The Best Time to Visit Vietnam: A Month-by-Month Guide by Region

The best time to visit Vietnam as a whole is March to April and September to November, when most of the country is dry and comfortable. Vietnam is long and narrow, though, so the north, centre and south each have their own seasons. Use this guide to match your dates with the places you want to see.

Vietnam's three climates in short

• North (Hanoi, Ha Long Bay, Ninh Binh, Sapa, Ha Giang) – Dry and pleasant: Sep–Nov, Mar–Apr; Hot or rainy: Jun–Aug hot and humid with showers; Watch out for: Cold, grey days Dec–Feb; frost possible in Sapa
• Centre (Hue, Da Nang, Hoi An) – Dry and pleasant: Feb–Aug; Hot or rainy: Sep–Dec rainy season; Watch out for: Typhoons and floods Oct–Nov
• South (Saigon, Mekong Delta, Phu Quoc) – Dry and pleasant: Dec–Apr; Hot or rainy: May–Nov short, heavy afternoon rain; Watch out for: Hottest in Apr–May

Northern Vietnam: Hanoi, Ha Long Bay, Ninh Binh and Sapa

Autumn (September to November) is the favourite season in the north. Skies are clear, humidity drops and Hanoi's streets fill with the scent of milk flowers. It is ideal for a Ha Long Bay cruise, and in September the rice terraces of Sapa and Mu Cang Chai turn gold before harvest.

Spring (March to April) brings mild temperatures, fresh green rice fields in Ninh Binh and flowers in the mountains.

Summer (May to August) is hot and humid, with short tropical downpours. It is still a good time for Ha Long Bay: the water is warm for swimming and kayaking. Cruises may be rescheduled if a storm passes, so keep a flexible day.

Winter (December to February) is cool and often grey. Hanoi sits around 15–20°C, and Sapa and Ha Giang can drop close to freezing. Pack warm layers if you trek.

Central Vietnam: Hue, Da Nang and Hoi An

The centre has the opposite pattern. February to August is dry and sunny, perfect for the beaches of Da Nang, the lanterns of Hoi An and the Hai Van Pass. June to August is hot, often above 35°C, so plan sightseeing for the morning and late afternoon.

September to December is the rainy season. October and November can bring typhoons and floods in Hoi An's Old Town. Travel is still possible, but keep your plans flexible.

Southern Vietnam: Saigon and the Mekong Delta

The south is warm all year, around 27–33°C. December to April is dry and the best time for the Mekong Delta and Phu Quoc. From May to November, expect a heavy shower most afternoons that usually passes within an hour.

The best time for popular trips

• Ha Long Bay cruise: March to May and September to November for clear views; summer for swimming.
• Sapa trekking: September to November and March to May. September is rice harvest season.
• Ha Giang Loop: October to November for buckwheat flowers and dry roads; avoid heavy rain in July and August.
• Hoi An and Da Nang beaches: February to August.
• One trip, north to south: March to April is the best compromise for the whole country.

Festivals and holidays to plan around

• Tet (Lunar New Year, late January or February): the biggest holiday of the year. Transport and hotels sell out and many shops close for several days. Book early.
• Mid-Autumn Festival (September or October): lanterns, mooncakes and lion dances, especially lovely in Hanoi's Old Quarter and Hoi An.
• 30 April and 2 September: national holidays with busy roads and resorts.

FAQ

What is the best month to visit Vietnam? April and October are the safest choices for a trip covering north, centre and south.

What is the rainy season in Vietnam? May to October in the north and south, and September to December in the centre.

Is it worth visiting Vietnam in summer? Yes. The north is hot but green, Ha Long Bay is great for swimming and central Vietnam has its best beach weather.

When is the best time for a Ha Long Bay cruise? March to May and September to November.

Tours for every season

• September – November (north): Sapa 3 Days 2 Nights Village Homestay Trek and Ha Long Bay Day Cruise – Alina Cruise 99
• March – April (north): Ninh Binh Bai Dinh Pagoda & Trang An Day Tour
• February – August (centre): Hoi An Cham Island Snorkelling Day Tour and Ba Na Hills & Golden Bridge Day Tour
• Mid-Autumn Festival: Hoi An Ancient Town Tour with Flower Lantern Release

Plan your trip with AmGo Travel

Whatever month you travel, our Hanoi team builds your trip around the weather. Browse our Vietnam tours or visit us at 61 Hang Ga, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi.