The Best Time to Visit Vietnam

Vietnam’s tropical monsoon climate brings diverse weather patterns across its three main regions, making the best travel time dependent on your destinations and activities. If you’re planning a multi-regional trip, be prepared for a mix of conditions. While there’s no “wrong” time to visit Vietnam, understanding seasonal patterns helps in planning around the region’s wet, dry, and peak weather times. The best time to visit Vietnam will largely depend on which part of the country you’re visiting and what you intend to do. I went to Vietnam for a month in October and during my trip from Hanoi to HCMC, I experienced a mix of everything!

North Vietnam: Hanoi, Ha Long Bay & Sa Pa

Northern Vietnam experiences a distinct winter and summer, with varying weather across its plains, coastal areas and highlands.

November to April (Dry Winter): The cooler, drier season with average temperatures between 17-22°C. January to March are the coldest months, especially in mountainous regions.

May-October (Hot & Rainy): Northern Vietnam heats up with higher humidity and rainfall, peaking between July and September. Expect frequent showers and warmer temperatures.

Places to Visit in North Vietnam & Timing Tips

North Vietnam is famous for its many UNESCO World Heritage sites, northern capital Hanoi and its mountainous, trekking regions like Sa Pa and Mu Cang Chai.

Hanoi, Tam Coc, Ha Long Bay, and Ninh Binh: October-November or April-May offers mild temperatures and avoids peak rainfall and winter chills. I visited this region in October, where I had temperatures of 30°C and no rain!

Sa Pa, Ha Giang, and Mu Cang Chai: Temperatures in these higher regions are cooler year-round, averaging 15-28°C in the day and 10-18°C at night. Winter months are chilly and summer brings rain. You can cycle and hike all year round in these regions, but expect it to be chilly in the winter months and very rainy in the summer.

Central Vietnam: Hoi An, Da Nang, Hue and Dalat

Central Vietnam sees a long dry season and a shorter, intense rainy period with some typhoon risks.

January to August (Hot and Dry): Central regions experience extended dry spells with temperatures between 21°C and 35°C. July and August are often the hottest months.

September to December (Rainy Season): September brings heavy rains, particularly in October and November, when typhoons are most likely.

Places to Visit in Central Vietnam & Timing Tips

Visiting the central highlands, like Dalat, will need some planning. The heavy rainfall from June to October makes doing any of the outdoor activities it’s known for, pretty difficult. During my visit in November, all hiking routes were closed and we spent our time exploring the Crazy House in the torrential rain. Be sure to bring layers and waterproofs, as it does get quite cold!

Hoi An, Hue & Da Nang: Visit between January and August for clear, dry weather perfect for beach and sightseeing activities. During this time you’ll have very hot days of mid-30s and high humidity. Typhoons are possible later in the year, especially October to November.

Dalat: Rain peaks between June and October, making it challenging for outdoor activities. The cool highland temperatures mean layers and waterproofs are essential, especially during the rainy season.

Nha Trang: This coastal area enjoys longer dry periods from January to September. Rainy season from October to December can bring occasional downpours, but it’s less intense than elsewhere in Central Vietnam.

South Vietnam: Ho Chi Minh City, Mekong Delta & Phu Quoc

The South is warm year-round with a dry and rainy season, each bringing its own charm to the region.

November to April (Dry Season): This is the peak travel time in South Vietnam, with warm but drier conditions. This is particularly ideal for outdoor exploration!

May to October (Rainy Season): High humidity and frequent afternoon rain showers are the norm. June to August is the wettest period, but rain often comes in short bursts, allowing activities to resume afterward.

Places to Visit in South Vietnam & Timing Tips

Ho Chi Minh City, Mekong Delta and Coastal Resorts (Mui Ne, Long Hai): November to April offers clear skies and moderate humidity. Rainy season can be unpredictable but it’s typically sunny in the morning and rain in the afternoons. During my month in Vietnam, I made it to HCMC by November where we had the odd burst of rain.

Phu Quoc and Con Dao Islands: These islands are mostly sunny year-round but do experience brief rain showers in the wet season. Dry season (December to March) is ideal for staying here and doing beach activities. I didn’t have time to visit Phu Quoc during my month in Vietnam but heard amazing things about it!

Vietnam’s climate diversity makes planning around the weather something to factor in for a great trip. From exploring mountain trails in the North to enjoying beach days in the South, timing your visit by season will help you make the most of each region. As Vietnam is so big, with so much to explore, I would recommend either choosing a region (like north or south) based on the time of year. Or if you want to do the full length, like I did, choose the direction based on the rain season. I’ve also got a guide on how to apply for a Vietnam Visa depending on how long you want to go for and how many entries you need.