Best Time to Visit Vietnam

Vietnam is one of Southeast Asia’s most beautiful and cheapest destinations, attracting travelers to its lush green mountains, sparkling fine-sand beaches and bustling cities. Vietnam enjoys a tropical monsoon climate with heavy rainfall and high humidity throughout the year. Vietnam can be enjoyed at any time throughout the year, while the best time to visit Vietnam is from November to February, when the temperatures are more milder and rainfall is lighter.

Vietnam Climate

Vietnam has four distinctive seasons and clear rainy and dry seasons, with plenty of sunshine and good rainfall. The dry season is from November to April, and the climate is dry and foggy.

The dry season can also be divided into hot season and cool season, from November to February is the cool season, and March to April is the hot season. So, the cool season is the best time to visit Vietnam.

- Cool & dry season (November to February)

- Hot & dry Season (March to April)

- Rainy season (May to October)

Vietnam Weather

Most of Vietnam's territory has a tropical monsoon climate characterized by high temperatures and rains, with distinct dry and rainy seasons. The annual average temperature is 23°C -27 °C, the northern region is 23°C -25 °C, and the southern region is 26°C -27 °C.

Vietnam is close to the equator and the temperature difference is small throughout the year. The hottest time is April, the monthly average temperature is about 29°C, the coldest is December, and the average temperature is about 26 °C.

The temperature in the north varies greatly, and there are obvious spring, summer, autumn and winter seasons in the north region. The hottest in the north is July, the monthly average temperature is 29°C, and the absolute maximum temperature in some places reaches 40°C or above. In the capital Hanoi, the highest temperature in summer often reaches 39°C -40°C.

When to Go to Vietnam

Travel to Vietnam in Cool & Dry Season (November–February) 

The cool season in Vietnam's dry season (November to February) is the peak season or high season for tourism, when the weather is temperate and fine. The sun is shining brightly and the sky is crystal clear, and the country has beautiful scenery with green mountains, clear waters and blooming flowers. It is the most beautiful season in Vietnam and the most suitable time to travel to Vietnam.

But the northern part of the Vietnam can be quite cold and gloomy in December and January. It is recommended to prepare a few more warm clothes, such as long-sleeved clothes, trousers and jackets. Vietnam's Traditional Lunar New Year Festival, Tết(Tet Nguyen Dan), is the biggest celebration of the year and celebrated country-wide during January or February, and this is one of the best times to visit.

Travel to Vietnam in Hot & Dry Season (March to April)

The shoulder season falls in March to April, the weather is relatively hot, with temperatures averaging around 27°C. The hottest time is April, the monthly average temperature is about 29°C. March and April have the lowest rainfall across all destinations and temperatures are pleasant, though still cool in the far north. The shoulder seasons bring fewer tourists, lower accommodation prices, and surprisingly pleasant trips.

The temperature in the mountains and plateaus is much lower than in the plains, so Sapa, Da Lat and Sanshan Islands have become summer resorts in Vietnam. It is recommended to carry summer clothes such as short-sleeved clothes and shorts, and pay attention to sun protection outdoors. In addition, one or two coats can be prepared because the air-conditioned room will be very cold.

Travel to Vietnam in Rainy Season（May to October）

Most areas of Vietnam are rainy seasons from May to October and is also a low season for tourism. There are heavy rains and downpour in the rainy season, with high temperatures and high humidity. Vietnam has abundant rainfall and is a foggy country with an average annual sunshine of 1200-1900 hours. The rainy season does not necessarily hit hard in six months, but it does continue, with rain coming almost every afternoon.

Summer lasts from May to October, and it is not idyllic. This is an unfavorable travel time, especially in Halong Bay. Traveling to UNESCO World Heritage sites is likely to rain, and you really don't want to take the risk of missing. If your budget is limited and want to maximize your feeling of privacy, take a trip during the off season. But remember to check the weather in advance and take an umbrella out.