In a country more than 1,600 kms (1,000 miles) long, the weather in Vietnam varies considerably as you go from north to south, from a temperate to a tropical climate. While this variety makes Vietnam a year-round destination, spring (March to April) is typically the best time to visit the entire country, when days are generally pleasant, temperatures are moderate and rainfall is light. Tropical monsoons bring heavy rains and occasional flooding during other parts of the year, while extreme temperatures can make summer days uncomfortably hot and sticky.
Below is a guide for the best time to visit different regions of Vietnam…..
When to visit North Vietnam (Sapa, Hanoi, Halong Bay)
The north of Vietnam experiences cold dry winters from December to February, where overnight temperatures can dip to 4°C (39°F). The summer months (May to August) are typically very hot and humid. The best time to visit northern Vietnam is during spring (March to April) and autumn (September to November), when days are generally warm and sunny.
When to visit Central Vietnam (Hue, Hoi An)
The coast of central Vietnam is often battered with typhoons during its wet season. It’s difficult to predict when these heavy rains and hurricane-like winds can hit coastal cities like Hoi An, but generally typhoon seasons runs from August to November. The rainy season usually subsides in February, when you can expect warmer temperatures and more sunshine. While travellers will experience pleasant weather in Central Vietnam any time between February and August, sunny 30°C (86°F) days are the norm in July and August.
When to visit South Vietnam (Ho Chi Minh City, Mekong Delta)
South Vietnam experiences warm, pleasant temperatures year-round, making travel good at any time. The dry season generally runs from December to May and a rainy season runs from June through November. While flooding can occur, rain usually comes in short bursts and rarely impacts travel. In fact, the monsoon season is often the best time for photography as dramatic thunderheads float across the Mekong Delta and rice fields turn a vibrant emerald-green. Some, however, might find temperatures unbearable from March to May, when the mercury regularly reaches 40°C (104°F).
Click to learn more about weather in Vietnam
Click to return to Vietnam FAQs
Our Vietnam Tours
10 Days
From
846
Take a ten-day tour of Vietnam from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City, with stops to cruise the...
18 Days
From
1645
Travel into the heart and soul of South East Asia on this comprehensive tour of Vietnam...
10 Days
From
747
Travel through Vietnam from Ho Chi Minh City to Hanoi. Highlights include meeting...
11 Days
From
608
Head from old-world Hanoi to ancient Hue and on to pretty Hoi An via beachy Phan Rang, ...
15 Days
From
1190
Journey from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City on this 15-day Vietnam adventure. Trek in the...
8 Days
From
999
From Ho Chi Minh City to Hanoi, discover the delights of one of South East Asia's...
15 Days
From
1666
Uncover the proud, spirited heart of Vietnam on this classic adventure. Tour Hanoi,...
18 Days
From
1692
Follow the ancient trails through Cambodia and Vietnam. Explore Angkor’s temples,...
13 Days
From
961
Experience the Asia of old on a family adventure that captures the spirit of Vietnam....
15 Days
From
1313
Jump in the saddle for a two-wheeled adventure tour of Vietnam. Take in cultural...
15 Days
From
747
Discover Vietnam’s east coast on this 15-day tour, uncovering the hidden delights of...
11 Days
From
612
Delve into Vietnamese culture on this 11-day journey from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City....
12 Days
From
1490
Travel the breadth of Vietnam, from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City, experiencing tranquil...
13 Days
From
1260
Experience Vietnamese customs and charms on a 13-day family adventure from Hanoi to Ho...
15 Days
From
732
From hectic Ho Chi Minh City to historic Hanoi, with Hoi An, Hue and Cat Ba Island in...
11 Days
From
1065
Hike, bike and kayak across Vietnam on this active tour based out of Hanoi. Trek in...
30 Days
From
3275
Travel into the heart and soul of South East Asia on this comprehensive tour of...
20 Days
From
1452
From bustling Ho Chi Minh City to historical Hanoi, the Best of Vietnam tour is an...
22 Days
From
1224
Bounce from Hanoi to Cat Ba Island, through Phnom Penh, Kampot and Siem Reap, then head...
22 Days
From
1297
Explore South East Asia on a trip through Vietnam, Cambodia and Thailand. Travel from...
26 Days
From
1526
Experience the best of South East Asia, from Bangkok to Hanoi. Marvel at the Angkor...
10 Days
From
920
Travel from historic Hanoi to modern Ho Chi Minh City with a group of solo travellers....
23 Days
From
1958
Explore vibrant Vietnam, charismatic Cambodia and beguiling Bangkok on this awesome...
20 Days
From
2925
Get to know Vietnam and Cambodia, each with their own uniquely enchanting culture and...
10 Days
From
795
Experience the boundlessly welcoming and friendly nature of the ethnic hill tribe...
24 Days
From
1274
Take a trip with the lot – Angkor Wat, Phnom Penh, Ho Chi Minh City, Tuy Hoa, Hoi An,...
35 Days
From
2755
Take an epic journey of temples, markets and nature – the best in South East Asia. From...
34 Days
From
2448
Join us for the South East Asian trip of your dreams – a little bit of Bangkok, a pinch...
22 Days
From
2520
South East Asia Uncovered snakes its way through the delights of Thailand, Laos and...
9 Days
From
1030
Get the most out of your family getaway by cycling, kayaking, walking and cruising...
15 Days
From
1998
Combine the excitement of Vietnam with the friendly warmth of Cambodia for an exotic...
13 Days
From
1017
Experience the Asia of old on a family adventure that captures the spirit of Vietnam....
20 Days
From
2755
Travel from Hanoi down and over to Siem Reap, seeing the landmark attractions,...
27 Days
From
3410
Gear up for an energising and rewarding cycling tour that takes in the best of...
8 Days
From
658
Jump in the saddle for a two-wheeled adventure tour of Northern Vietnam. Take in...
10 Days
From
1040
Travel from Ho Chi Minh to Hoi An on this family cycling adventure through Vietnam....
5 Days
From
270
Trek through Vietnam's mountainous region in the north-west to experience hiltribe...
2 Days
From
205
Cast away on a traditional-style boat and set sail through hundreds of limestone karsts...
2 Days
From
160
See local industry, beautiful islands and what life is like along the mighty Mekong...
4 Days
From
350
See the contrasts of city and river life around Ho Chi Minh City on this exciting short...
