Vietnam Travel Guide

Vietnam’s long coastline and varied geography create distinct weather patterns from north to south. Whether you want sunny beaches, mountain treks, or cultural exploration, timing your visit is key. Here’s a month-by-month guide to the best weather in Vietnam’s top destinations.

🌦️ Vietnam’s 3 Regional Weather Patterns

1️⃣ Northern Vietnam (Hanoi, Sapa, Ha Long Bay) – Cool winters (Nov–Mar), hot summers (Apr–Oct).
2️⃣ Central Vietnam (Hue, Da Nang, Hoi An) – Dry season (Jan–Aug), rainy season (Sep–Dec).
3️⃣ Southern Vietnam (Ho Chi Minh City, Mekong Delta, Phu Quoc) – Warm year-round, wet (May–Nov) & dry (Dec–Apr) seasons.

📍 Best Time to Visit Vietnam’s Top Destinations

1. Hanoi (North Vietnam – Cultural Capital)

🕒 Best Months: October–December & March–April (Cool & dry)
🌡️ Weather: 18–25°C, light rain in spring
✅ Why Visit? Explore the Old Quarter, Hoan Kiem Lake, and nearby Ha Long Bay without extreme heat.
⚠️ Avoid: June–August (hot & humid, up to 38°C).

2. Sapa (North Vietnam – Mountain Trekking)

🕒 Best Months: September–November & March–May (Terraces lush, cool temps)
🌡️ Weather: 15–20°C (day), colder at night
✅ Why Visit? Rice terraces, ethnic villages, and Fansipan Peak.
⚠️ Avoid: December–February (freezing, foggy) & June–August (heavy rain).

3. Ha Long Bay (North Vietnam – Iconic Cruises)

🕒 Best Months: October–December & March–April (Clear skies)
🌡️ Weather: 20–28°C, calm waters
✅ Why Visit? Cruise through limestone karsts, kayak, and avoid summer storms.
⚠️ Avoid: June–August (typhoon risk).

4. Hue (Central Vietnam – Imperial City)

🕒 Best Months: January–April (Dry & mild)
🌡️ Weather: 20–30°C, low humidity
✅ Why Visit? Imperial Citadel, Thien Mu Pagoda, and Perfume River.
⚠️ Avoid: September–November (flood risk).

5. Da Nang (Central Vietnam – Beaches & Mountains)

🕒 Best Months: February–May (Sunny, low rain)
🌡️ Weather: 25–32°C, ideal for beaches
✅ Why Visit? My Khe Beach, Marble Mountains, and Ba Na Hills.
⚠️ Avoid: October–December (heavy rains, possible flooding).

6. Hoi An (Central Vietnam – Ancient Town)

🕒 Best Months: February–April (Dry, lantern festival in Feb)
🌡️ Weather: 25–30°C, photogenic skies
✅ Why Visit? Lantern-lit streets, tailors, and An Bang Beach.
⚠️ Avoid: September–November (floods can close streets).

7. Ho Chi Minh City (South Vietnam – Urban Energy)

🕒 Best Months: December–March (Dry & less humid)
🌡️ Weather: 26–34°C, brief evening showers
✅ Why Visit? War Remnants Museum, Cu Chi Tunnels, and rooftop bars.
⚠️ Avoid: May–November (daily downpours).

8. Mekong Delta (South Vietnam – Floating Markets)

🕒 Best Months: December–April (Dry season)
🌡️ Weather: 25–35°C, water levels high
✅ Why Visit? Cai Rang Floating Market, fruit orchards, and boat tours.
⚠️ Avoid: June–October (flooded paths, fewer markets).

9. Phu Quoc (South Vietnam – Island Paradise)

🕒 Best Months: November–March (Sunny & dry)
🌡️ Weather: 27–32°C, crystal-clear water
✅ Why Visit? Long Beach, snorkeling, and Phu Quoc National Park.
⚠️ Avoid: July–September (monsoon winds, rough seas).

10. Dalat (Central Highlands – Eternal Spring)

🕒 Best Months: December–March (Cool & dry)
🌡️ Weather: 15–25°C, misty mornings
✅ Why Visit? Coffee plantations, waterfalls, and “Valley of Love.”
⚠️ Avoid: June–August (rainy, muddy hikes).

🌦️ Regional Weather Quick Tips

• North (Hanoi, Sapa, Ha Long Bay): Cool Oct–Apr; avoid Jun–Aug heat/rain.
• Central (Hue, Da Nang, Hoi An): Dry Jan–Aug; avoid Sep–Nov storms.
• South (HCMC, Mekong, Phu Quoc): Dry Dec–Apr; wet May–Nov (short showers).

🎒 Packing Tips by Season

• Cool Months (North, Dec–Feb): Light jacket for Hanoi/Sapa.
• Hot Months (Everywhere, Apr–Jun): Sunscreen, hats, quick-dry clothes.
• Rainy Season (Jun–Nov): Waterproof gear, mosquito repellent.

Final Advice

• Best Overall Time: March–April (North & Central dry, South not yet rainy).
• For Beaches: February–May (Da Nang, Phu Quoc, Nha Trang).
• For Culture: October–December (Hanoi, Hoi An, Hue).

✈️ Pro Tip: Book early for Tet (Vietnamese New Year, Jan/Feb)—transport fills fast!