Best time to visit Vietnam: Pick the right time to schedule your vacation

Vietnam is filled with scenic landscapes and cultural diversity, making it the perfect place for a vacation. You can kick off your Vietnam travel journey at any time of the year as this country has different appeals in different regions, seasons, and festive occasions. Read on to see when is the best time to visit Vietnam for you.

1. Choose the best time to visit North Vietnam

The North of Vietnam has a tropical monsoon climate with four clear-cut seasons: spring, summer, autumn, and winter. Each season has different features:

• Spring: Lasts from February to April. The temperatures begin to rise after a cold January, ranging from 20 to 21 degrees Celsius. The weather is more pleasant with bright sunshine and warm breezes.
• Summer: Lasts from May to the end of July. The weather is hot and dry with prolonged heat waves. Temperatures can reach 37 to 38 degrees Celsius.
• Autumn: Lasts from August to October. Temperatures gradually decrease with light sunshine and occasional rainfall.
• Winter: Lasts from November to January. Temperatures start to drop to 13 to 15 degrees Celsius. Sometimes it can get even colder, resulting in light snowfall in some mountainous areas.

1.1. The best time to visit Hanoi Vietnam

Hanoi weather is typical of the climate of Northern Vietnam, with four seasons ranging from cold, mild to extremely hot. In each season, Hanoi features a beautifully different look.

• Spring

The spring of Hanoi lasts from February to April. It is pleasant with a lot of wind, sunshine, and occasional drizzle. The temperature in February is around 18 degrees Celsius and increases in March and April, ranging from 20 to 24 degrees Celsius. This is the most anticipated time for most Vietnamese people, when flowers are in bloom and Lunar New Year, the biggest festival of the year, comes.

West Lake, Hoan Kiem Lake, and the Temple of Literature are among must-see areas during spring, where you can admire many blooming buds and blossoming flowers while getting immersed in the festive ambiance at the beginning of the year.

• Summer 

Lasting from May to August, Hanoi Vietnam weather during this time is hot and rainy. There are some days when the temperature can hit 40 degrees Celsius. On these days, you can easily come across locals and tourists who flock to the West Lake or Old Town in the evening for an iced tea or a cold beer.

Coming to Hanoi this time, you can refresh at Ho Tay Water Park – a complex of exciting water games, try SUP boarding at West Lake, enjoy traditional ice cream at Hoan Kiem Lake, and taste Hanoi local food at night.

It is also recommended to visit VinKE & Vinpearl Aquarium – a miniature ocean world that can cool down the summer heat. At Vinpearl Aquarium, you can find 30,000 different freshwater and saltwater marine specimens in an area of nearly 4,000 square meters. Meanwhile, VinKE is an unmissable destination if you visit Hanoi with your children. Here, there is a large “play and learn” space, where your kids can experience their dream careers and learn about their favorite fields through many job simulation games.

 

Book tickets of VinKE & Vinpearl Aquarium here

 

• Autumn 

Autumn in Hanoi lasts from August to October. It is one of the most pleasant times of the year, when some weak residual heat of summer is fading and the cold of winter is beginning to come. Temperatures range from 24 to 27 degrees Celsius, and the weather is often sunny.

Hanoi in this season is also charming with lots of yellow leaves falling. It is the best time to visit famous historic sites in the capital city to recall bygone periods, such as Vietnam Museum of Ethnology, Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, Hoa Lo Prison Memorial, and THE Temple of Jade Mountain.

• Winter 

Hanoi winter lasts from November to January. During this time, the weather is cold and dry. The temperatures average at 17 degrees Celsius, but can also drop to less than 10 degrees Celsius.

On a cold evening, enjoying some noodles and then a cup of hot coffee is the perfect experience. It is also worth visiting St. Joseph’s Cathedral or shopping in the Old Quarter on Christmas Eve. Tet Festival often comes at the end of January, depending on the dates of each lunar year. Thus, it is best to check the dates of the festival beforehand.

1.2. The best time to visit Sapa Vietnam

Located at a high altitude, Sapa has a subtropical climate in the summer and a temperate climate during the winter.

