Vietnam is a diverse destination with a lot to offer visitors. We share the best time to visit Vietnam, so you can plan your trip with ease and choose the best time for your visit.
When is the ideal season to tour Vietnam? That question is best answered by where in Vietnam you intend to travel. Vietnam is a very long and thin nation, with the monsoons and heat waves varying from north to south and from the highlands to the shore. Are you planning a trip to Vietnam? Use our recommended travel dates to avoid missing out on exciting celebrations and events that make this country special.
When is the ideal time to visit Vietnam?
Vietnam is over 1,600 km (1,000 miles) long, and the weather experiences a dramatic shift from moderate to equatorial as you travel from north to south. Vietnam’s varied landscapes and climates make it a desirable travel location at any time of year. Because the country is near the equator, it rains frequently and has two seasons yearly.
The two main types are the southwest monsoon and the northeast monsoon. The two deltas in the country’s southwest, which face west, get rain. The northeast monsoon brings rain to the eastern edge of the Central Mountains and the Gulf of Tonkin.
The weather and the country’s appearance change for everyone during these two main seasons. Because Vietnam’s climate is so complicated, there is no one best time to visit the country. The average weather in Vietnam changes a lot from place to place. So, when you go to Vietnam, the best of the country will always be waiting for you.
Is summer the best time to visit Vietnam?
Summer in Vietnam: May-August.
Temperature: The highest temperature in northern Vietnam and Hanoi is 30 degrees Celsius. In central and southern Vietnam, it can get up to 40 degrees.
Weather: During this season, the whole south is wet, with patches of lush greenery and waves of heat. Summer is likely Vietnam’s wettest and hottest time of year.
Why you should go to Vietnam in the summer: It’s the best time to visit the northern hills, as the light rains give the green lands a lively atmosphere.
Travel Destinations: The best places to visit in Vietnam in the summer are Hue and Hoi An. In August, you can attend a festival called the Ghost Festival.
Tips: Bring light, waterproof rain gear to protect yourself from the heat and rain.
Is fall the best time to visit Vietnam?
Fall in Vietnam: September-November.
Temperature: In Vietnam, fall temperatures are usually between 20 and 25 degrees Celsius.
Weather: Central Vietnam, in the fall, is getting its heaviest rain of the year. In the north, it’s pretty cool, but in the south, it’s pretty hot and sticky.
Why you should go to Vietnam in the fall: You can enjoy the National Day celebration or the traditional Ooc Om Boc event.
Travel Destinations: Ho Chi Minh City and the Mekong Delta, both in the south, are excellent places to visit because it has yet to rain much, and it is warm.
Those who like to hike should go to Sapa in the far north.
Travel Tips: Bring warm clothes if you plan to go to higher altitudes or light, breathable clothes if you don’t.
Is winter the best time to visit Vietnam?
Winter in Vietnam: December-February.
Temperature: The temperatures range between 20 degrees to 26 degrees Celsius throughout the country.
Weather: The winters are arid, with almost no rainfall in the south and North of Vietnam. However, in the far northern areas like Sapa, there is rainfall and traces of snow.
Why you should go to Vietnam in the winter: There are many dragon dances, fireworks, and musical performances in the country during the Tet festival that you cannot miss.
It is the best time to visit southern and northern Vietnam, as there is less rainfall with considerably cool temperatures.
Travel Destinations: There is snowfall in the Sapa area, so make sure you head there if you love snow.
Travel Tips: Bring all your warm clothes to Vietnam in winter as the temperatures can drop very low. Also, carry light clothes if you want to travel to places around Hanoi.
Is spring the best time to visit Vietnam?
Spring in Vietnam: February-April.
Temperature: In Southern Vietnam, the temperatures range between 20 to 30 degrees Celsius and can go as high as 40 degrees Celsius in March.
The exact temperature prevails in Central Vietnam. However, in North Vietnam, the temperatures can fall as low as 10 degrees Celsius.
Weather: It is sweltering and humid in Southern Vietnam. In Central Vietnam, it is more relaxed. Whereas in North Vietnam, the days are frigid, with some rainy days and the temperature dropping to freezing points.
Why you should go to Vietnam in the spring: Vietnamese New Year and the Tet Festival are celebrated during this period.
Travel Destinations: It is the perfect time to visit the beaches and islands of southern Vietnam, like the Phu Quoc and Con Dao Archipelago or even the Dalat waterfalls. You can also visit the ancient town of Hoi An in Central Vietnam or the beaches of Nha Trang. Though there is a lot of humidity, there won’t be rain during this period.
