BEST TIME TO VISIT VIETNAM & WEATHER EACH MONTH
In an S-shaped country over 1,600 kilometers (1,000 miles) long, the weather in Vietnam changes dramatically as you go from north to south, from temperate to tropical. Vietnam is influenced by the humid tropical monsoon climate, a year has 4 seasons: Spring – Summer – Autumn – Winter. Read the article below to know the best time to visit Vietnam and the climate of each month of of Vietnam travel guide to help you choose the right time for your Vietnam 10 day itinerary.
When is the best time to visit Vietnam?
Choosing the best time of year to visit Vietnam might be difficult, as each person’s preferences in weather and travel may be different. Overall, the best stretch of time that you can confidently visit any place in Vietnam is February to April, but regional differences should be taken into account. We collected some general rules of thumb in this article for you and hope you can use them when planning your journey to see the best of Vietnam.
Best time to travel to Vietnam per region
North Vietnam (Sapa, Hanoi, Ha Long Bay)
The period between October to April is said to be the best month to visit Northern Vietnam. However, specific regions should be taken into account when travel planning.
For example, the Northern mountainous areas such as Sapa, Ha Giang, and Mu Cang Chai are most trek worthy from October, with the rice harvest season beginning in late September offering spectacular views of the “golden season”. Hanoi’s famous autumn begins in September-October with rivers of golden foliage on city streets. November is ideal for cruising around Ha Long Bay on a delightful day trip or overnight journey.
Central Vietnam (Hue, Hoi An)
Hue or Hoian is one of the best places to visit in Vietnam. While picturesque for the rest of the year, Hue and Hoi An should be avoided at all costs during the rainy and stormy season (September to November). Not only can the rain be dreary, but it can also be quite dangerous, with flooding a constant, annual danger that claims lives and destroys property. The beautiful coastline of this region is also accessible for sun and sand at any time outside of this rainy season.
South Vietnam (Ho Chi Minh City, Mekong Delta)
The capital of the South, Ho Chi Minh City, is bathed in sunlight for most of the year, and favorable conditions turned the Mekong Delta into one of the most fertile lands in the entire country. However, in May and June, there are frequent downpours causing flooding, high tides, etc. which can cause traffic accidents. Therefore, you should avoid traveling to South Vietnam during this time
Weather each month in Vietnam
January
Travelers to the North in this month can expect chilly and biting winds, occasionally fog and snow as well, while the further South you go the more sunshine you get. Even visitors from cold climates may be no match for the Northern winter winds, said to tear at the skin and into the bones with their unpleasantness.
At the end of January and the start of February, the country celebrates Tet (the Lunar New Year), which is a festive but familial affair. Many sights might be closed and the streets will be deserted, as everyone has gone home to their loved ones.
February
The clouds may have cleared, but the rule of thumb still applies: North is cold, South is hot, no matter how much sunshine and blue skies you may get. Packing umbrellas and raincoats might not go amiss, since some provinces may get brief showers at this time. In the South, the heat is quite high, but still at a comfortable level.
March
March is right in the middle of the best timeframe to travel to any place in Vietnam. Across the country, provinces see dry and bright weather, with minimal rainfall and slight cold (but rising temperatures) in the North. Visibility for diving in the various islands dotting the coast is also ideal.
April
At the end of the prime travel window, anyone who dislikes crowds can breathe sighs of relief as they enjoy their holiday in Vietnam. Plenty of dry days are still on offer even as the North towards a hot, humid summer. The beaches in Central Vietnam still enjoy “blue seas, white sand, and golden sunshine”, and so do their Southern counterparts.
May
Choosing May to travel might be a little controversial, as the likelihood of rainfall and temperatures are on the rise. The Northern mountains are still ideal to traverse, such as Sapa and Mu Cang Chai, but Ha Giang in the same region is already beginning to see more rain.
Similarly, Da Lat in Central Vietnam is getting spells of rain and dryness that might catch unlucky travelers. Short but intense downpours in the South might cause delays in travel plans.
June
At this point, summer is in full swing in the North, with temperatures of 30 degrees Celsius and beyond, accompanied by rain that can turn into storms. Trekking through the mountains would be unsafe, as they are now quite wet. Central Vietnam continues to be an ideal travel destination with warm, sunny days. The South also has similar days accompanied by downpours. This is also the start of the nesting season for the endangered Con Dao sea turtles, and an ideal time to travel there.
July
This is one of the wettest months in Hanoi. Besides, Ha Long Bay is frequently under showers. Across the country, trekking and extreme activities would be unwise due to the high rainfall. However, the rain may come as a blessing to counteract the uncomfortable heat in Central Vietnam. This is also the last month for ideal diving in Con Dao’s waters.
August
Continuing the trend, August in the North promises to ruin some travel plans with rain and the occasional storms. Locals and visitors alike can still run from this unenviable weather for the safety of Central Vietnam’s beaches, with Nha Trang enjoying the cream of the crop as far as temperatures go in this period. Con Dao sea turtles will hatch and travel back to the sea with the assistance of park rangers and volunteers in the middle of August.
September
Although hot weather and rain are still present, the North is making its way toward the end of the summer proper. At the end of the month, Sapa begins to dry out and trekking can resume. In late September, Mu Cang Chai’s rice fields turn golden to await harvest and travelers seeking photo-ops. The rain has now moved on to Central Vietnam, as temperatures drop and the likelihood of storms increases. Some parts of Phong Nha caves might be inaccessible because of floods. Da Lat and the Central Highlands take their turn at being too rainy to trek safely. The South sees a mixed bag of rainy and sunny days that plans have to weave around and stay flexible to accommodate.
October
This is now a prime time for trekking in the mountainous Northern region to enjoy verdant nature and vast manmade terraced rice fields. Unfortunately, storms now menace Central Vietnam, with Hoi An and Da Nang vulnerable to floods because of their proximity to bodies of water. Nearly half of Nha Trang’s annual rainfall will be released in October and November, so it’s best to stay away from this beach city during this time.
For a dose of sun and sand, head to the South instead, where the region is lurching into its dry, arid season, and baby sea turtles continue their journey into the ocean.
November
Aficionados of dry and cold weather can rejoice because the North’s November weather fits the bill exactly. The clear skies and temperate conditions make it one of the best times to enjoy a cruise on the waters of Ha Long Bay. Even as the rest of Central Vietnam continues to grapple with storms and flooding, Da Lat and Central Highlands enjoy clear skies and little rainfall. Southern beaches bask in sunshine, many of which are easily accessible from Ho Chi Minh City such as Phan Thiet and Mui Ne.
December
The last month of the Western year sees ideal conditions across the country. Being one of the driest months of the year, December ensures that the Northern mountainous regions remain trek-worthy, but travelers should pack and dress warmly. Storms have begun to move on from Central Vietnam, but Hue expects to see more rain than Hoi An. Rainfall in Nha Trang will decline throughout the month. The South has nothing to worry about, as they have nothing but sunshine and clear skies. This is the best time to travel in Vietnam!
FAQs about the best time to visit Vietnam?
The best time to visit Vietnam is March to April when the weather is pretty nice, temperatures are moderate, and rainfall is minimal.
The best times to visit Vietnam and Cambodia are from October -November and from May – June when there are fewer tourists, lower humidity levels, and drier weather conditions overall.
Through this article, we hope you have gained interesting information about the best time to visit in Vietnam. Don’t forget to choose experience tours in Vietnam, Laos, or Cambodia at FTrip!
Source: Ttravel
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