Planning your dream Vietnam travel adventure? One of the most crucial steps is figuring out the best time to visit Vietnam. Unlike smaller countries, Vietnam's long, S-shaped geography means its climate varies dramatically from North to South. What might be perfect beach weather in one region could be cool and drizzly in another!
This guide will break down the Vietnam weather and highlight key Vietnam festivals month by month, helping you choose the perfect time for your Vietnam package tour.
North Vietnam (Hanoi, Ha Long Bay, Sapa): Has four distinct seasons. Winters (Dec-Feb) can be cool and dry (sometimes cold and misty in the mountains), while Summers (May-Aug) are hot, humid, and rainy. Spring (Mar-Apr) and Autumn (Sep-Nov) offer the most pleasant, moderate weather.
Central Vietnam (Hue, Da Nang, Hoi An, Nha Trang): Features long dry seasons and shorter rainy seasons. The coast (Hoi An, Da Nang) is typically warm and dry from Feb/Mar to Aug. However, this region is prone to typhoons during its wet season (approx. Sep-Jan). Nha Trang has a longer dry season.
South Vietnam (Ho Chi Minh City, Mekong Delta, Phu Quoc): Experiences two main seasons: dry (Dec-Apr) and wet (May-Nov). Temperatures are consistently warm/hot year-round. The wet season usually involves brief, heavy afternoon downpours rather than all-day rain.
Generally, the peak travel season across Vietnam runs from October to April, offering the best chance for favourable weather nationwide, though regional specifics matter!
North Vietnam Weather: Cool, dry, and often misty/grey, especially in Hanoi and Ha Long Bay (Avg. 16-21°C). Sapa weather is cold, potentially frosty (Avg. 7-14°C).
Central Vietnam Weather: Variable. Hue, Da Nang, Hoi An are ending their wet season, potentially cool and damp (Avg. 20-25°C). Further south, Nha Trang is starting its dry season, becoming warmer and sunnier.
South Vietnam Weather: Excellent! Dry, sunny, and warm (Avg. 22-32°C). Ideal for Ho Chi Minh City, Mekong Delta, and Phu Quoc beaches.
Events: Lead-up to Tet (Lunar New Year) if it falls early; New Year's Day (Jan 1st - public holiday).
Verdict: Great for the South; North is cool; Central coast improving.
North Vietnam Weather: Still cool and dry, possibility of drizzle. Visibility in Halong Bay can be limited by mist. Sapa remains cold.
Central Vietnam Weather: Improving significantly. Hoi An weather and Da Nang weather become warmer and drier (Avg. 21-27°C). Nha Trang enjoys prime beach weather.
South Vietnam Weather: Peak dry season. Hot, sunny, and ideal conditions (Avg. 22-33°C).
Events: Tet Nguyen Dan (Vietnamese Lunar New Year) often falls in February (Feb 17th in 2026). This is the biggest holiday – expect closures, booked transport/hotels, higher prices, but a unique cultural experience. Perfume Pagoda Festival (Hanoi outskirts) begins after Tet. Lim Festival (Bac Ninh, near Hanoi).
Verdict: Excellent across the South and Central Coast. North is still cool. Travel during Tet requires advance planning.
North Vietnam Weather: Warming up, less mist. Spring arrives! Hanoi weather becomes pleasant (Avg. 19-25°C). Good trekking conditions return to Sapa. Ha Long Bay weather improves.
Central Vietnam Weather: Excellent beach weather along the coast (Avg. 23-30°C). Sunny days, low humidity.
South Vietnam Weather: Getting hotter towards the end of the dry season (Avg. 24-34°C). Still great conditions.
Events: Perfume Pagoda Festival continues. Buon Ma Thuot Coffee Festival (Central Highlands - biennial, check dates). International Women's Day (Mar 8th).
Verdict: One of the best months overall, with good weather across most of the country.
North Vietnam Weather: Consistently warm and sunny (Avg. 22-28°C). Great for Halong Bay cruises and exploring Hanoi.
Central Vietnam Weather: Prime beach season continues (Avg. 24-33°C). Hue, Da Nang, Hoi An are fantastic.
South Vietnam Weather: Hottest month usually, still dry before the rains start (Avg. 25-35°C).
Events: Hung Kings' Commemoration Day (public holiday, date varies based on lunar calendar - approx. early/mid April). Reunification Day (Apr 30th - public holiday). Hue Festival often held around this time (biennial major event - check specific dates for 2025/2026).
Verdict: Another excellent month overall, though the South gets very hot. Good time for a North-to-South Vietnam travel itinerary.
North Vietnam Weather: Start of summer – becoming hot and humid, with increasing chance of rain/thunderstorms (Avg. 25-32°C).
Central Vietnam Weather: Still hot and mostly sunny, especially the southern central coast (Nha Trang). Rain chances start increasing slightly later in the month further north (Hue/Da Nang).
South Vietnam Weather: Start of the wet season. Expect hot, humid days with afternoon downpours (Avg. 25-33°C). Rain is usually short-lived.
