Vietnam has an incredibly diverse climate influenced by both tropical monsoons and its range of altitudes and latitudes. Temperatures can vary from a brisk 4°C (39°F) in the northern mountains during winter to a sweltering and humid 36°C (97°F) in Ho Chi Minh City during the middle of the dry season. In general, the weather is marked by two distinct seasons: the northeast monsoon from October to early April, and the southwest monsoon from April to September.

Weather in Sapa

Sapa, in Vietnam’s north, has the most varied climate in the country, experiencing both subtropical summers and temperate winters. Temperatures top 29°C (84°F) in June and July and drop near the freezing mark in late December. We recommend you pack a warm jacket, gloves and beanie during the winter months between November and February, when it can get cold, frosty and occasionally snows. While some might prefer to avoid the rain and travel to the north during the dry season (November to May), the wet season (June to October) is the best time to see the terraced rice fields.

 

MONTH

AVERAGE HIGH

AVERAGE LOW

March to May

21°C/70°F

13°C/55°F

June to August

24°C/75°F

18°C/64°F

September to November

20°C/68°F

13°C/55°F

December to February

14°C/57°F

7°C/45°F

The best time to visit Sapa is in the wet season

 

Weather in Hanoi and Halong Bay

 

Hanoi and Halong Bay experience similar climates, which is influenced by the northeast monsoons. Temperatures range between 16°C (61°F) and 21°C (70°F) during the winter, which runs from November to March. Summer begins mid-April and continues until October, when it is hot, humid and rainy. Hanoi is wettest in July and August when the temperature reaches an average high of 32°C (90°F). Often shrouded in mist, weather can change quickly in Halong Bay, where a breeze from the coast can have a cooling effect.

 

MONTH

AVERAGE HIGH

AVERAGE LOW

November to March (winter)

21°C/70°F

16°C/61°F

April to October (summer)

30°C/86°F

24°C/75°F

Halong Bay experiences two distinct seasons

 

Weather in Hoi An

While the coastal city of Hoi An is warm year-round, it does experience two distinct seasons – dry season from February to August, and wet monsoon season from September to January. The dry season is characterised by plenty of sunshine, low humidity, highs of 30°C (86°F) and calm waters. While most other parts of the country experience heavy rainfall during the summer, Hoi An stays dry until August, making it a great summer beach destination. During the wet season, the city’s low-lying old town is prone to flooding and typhoons become a risk.

 

MONTH

AVERAGE HIGH

AVERAGE LOW

February to March (dry)

27°C/81°F

21°C/70°F

April to August (dry)

33°C/91°F

25°C/77°F

September to November (wet)

30°C/86°F

24°C/75°F

December to January (wet)

25°C/77°F

20°C/68°F

Hoi An can be prone to flooding and typhoons

 

 

Weather in Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)

Ho Chi Minh City, formerly known as Saigon, is consistently warm and humid, averaging around 28°C (82°F) during the day and barely dropping in temperature overnight. From April to November, the southwest monsoon causes heavy, though usually brief, tropical downpours in the afternoon.

 

MONTH

AVERAGE HIGH

AVERAGE LOW

March to May

34°C/93°F

25°C/77°F

June to August

32°C/90°F

25°C/77°F

September to November

31°C/88°F

24°C/75°F

December to February

32°C/90°F

22°C/72°F

Ho Chi Minh City is warm and humid year round.

 

Click to read about the best time to visit Vietnam

Click to read our Vietnam packing guide

Click to return to Vietnam FAQs

Our Vietnam tours

10 Days From 940

Take a tour of Vietnam from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City, with stops to cruise the Mekong...

10 Days From 900

Travel through Vietnam from Ho Chi Minh City to Hanoi. Visit the Mekong Delta, cruise...

18 Days From 1658

Travel into the heart and soul of South East Asia on this tour of Vietnam and Cambodia....

8 Days From 1611

Discover the highlights and traditions of Vietnam on this short Premium adventure from...

13 Days From 1280

Experience the Asia of old on a family adventure that captures the spirit of Vietnam....

Tailor-Made trips

Take four or more on an exclusive trip and tailor your itinerary

13 Days From 1362

Experience Vietnamese customs and charms on a 13-day family adventure from Hanoi to Ho...

9 Days From 774

Travel from Vietnam to Thailand on a South East Asian adventure that explores Cambodia...

15 Days From 1695

Jump in the saddle for a two-wheeled adventure tour of Vietnam. Take in cultural...

15 Days From 1828

Uncover the proud, spirited heart of Vietnam on this classic 15-day adventure. Tour...

