Vietnam weather and seasons

Best Time to Visit Vietnam

Plan your perfect trip with our comprehensive weather and season guide

Regional Climates

Vietnam's Three Climate Zones

Vietnam's geography creates three distinct climate zones. Understanding these is key to planning the best time for your trip.

Northern Vietnam

Hanoi, Sapa, Halong Bay

Four distinct seasons. Cool, dry winters (Nov–Mar) with temperatures as low as 10°C. Hot, humid summers (May–Sep) with heavy rainfall. Best time: Oct–Dec for pleasant temperatures and clear skies.

Central Vietnam

Hue, Da Nang, Hoi An

Wet season from Sep–Dec brings heavy rain and occasional typhoons. Dry season (Feb–Aug) offers sunshine and warm temperatures. Best time: Feb–May for warm, dry weather before peak heat.

Southern Vietnam

Ho Chi Minh City, Mekong Delta, Phu Quoc

Tropical climate year-round, 25–35°C. Dry season (Dec–Apr) is the most popular. Wet season (May–Nov) brings short, heavy afternoon showers. Best time: Dec–Apr for dry, sunny days.

Detailed Breakdown

Month-by-Month Guide

Month North Central South Overall
January Cool & dry, 10–18°C Occasional rain, 20–25°C Dry & warm, 25–32°C Great
February Cool & dry, 12–20°C Dry & mild, 20–26°C Dry & warm, 26–33°C Great
March Warming up, 16–23°C Dry & warm, 22–28°C Hot & dry, 27–34°C Great
April Warm, 20–27°C Hot & dry, 24–30°C Hot & humid, 28–35°C Good
May Hot & humid, 24–32°C Hot & dry, 25–33°C Wet season starts, 27–34°C Mixed
June Hot & rainy, 26–33°C Hot & dry, 26–34°C Wet, afternoon storms, 26–32°C Mixed
July Hot & rainy, 26–33°C Hot, some rain, 25–34°C Wet, afternoon storms, 26–32°C Mixed
August Hot & rainy, 26–33°C Hot & humid, 25–34°C Wet, afternoon storms, 26–32°C Mixed
September Cooling, less rain, 24–31°C Typhoon risk, 24–30°C Wet, heaviest rain, 25–31°C Caution
October Cool & pleasant, 20–28°C Typhoon risk, heavy rain, 22–28°C Wet, easing off, 25–31°C Mixed
November Cool & dry, 16–25°C Heavy rain/flooding, 22–27°C Dry season starts, 25–32°C Mixed
December Cold & dry, 12–20°C Rain easing, 20–25°C Dry & warm, 25–32°C Good

Cultural Events

Major Festivals & Events

Timing your visit around a Vietnamese festival can make your trip truly unforgettable.

Tet (Lunar New Year)
Jan/Feb

Vietnam's biggest celebration. Streets decorated with blossoms, families reunite, and fireworks light up the sky. Many businesses close for a week — plan accordingly.

Hoi An Lantern Festival
Monthly (full moon)

The ancient town turns off electric lights and is illuminated by thousands of colourful lanterns and candles on the river. Magical and unmissable.

Hue Festival
April (biennial)

A celebration of Hue's imperial heritage with traditional music, dance, art exhibitions, and royal court re-enactments. Held every two years.

Mid-Autumn Festival
September/October

A children's festival with lion dances, lantern processions, and mooncakes. The Old Quarter in Hanoi is especially vibrant.

Hung Kings Temple Festival
April

A national holiday honouring the legendary founders of Vietnam. Pilgrimages to Hung Temple in Phu Tho province and festivities nationwide.

Kate Festival
October

The most important festival of the Cham people in Ninh Thuan province. Traditional music, dancing, and ceremonies at ancient Cham towers.

Climate Quick Guide
  • Best overall Feb–Apr & Oct–Dec
  • North Vietnam Oct–Dec (cool & dry)
  • Central Vietnam Feb–May (warm & dry)
  • South Vietnam Dec–Apr (dry season)
  • Sapa trekking Sep–Nov or Mar–May
  • Beach holidays Mar–Sep (varies by coast)
  • Budget travel May–Sep (low season)

Plan Your Perfect Vietnam Trip

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