The best time to visit Vietnam depends on your destination.This vibrant country at the eastern extreme of Southeast Asia offers more than 2,000 miles of coastline, as well as three distinct topographical regions.

While this means Vietnam offers a rich diversity of cultures and experiences, it also means you need to plan carefully for Vietnam’s varying seasons.

Seasons in Vietnam

When planning a Vietnam holiday, it helps to think of the country as three separate regions with differing weather patterns.

While south and central Vietnam have two main seasons, wet and dry, north Vietnam has closer to four distinct seasons that include spring, summer, autumn and winter.

Although most of Vietnam has a tropical climate and an annual monsoon season, it’s surprising how different the weather can be from place to place!

Visiting Vietnam in Spring

What to pack for Spring

Light, breathable clothing is recommended for trips to Ho Chi Minh City, along the Mekong Delta, and to the beaches of Southern Vietnam. Pack your swimwear so you can take cooling dips in swimming pools at midday if you wish.

If you’re heading to Central Vietnam, bring along a light sweater as well, as mornings and evenings can be cool.

Northern regions experience several cold snaps throughout the winter months, so bring enough warm clothes if you are travelling to this area.

Where to go in Spring

This is the dry season in South and Central Vietnam, making for mild weather and beautiful skies.

This is the perfect time to head to the pristine beaches and islands of the south, such as the Con Dao Archipelago and Phu Quoc, or to visit the amazing lakes and waterfalls of Dalat.

In Central Vietnam, head to the ancient port town of Hoi An, picturesque Hue, and the beaches of Nha Trang.

In the Northern mountains of Vietnam the rice is planted in late Spring,  and the rice terraces are iridescent green.

Unmissable experiences in Spring

On certain years when the beginning of the lunar calendar falls in February, you’ll get to see the spectacular celebrations of Tet, or Vietnamese New Year, which is the largest holiday in Vietnam.

Also taking place in spring is the Hung Kings’ Temple Festival, which falls in April and commemorates the ancient founders of Vietnam with a remarkable, costumed parade in Phu Tho Province.

Traveling to Vietnam in Summer

What to pack for Summer

Light, waterproof rain gear is a good idea, as well as light, quick-drying clothes to help you stay cool during the withering heat.

Where to go in Summer

This is generally the wettest and hottest season throughout Vietnam.

If you want to avoid the monsoon, head to the northern hills, which get showers but are lovely and verdant at this time of year.

Hoi An and Hue can still be pleasant, as is the south if you don’t mind high temperatures.

We do recommend avoiding the lower areas of the Mekong Delta, which can be hit by monsoons and flooding from roughly June to September.

Unmissable experiences in Summer

A whole host of religious, national, and local events take place in summer, but you won’t want to miss the Ghost Festival in August, when lit lanterns and boats are released on bodies of water to help the spirits of deceased loved ones find their way home.

Discovering Vietnam in Autumn

What to pack for Autumn

If you’re heading to higher altitudes, make sure to bring a sweater or light jacket for the mornings and evenings. Otherwise, dress for hot days with light, breathable clothing.

Where to go in Autumn

This is the warm, sunny season in Northern Vietnam, temperatures are most pleasant in Hanoi and Halong Bay. This is also the best season to hike through mountainous Sapa in the Far North.

In the south, the rains have mostly dried up and temperatures cool significantly, making for great days at destinations like Ho Chi Minh City, along the Mekong Delta, and island destinations.

Unmissable experiences in Autumn

Two very different types of festivals take place in autumn, the patriotic National Day and the folkloric Ooc Om Boc Festival.

While National Day celebrates Vietnam’s independence with parades and fireworks in urban Hanoi, the boat races of Ooc Om Boc commemorate Khmer culture and honor the moon.

Traveling to Vietnam in Winter

What to pack for Winter

If you’re heading to the far north or northern central provinces, bring warm clothes! If you’re heading anywhere else, pack your light summer wardrobe, with maybe a light jacket if you’re traveling around Hanoi.

Where to go in Winter

Winter can be downright cold in the northern reaches of Vietnam, with some areas such as Sapa experiencing snowfall.

But for the most part, this is a great time to visit northern and southern Vietnam. Even the central coast begins to see less rainfall during the later winter months.

We advise reveling in the drier, cooler weather in the southern hot spots of Saigon and the Mekong Delta, or taking advantage of prime beach weather in Phu Quoc, Phan Thiet or Con Dao.

Unmissable experiences in Winter

Winter is the time of Tet, or Vietnamese New Year, the most important holiday of the year. Across the country you’re sure to see fireworks, dragon dances, musical performances and families gathering to celebrate.

If you’re in Ninh Binh Province just south of Hanoi, be sure to check out the colorful Bai Dinh Pagoda Festival.

Vietnam Weather

Average temperatures in some cities (°C)

Average rainfall (in mm)

Climate in different Vietnamese cities

Climate in Hanoi

Spring: some drizzling with occasional sunny days.

Summer:  wettest and hottest time of year from June to September, with typhoon season in August and September.

Autumn: some rain in September but mostly dry/clear skies.

Winter: cool dry days with clear skies until Jan-Feb when the temperature drops and light drizzle is frequent.  

Climate in Hue

Spring: some drizzling but mostly dry.

Summer: Hot and dry with the occasional summer shower.

Autumn: some rain in September but mostly dry.

Winter: cool dry days with clear skies until Jan-Feb when the temperature drops and light rain is frequent.

Climate in Danang & Hoi An

Spring: The most beautiful time of year in the centre. Clear skies and calm seas.

Summer: The temperature rising over the summer however skies are clear and sunny.

Autumn: The rainy seasons starts Sep – Oct so storms are frequent.

Winter: Rain is frequent, however the temperature is comfortable during this season.

Climate in the South Central Region (Nha Trang)

Spring: Sunny and dry with the occasional rain shower.

Summer: Sunny and dry with the occasional rain shower.

Autumn: the rainy season starts from October through to November.

Winter: Sunny and dry with the occasional rain shower.

Climate in Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) & the Mekong Delta

Spring: Hottest and driest time of the year.

Summer: Rainiest time of year from June to October however it’s also a ‘fresh’ time of year, due to the storms, and sunny days are frequent.

Autumn:  Sunny and dry with the occasional rain shower.

Winter:  Sunny and dry with the occasional rain shower.

Special Tips for Monsoon Season in Vietnam

We recommend avoiding the central coast of Vietnam during October and November, when the monsoon weather is at its peak. It’s also extremely wet in the far south and far north, with the possibility of storms.

If you’re planning to travel to Vietnam during monsoon season, just be prepared to duck into a shop to avoid sudden downpours, or to invest in a poncho!

Unmissable events through the year in Vietnam

When is the best time to visit Vietnam?

The best time to visit Vietnam is Spring and Autumn when the weather is slightly better with less rain. In Spring (February to April), temperatures are around 20-30°C in the South, a bit cooler in the Central region and colder in the North. In Autumn (September to November), temperatures are between mid and highs 20s°C but avoid the Central region because of the monsoon.

Before leaving your country, don’t forget to have a look at the weather forecast.

What would be YOUR best time to discover Vietnam?