Best Time to Visit Vietnam: Weather and Festivals Guide

Vietnam is a long and thin country, encompassing various climates at different times of the year. Typically the best time to go to Vietnam is from November to April when the rainfall is lowest and the days are bright and sunny. However, the climate is generally warm and humid throughout the year, making it the perfect destination for travellers in search of winter sun, or summer holidays on the beach. For help planning your luxury Vietnam holiday, we’re only a phone call away. 

Weather In Vietnam Throughout The Year

Weather in Vietnam by region

Due to the length of the country, the weather in the mountainous North can be very different from that of the Central coastal regions and again from the cities and rivers in the South. Essentially, Vietnam has three weather systems - so it is, therefore, easiest to break the country down into three sections.

North Vietnam

Consisting of Vietnam’s capital city Hanoi, the UNESCO protected Halong Bay, and the mountain towns of Mai Chau, Sapa and Ninh Binh, this is an area where clear skies are key for making the most of the stunning scenery. From November to April, the North is bright and sunny with minimal rainfall, creating the perfect conditions for trekking through the hilly rice terraces and cruising across Halong Bay. It can get chilly though, with temperatures dropping below 10 degrees in the mountainous areas, so those travelling between December and February should come prepared. From May to October the North warms up, becoming humid and wet, so you can expect heavy downpours. These shouldn’t last all day, but can sometimes prevent junk boats in Halong Bay from setting sail. 

Central Vietnam

Travelling further down the country sees much warmer year-round climates, rarely dropping below 20 degrees. The central towns of Hoi An, Danang and Nha Trang are close to miles of Vietnam’s coastlines, making it the perfect place for a beach break. The central area experiences particularly hot and sunny weather from May-August, making it the ideal summer holiday destination. As the ancient town of Hue and the incredible Phong Nha caves are also in this region, it’s the perfect destination for a family holiday.

With a warm climate throughout the year, Central Vietnam is still great to visit during the winter months too, but skies just might be a bit more grey. The rainy season here typically runs from September to December, though it is strongest in October and November when typhoons often blow through.

South Vietnam

The climate in the South remains much more tropical across the year and can be split simply into two seasons. November to April is the dry season, whilst May to October is considered the rainy season. However, the rains here are far lighter than in the North, often consisting of short sharp showers that pass quickly and leave sunshine in their path. This makes it possible (if humid) to visit Ho Chi Minh City and the Mekong Delta during the wet season, as well as the dry. The beaches of Mui Ne and Phu Quoc island are also located in this region, making them a great alternative to the central beaches for those looking to travel during the European winter.

Best Time to Visit Vietnam: Festival Guide

The most notable festival to take place in Vietnam is ‘Tet’, which is the Vietnamese Lunar New Year. Tet usually takes place towards the end of January or the beginning of February, depending on the Lunar calendar and is often celebrated in the form of a big family get-together. During this time, hotels can be busier, as locals often use this as a time to go away themselves. Shops and restaurants will usually shut down over this period too and guides tend to head home for a few days, so this should be considered when planning a holiday during this time. Many smaller celebrations happen throughout the year, which your travel consultant will be happy to advise you on and help you to plan an itinerary around.