15 Days From 2444

Uncover Vietnam on a Premium journey from south to north, taking in Ho Chi Minh City,...

15 Days From 1292

Journey from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City on this Vietnam adventure. Trek in the quiet...

8 Days From 1073

Discover the spirit of Vietnam on a small group tour from south to north, visiting Ho...

13 Days From 3411

Be immersed in the rich historic and cultural heritage of Vietnam and Cambodia on this...

13 Days From 2244

Uncover the dramatic histories of these two beautiful countries on a trip through the...

19 Days From 4689

Take a Premium trip exploring Thailand and Vietnam’s highlights, including Bangkok,...

9 Days From 935

Get the most out of your family getaway by cycling, kayaking, walking and cruising...

30 Days From 3337

Travel into the heart and soul of South East Asia on this tour of Thailand, Laos,...

12 Days From 724

Hit Bangkok and Ho Chi Minh City then take a trip through Cambodia, visiting Angkor Wat...

11 Days From 518

Take an awesome trip through Vietnam. Head from old-world Hanoi to ancient Hue, Hoi An,...

12 Days From 1594

Travel the breadth of Vietnam, from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City, experiencing Halong Bay,...

20 Days From 1040

On this epic trip through Vietnam and Cambodia, you’ll bounce from Hanoi to the...

20 Days From 4451

Discover the incredible diversity, delectable cuisines, dramatic histories and natural...

20 Days From 2916

Get to know Vietnam and Cambodia, each with their own uniquely enchanting culture and...

15 Days From 842

Discover Vietnam’s east coast on this 15-day tour, uncovering the hidden delights of...

15 Days From 711

Take an incredible Vietnam adventure from hectic Ho Chi Minh City to historic Hanoi,...

11 Days From 1182

Hike, bike and kayak across Vietnam on this active tour based out of Hanoi. Enjoy...

18 Days From 1472

Follow the ancient trails through Cambodia and Vietnam. Explore Angkor’s temples,...

13 Days From 1740

See Vietnam, Cambodia and Thailand from two wheels on this adventure from Ho Chi Minh...

8 Days From 632

Follow the ancient trails on a trip to Cambodia, starting in Thailand and ending in...

10 Days From 549

Dive headfirst from Ho Chi Minh City into real Cambodia, visiting Phnom Penh, Siem Reap...

20 Days From 1827

From bustling Ho Chi Minh City to historical Hanoi, the Best of Vietnam tour is an...

11 Days From 596

Get a taste of adventure over 11 days in Vietnam. This escapade from north to south...

23 Days From 2006

Explore vibrant Vietnam, charismatic Cambodia and beguiling Bangkok on this awesome...

23 Days From 999

See Cambodia and Vietnam on a whirlwind trip that visits Bangkok, Siem Reap, Phonm Penh...

8 Days From 927

Jump in the saddle for a two-wheeled adventure tour of Northern Vietnam. Take in...

22 Days From 2657

This Southeast Asia trip snakes its way through the delights of Thailand, Laos and...

22 Days From 2657

South East Asia Uncovered snakes its way through the delights of Thailand, Laos and...

9 Days From 496

Travel to Cambodia on an adventure from Vietnam’s Ho Chi Minh City to Cambodia’s Siem...

26 Days From 1472

Experience the best of South East Asia with Intrepid. Marvel at the Angkor complex,...

9 Days From 455

From Bangkok, you'll hit the temples of Angkor in Siem Reap, get rural in Banteay...

19 Days From 1056

Explore South East Asia on a19-day adventure through Vietnam and Cambodia – Hanoi, Ho...

32 Days From 2178

Take an epic journey to Southeast Asia, including Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Luang Prabang,...

27 Days From 3566

Gear up for an energising and rewarding cycling tour that takes in the best of...

5 Days From 340

Trek through Vietnam's mountainous region in the north-west to experience hilltribe...

24 Days From 6368

Discover the highlights and traditions of Thailand, Vietnam and Cambodia on this 24-day...

2 Days From 245

Cast away on a traditional-style boat and set sail through hundreds of limestone karsts...

2 Days From 220

See local industry, beautiful islands and what life is like along the mighty Mekong...

20 Days From 2684

Taste the true flavours of Vietnam and Cambodia, feasting on local food and catching...

19 Days From 2684

Taste the true flavours of Vietnam and Cambodia, feasting on local food and catching...

19 Days From 2684

Taste the true flavours of Vietnam and Cambodia, feasting on local food and catching...