What is the best time to visit Vietnam?

Mekong Delta Floating Market Vietnam (4)

The best time to visit Vietnam depends on your interests and the regions you plan to explore. However, there are some general rules to keep in mind. The best time to visit Vietnam is from November to early April when most of the country is experiencing its dry season. This period offers warm weather without extreme humidity and will help you avoid the heavy rains of the summer monsoon.

Vietnam Weather Chart

How to visit Vietnam in Spring (January – March)?

As the cold of winter starts to dissipate, the country comes alive in spring with a vibrant energy. This is the best time to visit Vietnam, with sunny and dry weather in most regions of the country. You can enjoy beaches and pristine national parks in the south, while the north is still cool enough to hike in the mountains. This is also the prime season for star fruit and rambutan, so make sure to try these sweet snacks.

It’s also a great time to experience Tet, the Vietnamese Lunar New Year, which usually occurs at the end of January or early February. It’s a major holiday, so be prepared for busy hotels and flights.

Banh Chung (Sticky Rice Cake) - Traditional Vietnamese food in Lunar New Year
Banh Chung (Sticky Rice Cake) – Traditional Vietnamese food in Lunar New Year

With the sun shining brightly across Vietnam in March, it’s a great month to explore the central coast and its gorgeous sand beaches. Hoi An Ancient Town is a wonderful choice, with calm ocean swimming and an old town that’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Mui Ne Beach is another excellent option with a great beach and the resort town of Phan Thiet is also worth checking out.

The south is also a superb destination in March, with the beach resorts of Nha Trang and Phu Quoc Island enjoying warm, clear days with temperatures reaching up to 84 degF. It’s a perfect month to relax on the sand and enjoy the spectacular turquoise waters. Alternatively, you can visit Con Dao Island, one of Vietnam’s top diving and snorkeling destinations. With azure waters and great visibility, you can spot a range of marine life including turtles, moray eels and stingrays.

Traditional Boat Racing Spring Festival in Vietnam
Traditional Boat Racing Spring Festival in Vietnam

As you move into April, the weather is even better. The northern mountains are warmer but a lot less damp, and the terraced rice fields of Sapa Town come to life with wildflower blooms. The hill tribe villages in this region are also at their most photogenic at this time, as the villagers prepare to start a new harvest season.

You can also take this opportunity to head to Ha Long Bay – UNESCO World Heritage, although it’s important to remember that it gets crowded at this time of year with hundreds of sightseeing boats. However, if you stick to Bai Tu Long Bay, it’s almost as jaw-dropping and can be enjoyed with far fewer other tourists. You’ll also get to see the fascinating green turtle nesting season on this remote island paradise.

How to visit Vietnam in Summer (May – July)?

The hottest month of the year, June is an excellent time to visit Vietnam in summer because it offers sunny days and warm sea. You can enjoy swimming, sunbathing on the beach in Da Nang, Quy Nhơn, Nha Trang, Vung Tau and Phu Quoc Island.

Hue, the former imperial capital of Vietnam, is also a good choice at this time, since the summer monsoon has limited effects here and the city stays dry most of the time. However, it’s a bit humid, and temperatures can reach 40 degrees Celsius on the hottest days.

The southern part of the country is in the midst of its rainy season, with Ho Chi Minh City and the Mekong Delta experiencing daily downpours and traffic delays. Luckily, most of these showers are short-lived and come in the afternoon. In contrast, the beaches in Phu Quoc Island and Nha Trang remain sunny all day long.

Beach in Phu Quoc Island Vietnam
Phu Quoc Island has a lot of beautiful beaches with white sand and lightly wave.

In the northern regions, August is a much better month as the monsoons have moved on and it’s drier and cooler than the previous months. This makes it a great time to explore the country’s majestic mountains and pristine beaches.

The weather in Hanoi is comfortable with a light wind that keeps it from getting too hot. And when it does rain, the city offers plenty of indoor activities like shopping in its many malls and trying out local cuisine or watching a water puppet show.

How to visit Vietnam in Autumn (August – September)?

Autumn is a great time to visit Vietnam. It’s the best season for traveling and offers a blend of adventure, relaxation, and cultural discovery. This is also the time for some of Vietnam’s most beautiful festivals and traditions.

The weather in Vietnam in October is comfortable with temperatures ranging between 20 and 27 degrees Celsius. It is also the end of the rainy season, meaning the skies are clearer and it is less humid. This makes it a great month for visiting the Northern and Central regions of the country.

sapa town vietnam

A highlight of any trip to Vietnam is the spectacular nature that can be seen around the country in autumn. The landscape is a sight to behold with lush green rice fields and towering limestone cliffs that stretch out over the water, making it an ideal time for a cruise around Halong Bay. The water is also calm and refreshing, making it perfect for swimming.

The quaint riverside town of Hoi An is an enchanting place to explore in autumn. The renowned full moon festival takes place at this time, when locals and travellers pour into the streets to celebrate with music and dance. It is a beautiful sight to behold and an experience like no other.

There is so much to do in this enchanting country and it’s easy to see why so many people fall in love with Vietnam. The combination of the beautiful nature, vibrant celebrations and a thriving culture makes it a must-visit for everyone. The best thing is to have a good plan before you travel and make sure you pack the right gear to ensure that your trip is a success.