• Spring

Spring, which lasts from February to May, is considered the best time to visit Vietnam in Sapa. The temperatures range from 15 to 23 degrees Celsius. The weather is mild, with slight sunshine and cool breezes. Coming to Sapa this time, you will have the chance to admire blossoming flowers at every corner, from hillsides, valleys, mountain slopes to the roads in the town. You can enjoy peach blossoms, white plum blossoms, colorful climbing roses, etc.

• Summer

Summer in Sapa lasts from June through August, which is still cool unlike in many areas in the North. Daytime temperatures are from 20 to 25 degrees Celsius, while at night, temperatures are between 13 and 15 degrees Celsius. During summer, Sapa is filled with green forests and growing rice terraces. Under the mild weather, it is perfect to trek through the villages and take in the spectacular sight of the limestone mountains, the lush and pristine forest, and the winding streams along the villages.

• Autumn

Autumn, which lasts from September to November, is also an appropriate time to visit Sapa. Temperatures are between 21 and 25 degrees Celsius. In the early morning, you can see Sapa covered by the morning dew, making the scenery shimmering and peaceful. Walking around and admiring the magnificent scenery is one of the best ways to enjoy the idyllic life in Sapa. In the afternoon, you should contemplate the ripe rice terraced fields under the bright golden sunlight.

• Winter

Winter in Sapa starts in December and ends in February. It is cold, with temperatures at around 7 degrees Celsius. In winter, Sapa is full of floating clouds, fog, and sometimes snow when it drops below 0 degrees Celsius.

Coming to Sapa during this time, you should visit Fansipan Mountain, Cat Cat Village, Ham Rong Mountain, Sapa Stone Church, etc. These spots are extremely majestic in wintertime, especially during snows. Also, you will come across many amazing Vietnamese ethnic women in colorful patterned outfits.

1.3. The best time to visit Halong Bay Vietnam

Located 170 kilometers away from Hanoi, Halong Bay shares the same typical humid and tropical monsoon climate as Hanoi, with 4 distinctive seasons: spring, summer, autumn, and winter. The best time to visit Vietnam Halong Bay for many tourists falls in the winter.

• Spring 

Springtime in Halong lasts from March to April and is one of the most beautiful times of the year to visit the bay. During this time, the sky is clear and sunny, with the temperatures fluctuating from 18 to 27 degrees Celsius, making it ideal for outdoor activities such as climbing, cycling, kayaking, sightseeing, etc. Although the sea is often covered by a thin veil of fog in the morning, it will disappear when the sun rises higher.

• Summer 

Lasting from May to August, summer can be hot and humid for many tourists, with temperatures between 30 and 35 degrees Celsius. There may be some light rain in May and June but overall, you can expect a lot of sunlight. This is the perfect time to go swimming, kayaking, and engaging in other water activities while taking in a clear view of the bay.

July and August are the wettest months of the year with heavy rains and sometimes storms. The rain usually does not last long, so you can relax at your hotel for a day and continue your adventure the next day under a brighter blue sky. To avoid unexpected storms that may delay your trip, you should check the weather forecasts before packing up.

• Autumn 

Autumn is the peak season in Halong Bay, lasting from September to October. The weather is pleasant. Temperatures vary from 23 to 27 degrees Celsius. There might be light rain in September but the amount of rainfall will decrease significantly in October and November. The clear sky and warm water in the autumn are ideal for many fun activities on Halong Bay, such as swimming, kayaking, cycling, rock climbing, and trekking.

• Winter 

Winter lasts from December to February. The weather in Halong Bay during this time is fairly cold and dry, with temperatures dropping down to 13 to 20 degrees Celsius on average. Most winter days see little sunshine and frequent fog and drizzle in the morning and late afternoon.

Winter makes some water activities less appealing, such as swimming and kayaking. Nevertheless, t it is still the perfect time for ground activities like hiking, having a barbecue, visiting local villages, shopping at local markets, and tasting Halong delicacies. Tourists also visit Halong Bay at this time to celebrate Christmas and New Year.

