Vietnam stretches about 1,650km from north to south, so it has huge regional diversity. Although the whole country belongs to the tropical monsoon climate, different areas still have distinct differences of weather due to the impact of different monsoon in different season. So figuring out the best time to visit Vietnam depends on which part of the country you want to visit. Spring from February to April, autumn from August to October are the best time to visit the country probably, as the temperatures are pleasant and during March and April, there is lowest rainfall across all destinations.
However, plan a trip to Vietnam, deciding on the best time to visit can be complicated, however as a truly year-round destination, travel to any part of Vietnam during any season is possible. Here is the guide for your reference on when is the best time for each part of Vietnam.
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The North
Located in the mountains of northern Vietnam, Sapa owns very seasonal climate with highest temperature of 29°C (84°F) in summer and drops to 0°C in the winter. Humidity ranges from 75% to 90%. Drizzle will affect here during January to March, and summer months are wettest, especially July and August.
Hanoi owns a long summer running from May to September and it brings heat and humidity. The highest temperatures can reach 32°C (90°F) accompanied by refreshing tropical downpours usually in the afternoon. Except the shower and the humidity, the hours of sunshine in a day is longer than other seasons. Winter is cooler with average temperature of 17°C (62°F). It often brings fog and clouds but little rain. The best time to go to Hanoi is in October and November, as the average temperature is around 21°C (70°F) with plenty of sunshine and less rain.
Halong Bay is often shrouded in mist, while the visibility is reduced but the atmosphere of romance is added. Skies over Halong Bay are usually very blue and clear from March to May and the temperatures are pleasant. The summer month in Haylong Bay is from May to November longer than that in Hanoi and during this time, it is hot and humid and often brings refreshing afternoon tropical downpours. Typhoon would affect here occasionally from May to August. Winter is usually quite cold from December to February. The best time to travel to Haylong Bay is spring or autumn for the best chance of present temperatures, and clear skies and perfect for cruising.
Beaches from center to south
Vietnam has many beautiful beaches deserve a visit. Make decision on when to go depends on which beach you want to visit. Along the east coast, the beaches from central to southern Vietnam are for every season.
The central coastline around Danang and Hoi An is warm all year round with temperatures highest at 38°C (100°F) in July and August, the hottest months in summer and the average degree around 24°C (75°F) in winter. From February to July is the dry season. You can choose the milder temperatures period from April to June to go or you prefer hot you can choose to go in July. From August to November, rainfall increases and water levels rise and typhoons will visit the beaches occasionally.
The temperatures of the beaches in the south are around 30°C (86°F) all year round. Nha Trang is affected by monsoon season from September to January, when typhoon hit here occasionally often cause torrential rain. Mui Ne and Phu Quoc experience rain season from June to September. Although Mui Ne has less rain, some light afternoon showers still can be met. Con Dao is hot and humid all year round. The raining season is from May to November. From July to September, it rains most and the heavy rain is always at night.
Central Vietnam
Hoi An & Hue are in the central of Vietnam. Influenced by the northeast monsoon, from September to February is the rainy season and this area often has strong wind, heavy rain and large sea swells which can cause flooding but summer is normally hot and dry, with average temperatures rising to the around 35°C (96°F).
Hide in the mountains in the central Vietnam, Dalat has pleasant temperature all-year-round. The degrees are just a few different from month to month with the lowest temperatures around 16°C (61°F) and the highest temperatures around 24°C (75°F). Although from May to November, the rainfall is heavier, however, the countryside is vibrant and colorful.
Southern Vietnam
Located in the south of Vietnam, Ho Chi Minh City is much closer to the equator, so it experiences consistently warm weather all-year-round with the average temperature around 28°C (82°F). As it enjoys a tropical climate, it has two distinct seasons: dry season from November to April; rainy season from May to October. April is the hottest month with a temperature of 33°C (91.4 °F) or even higher. Peak travel season in the city is from December to February when the weather is dry and the temperature is pleasant. However, travel in the rainy season is also not bad, as the tropical afternoon downpours are rarely affected by the rain what more during this period everything is vibrant and green.
Except the effect of weather and climate, other facts such as festivals and public holidays in the meanwhile, other facts such as festivals and public holidays of Vietnam are the elements you should consider before you take the trip. If you want to experience the Vietnamese culture you can travel during the festival time, oppositely, if you want to avoid crowds, do not chose the festival time to travel to Vietnam.
Vietnamese New Year, knows as Tet, celebrate commonly in late January or early February, the same time with Chinese New Year. It is the most important festival in Vietnam and during this period, most Vietnamese take their vacations, so transport and accommodation options are often full and the prices rise.
Visit Vietnam with UME Travel
UME Travel cherish the opportunity to help you design your ideal trip to Vietnam. Our professional and experienced travel advisor will assist you in selecting destinations, activities and accommodations that suit you best.
Check out the following itineraries which will give you a starting point for your trip to Vietnam could entail.
Essence of Vietnam: 9 days Hanoi - Halong Bay - Da Nang - Hoi An - Ho Chi Minh
Simply Vietnam: 7 days Hanoi - Halong Bay - Ho Chi Minh - Mekong Delta
Best of Vietnam Culture & Nature Tour: 15 days Hanoi - Ha Long Bay - Hue - Da Nang - Hoi An - Nha Trang - Ho Chi Minh - Mekong Delta
Vietnam Adventure: 14 days Hanoi - Hue - Hoi An - Nha Trang - Dalat - Ho Chi Minh