The opposing monsoon season means different weather patterns from North to South, therefore, almost no definition of an average temperature for the whole country. Thanks to that, generally, you can drop in Vietnam at any time of year. Base on the expecations (some people enjoy the heat, some prefer a non-crowded area while the others want to meet people and feel the culture...) each period of time in Vietnam will meet at least one of them.
The best time to visit Vietnam
JANUARY – MARCHThe weather between this time is cool and come with light rain in the North - warm and dry in the rest (central and south). The north is always cooler than the rest of the country
- Hanoi and Halong: 15 -> 22°C
- Hue and Hoi An: 22 -> 32°C
- Ho Chi Minh City and Nha Trang: 28 -> 35°C.
If you plan to trek early in the year to rural Northern mountain, make sure you bring extra coat to keep warm. Temperature in places like Sapa can drop to near 0°C.
The period between January and March also sees the most colorful festivals taking place all over the country, including Tet festival.
Note: Tet is the time for everyone from all over the country to find the way back to their respective grandmother's house. Unless you're lucky enough to enjoy Tet with a Vietnamese family, be noticed: During this time, many travelers find themselves stranded, hotels completely full, and roadways crowded with traffic and revelers. From mid February to mid March, we find the lowest in the year for both international and domestic tourists.
Summary: Great weather, Abundant festivals, Uncrowded attractions.
Where to go: Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City (during Tet holiday), the North, Dalat (January), Nha Trang (February, March).
APRIL - JUNE
April to June is the season transforms from spring to summer. The Center of Vietnam remains wet with temperate weather until May, while the South and Southern coast are already in hot dry weather from March to May, so let head to the popular beaches area like Nha Trang, Quy Nhon or Halong Bay.
One suggestion that we can make is that - visit Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City during April 30th (Reunification Day) - May 1st (Labour Day). You will find these cities empty thanks to families taking off: fewer traffic congestion, nice fresh air and perfect time to visit museums and tourist spots.
Summary: Fine weather, Low domestic season, not many events and festivals. Where to go: Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City (late April early May), beaches (mid May to June), Hue (during Hue festival often in May or June), Centre of Vietnam.
JUNE - SEPTEMBER
You will find Vietnamese hardly travel solo, parents often wait for their children to finish school until the late May for family vacation. June to early September, Vietnam sees a record high in domestic tourists volume, crowding in beach and mountain retreats (popular places like Halong Bay, Sapa, Danang, Nha Trang, Phu Quoc)
The weather in this term through out the country is a wet and hot period, such an ideal for beach and sun lovers. You just cannot find a better time to visit Vietnam than this. If you are not from a tropical country, tip for you is don’t forget to bring some sun-screen with you to avoid sunburnt. If you are not into crowd, then avoid travelling off the city during weekends.
Summary: harsh weather in Hanoi, Hue and Hoi An; thunderstorm in Ho Chi Minh City; crowded beach.
Where to go: beaches from
MID- SEPTEMBER TO DECEMBER
A golden time to visit the North of Vietnam such as Hanoi, Sapa, Halong Bay. Temperature drops and moderate, around the 20°C and you cannot realize that they are in a tropical country any more.
Late September and early October is also a best time to travel up north to Sapa, to see the beautiful color of terraced rice paddy field ready for harvest
Rainy months for Southern beach (Nha Trang), similarly in Centre Vietnam (Hue and Hoi An). In exchange, travelling in this period and you can avoid all the notorious heat of Vietnam summer.
Summary: the most beautiful in the year for the North and rainy for the rest of the country. Uncrowded public space since domestic tourist season is over.
Where to go: Hanoi, Halong Bay, Sapa and the northern part of Vietnam. Ho Chi Minh City and non-beach areas are also great to visit during this time of the year.
One more time, because of the different weather patterns from North to South, so based on the duration of your stay, you should plan to catch the good weather and stay by dropping in Saigon in February or March then following the coast to north or hitting Hanoi in October – November
As the final word, Vietnam is not subject to extreme weather, therefore loading up with clothes is never necessary, it is important to keep your luggage as light and loose as possible.
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