2. Identify the best time to visit Central Vietnam

There are two seasons in Central Vietnam: the dry season and the rainy season. The Central region is divided into two parts, with the general weather varying as follows:

• North Central region: The temperature is quite high on average. It is dry and hot, with low humidity in summer. In winter, it is cold and rainy.
• South Central Coast region: Winter is quite pleasant as the northeast monsoon has no influence here, thanks to the shielding of Bach Ma mountain range. However, it is hot in summer due to the intense southwest monsoon.

In October and November, there may be many strong storms in the Central region. Therefore, check the weather forecast in advance if you are going to visit this part of the country during these months.

2.1. The best time to visit Danang Vietnam

Da Nang is a bustling tourist city where visitors can have many interesting experiences. Da Nang weather is pleasant in both the dry and rainy seasons, with temperatures averaging around 26 degrees Celsius. The dry season lasts from January to July. During this time, it is quite hot in the daytime, making swimming and water sports ideal activities. The rainy season lasts from August to December, frequently with sudden rains. It is suitable for participating indoor activities and tasting local specialties while soaking in the vibe of Da Nang.

In general, Da Nang weather is very mild, so you can come here at any time of the year. You can pick the best time to visit Vietnam Da Nang based on your preferences. When you find yourself in this area, do not miss out on many famous attractions, such as Dragon Bridge, Marble Mountains, Hai Van Pass, My Khe Beach, etc.

2.2. The best time to visit Hoi An Vietnam

Hoi An weather is warm all year round, with an average temperature of 29 degrees Celsius, typical of the tropical climate. There are two seasons here: the rainy season (from September to January) and the dry season (from February to August).

The best time to visit Vietnam in Hoi An is during the dry season, when the weather is very pleasant with moderate temperatures, low humidity, little rain, and bright sunshine. It is perfect for travelers to take part in a variety of outdoor activities and water sports including snorkeling, jet skiing, and sunbathing. This season is also the time when fresh seafood is of the highest quality.

The rainy season in Hoi An is frequently accompanied by strong winds and low temperatures that make it seem colder than it actually is. Visiting Hoi An during the rainy season will give you a different and unforgettable experience. The ancient town appears clearer and more tranquil after the rain. However, there may be unpredictable rain in Hoi An, so make sure to bring raincoats and umbrellas during your excursion.

VinWonders Nam Hoi An, Tan Ky Ancient House, Japanese Bridge, Fujian Assembly Hall, etc. are some recommended places to see in Hoi An. Notably, VinWonders Nam Hoi An is a unique amusement park where you can participate in numerous entertainment activities while learning more about Vietnamese culture in its 5 subdivisions:

• Harbor Corner: A place that recreates the bustling atmosphere of a trading port in Hoi An in the 16th and 17th centuries
• River Safari: The first and only riverside semi-wildlife conservation park in Vietnam, where you can see around 50 species and 550 individuals of animals
• Island of Folk Culture: A place that features the cultural essence of Vietnam’s three regions
• Water World: A fun water playground with pools and slides to cool down the summer heat
• Adventure Land: A place to test your bravery with many extreme games

 

Book tickets of VinWonders Nam Hoi An here

 

2.3. The best time to visit Nha Trang Vietnam

Nha Trang is a famous coastal city of Khanh Hoa Province. Domestic and international travelers come to this city all year round, as it is mild throughout the year due to its location being adjacent to the sea.

Summer (from April to June) is a popular time for visitors to come to Nha Trang. When it is getting hotter, you will feel more relaxed and comfortable when soaking in the cool water of the sea.

Still, the best time to visit Vietnam Nha Trang is from July to September. At this time, the city has less sunshine with almost no rain, which makes it ideal for a variety of seaside tourist activities.

If you want to optimize your budget, travel to Nha Trang in October, November, or December. Prices will be lower because this is the off-peak period. However, it often rains heavily for many days. Therefore, you should check Nha Trang Vietnam weather forecast before making any plans.

