🌞 Best (and Worst) Time to Visit Vietnam in 2024

01/07/2027

🌻 Vietnam has two main seasons:

🤔 Best Times to Visit Vietnam: Good Weather and Low Prices

As mentioned above, November to April is the best time to visit Vietnam. However, this may depend on which part of the country you plan to visit, what activities you want to do, your budget and your weather preferences.

🌾 1) Best time to visit when the weather is good

🐃 Northern Vietnam, which includes Hanoi and Halong Bay, has a subtropical climate with four distinct seasons. The best time to visit this region is from October to April when the weather is cooler and drier. The summer months of May to September can be hot and humid, with occasional typhoons and heavy rains.

🍊 Central Vietnam, which includes Hue, Hoi An, and Danang, has a tropical climate with two seasons: a dry season from January to August and a rainy season from September to December. The best time to visit this region is from February to June, when the weather is dry and mild.

🏖️ If you and your kids plan to visit during the summer holidays (between June and August), you may enjoy sunny, blue skies, but expect high temperatures around 35°C (95°F) and crowds. Our 14-day Vietnam and Cambodia family tour is specially designed for a summer family vacation.

In the south of Vietnam, including Ho Chi Minh City and the Mekong Delta, the rainy season is from May to October and the dry season is from November to April. The best time to visit this region is from November to April when the weather is dry and pleasant.

💸 2) Best Times to Visit for Cheap

Vietnam is a very affordable destination year-round, although travelers typically find the biggest discounts on accommodations, flights, and tours during the rainy season (May to October in northern and southern Vietnam, September to December in central Vietnam).

Cultural and historical cities, like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, are less affected by the weather. And they have plenty of indoor activities, like cooking classes and lantern-making. So if you’re flexible and prepared, the low season promises fewer crowds, big savings, and still plenty to enjoy.

📅 3) An Insider’s Guide to the Best Times to Visit Vietnam

In our experience, if your travel timing is flexible, the ideal times to travel are just before the high season and just after the high season (early May to late October). During these times, the weather is still nice, the crowds are thinner, and hotels are cheaper.

Learn more tips on planning your trip to Vietnam or contact our specialist, who will create a tailor-made itinerary for you based on your needs, including available travel times.

Worst Times to Travel to Vietnam (Monsoon and Typhoon Seasons)
If you don’t like rain, you should consider avoiding the rainy season.

The truth is that even at the peak of the rainy season, rainfall is not persistent and mostly comes in the form of short showers lasting one to two hours. You can still enjoy most of the day without too much inconvenience.

One thing to note is the disruptive typhoon season in northern and central Vietnam. Your Halong Bay cruise may be cancelled or delayed if you travel between July and August, when the bay is at risk of typhoons and storms. Your trip to coastal resorts in central Vietnam, such as Hoi An, may have to be cut short due to typhoon flooding, which usually occurs between September and October.

While the rainy season has its drawbacks, it also means less crowding and better prices. With a well-planned and flexible schedule, you can still enjoy a fantastic trip.

Our flexible private tours are guaranteed to make your trip smoother and easier. You will receive timely support and expert contingency plans, if weather causes delays/cancellations or changes to the itinerary.

Contact us to start your Vietnam trip without worries.

📅 Vietnam Travel Guide by Month

Vietnam Weather in January

Northern Vietnam: Cool and dry, 15–20°C (59–68°F)

Central Vietnam: Mild and humid, 22–27°C (72–81°F)

Southern Vietnam: Hot and dry, 26–32°C (79–90°F)

January is generally a cool/mild and dry/humid month in the northern and central regions of Vietnam. However, it can get quite cold in the mountainous far north in places like Sapa, with temperatures dropping below 10°C (50°F). The southern region tends to be warmer and drier.

January is a great time to visit most of Vietnam. However, if you’re hoping to visit the beaches, be aware that it might be a bit cool for swimming or sunbathing.

