Whether its Vietnam's riveting history or its world-famous street food that draws you in, you are guaranteed a spell-binding journey if you book tailor-made. The country's range of destinations, from rural and remote to modern and buzzing, open up a reservoir of holiday opportunities for explorers looking to embrace the treasures of eco-luxury travel.
Our Luxury Travel Specialists are always available to discuss your holiday plans, liberating couples, families, and solo travellers alike with flexible itineraries, routes, and accommodations. A great place to start on your holiday planning journey is to think about when you'd like to visit, considering Vietnam's weather, tourist seasons, festivals, and traditions. So, let's take a look.
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Neighboured by China to the north and Laos and Cambodia to the west, with a long eastern shoreline facing the South China Sea, Vietnam is a travel destination packed with opportunities. For most, choosing the best time to visit Vietnam will depend on weather, as the average traveller wants to avoid extreme conditions or discomfort while on outdoor excursions.
Vietnam's long, narrow shape makes its climate complex to map out, along with it being heavily influenced by monsoons. Northern Vietnam beholds a subtropical climate, with a hot and humid summer (May to July) when storms are expected, and a cold and dry winter (November to January) when frost and snow aren't unusual.
Meanwhile, Vietnam's central and southern parts have a tropical climate, with a year divided into a wet season and dry season. Central Vietnam sees its wet season from September to December and its dry season from January to August, while South Vietnam varies slightly, with its wet season from May to October and its dry season from November to April.
Considering weather conditions alone, the best time to visit Vietnam for a full country tour is generally between February - May. During this period, one should avoid heavy and consistent rainfall while experiencing enjoyable temperatures throughout the country. But of course, if you have a specific reason to visit, perhaps to soak up the sun on one of Vietnam's golden-shored islands, then the best time to visit may vary. Read our month-by-month guide to find out more.
January is overall a great time to visit Vietnam, bringing dry weather and pleasant temperatures from north to south. This falls during peak tourist season in Northern Vietnam, and for good reason, with mild temperatures and minimal rainfall. January is a great time to visit the capital city, Hanoi, wandering its magical Old Quarter, along with other northern cities. Mountainous regions like Sapa and the Dong Van Plateau are beautiful during this time but more chilly at a higher elevation.
The rest of Vietnam brings equal wonder during January, with manageable temperatures and little rainfall. Central Vietnam's wet season has just about come to a close, and a warm average of 23 degrees Celsius makes visits to beaches in Danang and Hoi An possible but not ideal for sun lovers. Meanwhile, Southern Vietnam sees idyllic weather conditions during January, with blue skies, warm temperatures, and low humidity permeating its best beaches and islands. This is a great time to visit Ho Chi Minh city and the Mekong Delta!
Festivals and events during January include Vietnamese New Year, the Dalat Flower Festival, and the Yen Tu Festival.
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February offers a similar experience to January in Northern Vietnam, positioned at the close of its winter (cold and dry season). You should see temperatures on a slight rise, sitting around the low 20s Celsius in cities like Hanoi and becoming cooler in mountainous regions like Son La, making February one of the best times to visit the north. The lack of rainfall during February makes outdoor adventures around Northern Vietnam's mountains and plateaus exceptional.
Across the length of Vietnam, February brings bright skies and warm weather, blessing each city tour with an added splash of vibrancy as the country feels awake. This is an amazing time to visit Central Vietnam, as its best beaches in Danang and Hoi An are soaked with sunshine, with only light showers expected from time to time. Trekking in the Central Highlands is an incredible experience during February, but one should bring layers and prepare for chilly mornings and evenings.
February is one of the best times to visit South Vietnam, especially for those seeking a beach getaway, as the golden shores of Long Hai, Ho Tram, and islands like Phu Quoc are swept with beautiful conditions. If you're feeling adventurous, water sports and snorkelling is wonderful during February around Southern Vietnam.
March in Vietnam is the best time to visit for hiking and other outdoor adventures. In Northern Vietnam, March is one of the best times to embark on a high energy Vietnam tour, as the beauty of the highlands in Sapa, Ha Giang, and Pu Luong Nature Reserve are enhanced by idyllic conditions. While you should expect cool temperatures at night and in the early morning, packing some extra layers will do the trick! The complete lack of rainfall during March make trekking and hiking free of additional challenges.
In March, Central Vietnam is reaching optimum temperatures, with the city of Hue making an excellent spot to visit during this time. Trips to the Central Highlands and Dalat open up Vietnam's natural treasure trove during March, with warm and dry conditions making it the perfect time for hiking and guided tours. Meanwhile, the weather remains dry and very warm as you head south, with trips to Ho Chi Minh offering a heavenly luxury Vietnam tour. Trips to the best islands and beaches of South and Central Vietnam are heavenly during March, so visit spots like Phu Quoc Island or Co To Island.
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As the wet season approaches in both North and South Vietnam, April is a great opportunity to make the most of Vietnam's shoulder season. The medium levels of humidity across the country are a way to grasp the "best of both worlds". Temperatures in Northern Vietnam are rising, with an average temperature of around 24 degrees Celsius and light rainfall expected towards the end of the month. Along with a visit to the capital of Hanoi, March is a great time to visit natural gems like Ha Long Bay and Cat Ba Island, as skies are often clear and temperatures are manageable.
