Best Time to Visit Vietnam
A long country with varied weather patterns, the best time to visit Vietnam as a whole is from January to May with the least rain in both the cultural areas and on the beach. Outside of these months it is possible to still visit and you will get some rain in the north and south from May to November and on the central coast from September to January. Tet, the Vietnamese Lunar New Year falls in late January or early February and is best avoided as many businesses close. Our Vietnam itineraries typically include two or more places to visit in Vietnam and each therefore recommends the best time to complete that tour.
The central region of Vietnam has a tropical climate, particularly around Hué and is divided into two distinguished seasons. The dry season (from March to August) has a maximum temperature of 40°C and the colder, rainy season (August to January) has temperatures that can go down to 19°C. January can be slightly cooler in Hoi An, the best time to visit the Hoi An is between February and June when rainfall is low and temperatures are pleasant. If you can, time your visit to Hoi An for the full moon during on the 14th day of the lunar year each month for the Full Moon festivals, when the town becomes the stage for traditional songs, dancing, games and food, with lanterns lining all of the streets. The best time to visit Hue is between March and April when the temperature is more pleasant, though rainfalls are still likely. Hue sees fog and rain quite frequently, even when the weather across the Hai Van Pass in nearby Danang is sunny. During the rainy season, between September and January, rain is more frequent and can be heavy. There are several festivals in Hue and worth taking note in planning your travel. Each year, during the seventh month of the lunar year, Hue celebrates the Duong No ceremony, Vietnamese all souls’ days, and Hon Chen Temple Festival. In addition, every two years, there is a special Hue Festival which lasts for two weeks in June. North Vietnam is dry and warm from March to June and October to November, although May and June can get very humid and hot. July to September is very wet, and December to February is cool and drizzly with temperatures dropping as low as 10°C. The best time to visit Northern Vietnam is from February to April and September to November, with temperatures ranging from 15°C to 30°C avoiding the heat and the rain. The monsoon prevails from May till September with stronger breezes and higher humidity with limited rainfall. Temperatures are warmer during this time, varying between 25°C to 35°C. Most rain failing in July and August and typhoons are possible. Southern Vietnam has a tropical climate. It is hot and humid year round, with an average annual temperature of 27°C . The best time to visit is December to April as this is the dry season with occasional rain. May to November is the wet season with showers almost every day and flooding in the Mekong Delta can occur. December is the coolest month, while April and May tend to be the hottest months.
Climate guide for Vietnam
, Vietnam
Average temperatures (Fahrenheit) and rainfall (mm)
Our Experts Say...
"Vietnam's microclimates make it a year-round destination. While some areas may not be suitable for travel due to weather other areas are perfect. March and April tend to be the peak season for most travelers, with nice weather throughout the country. In the summer months, June through August, while heavy rains hit the north and south you will find beautiful clear skies and sandy beaches on the central coast. Moving into autumn, late September through November, you see the central coast going into the rainy season and the north and south come alive. "
"From trekking and exploring Halong Bay in the north to cities and beaches in the south, autumn is lovely. Winter brings cooler weather, in terms of Southeast Asia, and generally dry skies. Winter is quite popular in terms of travel, especially for local people during Tet, Vietnam's New Year. This celebration can be quite a sight but can also result in closed shops and restaurants, so it is always a good idea to be aware of the Tet dates when booking a vacation. From beautiful rice paddies in the north to beautiful beaches on the central coast and vibrant cities in the south, Vietnam is a traveler’s paradise. With so much culture, phenomenal food, and beautiful scenery its no question that Vietnam should be at the top of your travel list."
Lili LeBaron, Vietnam Specialist
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