Nha Trang, and be warned that when the northeasterly winter monsoon arrives, the rip currents for both Da Nang and Hoi An become especially dangerous.
