The Best Time to Visit Vietnam

To enjoy your perfect trip in Vietnam, you will plan a nice itinerary and understand the weather to choose the best time to visit Vietnam.

In general, the best time to visit Vietnam is from November to the end of April. During this period, the temperature is really nice and pleasant.

However, Vietnam is a long country with more than 3000 km coastline.  The weather in Vietnam varies enormously between northern Vietnam and Southern Vietnam ( Hanoi is in the north and Ho Chi Minh city is in the south). Therefore, The best time to visit Vietnam will depend on the places you would like to visit. Here, we will have information so that you can select the best time to visit Vietnam for your dream trip.

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Vietnam’s weather overview for the best time to visit Vietnam

Vietnam's distinctive S-shape stretches 1,650 kilometers from north to south, with over 3,000 kilometers of coastline. This unique geography results in a wide range of weather patterns throughout the country.
Vietnam experiences a predominantly tropical climate with high humidity, and average temperatures ranging from 21°C to 27°C that increase gradually from north to south.

In the summer, the average temperature across the country is 33°C, with Hanoi, Hue, and Ho Chi Minh City experiencing temperatures of 30°C, 32°C, and 34°C respectively.

Halong Bay - Vietnam in summer

During the winter months of December and January, the northern region typically experiences the lowest temperatures. In some mountainous areas, such as Sapa and Hoang Lien Son, the temperature can drop to 0°C, with occasional sleet or snowfall.
Vietnam's weather can be classified into two distinct climates based on location:

The Northern Vietnam:

This area experiences four distinct seasons - Spring, Summer, Autumn, and Winter - due to its tropical monsoon climate and high humidity. This results in a noticeable change in the landscape during each season.

Hanoi flower market in spring

The Southern Vietnam:

This area has a tropical climate with two distinct seasons - dry and rainy. It is less influenced by monsoons, resulting in a comfortable year-round atmosphere. However, the rainy season in Saigon (Ho Chi Minh city) and the Mekong Delta usually involves brief, heavy rainfalls at the end of the day.

Rowing boat trip in Mekong Delta - Vietnam

The significant differences between the two regions make it challenging to determine the best time to visit Vietnam as a whole. The ideal season for one region may not be suitable for another. Therefore, it is crucial to analyze the geographical features of each region according to the time of year to determine the most suitable time for your visit.

Which month is your best time to visit Vietnam?

To help plan your trip, we've outlined the weather conditions in each area during different times of the year.

Weather in Vietnam from Jan - Feb - Mar:

This is one of the most beautiful times to visit Vietnam.
In the North: It's cold and foggy, but there's no heavy rain or storms.
In the Center: There's drizzling rain in Hue, but it won't affect your visit to the historical sites.
In the South (especially Saigon & Mekong Delta): The weather is nice and sunny, making it perfect for a vacation.

Travel ideas: Great time to have beach break Nha Trang, Mui Ne, Phu Quoc. Or simply explore the whole country in good weather.
However, please avoid the long trekking tours to the mountainous area in northern Vietnam.

Spring in Ha Giang - Vietnam

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Weather in Vietnam from Apr - May:

This is considered the most beautiful time to visit the whole of Vietnam from the north to the south. All is very nice.
In the North: The winter and drizzle have ended, and the clear, dry skies are perfect for exploring the mountains.
In the Center: It's an amazing time to enjoy the sea vacation in Hoi An and Da Nang.
In the South: The fair weather is ideal for visiting Saigon, Mekong provinces, or having a beach break in Mui Ne and Phu Quoc Island.

Travel ideas: Plan your vacation to Halong Bay,  Hoi An, Danang, Nha Trang, Phu Quoc island.
This period is also great for exploring the rice field terrace in the pouring water season.

Hoi An ancient town in the center of Vietnam during April and May

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Weather in Vietnam from Jun - Jul - Aug:

It's hot throughout the country during the summer, with temperatures sometimes reaching 35°C - 38 °C.
In the North: It's the rainy season, but you may get lucky and see green rice fields instead of rain.
In the Center: The weather is still hot, but it's suitable for travel and leisure, beach break.
In the South: It's the rainy season, but the rain is usually brief and won't affect your tour activities.

Travel ideas: Do not travel to Phu Quoc, Mui Ne, Phan Thiet  island during this rainy season. Danang and Hoi An are better choices for beach break instead.
Note that, this season is also the summer holidays for locals so services in some beach break destinations are influential.

Ho Chi Minh city in Summer

Weather in Vietnam from Sep - Oct:

Except for some beaches, this is a favorable time to visit all parts of Vietnam.
In the North: There's less possibility of rain and storms, and the weather is beautiful with light sunshine.
In the Center: It's the beginning of the flood and storm risk season, but floods are short-lived and infrequent.
In the South: The rainy season still persists

Travel ideas: This is autumn, Hanoi city is very charming and romantic. This season is the rice harvest season in the mountains. Do not miss this chance to explore the golden rice field terrace such as: Mu Cang Chai, Sapa, Hoang Su Phi. Great choice for photographers.

Mu Cang Chai is in the best during September

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Weather in Vietnam from Nov - Dec:

In the North: It's the first stage of winter, so the weather gets colder and drier.
In the Center: The risk of rain or flood is minimal.
In the South: The rainy season ends and is replaced by beautiful weather.

Travel ideas: During these months, it is really nice to explore Halong Bay, trekking in the mountainous area in the north of Vietnam. Especially, Ha Giang is worth to be considered. For the southern part, beach break is a great choice in Phan Thiet, Mui Ne, Phu Quoc island.

Best time for Phu Quoc beach break during November - December

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Is the best time to visit Vietnam in priority?

Not really, If you are planning a trip to Vietnam, it is recommended to check the best places to visit based on the season. This will ensure that you have a perfect trip tailored to your preferences and interests.

Once you have chosen the best time to visit Vietnam, you could prepare to plan for your trip, firstly check How to get Evisa for Vietnam and then learn about the top places to visit in Vietnam or if you have 2 week holiday, you can get a reference of Vietnam 14 day itinerary. That would save your time and help you to plan your trip smoothly and easily.

Ama Journey could help you to design a private Vietnam Package Tours for sure that you will travel in the right places and in the right time of the year for the best experience!

For more useful information Vietnam Tour,  How many days? What do to?

For your reference Vietnam Tour Packages

Vietnam Travel blog