Planning a trip to Vietnam? Discover the weather in Vietnam by month and find the best destinations for each season. From sunny beaches to cool mountain retreats, explore when and where to travel for the perfect experience!
Vietnam weather by month
January
January is one of the coldest months in Vietnam, particularly in the north, where temperatures often plunge to 10–15°C and can drop even lower in mountainous areas like Sapa and Ha Giang, sometimes approaching freezing. The high humidity amplifies the chill, making it feel even colder than the thermometer suggests. If you do not get used to cold weather, you should not visit northern Vietnam during this time because the weather is so intense, but it seems to be interesting for those who love cold landscapes.
Meanwhile, the central and southern regions offer a stark contrast, with pleasantly warm temperatures ranging from 20–30°C (68–86°F), making them perfect for sightseeing and beach getaways.
Travel recommendation: For those seeking a winter adventure, Hanoi’s historic streets, Sapa’s frosty peaks, and Ha Giang’s breathtaking passes are must-visits. If you prefer sunny skies and tropical beaches, head to Ho Chi Minh City, Phu Quoc, or Mui Ne for a warm escape.
February
February continues the winter chill in northern Vietnam, though temperatures gradually start to rise, hovering between 12–18°C. In the highlands, places like Sapa and Ha Giang may still experience frost, but cherry blossoms begin to bloom, painting the mountains in shades of pink and white. Central Vietnam enjoys mild, dry weather, with temperatures around 22–28°C, making it a great time to visit cultural gems like Hue and Hoi An. The south remains warm and sunny, with temperatures between 25–33°C , ideal for beach lovers.
Travel recommendation: Experience the Lunar New Year (Tết) celebrations in Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City for a vibrant cultural immersion. If you prefer nature, visit Moc Chau for blooming peach and plum flowers, or explore the beaches of Phu Quoc and Nha Trang.
March
March marks the transition to spring in northern Vietnam, bringing slightly warmer temperatures (15–22°C) and less humidity. The highlands of the Northwest, including Moc Chau, Ha Giang, and Dien Bien, are transformed into a floral paradise with white plum blossoms, pink peach flowers, and the iconic purple Bauhinia (hoa ban) covering the hillsides. Central Vietnam enjoys its best weather—dry, sunny, and warm—while the south experiences peak beach conditions with little rain and plenty of sunshine. This is the last month of the dry season in southern coastal regions before the onset of the rainy season.
Travel recommendation: Moc Chau and Ha Giang are must-visit destinations for flower lovers and photographers. If you prefer a beach retreat, take advantage of the last fully dry month in the south by heading to Phu Quoc, Nha Trang, Con Dao, or Vung Tau for pristine blue waters and golden sunshine.
April
April sees a noticeable warm-up across the country. Northern Vietnam enjoys pleasant spring weather (18–28°C), while central regions remain warm and dry (24–32°C). The south experiences its final stretch of dry, sunny weather before the rainy season begins.
Travel recommendation: Visit Ninh Binh for stunning river landscapes before the summer heat intensifies—perfect for a boat trip through Tam Coc or Trang An. For beach lovers, Da Nang, Quy Nhon, and Ly Son Island offer crystal-clear waters and golden sand before the summer heat peaks.
May
May signals the start of summer, with temperatures climbing to 28–38°C, especially in the north and central regions. The humidity is high, and afternoon thunderstorms become more frequent.
Travel recommendation: This is the perfect time to enjoy northern and central beaches before the peak summer crowds arrive such as Ha Long Bay, Cat Ba, Da Nang, while the rice terraces in Mu Cang Chai and Sapa start turning green, making for stunning photography.
June
June marks the official start of summer in Vietnam, bringing intense heat and high humidity, especially in the north and central regions. Temperatures often reach 30–38°C, with occasional afternoon thunderstorms offering brief relief. In the central coast, cities like Da Nang and Hoi An experience dry, sunny days perfect for beachgoers. The south is deep in its rainy season, with frequent afternoon downpours, but mornings often remain bright and clear.
Travel recommendation: Escape the northern heat by visiting the highlands of Sapa or Ha Giang, where temperatures are cooler. Beach lovers should explore Da Nang, Hoi An, or Quy Nhon for sunny shores. In the south, consider exploring the Mekong Delta’s lush landscapes between rain showers.
July
July is characterized by peak summer heat and humidity in the north and central regions. The central coast still enjoys mostly sunny days, but the risk of storms increases toward the month’s end. In the south, monsoon rains intensify, with brief yet heavy showers almost daily.
Travel recommendation: Head to the cool, misty peaks of Da Lat for a refreshing escape from the heat. Coastal destinations like Da Nang and Nha Trang remain attractive but expect more tourists.
August
August sees persistent heat in the north and central regions, though temperatures start to slightly cool toward the end of the month. The central coast may experience sudden storms, while the south continues its rainy season with heavy afternoon showers.
Travel recommendation: Visit the terraced rice fields of Mu Cang Chai or Sapa, as they turn lush green this month. Coastal travelers should consider Phu Yen or Quy Nhon for quieter, picturesque beaches. Urban explorers can enjoy the cultural richness of Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City, taking breaks indoors during peak heat.
September
September is a month of transition. The north begins to cool down, while rainfall in the south gradually decreases. Central Vietnam faces the beginning of its stormy season, with potential typhoons. The north’s mountainous areas become vibrant with golden rice terraces, creating breathtaking landscapes.
Travel recommendation: For photography enthusiasts, the rice terraces of Mu Cang Chai and Hoang Su Phi are at their peak beauty. Avoid the central coast due to potential storms. The Mekong Delta becomes more accessible as rain subsides, making it ideal for river tours.
October
October is one of the best months to visit Vietnam, as the weather becomes cooler and more stable with temperatures ranging from 20–28°C. The north enjoys crisp autumn air, while the central coast sees fewer storms.
Travel recommendation: Hanoi, Ha Long Bay, and Ninh Binh are fantastic during this time. Hoi An and Da Nang also have favorable conditions. The floating markets in the Mekong Delta are in full swing, offering a unique cultural experience.
November
With dry and mild weather across the country, November is another ideal travel month. Temperatures range from 18–28°C, and rainfall is low.
Travel recommendation: Sapa, Hanoi, and Ha Long Bay are beautiful in the north, while Phu Quoc and Con Dao offer the best beach conditions. The Central Highlands, including Da Lat, is also perfect for nature lovers.
December
December offers cool, crisp weather in the north, often dipping below 15°C in Hanoi and even colder in mountainous areas. The central coast is mostly dry, and the south enjoys sunny, warm days—perfect for winter escapes.
Travel recommendation: Experience a festive Christmas atmosphere in Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City. Sapa and Ha Giang provide a unique, chilly experience for those seeking winter vibes. For a tropical holiday, the beaches of Phu Quoc, Con Dao, and Mui Ne are top choices.
>> Read more: Vietnam’s climate – A comprehensive regional guide
Best time to visit Vietnam
Vietnam’s diverse climate means you can find a great destination to visit at any time of the year.
For Central and Southern Vietnam, the best time to visit is the dry season (November–April), when the weather is sunny, warm, and ideal for beaches, sightseeing, and outdoor activities.
For Northern Vietnam, the best time is autumn (September–November) and spring (March–April), offering cool, pleasant weather perfect for exploring Hanoi, Ha Long Bay, and Sapa.
If you enjoy lush landscapes and don’t mind occasional rain, the rainy season (May–October) can be a unique time to experience the vibrant greenery of the Mekong Delta and misty mountains of Northern Vietnam.
