When to Visit Vietnam

In general, the months of January and February boast very good weather with dry conditions expected throughout most of the country. January is one of northern Vietnam’s driest months although it can remain cool, especially in far north where temperatures can drop to 5°C in and around Sapa. Ha Long Bay can also be hazy at this time year. By February the warm and dry weather has returned to central Vietnam where Hoi An and Hue boast average temperatures of 25°C. January and February are two of the best months to visit the south of the country with warm weather, blue skies and little, if any, rain. It is also a great time for river cruising down the Mekong towards Cambodia.

The whole of Vietnam experiences excellent weather throughout March and April, so it is little surprise it is peak tourist season. In the north you can expect clear blue skies and plenty of sunshine whilst temperatures start to rise in the mountains making it a great time for trekking in Sapa and Ha Giang. March is usually the best time for a Ha Long or Lan Ha Bay cruise where the haze should have disappeared and there is little chance of rain. Central Vietnam including Hoi An, Hue and the Central Highlands are basking in sunshine making it a great time for sightseeing or relaxing on the beach. Temperatures in the south, including Ho Chi Minh City, peak in April and average around 31°C.

Whilst May and June tend to be a mixed bag in terms of weather, they are still great months to visit Vietnam where shoulder season offers can be taken advantage of. Temperatures begin to rise in the north to the early thirties but the chance of rainfall increases. By the end of June the mountains in the far north become very wet so hiking is unadvisable. Hoi An, Hue and the central beaches continue to bathe in sunshine and blue skies during May and June whereas Ho Chi Minh City and the south become rather wet, especially by the end of June. The rainfall however tends to be short and heavy downpours in the afternoon which often clears the air making temperatures more comfortable.

Whilst Vietnam’s central region remains hot and predominantly dry in July it is a different story throughout the rest of the country. The south is now in the midst of its wet season which lasts until the end of October. Whilst plenty of rain is expected throughout these months, days still have dry and bright spells with high temperatures of 28°C. Whilst the weather is hot in the north, July and August are Hanoi’s wettest months, and with rainfall very high in the far north, trekking is still not recommended until October where Sapa becomes dry and clear. Central Vietnam continues to boast excellent weather until September where rain showers become frequent and stormy weather is expected in October.

November sees the dry and cool weather return to Vietnam, apart from the central region which sees it highest rainfall of the year which continues until January. The north experiences very pleasant temperatures at 24°C and with very little rainfall it is a wonderful time for a Ha Long Bay cruise. Trekking conditions in the mountainous north are also excellent in November. December boasts some of the best weather in southern Vietnam, the islands of Phu Quoc and Con Dao are basking in sunshine and Ho Chi Minh City enjoys temperatures of 26°C and low humidity which is ideal for sightseeing. Christmas and New Year are peak times to travel in Vietnam so it is recommended to book well in advance.