Vietnam's Lunar New Year, known as Tet, sometimes falls in late January and can be an exciting time to visit Vietnam and experience the festive atmosphere and traditions. But be prepared for more crowds and higher prices.

Vietnam Weather in February

North Vietnam: Mild and dry, 14°C to 22°C (57°F to 72°F)

Central Vietnam: Mild and dry, 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F)

South Vietnam: Hot and very dry, 25°C to 32°C (77°F to 90°F)

February is a good time to visit Vietnam, with pleasant weather and little rainfall. It can still be cool in the north, while the south really starts to warm up.

February is considered part of the peak tourist season in Vietnam, but it is not as busy as December and January. However, it is important to note that the Lunar New Year (Tet) usually falls in February and many Vietnamese travel during this time, so transportation and accommodations may be more crowded and expensive. Book hotels as early as possible.

Vietnam Weather in March

Northern Vietnam: Hot and dry, 15–25°C (59–77°F)

Central Vietnam: Hot and dry, 20–30°C (68–86°F)

Southern Vietnam: Hot and very dry, 23–34°C (73–93°F)

As winter ends, Vietnam’s weather becomes warm in March. The northern and central regions can still be cool in the evenings and mornings, while the south tends to be warm and rainless.

March is a good month for outdoor activities such as exploring the countryside around Hanoi and Hoi An. It is also a good time to visit the beaches of central Vietnam, as the sea is usually calm and the weather is warm.

Vietnam Weather in April

North Vietnam: Hot, moderately rainy, 19°C to 28°C (66°F to 82°F)

Central Vietnam: Sunny and warm, 22°C to 33°C (72°F to 91°F)

South Vietnam: Hot, light rain, 25°C to 35°C (77°F to 95°F)

April is generally a good time to visit Vietnam as the weather is mostly dry and warm, with temperatures ranging from 20°C to 30°C (68–86°F) in most regions. However, the south can be hot and humid, and sudden showers can come and go quickly.

It’s a great time to explore Vietnam’s natural beauty, such as cruising Halong Bay, enjoying the beaches of central Vietnam, or visiting the Mekong Delta in the south.

Vietnam Weather in May

Northern Vietnam: Hot, average rainfall, 25–30°C (77–86°F)

Central Vietnam: Warm, light showers, 28–32°C (82–90°F)

Southern Vietnam: Hot, heavy rainfall, 30–35°C (86–95°F)

May marks the start of the hot season in Vietnam, especially in the central and southern regions. Temperatures can reach 40°C in some areas.

A private tour with a flexible travel pace is essential to avoid the scorching sun and have a pleasant trip. You can choose to start your day earlier in the morning, take a siesta and go out later in the afternoon, or plan some indoor activities such as cooking classes.

The good thing about this month is that you can expect fewer crowds and lower prices.

Vietnam Weather in June

North Vietnam: Hot, heavy showers, 26–33°C (79–91°F)

Central Vietnam: Hot, light showers, 26–35°C (79–95°F)

South Vietnam: Hot and humid, 25–32°C (77–90°F)

June is one of the hottest months of the year in Vietnam. It is also the start of the rainy season in the north and south, with regular thunderstorms and heavy rain.

June can be a busy time to visit Vietnam due to the hot, humid weather, especially in the south. However, if you are comfortable with the heat and enjoy outdoor activities, it can still be a good time to visit central Vietnam and enjoy the beaches. Just be prepared for heavy rain in some regions and make sure to stay hydrated and protect yourself from the sun.

Vietnam Weather in July

North Vietnam: Hot, heavy showers, 26–33°C (79–91°F)

Central Vietnam: Hot, humid, 25–34°C (77–93°F)

South Vietnam: Hot, heavy showers, 24–32°C (75–90°F)

July is a hot and humid month in most of Vietnam, with regular rains due to the summer monsoon season.

