Best Time to Visit Vietnam: Weather by Region
When is it worth going?
Vietnam splits into 3, and each has its own weather
Vietnam is incredibly long (almost 1,650 km!), so when it comes to weather you have to split it into 3 different regions: north, center and south. Each has its own climate. While the north might be enjoying mild, dry weather, the center can be getting torrential rain at exactly the same time. So the ideal time for your trip depends entirely on which regions you want to include. Here are the regions and their seasons:
Three regions, three climates
Weather by region
Pick a region to see what awaits you in each season.
Hanoi, Sapa, Ha Long Bay
The north has 4 distinct seasons.
March - April | September - November
Spring & autumn20–28°CRecommendedThe shoulder seasons are the perfect time to travel. Clear skies, very little rain and very comfortable daytime temperatures.
May - August
Summer30–35°C+Take careHot, humid and rainy. Frequent downpours can disrupt your schedule. Ha Long Bay cruises may be cancelled during storms.
December - February
Winter15–20°CTake careCool, dry and foggy. In the mountains (like Sapa) it gets much harsher, with night temperatures dropping as low as 4°C, sometimes with frost.
Hoi An and Da Nang
The region has a long dry season and a stormy rainy season.
February - May
Spring25–30°CRecommendedComfortable, pleasant temperatures with very little rain.
May - August
Summer~35°CRecommendedThe hottest and driest months of the year. Perfect for the beach.
September - December
Typhoon season22–28°CTake careTyphoon season runs September–December, peaking October–November, with heavy rain and a real risk of flooding and typhoons along the coast.
Ho Chi Minh City and the Mekong Delta
Temperatures stay stable and summery all year (25–35°C). The only difference is the amount of rain.
November - April
Dry season25–35°CRecommendedSummery, clear days that are ideal for travel.
May - October
Wet season25–35°CPossibleBrings heavy downpours, but usually just a short, strong rain in the afternoon. The upside: far fewer tourists and lush green nature. Our tip: plan outdoor activities for the morning, and always throw a raincoat in your bag.
The bottom line (for those in a hurry)
March - April
- Northern Vietnam
- IdealPleasant, mild spring
- Central Vietnam
- IdealDry and pleasant
- Southern Vietnam
- IdealDry season
May - August
- Northern Vietnam
- Less recommendedHot, rainy, risk of typhoons
- Central Vietnam
- IdealDry season, very hot
- Southern Vietnam
- PossibleWet season - short afternoon showers
September - October
- Northern Vietnam
- IdealPleasant, clear autumn
- Central Vietnam
- Not recommendedTyphoon season (peak from October)
- Southern Vietnam
- PossibleEnd of the wet season
November
- Northern Vietnam
- IdealPleasant, clear autumn
- Central Vietnam
- Not recommendedPeak typhoon season
- Southern Vietnam
- IdealStart of the dry season
December - February
- Northern Vietnam
- ToughVery cold to freezing in the mountains
- Central Vietnam
- MixedTyphoon season ends in December; drier from January
- Southern Vietnam
- IdealDry, summery season