Travel Tips: Pack warm clothes if you plan to visit northern Vietnam.
When is the best month to visit Vietnam?
As you can see below, the ideal period to travel to Vietnam varies significantly from region to region. Vietnam is a great destination any time of year, but if you want to maximize your visit there, try to time your trip so that you arrive when the rainfall is minimal.
Northern Vietnam
There are two different seasons in a year. From May to October, it’s hot, but the high humidity makes it rain a lot.
From November to April, the weather gets much more relaxed and drier. The temperature can drop as low as 10°C in most places in December and January.
Central Vietnam
From January until the close of August, central Vietnam experiences its summer season. Temperatures range between 21°C and 35°C, and the air is humid and arid.
Between September and December, precipitation increases significantly, but the weather is still mild.
Southern Vietnam
Temperatures regularly exceed 30°C during the scorching and arid season, which lasts from the end of November through the beginning of April in southern Vietnam.
Rain is average between May and October, but high temperatures are typically between 25°C and 32°C.
Things to know before you go to Vietnam
Visitors to Vietnam will find friendly locals who are grateful for any effort made to respect their culture and traditions and understand if mistakes are made. Here are some things to remember so that you can have the best possible time in Vietnam and not be overwhelmed by any cultural differences you may encounter during your stay.
Observe social norms and dress appropriately.
Female travelers need to dress modestly. The Vietnamese are modest dressers, so showing too much skin in public is considered rude.
Temple etiquette.
Cover your shoulders, knees, and ankles while you tour shrines and pagodas. If you don’t have a skirt, at the very least, you should wear pants that protect your legs. Again, wearing skimpy outfits or showing too much skin can get you in trouble.
Avoid getting yourself in serious trouble.
You don’t want to waste your holiday time (and then some) in a Vietnamese prison for breaking the law by taking pictures of military sites and equipment.
No kissing and cuddling.
Avoid making a public display of your affection. Public shows of love like these are frowned upon in Vietnamese society. Crossing the incredibly crowded streets hand in hand is acceptable.
Take off the jewelry.
Do take off any excessive jewelry, as it advertises your wealth and makes you a potential victim of pickpocketing. Always remember to lock up your belongings. If you’re worried about being robbed or losing your money, it’s a good idea to split your currency into smaller amounts and store them in various locations.
Keep your luggage safe.
Don’t let yourself be the target of a drive-by bag snatcher by slinging your purse over your shoulder and keeping it behind your back. Even at religious sites like temples and pagodas, you should be on guard against pickpockets.
Be familiar with your lodging arrangements.
Get a business card from the front counter of the motel. Having one on you all the time will make it much simpler to catch a cab or ride a motorcycle back to the motel after your trip.
Always bargain for a lower price.
Only hop on the back of a motorcycle after first strongly bargaining the exact price with the driver or when buying any goods from a seller.
Always have a reusable water bottle.
A six-pack of beer will set you back less than a six-pack of water. Always have a reusable water container and fill it with filtered or boiled water instead of spending your hard-earned money on environmentally damaging and overpriced bottled water.
Ask before you shoot.
Don’t snap pictures of individuals without first getting their consent. Many residents might feel awkward having their photo taken or might even demand money.
Always pack some toilet paper.
Always have some waste paper on hand. Squats are less common in cities than in the countryside, but they are still widespread in the latter.
Chopsticks
If you’re going to use chopsticks, use them properly. Don’t stick a pair of chopsticks upright from a bowl; this is considered a bad omen.
When in Vietnam, be sure to sample the cuisine of the region.
Vietnamese cuisine is some of the finest in the world, so be sure to try some while you’re there. Do a street cuisine excursion to discover the best restaurants in Hanoi.
What to pack for Vietnam
- Passport & Visa
- Cash & Credit Card
- Local Money: Vietnam Dong (VND)
- Hat/Cap
- Sunglasses/Shades
- Sun Protection
- Lightweight/Loose Fitting Clothes
- First Aid Kit
- Toiletries
- Flip Flops
- Swimwear
- Walking Shoes
- Smartphone with a good camera
- Hand Sanitizers
- Laptop/Batteries/Charger/Universal Adaptor
Best places to visit in Vietnam
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Planning a trip to Vietnam - Creative Travel Guide
Friday 1st of September 2023
[…] Besides the required documents, think about a travel itinerary and what you would like to see. The best time to visit Vietnam is the Winter when the weather is milder and you can avoid the rain during the monsoon […]