It’s also the perfect time to enjoy the country’s rich culture as the nation celebrates the Mid-Autumn Festival and Vietnam Independence Day.

How to visit Vietnam in Winter (October – December)?

Vietnam is a beautiful country that offers visitors an unforgettable experience with its mouth-watering cuisine, renowned temples and spectacular natural scenery.

During the winter, the climate in Vietnam is cool and dry in the north and central regions. However, in some areas such as Sapa and other mountainous destinations, the temperature can drop considerably. This is also the ideal time to enjoy a visit to Ta Xua, one of the best winter destinations in Vietnam, which is renowned for its immaculate nature with beautiful terraced fields and stunning sunrises over the misty valleys. In addition, visitors can enjoy a warm and comfortable homestay in a local ethnic village and discover the tranquil atmosphere and simple lifestyle of the local people.

Cruise in Halong Bay Vietnam

The majesty of Halong Bay is not diminished at all by the cold winter weather and this is one of the best times to enjoy a cruise around this world-famous landmark.

Tam Dao, the “Da Lat of the North,” is another stunning place to visit during winter, offering fanciful and romantic scenery with its three majestic mountains and stunning Bac Waterfall. Nature lovers can also explore the surrounding Tam Dao National Park with its rich biodiversity, or hike up to the peaks of the mountains for magnificent views over the surrounding landscape.

Best time to visit Ha Noi Capital and Northern Vietnam

The best time to visit Ha Noi and Northern Vietnam is between November and April. These months are considered the dry season influenced by the northeast monsoon and bring pleasant temperatures with clear skies. During this period, tourists will have the chance to explore famous places such as Ha Noi Capital, Ha Long Bay, Sapa Town and sighseeings in Ninh Binh Province.

Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and Museum in Hanoi Vietnam
The best time to visit Ha Noi and Northern Vietnam is between November and April

From December to January, travelers can witness the Tet festival (Lunar New Year) with a tour around Old Quater or visit other historic sites in the city. Visiting during the mid-time of spring is a good choice because the city is bursting with color as grapefruit flowers and ban flower blossom all over the place. Besides, it is also the ideal time for a leisurely meandering of Hanoi’s congested streets or enjoying the many local dishes on offer at street food stalls.

The second largest festival in Vietnam is the Mid-Autumn Festival (Tet Trung Thu), which takes place between September and October. Tourists can visit the Old Quarter to experience the lantern-lit wonderland where Hang Ma and Luong Van Can streets become packed with children lining up to buy toys or a typical sweet Mid-Autumn mooncake.

Best time to visit Hoi An Ancient Town and Central Vietnam

In March, the sun starts to shine a little stronger and Hoi An is at its most lively, with the streets packed with shoppers and street vendors. It is a great time to go sightseeing and take a walk around the ancient town or the surrounding UNESCO World Heritage sites.

Hoi An Old Town in Central Vietnam
The best time to visit Hoi An and Central Vietnam is from May to July

The best time to visit Hoi An and Central Vietnam is from May to July. It is the dry season so there is no risk of rain and the weather is sunny and warm. Another good time visit Hoi An Town is around Tet (Vietnam New Year) in January. The town is adorned with lanterns and locals participate in the tradition of releasing lanterns to wish for peace and happiness.

Best time to visit Ho Chi Minh City and Southern Vietnam

When you’re planning a trip to Ho Chi Minh City – the biggest city of Vietnam – knowing when the best time to visit is will ensure you don’t miss out on experiencing its tropical climate. With sweltering heat and monsoon rains, it’s important to avoid visiting at the wrong times in order to enjoy the best of this city’s culture, cuisine, architecture, and natural beauty.

Independence Palace in Ho Chi Minh City Vietnam
The best time to travel to Ho Chi Minh City is between December and April.

The best time to travel to Ho Chi Minh City and Southern Vietnam is during the dry season between December and April. It’s during this period that you’ll be able to freely explore the city without having to worry about sudden showers spoiling your plans. The temperatures are also cooler at this time of year, so you can easily travel around in summer-weight jeans and a light jacket.

The best time to visit the Mekong Delta in Vietnam is anytime, thanks to its mild climate. Each season offers unique and exciting activities for tourists to try:

  • From June to August, the Mekong Delta is a paradise of fruits. Visitors can enjoy the ripe and juicy fruits in the orchards around this period.
  • From September to November, the Mekong Delta enters the floating season, which is perfect for exploring the canals and visiting the floating markets.
  • From December to February, visitors can experience the lively atmosphere of Tet Holiday and admire the beautiful flower villages like Sa Dec, Tan Dong Quy, and Vi Thanh.
Mekong Eyes Classic Boat Vietnam (1)
The best time to visit the Mekong Delta in Vietnam is anytime.

In short, with terrain stretching from North to South with many different climates, you can travel to Vietnam at any time of the year. In the winter offers drier conditions and crisp, clear skies, perfect for trekking in mountainous regions or exploring the capital city of Ha Noi. In the spring (February to April) and autumn (September – October), Vietnam experiences pleasant weather with lower humidity and less rainfall. In the summer (May to October) is hot and humid, however, this is a great time for those interested in discovering the Mekong Delta and beautiful beaches.