Best time to visit Vietnam: a month-by-month guide
Hanoi can be cool while Ho Chi Minh City is hot and Hoi An is flooded. This month-by-month guide explains Vietnam's regional seasons, typhoon risk and Tet, so you can plan a north-to-south trip that works.
The best time to visit Vietnam for a full north-to-south trip is usually February to April, or October to November, when conditions are reasonable in most regions at once. Each region has its own pattern, though: the north is cool and dry from about November to March, the south is dry from December to April, and central Vietnam is at its wettest from about September to December, with October and November bringing the highest flood risk.
Because Vietnam is long and narrow, there is no single perfect month for every stop. The trick is to decide which region matters most to you, then plan the rest of the route around it. This guide sets out the seasons by region, a month-by-month table, the festivals that affect travel and the months to treat with care.
Vietnam's three climate regions
North: Hanoi, Ha Long Bay and Sa Pa
Northern Vietnam has a genuine cool season from roughly November to March, when Hanoi is pleasant for walking and humidity is low. Winters can be grey and drizzly, and the mountains around Sa Pa can be cold enough for fog, frost and, very occasionally, snow on the highest peaks. The UK government gives the north's rain season as June to September, and summer storms can disrupt Ha Long Bay cruises. Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) are the most comfortable months for trekking and cruising.
Central: Hue, Da Nang and Hoi An
Central Vietnam follows a different calendar. The coast is generally dry and warm from about February to August, which makes it the best time for beaches near Da Nang and lantern-lit evenings in Hoi An. The UK government gives the central rain season as October to December, and says seasonal flooding is most likely in October and November. Tropical cyclones can affect the east coast between May and November.
South: Ho Chi Minh City, the Mekong Delta and Phu Quoc
The south is hot all year, with a dry season from about December to April and a wet season from May to November, when rain usually arrives as heavy afternoon downpours rather than all-day grey skies. April tends to be the hottest month. The island of Phu Quoc is at its best from about November to March, while the summer months can bring rough seas on its west coast.
Month-by-month guide
| Month | Weather/conditions | Best for | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | Cool and often overcast in the north; dry in the south; centre drying out | Ho Chi Minh City, Mekong Delta, Phu Quoc | Sa Pa can be very cold and foggy |
| February | North still cool; centre and south dry | Hoi An, Hue, the south | Tet usually falls in late January or February; 2027 Tet is 6 February |
| March | Warming in the north; dry and sunny in the centre and south | A full north-to-south trip | One of the most balanced months |
| April | Warm in the north; hot in the south | Ha Long Bay, Ninh Binh, central beaches | Hottest month in the south |
| May | Hot; south's wet season begins | Central coast beaches | Start of the cyclone season on the east coast |
| June | Hot and humid; rain in the north and south | Central Vietnam, Nha Trang | Good beach weather on the central coast |
| July | Wet in the north and south | Hoi An, Da Nang, Hue | Occasional storms can delay bay cruises |
| August | Heavy rain in the north; central coast still mostly dry | Central Vietnam | Ha Long Bay cruises may be cancelled during storms |
| September | Rain easing in the north; central rains starting | Hanoi, Ha Long Bay, rice terraces in the north | Rising typhoon risk in the centre |
| October | Pleasant in the north; wet in the centre; south still showery | Hanoi, Sa Pa, Ha Long Bay | Central floods most likely in October and November |
| November | Cool and dry in the north; south drying out | Hanoi, Ha Long Bay, the south | Check conditions before visiting Hue and Hoi An |
| December | Cool in the north; dry in the south; centre often still wet | Ho Chi Minh City, Mekong Delta, Phu Quoc | Christmas and New Year are busy at beach resorts |
Festivals and events
- Tet (Lunar New Year): Vietnam's biggest holiday, usually in late January or February. In 2027, Lunar New Year's Day is 6 February, and the government has set a seven-day public holiday from 4 to 10 February 2027. Expect festive decorations and family celebrations, but also busy transport and some closed shops and restaurants.
- Mid-Autumn Festival: a lunar-calendar celebration, usually in September or early October, with lanterns and mooncakes; children's lantern processions make Hoi An's old town a lovely place to see it.
- Christmas and New Year: not traditional holidays, but busy weeks at beach resorts and in the big cities, with higher hotel rates.
Around Tet, domestic flights and trains fill up weeks in advance and prices rise. If you want to experience the atmosphere, arrive a few days before New Year's Eve and allow for slower services in the days that follow.
When to visit Vietnam's highlights
- Ha Long Bay and Lan Ha Bay: March to May and September to November for calmer weather; summer storms can cause cancellations.
- Hue's Imperial City and Hoi An: February to August is generally the driest; October and November carry the highest flood risk.
- Mekong Delta: December to April for dry roads; the wet season brings fuller rivers and lush scenery.
- Sa Pa and the northern mountains: spring and autumn for trekking; December to February can be very cold and foggy.
- Phu Quoc and Con Dao: November to March for calmer seas.
Crowds and prices through the year
Spring, autumn and the Christmas to New Year period are the busiest times for international visitors, and Tet is the peak for domestic travel. The summer months are usually quieter in the north and south, while the central coast is busy with domestic beach-goers. Shoulder months such as May, June and September often offer better hotel availability. Our guide to Vietnam trip costs explains how the season affects the overall price.
First time in the country? Our Vietnam travel guide for first-time visitors covers visas, money and routes. When you have dates in mind, shape a Vietnam itinerary with a specialist, or start from the Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City journey.
Frequently asked questions
Sources
Vietnam holiday packages
Vietnam · 11 nights4★ HotelHanoi to Ho Chi Minh City
- Ha Long Bay overnight cruise
- Hue Imperial City
- Mekong Delta
Vietnam · 7 nights4★ ResortHanoi, Ha Long Bay & Hoi An
- Hanoi Old Quarter
- Ha Long Bay cruise
- Hoi An lanterns and beach
