Weather in Vietnam in January: guide to maximize your experience

Contents

Vietnam offers a diverse tapestry of weather experiences (Source: Collected)

Embarking on a Vietnam travel adventure in January? The weather in Vietnam in January during this month varies from the North to the South. Join us as we delve into the nuances of Vietnam’s weather in January, helping you plan your journey through this captivating Southeast Asian destination.

1. An overview of the weather in Vietnam in January

Is January a good time to visit Vietnam? The answer is yes, and it may depend on your travel plan. In January, Vietnam experiences a captivating tapestry of weather patterns that beckon travelers from around the world. January weather in Vietnam brings the perfect opportunity for traveling and cultural exploration. It’s a time of festive celebrations, with Tet, the Vietnamese New Year, lasting over the course of six to seven days. 

The average temperature of the weather in Vietnam in January ranges from approximately 18°C to 24°C, which can be quite diverse across the nation. Especially in the North, you may expect some drizzle and light rain for many days, and the humidity in the air increases, so there are days when the temperature can be quite a hassle for your travel plan. While the weather in Vietnam in January, especially in the North, can turn very chilly with foggy nights and lingering showers, the central and southern regions bask in warmer sunshine. 

January is a beautiful month that marks the beginning of a new year (Source: Collected)

>>> Find your ideal Vietnam location to explore!

2. A deeper look into Vietnam’s weather in January in three regions

2.1. Weather in North Vietnam in January

If you plan to travel in January to Northern Vietnam, you may expect chilly weather with fog and lingering showers, particularly at night. While the average January temperature in Vietnam is around 20°C, it can be lower than 17°C in the North.

In the northern mountains, temperatures can drop even lower, often dipping below 15°C. Some areas may even witness snowfall, so you might want to experience the charm of these regions in January and witness the beautiful snow during your visit. You can also go cloud-hunting in Sapa or Ha Giang, or stay in Hanoi to enjoy a busy yet peaceful city life before the holiday comes. 

And of course, beaches like Sam Son, Cat Ba, and the famous Halong Bay are likely to be covered in a misty haze during this season, making it less ideal for traveling and photography.

It is often chilly in the North, and spring rains are not uncommon (Source: Collected)

2.2. Weather in Central Vietnam in January

Central Vietnam, with its varied geography, offers different weather experiences in January. Along the central coast, you may enjoy abundant sunshine, with temperatures ranging from 20°C to 32°C. Rainfall is less frequent here and, hence, less humid than in the north. In the mornings and nights, it can be a bit chilly and breezy, so warm clothes are still needed when staying here. 

The mild temperature in January makes it perfect for beach outings in Hoi An, Da Nang, and Nha Trang. You can enjoy the coastal sunshine and explore various famous tourist attractions in Hoi An, Da Nang, and Nha Trang without any worry. 

The climate in the Central region is temperate, which is perfect for outing activities (Source: Collected)

2.3. Weather in South Vietnam in January

As you venture further into South Vietnam, the weather takes a warmer turn, making it a favorable time to visit this region. The weather in South Vietnam during January is undoubtedly the most beautiful of the year, thanks to its dry season. In the South, daytime temperatures are warm, while nights bring cooler, more comfortable conditions with low humidity, and the daily average temperature is around 26°C.

You might want to explore the beautiful beaches and islands of South Vietnam like Ho Tram and Long Hai (in Vung Tau), Phan Thiet, and Mui Ne, or enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of Ho Chi Minh City, where days are warm and nights are pleasantly cool. This month also offers the perfect conditions to explore and enjoy your time on islands like Phu Quoc or Con Dao. 

It is warmer and sunnier in South Vietnam (Source: Collected)

>>> Plan your perfect travel itinerary with our guide to Vietnam weather by month!

3. Major events in Vietnam in January that you should know

• Vietnamese New Year (Tet)

Tet, or the Vietnamese New Year, is a nationwide celebration that typically falls between late January and mid-February. This is a particularly vibrant month for the Vietnamese, as it marks both the beginning of the year in the Gregorian calendar and the last month in the Lunar calendar. 

People shop for home decorations, purchase holiday trees like kumquat, apricot, or peach flowers, make Chung and Day cakes, and prepare a bounty of traditional foods. Visiting family members and relatives is a central part of the celebration. So, however chilly the weather in Vietnam in January might be, you can still feel the warmth lurking around at this particular time of the year.

If you still wonder where to go in Vietnam in January, consider immersing yourself in the Tet holiday celebrations with the locals. If you choose to stay in a local homestay, you may even find yourself participating in traditional customs with the host family, which will be a valuable experience in your Vietnam travel journey. 

Tet holiday is one of the most important holidays in Vietnam (Source: Collected)

• Dalat Flower Festival 

Held in early January, the Dalat Flower Festival is an event that features a breathtaking display of elaborate and enormous floral arrangements. This festival goes beyond just flowers; it also includes live music, captivating fashion shows, and an array of cultural activities. During the festival, the streets of Dalat come alive with vibrant blooms, making it a truly picturesque and colorful celebration.

Dalat Flower Festival is an event you don’t want to miss (Source: Collected)

• Sa Dec Flower Festival

The Sa Dec Flower Festival allows visitors to revel in the beauty of the blossoms and engage in various local activities. You can explore a multitude of flower varieties, and you can even take some home as a souvenir. The festival not only showcases the beauty of the flowers but also brings in the culture and traditions of the Western region. It’s a vibrant and delightful celebration, and for flower enthusiasts, it’s an event not to be missed.

You can bring home your favorite flowers in Sa Dec Flower Festival (Source: Collected)

>>>  Experience the best of Vietnam festivals!

4. Where to go to enjoy the weather in Vietnam in January to the fullest?

4.1. Hanoi

January is one of the driest months in Hanoi. This marks late winter, with occasional clouds and slight chills. Hanoi weather in January, with the average temperature ranging between 15-20°C, makes it ideal for strolling through the streets of the Hanoi Old Quarter and savoring local specialties and street foods like pho, bun cha, egg coffee, etc. You can explore many tourist sites in the breezy Hanoi weather, visit famous pagodas and temples, visit Hanoi flower markets, and indulge in the festive atmosphere before the Tet holiday comes. 

Hanoi’s weather in January is perfect for sight-seeing and enjoying local specialties (Source: Collected)

4.2. Hoi An

Hoi An, a UNESCO-recognized ancient town, is an unmissable destination in January. Hoi An weather offers a warmer atmosphere in January, with an average maximum temperature of 23°C and a minimum of around 20°C, along with moderate rainfall. Hoi An is adorned with lanterns, creating a charming atmosphere as preparations for the Vietnam New Year are in full swing. You can explore the ancient town with its iconic lantern-lit streets, enjoy local dishes like cao lau, banh beo, chicken rice, Quang noodles, etc., and relax on An Bang and Cua Dai beaches.

Hoi An has a festive atmosphere at this time of the year (Source: Collected)

4.3. Nha Trang

In Nha Trang, the renowned seaside resort town, you may expect cool weather in January. With an average temperature ranging from 21°C to 25°C and little rainfall, Nha Trang weather in January is perfect for outdoor activities like boat trips to nearby islands, snorkeling, and biking. Don’t miss out on the chance to visit VinWonders Nha Trang, the Nha Trang Night Market, Ponagar Cham Towers, and the Hon Chong Promontory for a fantastic seaside getaway.

You can enjoy various outdoor activities in Nha Trang (Source: Collected)

4.4. Phu Quoc

Phu Quoc Island, which is an hour’s flight from Ho Chi Minh City, is the largest island city in Vietnam. Phu Quoc weather is dry and warm in January, with temperatures between 25 and 28°C. You can enjoy the beautiful beaches in Phu Quoc, kayak to Fingernail Island, and discover the natural beauty of Phu Quoc National Park. The serene beauty of Ong Lang Beach, Bai Sao Beach, Khem Beach, and Duong Dong Town will leave you impressed, making it an ideal destination for a relaxing vacation.

Explore the natural beauty of Phu Quoc Island in January (Source: Collected)

4.5. Da Lat

Located in the Central Highlands, Da Lat has cool temperatures in January, making it perfect for activities like hiking, picking fruits, and exploring the city. At this time of the year, you can also visit the city’s famous pagodas and temples and indulge in the diverse cuisine, including street food like grilled eggs, banh trang nuong… or enjoy specialties like Da Lat wine, fruit jams, and more. In January, Da Lat is the locals’ favorite destination thanks to its natural beauty with hazy fog and lush pine forests, which are perfect for photography. 

Da Lat is a perfect destination to visit in January (Source: Collected)

4.6. Mekong Delta

As you explore the weather in Vietnam in January, the Mekong Delta is a great destination, with little rain and cooler temperatures. You can enjoy various activities such as cycling, hiking, and exploring the vibrant floating markets in Can Tho, where you can immerse yourself in the local culture. Visiting the Tra Su Cajuput Forest in An Giang, known for its rare species of animals and plants, is a must when traveling here. The Mekong Delta offers a unique experience with its maze of rivers, canals, and swamps, making it a must-visit destination in January.

The Mekong Delta is known for its floating markets (Source: Collected)

5. Useful tips related to the weather in Vietnam in January

Here we provide some tips on what to wear in Vietnam in January:

• For northern Vietnam in January, pack warm clothing and rainproof gear, as the weather can be chilly and foggy, especially at night.
• If you are visiting central Vietnam, prepare swimwear and lightweight clothing, but don’t forget some warm clothes for evenings and early mornings too.
• In the southern parts of Vietnam, remember to bring along sunscreen, insect repellent, and light jackets.
• Consider bringing flu and pollen allergy medicine, as the weather in Vietnam in January is a transitional season, which may affect your health.

Bringing warm clothes is recommended when traveling to Vietnam in January (Source: Collected)

While exploring Vietnam, you may want to discover the ultimate fun and thrill at Vinwonders – a chain of entertainment complexes that promises endless fun and excitement for visitors of all ages. Along the three regions in Vietnam, you can explore various entertainment complexes with different themes, like VinWonders Wave Park & Water Park, VinKE & Vinpearl Aquarium, VinWonders Nam Hoi An, VinWonders Nha Trang, and VinWonders Phu Quoc. 

Enjoy a thrilling time at VinWonders

>>> Book tickets of VinWonders Phu Quoc, Nha Trang, Nam Hoi An, VinKE & Vinpearl Aquarium, and VinWonders Wave Park & Water Park!

The weather in Vietnam in January is a diverse tapestry of weather experiences, with each region reflecting its own unique climate. Just remember to plan and pack accordingly, as the weather in Vietnam in January across the country is diverse. With thoughtful preparation, January presents a unique chance to experience the fascinating tapestry of Vietnamese culture and landscapes, regardless of the region you choose to explore.