Best Time to Visit Vietnam: Weather Guide 2025

Wondering when to visit Vietnam? Here's what you need to know from people who actually live here.

Quick Answer

Best overall: November to April (dry season, pleasant weather)

For budget travelers: May to October (lower prices, fewer crowds)

For beaches: Depends on which coast (we'll explain below)

Understanding Vietnam's Weather

Vietnam is a long country—over 1,600 km from north to south. The weather in Hanoi can be completely different from Ho Chi Minh City on the same day.

Three Climate Zones

North Vietnam (Hanoi, Ha Long Bay, Sapa)

• Has four distinct seasons
• Winter (Dec-Feb): Can get cold! Pack a jacket
• Summer (Jun-Aug): Hot and humid with rain

Central Vietnam (Hue, Da Nang, Hoi An)

• Tropical monsoon climate
• Best: February to May
• Rainy season: September to January

South Vietnam (Ho Chi Minh City, Mekong Delta)

• Hot year-round
• Dry season: November to April
• Wet season: May to October

Best Times by Region

Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)

Best months: December to April

• Dry, sunny days perfect for exploring
• Ideal for street food tours
• Great for day trips

Avoid if possible: September to November (heaviest rain)

Hanoi

Best months: October to November, March to April

• Comfortable temperatures
• Clear skies
• Perfect for walking around

Challenging months: July to August (very hot), January to February (cold and drizzly)

Ha Long Bay

Best months: October to December, March to May

• Clear waters, better views
• Comfortable on boats
• Less fog

Hoi An & Da Nang

Best months: February to May

• Sunny beach weather
• Great for cycling around ancient town
• Comfortable temperatures

Avoid: October to December (heavy rain, possible flooding)

Month-by-Month Guide

January - February

Weather: Cool in the north, pleasant in the south

Pros: Great beach weather in the south, manageable crowds

Cons: Chilly in northern Vietnam, high season prices

March - April

Weather: Warming up, flowers blooming

Pros: Beautiful weather everywhere, perfect temperatures

Cons: Still relatively high prices

May - June

Weather: Getting hot, afternoon showers beginning

Pros: Lower prices, manageable crowds, mangoes in season!

Cons: Can be very humid

July - August

Weather: Hot and wet across the country

Pros: Lowest prices, summer vibes, good for central coast beaches

Cons: Very hot and humid, typhoon season in central Vietnam

September - October

Weather: Cooling down in the north, still rainy in central

Pros: Beautiful rice terraces, fewer tourists, good prices

Cons: Rainy season continues, typhoons possible

November - December

Weather: Ideal in most regions

Pros: Perfect weather, great for outdoor activities, comfortable everywhere

Cons: High season prices, more crowded, book early

Special Considerations

Tet (Vietnamese New Year)

Usually in late January or February.

Pros:

• Unique cultural experience
• Beautiful decorations
• Special foods

Cons:

• Many businesses close for 3-7 days
• Higher prices
• Very crowded
• Transportation difficult

Our advice: Amazing cultural experience, but maybe skip it for your first visit unless you specifically want to experience Tet.

Budget Tips

Cheapest months: May to September

• Hotel prices 30-50% lower
• Better deals on tours
• Easier to negotiate

Most expensive: December, January, Tet period

• Book well in advance
• Expect premium prices

Our Honest Recommendation

If we could only recommend ONE time for your first visit:

November or March

• Great weather across the country
• Not peak season yet (better prices)
• Comfortable for all activities
• Good balance of everything

But honestly? There's no wrong time to visit Vietnam. Each season has its charm. We've helped travelers have amazing trips in every month of the year.

Quick Tips

Don't fear the rainy season: Most rain comes in short bursts. Locals just grab a coffee and wait it out—you should too!

Heat is manageable: Do what locals do: wake up early, take a midday break, go out again in the evening.

Shoulder seasons are underrated: April-May and September-October offer great value.

Central Vietnam flooding is real: Check forecasts if visiting Hoi An/Hue in October-December.

Beach Timing

• Nha Trang & Mui Ne: February to August
• Da Nang: March to May
• Phu Quoc: November to March

Need Help Deciding?

Every traveler is different. Your ideal time depends on:

• What you want to do (beaches vs. cities vs. trekking)
• Your budget
• Heat tolerance
• Specific regions you want to visit

Message us on WhatsApp and we'll recommend the perfect time based on YOUR specific trip plans. We live here—we know what's up! 🌴

Bottom Line

Best overall time: November to April

Best value: May to October

Best for first-timers: November or March

Don't let weather paranoia stop you from booking. Just pack smart, plan accordingly, and you'll have an incredible time!

Safe travels!