Events: International Labour Day (May 1st - public holiday). Vesak (Buddha's Birthday - date varies).
Verdict: Good beach weather persists in Central Vietnam. North and South see increasing heat and rain. Shoulder season prices may appear.
North Vietnam Weather: Hot, humid, and rainy (Avg. 26-33°C). Trekking can be muddy. Halong Bay cruises might be affected by storms.
Central Vietnam Weather: Peak heat along the coast (Hoi An, Da Nang - Avg. 26-35°C), but still mostly dry and sunny. Great beach time.
South Vietnam Weather: Wet season continues. Daily afternoon showers are common, but still plenty of sunshine (Avg. 25-32°C). Lush green landscapes in the Mekong Delta.
Events: Few major events, good time for fewer crowds in some areas.
Verdict: Best for Central coast beaches. North and South are hot and wet. Low season travel deals possible.
North Vietnam Weather: Hottest and wettest months (Avg. 26-34°C). Risk of typhoons affecting Halong Bay. Sapa rice terraces are lush green but trails can be slippery.
Central Vietnam Weather: Still very hot and generally sunny, especially Nha Trang. Da Nang/Hoi An remain good beach options, but typhoon risk starts increasing towards late August.
South Vietnam Weather: Wet season peaks. Frequent, heavy afternoon rain, high humidity (Avg. 24-32°C). Rivers in Mekong Delta are full.
Events: Trung Nguyen / Vu Lan (Wandering Souls Day - usually August) celebrated at pagodas.
Verdict: Peak beach season in Central Vietnam (book ahead!). North and South are very wet and hot. Be mindful of typhoon warnings on the coast.
North Vietnam Weather: Autumn begins! Rainfall decreases, temperatures moderate, humidity drops (Avg. 24-31°C). Often considered beautiful in Hanoi. Rice terraces in Sapa turn golden for harvest.
Central Vietnam Weather: Start of the rainy/typhoon season, particularly for Hue, Da Nang, Hoi An. Increased chance of heavy rain and storms. Nha Trang often stays drier longer.
South Vietnam Weather: Still wet season, but rainfall may start to decrease towards the end of the month (Avg. 24-31°C).
Events: National Day (Sep 2nd - public holiday). Mid-Autumn Festival (date varies – colourful lanterns, mooncakes).
Verdict: Excellent for North Vietnam (especially late Sep). South improving. Central coast becomes risky due to weather.
North Vietnam Weather: Prime travel time! Clear skies, pleasant temperatures (Avg. 22-28°C). Excellent for Hanoi, Halong Bay, and trekking in the golden harvest landscapes of Sapa/Ha Giang.
Central Vietnam Weather: Peak rainy/typhoon season for Hue, Da Nang, Hoi An. High risk of flooding and storms. Nha Trang generally has better weather.
South Vietnam Weather: Wet season tapering off. Less rain, plenty of sunshine returns (Avg. 24-31°C). Rivers high in Mekong Delta.
Events: Hanoi Liberation Day (Oct 10th). Vietnamese Women's Day (Oct 20th).
Verdict: Fantastic for North Vietnam. South is good. Avoid the northern Central coast (Hue/Hoi An/Da Nang).
North Vietnam Weather: Beginning of winter. Cool, dry, clear skies (Avg. 19-24°C). Great conditions continue.
Central Vietnam Weather: Rainfall starts decreasing in Hue/Da Nang/Hoi An, but still potential for storms early in the month. Nha Trang enters its less favourable rainy season.
South Vietnam Weather: Start of the dry season. Excellent weather returns – sunny, dry, less humid (Avg. 23-31°C).
Verdict: Great for North and South Vietnam. Central coast gradually improving but still variable.
North Vietnam Weather: Cool, dry winter weather (Avg. 16-22°C). Can be chilly, especially at night. Sapa gets cold. Halong Bay can be misty.
Central Vietnam Weather: Conditions improve significantly along the coast (Hue/Da Nang/Hoi An), becoming drier but remaining cool (Avg. 20-25°C). Nha Trang is wet.
South Vietnam Weather: Peak season begins. Perfect conditions – dry, sunny, warm (Avg. 22-31°C). Ideal for beaches (Phu Quoc) and city exploration (HCMC).
Events: Christmas celebrated in cities and Christian communities. Da Lat Flower Festival (biennial, often Dec/Jan).
Verdict: Excellent for South Vietnam. North is cool but clear. Central coast improving but cooler.
Choosing the best time to visit Vietnam ensures you get the most out of your trip. Now that you have a better idea of the Vietnam weather and events, let us help you craft the perfect itinerary!
Vielokal Travel offers a wide range of Vietnam package tours designed for international travellers. Whether you want to cruise Ha Long Bay, explore ancient Hoi An, trek through Sapa, or experience the buzz of Ho Chi Minh City, we have a tour for you. Our experts handle all the planning, so you can relax and enjoy your incredible Vietnam travel experience.
