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 18284

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

10 Days From 19478

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

18 Days From 34323

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

8 Days From 32764

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

13 Days From 22455

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 29410

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

9 Days From 14648

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

15 Days From 40993

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

15 Days From 35504

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

15 Days From 57256

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

15 Days From 26950

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

8 Days From 22096

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

13 Days From 48938

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

13 Days From 67121

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

19 Days From 86828

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

11 Days From 10154

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

9 Days From 19863

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

30 Days From 73944

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

20 Days From 67433

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

12 Days From 35883

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

20 Days From 22785

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

20 Days From 90929

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

17 Days From 36480

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

12 Days From 13580

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

15 Days From 18706

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

15 Days From 15615

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

11 Days From 22952

Hike, bike and kayak across Vietnam on this active adventure from Hanoi. Trek in Sapa,...

13 Days From 43150

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

8 Days From 12653

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

10 Days From 11495

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

20 Days From 41850

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

11 Days From 11952

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

23 Days From 41829

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

23 Days From 23750

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

8 Days From 20520

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

22 Days From 58877

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

9 Days From 11610

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

26 Days From 34656

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

9 Days From 8951

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

19 Days From 24924

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

32 Days From 46480

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

27 Days From 82209

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

5 Days From 6818

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

24 Days From 133266

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

2 Days From 4853

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

2 Days From 4423

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

19 Days From 67361

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

19 Days From 67361

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