April is the best time to visit Vietnam if you are exploring its central regions, including its scenic beaches near Hoi An and the majestic plateaus of the Central Highlands. Hiking and trekking during this time may be made challenging by warmer temperatures, but the coastal towns and cities in Central and Southern Vietnam make for a more relaxed escape. Spots like Ho Chi Minh and the Mekong Delta are wonderful during April, with temperatures reaching the 30s Celsius.
Festivals in April include Tet Han Thuc (3rd April), International Labour Day, and the Chol Chnam Thmay Festival.
May in Vietnam sees spring turn to summer, as Northern Vietnam transitions into its hot, humid summer period and the south also becomes hot. There is a higher chance of rain across most of the country, with the north bringing some showery intervals to dry days which sit in the late twenties Celsius. May is a great time to venture on hiking tours in Northern Vietnam, especially in the Ha Giang and Sapa regions, where cool breezes offer a pleasant respite from the heat.
Central Vietnam remains in its dry season in May, with its picturesque beaches in Hoi An and Danang offering ideal temperatures and conditions for snorkelling escapades. Other popular spots in Central Vietnam, like the Central Highlands and Hue, see similar conditions, broken up by the occasional shower. If you are planning on visiting South Vietnam during May, you should prepare for rainfall, an event which may disrupt outdoor activities in spots like the Mekong Delta or Ho Chi Minh. However, many see this sporadic rainfall as a refreshing break from the high temperatures. On top of this, the phenomenal southern scuba-diving tours remain undisrupted by the rain.
One of the best festivals in Vietnam occurs in April, in Ho Chi Minh: Uncle Ho's Birthday. The event takes place at Nghe An, Uncle Ho’s birthplace, but banners and flowers spread across the country in a display of national unity.
As June arrives, Vietnam enters a transitional period, with the wet season in full swing in South Vietnam. If you are visiting North Vietnam in June, you will experience the north's summer, when storms and rainfall are common alongside temperatures around 30 degrees Celsius. These conditions make trekking and hiking around the Northern Highlands and plateaus challenging and unrecommended during this period. However, the rice fields of Sapa become even more stunning during this time, with northern landscapes flourishing with lush greenery.
June is the best time to visit Vietnam if you are seeking its central regions, especially the beautiful beaches along its golden coastline, accessible from Hoi An and Danang. Sun-soaked days in Central Vietnam and time in its coastal towns makes for a dreamy summer holiday with plenty of room for cultural tours, best found among the elaborate streets of Hoi An.
As you move further south, the full pelt of the Southeast Asian wet seasons may taint your Vietnam tour. While southern island paradises see heavy rainfall, some still make the journey to witness the beginning of Green turtle nesting season on the tranquil island of Con Dao. If you don't mind the rain, June makes a great time to visit Vietnam and experience its diverse natural beauty.
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July comes with its pros and cons when planning a luxury Vietnam tour. During this period, crowds shouldn't be overwhelming, but high season for domestic tourism means Vietnam's best cities and towns will feel lively. North Vietnam is in the middle of its hot and humid summer, with hotspots like Hanoi, Ha Long Bay, and Sapa experiencing heats between 28 and 36 degrees Celsius with regular monsoon showers. Of course, these conditions make trekking in North Vietnam unideal, while cruises in Ha Long Bay are also unreliable. However, the lush rice fields of Sapa are especially stunning during this month, making for a fantastic summer visit.
July is one of the best times to visit Central Vietnam, as its coastline is swept with sunshine and pleasant heats, making watersports, snorkelling and sunbathing especially idyllic. Visit the beautiful resorts of Hoi An, Hue or Danang, or head to lesser-known spots Lan Chau Island to avoid summer crowds.
Although the monsoon season means active outdoor excursions can be challenging, or even impossible, heavy rains aren't necessarily a deal-breaker. The best cities in Vietnam, from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh, offer an array of indoor activities like museums, with spectacular temples and other cultural landmarks to explore. Ho Chi Minh comes alive in July, as several festivals take place, like the Japan Cultural Exchange Festival, which celebrates the friendship between the two countries.
Just like July, Northern Vietnam offers a dichotomy of radiant, luscious beauty and difficult weather during August. The rice fields of Sapa and Mu Chang Chai flourish in bright emerald, making them especially beautiful during the northern summer. If you are seeking a scenic, cultural escape and don't mind the rain, these regions make for a wonderful and unique tour. However, hiking in North Vietnam's mountainous regions, like Ha Giang, isn't recommended during August.
August is a great time to visit Central Vietnam, as tourists flood to its most picturesque beaches, coastal towns and cities. While there may be crowds, snorkelling, scuba-diving, and watersports make for a spell-binding experience during the warm tail-end of the region's dry season. Stay in five-star resorts in beloved spots like Hoi An, Danang, Hue, and Dalat, or visit lesser-known spots on islands like Cham Island to avoid crowds. The Vu Lan Festival makes for a cultural spectacle during August, held across the country, but most famously in Hoi An.
