Vietnam is an unrivalled travel destination offering experiences for the whole family.
Golden beaches at Phu Quoc, a fairy-tale atmosphere in the glow of the lanterns in Hoi An, high-speed traffic in Ho Chi Minh City and cosy streets in the capital Hanoi are just a sample of what Vietnam has to offer.
But when is the best time of year to visit the country?
Read here to find out when you should travel to Vietnam.
NB: The guide below is a guideline only.
Vietnam is a great country to visit all year round!
It is a really long country, measuring a massive 1,650 km from north to south and extending over two climate belts. So there are major differences in weather during the year, depending on whether you are in northern, central or southern Vietnam.
For the same reason, there is no clear answer to when it is the best time to visit. It depends largely on what you wish to experience.
The weather in Vietnam is determined, among other things, by the two monsoons, the south-west monsoon and the north-east monsoon
These monsoons are the biggest force affecting the Vietnamese weather, but there are also more local weather conditions that determine the weather in the different parts of the country.
Vietnam’s two climate belts and monsoons mean that there may be big differences in the weather that awaits you, depending on where and when you visit Vietnam.
Northern Vietnam can be roughly divided into two areas: The area at/near the coast of Hanoi and Ha Long, as well as the mountainous area inland where places such as Sapa are located.
Although both areas are in the subtropical climate zone, there is still a big difference in the weather, whether you’re in mountainous areas or not.
The dry season is roughly between November and March:
In the coastal area, the dry season is characterised by:
In Sapa and the mountains, the dry season is characterised by:
The rainy season is roughly between April and October:
In the coastal area, the rainy season is characterised by:
In Sapa and the mountains, the rainy season is characterised by:
It is best to visit the coastal areas of Northern Vietnam:in the spring or autumn.
The best time to visit Hanoi is from September to November. The weather is clear during these months, with very little rainfall. However, the temperature is cooler (and perhaps more comfortable) than in other months. Ha Long Bay is best in the spring or the autumn, when there are clear skies and pleasant daytime temperatures.
It is best to visit Sapa and the mountain areas between March and April, when the weather is dry and sunny, and October and November, when the rice terraces are at their most beautiful and the weather is clearer.
| Weather statistics for Hanoi: | JAN | FEB | MAR | APR | MAY | JUN | JUL | AUG | SEP | OCT | NOV | DEC |
| Average maximum temperature | 19 | 19 | 23 | 26 | 31 | 32 | 32 | 32 | 31 | 28 | 24 | 21 |
| Average minimum temperature | 15 | 15 | 18 | 21 | 24 | 25 | 26 | 26 | 25 | 22 | 19 | 15 |
| Rainfall mm | 10 | 30 | 50 | 100 | 150 | 190 | 210 | 200 | 160 | 100 | 60 | 30 |
| Weather statistics for Sapa (Lao Cai): | JAN | FEB | MAR | APR | MAY | JUN | JUL | AUG | SEP | OCT | NOV | DEC |
| Average maximum temperature | 13 | 14 | 18 | 21 | 24 | 24 | 24 | 24 | 23 | 20 | 17 | 15 |
| Average minimum temperature | 7 | 8 | 11 | 13 | 16 | 18 | 18 | 18 | 16 | 13 | 11 | 8 |
| Rainfall mm | 14 | 38 | 56 | 117 | 219 | 219 | 301 | 339 | 243 | 116 | 59 | 24 |
The weather in central Vietnam near Hué and Hoi An is more transitionary.
The dry season falls roughly between January and August and is characterised by:
The rainy season falls roughly between September and December and is characterised by:
It is best to visit central Vietnam between: February and April, when the weather is mild and there is only a little rainfall. If you don’t mind the heat, May to August are also good months. However, you should expect more rain during this period.
| Weather statistics for Hoi An: | JAN | FEB | MAR | APR | MAY | JUN | JUL | AUG | SEP | OCT | NOV | DEC |
| Average maximum temperature | 24 | 26 | 28 | 31 | 33 | 35 | 34 | 33 | 31 | 29 | 27 | 25 |
| Average minimum temperature | 19 | 20 | 22 | 24 | 25 | 26 | 26 | 25 | 24 | 23 | 20 | 20 |
| Rainfall mm | 92 | 32 | 30 | 34 | 56 | 99 | 90 | 104 | 297 | 526 | 363 | 206 |
Ho Chi Minh City, the Mekong Delta and the holiday island of Phu Quoc – and the rest of southern Vietnam – are located in the tropical climate zone. Due to the tropical climate, the temperature is largely the same throughout the year.