If you happen to be in Nha Trang, remember to visit some hotspots such as Hon Tre Island, Nha Trang Cathedral, Po Nagar Cham Towers, and especially VinWonders Nha Trang – an ideal entertainment paradise for all visitors. Here, you can challenge yourself with many thrilling adventure games in the Adventure Land, cool down the summer heat in the Water World, see up-close the animals in the King’s Garden, discover all kinds of exotic plant species from all over the world in the World Garden, explore more than 30,000 marine creatures in the Sea World, and enjoy the blockbuster multimedia Tata Show in the Fairy Land.

 

Book tickets of VinWonders Nha Trang here

 

2.4. The best time to visit Hue Vietnam

As typical of the hot and humid climate, Hue has a relatively high temperature. Also, located between the North and the South of Vietnam, Hue weather shares some similar features to the weather in both of those regions. There are two seasons in Hue as follows:

• The hot and dry season: From May to September, Hue weather is affected by the southwest monsoon. The temperature ranges from 27 to 29 degrees Celsius on average. This season is considered the best time to visit Vietnam Hue, when you can go to Lang Co Beach, a favorite stop for sea lovers. Or you can go to Truc Lam Bach Ma Zen Monastery, an escape where you can get immersed in nature and find inner peace.
• The cold and rainy season: From October to March, the weather is affected by the northeast monsoon. The average temperature is between 20 and 22 degrees Celsius. During this time, Hue seems more tranquil, which is ideal for visiting some famous historic sites, such as the Imperial City, Tu Duc Tomb, Thien Mu Pagoda, etc.

3. Pinpoint the best time to visit South Vietnam

Southern Vietnam is characterized by a sub-equatorial monsoon climate, with two seasons: the rainy and dry seasons. The rainy season lasts from May to October, while the dry season lasts from November to April. The temperature ranges from 25 to 35 degrees Celsius on an annual average, with little difference between daytime and nighttime temperatures.

The region is less influenced by extreme climate occurrences such as storms or floods. Therefore, it is hard to say which is the best time to visit Vietnam in the Southern region. Each season has its own features that will greatly enhance your trip to Vietnam.

3.1. The best time to visit Phu Quoc Island Vietnam

Phu Quoc is a fantastic vacation spot, having many beautiful beaches and pleasing landscapes. There are two seasons in Phu Quoc: the dry season and the rainy season.

The dry season, which lasts from November to April, is regarded as the best time to sightsee and try some tourist activities here. The rainy season, which lasts from May to October, may still be a good option as this is the off-peak season in the pearl island, when prices will be lower.

In general, Phu Quoc Vietnam weather is pleasant all year round, with temperatures averaging about 27.7 degrees Celsius. Therefore, tourists can come to this island at any time of the year.

While you are in Phu Quoc, it is also recommended that you visit Long Beach, Starfish Beach, Duong Dong Market, and especially VinWonders Phu Quoc – the largest theme park in Vietnam with more than 100 exciting games and entertaining activities for you to try. You can experience the ancient eras in the Adventure World, admire the majestic underwater world in the Sea Shell, transform into a strong warrior in the Mysterious Viking Village, and more.

 

Book tickets of VinWonders Phu Quoc here

 

3.2. The best time to visit Ho Chi Minh City

Ho Chi Minh City has two seasons: the dry season and the rainy season. The dry season lasts from December to April, with temperatures between 30 and 35 degrees Celsius. It is sunny and dry, making it the best time to visit Vietnam for outdoor entertainment activities. However, as this is also the peak tourist season, hotel and service costs are slightly higher than in the rainy season.

The rainy season lasts from May to November. During this time, Ho Chi Minh City weather changes quickly. It may be pouring in the morning, but will quickly dry right in the afternoon. The temperature is low, the air is cool, and the sunshine is mild, which are suitable to enjoy indoor activities and local delicacies.

Whether you want to explore spectacular mountains or soak in clear water on world-renowned beaches, Vietnam has everything to satisfy your needs. The best time to visit Vietnam mainly depends on which parts of the country you want to visit and what type of vacation you want to enjoy. Hopefully, the detailed guide above will help you pick a suitable time to visit Vietnam and plan a memorable trip ahead!

>>> Book tickets of VinWonders Phu Quoc, Nha Trang, Nam Hoi An, VinKE & Vinpearl Aquarium to have loads of fun at these destinations!

 

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