South Vietnam's wet season is still in full swing during August, with heavy showers expected all through the month, making outdoor tours and excursions challenging. The historic gems of Ho Chi Minh city are still accessible during this time, like the War Remnants Museum, while the Saigon River looks especially beautiful.
As the busy summer season reaches a close, September sees another transitional stage in Vietnam's weather and tourism. In North Vietnam, temperatures are beginning to cool down, especially towards the end of the month, with showers still reasonably frequent. This is a great opportunity to explore the natural gems of Sapa and Mu Cang Chai, as walking trails are less muddy and rice fields flourish with green. Hanoi makes a wonderful additional stop to your North Vietnam journey, while Ha Long Bay enters its most beautiful and accessible period.
During September, Central Vietnam edges into its wet season, still offering the best weather in Vietnam during this time. A trip to Vietnam's central coast in September brings the best of both worlds to many, with tourist crowds dying down and temperatures sitting in the comfortable mid-20s (Celsius). Embark on snorkelling escapades, boat trips, and tours of cultural gems like Hue and Hoi An, staying in luxurious beach resorts along the way.
South Vietnam is still in its wet season during September, with rainfall frequent. However, Ho Chi Minh city remains a captivating historic journey for tourists, with the Mekong Delta's floating markets and rising water levels offering a magical boat tour.
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The shoulder season of October is a brilliant time to visit Vietnam, offering transitional weather across most of the country and fewer tourist crowds. In North Vietnam, the wet season is coming to a full close, with clear skies, lower temperatures and bright colours sweeping its rural areas. The city of Hanoi is also brushed with autumnal hues. With average temperatures in the low 20s Celsius, slightly lower around Sapa and Ha Giang and higher in Hanoi, October is a great time to tour the north. During your trip, head on a stunning Ha Long Bay cruise during one of its driest and most pleasant months.
Moving southward, Central Vietnam sees a much higher humidity than the rest of the country, with gorgeous, cultural spots like Hoi An and Danang seeing heavy rainfall throughout the month. While these regions are not off-limits, chances of typhoons and flooding taint chances of outdoor activities. If you do decide to visit Central Vietnam during October, the mid-Autumn festival is especially magical in Hoi An, although is also held in Hue and Hanoi.
In October, South Vietnam reaches the close of its wet season, with temperatures sitting in the high 20s Celsius and an increase in clear skies. If you're heading on a Vietnam tour during this time, relaxing days on islands like Phu Quoc and Cat Ba are a wonderful experience if timed right. However, more fitting with the intermittent showers are incredible trips to Ho Chi Minh city or picturesque boat journeys through the Mekong Delta.
Similarly to October, November sees a range of weather conditions depending on where you are in the country, with North Vietnam in its driest period and Central Vietnam in its wettest. The north's most incredible rural areas, like Sapa, Ha Giang, Moc Chau, and Ninh Binh are enhanced by cool and dry weather, making November one of the best times to go hiking or trekking in Vietnam. Following your adventure, explore the Old Quarter of Hanoi during its shoulder season and immerse yourself in the enchanting scenes of Ha Long Bay while avoiding turbulent weather.
If you are heading on a Vietnam holiday in November, Central Vietnam is your most challenging region to tour, with heavy rainfall throughout the month in hotspots like Hue, Hoi An and Danang. While fewer tourists and vibrant natural beauty make this region enjoyable in many ways during November, flooding and typhoons are also on the cards.
South Vietnam's dry season begins in November, with sunny days becoming more and more frequent. Warm and humid weather makes the incredible city of Ho Chi Minh a great place to visit during this time. The Mekong Delta reaches its drier months, making boat tours lovely in November, while beaches in spots like Mui Ne and Phu Quoc are especially peaceful and beautiful during this time.
North Vietnam is in the middle of its 'winter' period in December, with cool, dry weather and plenty of opportunities for outdoor excursions. Festivities for the Gregorian New Year take place at the end of the month, with the best cities in Vietnam lighting up at night. Embark on phenomenal hiking tours in regions like Ha Giang, Sapa, and Cuc Phuong National Park, but expect low temperatures in the early mornings and evenings. Hanoi is also beautiful during December, with pleasant temperatures, clear skies, and vibrant night markets. Ha Long Bay remains a stunning place to visit in December.
The monsoon season in Central Vietnam comes to a close towards the end of December, with rainfall becoming less frequent throughout the month. The cultural attractions of Hue, Hoi An and Danang make for a wonderful winter escape, and coastal scenery is colourful and abundant across Central Vietnam. Its golden beaches and picturesque islands see much less rainfall than November, with snorkelling and scuba-diving on the cards.
The best place to visit in December is South Vietnam, especially for those seeking the winter sun. Warm and sunny weather makes spots like Con Dao, Mui Ne, and the Phu Quoc Islands perfect for aquatic adventures. Ho Chi Minh city is also wonderful during this period, with the high season bringing more crowds and comfortable temperatures making outdoor guided tours a great experience.
So, which month is the one for you?
If you're still struggling to decide, fill in our enquiry form and get in touch with our Luxury Vietnam Specialist!