The dry season is roughly between December and April and is characterised by:
The rainy season is is roughly between May and November and is characterised by:
It is best to visit southern Vietnam between: December and April (the dry season). It’s hot during the period, but , but less rain falls and humidity is lower than in the rainy season. You should also be aware that it gets really hot in the south, especially in the rainy season, when the humidity can make it feel even hotter.
| Weather statistics for Ho Chi Minh City: | JAN | FEB | MAR | APR | MAY | JUN | JUL | AUG | SEP | OCT | NOV | DEC |
| Average maximum temperature | 32 | 33 | 34 | 34 | 34 | 32 | 32 | 32 | 31 | 31 | 31 | 31 |
| Average minimum temperature | 22 | 23 | 24 | 26 | 26 | 25 | 24 | 25 | 25 | 24 | 23 | 22 |
| Rainfall mm | 10 | 10 | 10 | 40 | 140 | 180 | 190 | 170 | 190 | 160 | 120 | 40 |
| Weather statistics for Phu Quoc: | JAN | FEB | MAR | APR | MAY | JUN | JUL | AUG | SEP | OCT | NOV | DEC |
| Average maximum temperature | 31 | 31 | 32 | 34 | 33 | 32 | 31 | 31 | 31 | 31 | 30 | 30 |
| Average minimum temperature | 22 | 22 | 23 | 24 | 24 | 24 | 24 | 24 | 24 | 24 | 23 | 22 |
| Rainfall mm | 40 | 36 | 80 | 130 | 193 | 266 | 290 | 398 | 296 | 276 | 212 | 104 |
It can be difficult to choose the right time to visit Vietnam as there are such big differences in the climate from north to south.
But no matter when you visit Vietnam, you will find that it is a wonderful country.
Would you like to visit Vietnam?
Please note: This is a guideline only! We always recommend that you contact our travel consultants if you are unsure when to travel.
Classic tour from north to south with pretty Hanoi, mini cruise in Ha Long Bay, charming Hoi An, the metropolis of Ho Chi Minh City and the lush Mekong Delta. Extend the tour with a beach holiday.
The classic tour in which you experience the contrasts from north to south in Vietnam spiced with the charming Siem Reap and the world-class attraction of Angkor Wat in Cambodia.
Look forward to experiencing the soul of Vietnam in the old, beautiful capital of Hanoi and the unique, iconic nature of Ha Long Bay and Ninh Binh. You round off your tour in charming Hoi An.
Discover the charm of the Mekong Delta, the peaceful beauty of Lak Lake, and the enchanting cool highlands of Da Lat – all framed by vibrant city life in Ho Chi Minh City and the palm-fringed beaches of Mui Ne.
From the rice terraces of Sapa in the north to the waterways of the Mekong Delta in the south – a tour brimming with UNESCO sites, encounters with locals, imperial history, and a mini cruise in Bai Tu Long Bay.
Discover the greatest highlights of Indochina on a classic journey to Laos, Vietnam and Cambodia, where UNESCO sites line up like pearls on a string.
Discover the very best of Laos, Vietnam, and Cambodia – from the serene atmosphere of Luang Prabang, Sapa’s lush rice terraces, and the imperial city of Hue, to vibrant life on the Mekong Delta and the awe-inspiring temple ruins of Angkor.
Be enchanted by Hanoi’s ancient streets and sail between the soaring limestone islands in Ha Long Bay. Experience the eighth wonder of the world Angkor Wat, and finish in the charming city of Chiang Mai.
Experience the diversity of southern Vietnam, from the vibrant urban energy of Ho Chi Minh City to boat trips along the Mekong Delta, including a visit to our social sustainability project in Vinh Long. Round off your adventure with a relaxing beach holiday on the island of Phu Quoc.
Experience the contrasts of southern Vietnam: from the vibrant energy of Ho Chi Minh City to tranquil boat trips through the lush landscapes of the Mekong Delta, and a visit to our social sustainability project in Vinh Long. Round off your adventure on the golden beaches of Mui Ne.
Classic tour from north to south with pretty Hanoi, mini cruise in Ha Long Bay, charming Hoi An, the metropolis of Ho Chi Minh City and the lush Mekong Delta. Extend the tour with a beach holiday.
The classic tour in which you experience the contrasts from north to south in Vietnam spiced with the charming Siem Reap and the world-class attraction of Angkor Wat in Cambodia.
Look forward to experiencing the soul of Vietnam in the old, beautiful capital of Hanoi and the unique, iconic nature of Ha Long Bay and Ninh Binh. You round off your tour in charming Hoi An.
Discover the charm of the Mekong Delta, the peaceful beauty of Lak Lake, and the enchanting cool highlands of Da Lat – all framed by vibrant city life in Ho Chi Minh City and the palm-fringed beaches of Mui Ne.
From the rice terraces of Sapa in the north to the waterways of the Mekong Delta in the south – a tour brimming with UNESCO sites, encounters with locals, imperial history, and a mini cruise in Bai Tu Long Bay.
Discover the greatest highlights of Indochina on a classic journey to Laos, Vietnam and Cambodia, where UNESCO sites line up like pearls on a string.
Discover the very best of Laos, Vietnam, and Cambodia – from the serene atmosphere of Luang Prabang, Sapa’s lush rice terraces, and the imperial city of Hue, to vibrant life on the Mekong Delta and the awe-inspiring temple ruins of Angkor.
Be enchanted by Hanoi’s ancient streets and sail between the soaring limestone islands in Ha Long Bay. Experience the eighth wonder of the world Angkor Wat, and finish in the charming city of Chiang Mai.
Experience the diversity of southern Vietnam, from the vibrant urban energy of Ho Chi Minh City to boat trips along the Mekong Delta, including a visit to our social sustainability project in Vinh Long. Round off your adventure with a relaxing beach holiday on the island of Phu Quoc.
Experience the contrasts of southern Vietnam: from the vibrant energy of Ho Chi Minh City to tranquil boat trips through the lush landscapes of the Mekong Delta, and a visit to our social sustainability project in Vinh Long. Round off your adventure on the golden beaches of Mui Ne.
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