However, you should see more pleasant weather in central Vietnam (Danang, Hoi An, and Nha Trang), where sunny days and blue skies are perfect for a beach holiday. Expect higher accommodation prices and more crowds due to the Vietnamese student summer vacation. Book your hotels several months in advance.

If you’re traveling to Northern and Southern Vietnam, we recommend packing rain gear, doing more indoor activities, and always having a “B tour plan” for each day.

Vietnam Weather in August

Northern Vietnam: Hot, heavy showers, 26–32°C (79–90°F)

Central Vietnam: Hot, medium rainfall, 25–34°C (77–93°F)

Southern Vietnam: Hot, heavy showers, 23–32°C (73–90°F)

August is a hot and rainy month in Northern and Southern Vietnam. Storms or heavy rains occur in August, which may affect your trip to Halong Bay, Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and the Mekong Delta. The good news is that the rains come and go quickly.

The Central region of Vietnam, which includes Hue, Danang, and Hoi An, is the best choice, due to the sunniest weather. Be prepared for crowded beaches as domestic travel is at its peak due to summer holidays. Contact us for an early booking!

Vietnam Weather in September

North Vietnam: Hot and heavy showers, 25–32°C (77–90°F)

Central Vietnam: Hot, very heavy rainfall, 24–32°C (75–90°F)

South Vietnam: Hot, very heavy rainfall, 23–32°C (73–90°F)

September is a transition month in Vietnam, as the weather begins to shift from the rainy to the dry season or vice versa.

Northern Vietnam is nearing the end of summer, although you can still expect very hot weather and some rain. Central Vietnam enters its extremely torrential rainy season, with a high chance of storms or typhoons. Southern Vietnam also experiences hot temperatures and frequent rain.

The best places to go are in Northern Vietnam, including Hanoi, Halong Bay, and Sapa.

Vietnam Weather in October

Northern Vietnam: Hot, average rainfall, 22–29°C (66–84°F)

Central Vietnam: Hot, torrential storms, 23–29°C (73–84°F)

Southern Vietnam: Hot, heavy rainfall, 23–31°C (73–88°F)

October is one of the best months to visit North and South Vietnam, with moderate temperatures between showers. The north is hot, while the south is sometimes still hot.

Vietnam Weather in November

North Vietnam: Hot, light rain, 19–26°C (66–79°F)

Central Vietnam: Hot, torrential rain, 21–27°C (70–80°F)

South Vietnam: Hot, medium rain, 22–31°C (72–88°F)

November is the start of the dry winter season in the north, with cooler temperatures and less humidity/rain, bringing large numbers of travelers to Hanoi and Halong Bay.

Meanwhile, the central region is still in the height of its wet and stormy typhoon season. If you are traveling to this region (Hue, Danang, Hoi An) in November, keep your itinerary flexible in case of flight delays or cancellations.

The south begins its dry season, with medium to low rainfall and sunny skies in most cases. This month is a great time to visit Ho Chi Minh City, the Mekong Delta and offshore islands such as Phu Quoc.

However, October is the worst time to visit central Vietnam, which has a high risk of typhoons and severe storms, which could cause flooding in lowland cities.

Vietnam Weather in December

Northern Vietnam: Becoming mild and dry, 15–22°C (59–72°F)

Central Vietnam: Hot, heavy rainfall, 20–25°C (68–77°F)

Southern Vietnam: Warm to hot, light rainfall, 21–32°C (70–90°F)

There is good news in the north and south, with some of the best weather of the year, with moderate temperatures and blue skies. Hanoi and the north have excellent dry, clear days, but it can get chilly, especially in the evenings. The southern islands of Phu Quoc may be the best choice for your beach vacation.

In central Vietnam, the rains are starting to ease, but thunderstorms are still a strong possibility, especially in early December.

The Christmas and New Year holidays bring Vietnam into another high season for travel. Make sure to book a late December tour at least 3 months in advance.