We use cookies to improve your website experience and provide more personalized services to you, both on this website and through other media. By continuing to use this website, you agree to our use of cookies as explained in our Cookie Policy. Please read our Cookie Policy for more information on how we use cookies and how you can disable them.
Weather Conditions in Vietnam
Trying to figure out the best time to visit Vietnam can be a little challenging because despite being a small country, there is a lot of regional diversity here. Although many people consider it to be a year-round destination and travelling during any season is more or less all right, it’s always good to be prepared ahead, especially when it concerns the weather. Vietnam has three main regions, the north, the south and the central. Each of these has their own climatic conditions which makes it hard to predict the overall climate of the country. Nevertheless, here’s a month wise list of the best time to go to Vietnam, specifically the regions mentioned above.
January tends to be quite cool especially in the north. In the mountainous areas like Sa Pa and Ha Giang, it can be even cold. Although snowfall is rare, it is not entirely unheard of and in places like Sa Pa, you can go on treks too, despite the cold. If you’re in the south, in cities like Ho Chi Minh or Phu Quoc, then the weather is cool and dry and perfect for underwater exploration. In Central Vietnam, January tends to be a little wet, but there is no real danger of typhoons, so you should be fine.
In February, Vietnam celebrates the Lunar New Year and it is the biggest holiday in the country. There are flowers everywhere and parades on the streets and there’s a general air of contentment at this time. Weather-wise, it’s still winter in the north and the central region will see a little rain as summer begins while the south is comfortably warm. It’s the best season to go to Vietnam.
There’s pleasant weather in March throughout the country as winter comes to an end in the north and the south and centre see pleasantly warm temperatures. It’s a great time to visit the beaches, do some underwater exploration and hiking. Hoi An in particular is quite lively at this time of the year.
By April, the weather begins to heat up and the summer turns wet and hot in the north. But the beaches in Central Vietnam are perfectly wonderful with sunny skies and clear waters. The south however tends to be quite hot and there’s more rain coming your way.
In the south, the heat comes down a little with afternoon downpours. Do bear in mind to carry an umbrella with you in case you get stuck in the rain. The north also sees a rise in temperature although things are quite comfortable in the centre, even now.
Expect more rain in June and this is certainly not the best time to go to Vietnam as there are chances of floods especially in the Mekong Delta. Both the north and the central coast face high temperatures and rain at this time. In July, both the north and the south face heavy downpours while the central coast also heats up significantly at this time. August happens to be the wettest month in Vietnam. Cruises and treks are best avoided at this time of the year.
While the central regions see a lot of rainfall, the other two regions are no longer under the wet spell. September is gorgeous if you want to do trekking in the north. This is the best time to visit Vietnam if you want to enjoy the views of the verdant, quietly undulating rice fields in the north. However, the central coast rainfall often leads to typhoons with torrential rain and strong winds.
This is the best time to visit Vietnam if you want to do trekking in the north. A cool dry winter is just about to begin and it’s the time for buckwheat flower season in the highlands. In the south too, the rainfall comes to an end but begins to see a dry and hot summer. However, this is not the time to visit beaches as the central coast sees the highest rainfall of the year in October and November.
In November, you can travel in the south with ease, as the season is now cool and dry. In the north too, the conditions have improved, making it perfect to travel there. However, central Vietnam is still struggling with the rains and there are high chances of flooding in Hoi An.
For many people, December is the best time to visit Vietnam as the conditions throughout the country have improved drastically by now. In the south coast, islands like Phu Quoc and Con Dao are perfect for visits if you’re looking for some sun and sand especially. But north Vietnam is also great for adventurous hikes and treks. Central Vietnam also stands out with remarkable weather. Places like Hoi An are delightful and it’s the best time to visit the Ancient Town.
Since the weather varies from region to region, it’s quite difficult to pinpoint when not to travel to Vietnam. Some of the best months however are September to December, March and April for the entire country. Since March and April have the lowest rainfall, they’re perfect to visit while June, July and August are best avoided as they are wet and uncomfortable.
If you have decided the best time to travel to Vietnam, then do take a look at the SOTC website for excellent offers and deals on Vietnam tour packages.
