Best time to visit in Vietnam

Peak Season: November to April

• Weather: Pleasant and dry. The south is sunny (30°C), while the north is cool and crisp (15°C–20°C).
• Travel Conditions: Excellent for outdoor activities, city tours, and boat trips; roads and attractions are easily accessible. Clear visibility for photography.
• Best Places to Visit: Hanoi, Halong Bay, Hoi An, Danang, Phu Quoc beaches, and Ho Chi Minh City.
• Crowd Levels: Tourist places are at their busiest, hotel prices are high, and attractions are packed. Christmas, New Year, and Tet Festival (late Jan–Feb) make crowds and prices even higher.
• Things to Note:  This is the best time to visit Vietnam. Book early for the best rates. Tet 2026 falls on February 17. Expect heavy travel rush around these dates.

Shoulder Season: May and October

• Weather: Mixed. May sees the start of humidity in the north but stays sunny in the centre. October brings the first cool breezes to Hanoi but rain to Hoi An.
• Travel Conditions: There may be some rain, but you will still get sunshine. It normally does not cause travel problems.
• Best Places to Visit: Sapa (golden rice harvest in Sept/Oct); Halong Bay (clear skies in May); Ninh Binh.
• Crowd Levels: Moderate. Easier to explore without queues.
• Things to Note: Rates drop 15 to 30% below peak season. May is particularly hot in cities. Stay hydrated constantly. October brings occasional showers but far less than September. Good timing for photographers seeking dramatic lighting.

Off Peak Season: June to September

• Weather: Hot and humid nationwide. The south sees daily afternoon downpours. The central coast (Danang/Hoi An) remains sunny until late August.
• Travel Conditions: Halong Bay may have sudden cancellations. Beaches face waves. Cities remain comfortable.
• Best Places to Visit: Danang & Hoi An (best beach weather is now); Sapa (lush green rice fields); Ha Giang Loop.
• Crowd Levels: Low to moderate. Fewer international tourists, but domestic tourism peaks in June/July as Vietnamese kids are on school holidays.
• Things to Note: Ideal for off-season Vietnam Tour Packages, but expect wet weather challenges. Bring waterproof bags and clothes that dry quickly. Central Vietnam gets heavy rain from September to November, and ferries may be cancelled. But the green landscapes are perfect for photos.

Which Season is best for Your Trip?

Families

• December or April is the best time to visit Vietnam for families.
• The weather is not too hot for kids to walk around, and the seas in the south are calm for swimming. 
• Comfortable temperatures, dry weather, and reliable schedules. 
• All attractions are fully operational. 
• Avoid June/July if you dislike crowds, as local families flock to beaches like Danang and Nha Trang.

Honeymooners

• February or March offers romance without the sweat. You can enjoy a luxury cruise in Halong Bay with misty, atmospheric mornings or sunbathe in Phu Quoc.
• Pleasant spring weather in the north, excellent beach conditions in the central region. 
• Lantern streets in Hoi An and peaceful Phu Quoc beaches are perfect for couples.

Budget travellers

• May and September are your best months to visit Vietnam for budget travellers. 
• Flights and hotels often drop prices by 30-40%. 
• You get 5-star value for 3-star costs.

Adventure lovers

• September to November is the best time for trekking in Vietnam, especially in Sapa, when rice terraces turn golden. 
• March to May for spring blooms. 
• May to October for whitewater rafting when the rivers are full.

Solo Travellers

• November to March is perfect for meeting people. 
• The north is good in spring (March–April) and fall (September–November). 
• The south is best in the dry months from December to April. 
• Central Vietnam is ideal from February to August.

Senior Travellers

• March and April are best. 
• The bitter cold of the northern winter has passed, but the oppressive summer heat has not hit yet. 
• It is comfortable for walking tours in the Imperial City of Hue.

Best Time Based on What You Want to Do

Best time for beaches

• Southern Vietnam: Phu Quoc: November to March is flawless.
• Central Vietnam: Danang, Nha Trang, & Hoi An: February to August is best.
• Avoid the Central Coast from October to December due to rough seas and typhoons.

Best time for Halong Bay

• March to April and September to November.
• These months offer the best chance of dry days and clear visibility for those iconic limestone photos. 
• Pleasant weather, clear skies, and comfortable temperatures for cruising and kayaking.
• Summer (Jun-Aug) often brings storms that cancel cruises.

Best time for trekking in Sapa

• September to October is the best time to see the golden rice harvest and enjoy dry hiking trails.
• April to May is the next best time, with blooming flowers and green fields.
• Avoid the heavy rains from June to August.

Best time for culture and festivals

• January/February (Tet Holiday): See the country change with blooming flowers and bright red banners. 
• Mid-Autumn Festival (September): Best enjoyed in Hoi An, where thousands of lanterns light up the river.
• Hue Festival: April, showcasing traditional arts. 
• Hoi An Lantern Festival: monthly on full moon dates.

Best time for budget travel

• May, June, and September offer cheaper Vietnam Tour Packages and fewer tourists.
• These shoulder months offer the lowest flight and hotel rates while still giving you plenty of sunny days.
• October offers shoulder-season value with better weather.

Vietnam Weather by Month and Region

North Vietnam (Hanoi, Halong Bay, Sapa)

• November to March - winter season: Cool and dry. Sapa can drop to 0°C. Halong Bay can get misty, giving it a calm and beautiful look.
• May to September - summer season: Hot, humid, and rainy. Expect heavy downpours.

Central Vietnam (Danang, Hoi An, Hue)

• Jan to Aug - dry season: Hot and sunny. Perfect for beach lovers.
• September to December - Wet Season: Heavy rains and typhoon risks. 
• Hoi An often floods in Oct/Nov.

South Vietnam (Ho Chi Minh City, Mekong Delta)

• November to April - Dry season: Average temperature 25 to 35°C year-round.
• Consistent temperatures year-round, either hot and dry or hot and rainy.
• May to October - Wet season: Hot with short, intense afternoon showers. 
• The Mekong Delta floods in September and October.