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Best Time To Visit Vietnam

An overview of Vietnam’s seasons

When planning your trip to Vietnam, you should consider that the climate varies greatly from region to region. One part of Vietnam can be quite warm, whereas another can be cold at the same time. The temperatures from September to January are the mildest in the south, while you can expect low temperatures of around 50°F in the north. During this time it is also foggy and cloudy in the north, especially if you are cruising in Halong Bay or exploring Sapa – some of the best things to do in Vietnam. It is rainy season in July and August, and the temperatures are cooler but humidity is high. While this is the ideal time to visit Hoi An, expect an overcast sky and short rain showers each afternoon.

Vietnam has a tropical climate and the temperatures range between the low 70s to the mid-80s. While there are only two seasons in the south, the monsoon and the dry season, a third season is added to the north: the winter. However, there is no bad travel time when planning a Vietnam vacation.

Best Time To Visit

Most Ideal
Low Season

overview

Most parts of the country experience dry and pleasant weather though further north, you can expect cooler temperatures. The wet season draws to an end in Central Vietnam and the air is a pleasant 68°F. Temperatures in north Vietnam are between 50°F – 60°F while readings in south Vietnam are around 85°F.

we recommend

  • Go diving in Phú Quốc
  • Kitesurf in Mui Ne
  • Bask under sunny skies in Long Hải

overview

It’s time to get festive as the country celebrates Tet, the Vietnamese Lunar New Year. It is also one of the best times to visit Vietnam as southern parts of the country are bathed in sunshine and central parts of the country almost out of wet season. Temperatures in the north are around the low 60s though you can expect clear, blue skies.

we recommend

  • Celebrate Tet amidst a sea of reds and yellows in Ho Chi Minh City
  • Walk beneath a canopy of cherry blossom trees in Hanoi
  • Snorkel around the spectacular coral reefs of Con Dao Islands

overview

With pleasant temperatures throughout the country, March is one of the best months to visit Vietnam. Northern parts of the country step out of winter while central and southern regions continue to enjoy beautiful weather. Temperatures are around the mid-60s in the North and around the low to mid-80s in other parts of the country.

we recommend

  • Experience the beautiful Lantern Festival in Hoi An
  • Set sail in the UNESCO World Heritage site of Halong Bay

overview

It’s the last month of spring and still a great time to travel to Vietnam. The south starts to see temperatures rise into the high 80s, the north heads towards a wet and hot summer while the beaches of the central coast continue to enjoy glorious weather.

we recommend

  • Hike in the midst of serene surroundings in the Hoang Lien National Park in Sapa
  • Take in the sight of mist-covered valleys in the City of Eternal Springs, Da Lat

overview

If you want to experience the country without the crowds and are ok with the odd shower, May is a good time to visit Vietnam. The South experiences afternoon downpours and by the end of the month, the North starts to get wet too. You would be well advised to carry an umbrella or raincoat. Temperatures are in the mid to upper 80s across the country.

we recommend

  • Unwind at the sandy beaches of Da Nang

overview

The northern and southern parts of the country are firmly in the midst of the rainy season. Temperatures and humidity levels are high. In the central regions, days are hot and dry with clear, blue skies making it the perfect getaway from all the rain the rest of the county is experiencing.

we recommend

  • Try out the local seafood delicacies at Lang Co
  • Cycle past the lush, green fields of Mai Chau

overview

It is the wettest time of the year in Halong Bay, Hanoi and the mountains further north. The southern and northern parts of the country continue to be hot and wet. The only exceptions are the central parts of the country that continue to enjoy dry and sunny days.

we recommend

  • Unwind in the coastal resort town of Nha Trang

overview

Precipitation levels continue to be high and it is best to avoid cruises along the Halong Bay and treks in the Sapa region. It is the wettest month of the year in Hanoi. The central beaches are still a good bet though, by the end of the month, the region starts experiencing more rainfall. Temperatures across the country are in the mid 80s.

we recommend

  • Head to the beaches of Hoi An for some fun in the sun

overview

The central region heads into wet season just as the rest of the country heads out of it. Rainfall becomes less frequent in the southern parts of the country, particularly towards the end of the month. Similarly, the northern part of Vietnam sees a drop in temperatures towards the latter part of the month with temperatures in the low 80s.

we recommend

  • Visit Mu Cang Chai, famous for its beautiful landscape of rice-terraced fields
  • Savor mooncakes at the Mid-Autumn Festival in Ho Chi Minh city
  • Experience the floating markets of the Mekong Delta

overview

With temperatures in the high 70s, it is one of the best times to visit Vietnam. The north experiences terrific weather conditions and it’s the perfect time to hike the mountainous northern region of Sapa. It’s pouring in central parts of Vietnam making the beaches off limits.

we recommend

  • Soak in the rich culture of Hanoi
  • Watch the hatching of green turtles in Con Dao island
  • Head to Ha Giang for some breathtaking scenery

overview

Cool and dry weather returns making November a popular month to travel to Vietnam. The northern and southern parts of the country are characterized by clear, blue skies and moderate temperatures. It is one of the best months to visit Halong Bay. The central parts of the country are, however, still under a rainy spell with chances of flooding.

we recommend

  • Make a trip to breathtaking Cat Bat Island
  • Explore the caves of Halong Bay

overview

The rains start to leave central Vietnam and weather conditions continue to be ideal in the northern and southern parts of the country. It is peak tourist season and accommodations sell out quickly so plan ahead if you want to visit the country during this time of the year.

we recommend

  • Chill out on the picture-perfect beaches of Phú Quốc
  • Trek through some spectacular sights in Sapa

What to Pack for Vietnam

Northern Vietnam (Halong Bay, Hanoi, Ninh Binh, Mai Chau)
– Best time to visit: March to May
– Pack light clothes as the weather can get quite warm, and light ponchos or rain jackets for the occasional downpour. Bring sunscreen, sunglasses and insect repellent for your tours around the cities and countryside.

Sapa Hills
– Best time to visit: March to May
– Expect warm weather at this time of the year. It is best to pack light clothes, as well as light ponchos or rain jackets for occasional summer showers. Sunscreen, sunglasses and insect repellent are a must especially if you wish to hike and trek around the hills of Sapa or in the valley.

Central Vietnam (Hoi An, Nha Trang, Da Nang, Hue)
– Best time to visit: January to April
– Expect warm weather especially in Nha Trang which can get quite humid. Pack light clothes that breathe easily such as cotton clothing. Do carry a light rain jacket for the coastal areas which experience occasional rainfall.

Southern Vietnam (Ho Chi Minh, Phu Quoc, Phan Thiet, Mui Ne)
– Best time to visit: November to March
– Expect the southern part of Vietnam to be warm to hot during these dry months. Be sure to carry sunscreen SPF 30+, sunglasses, and lighter cotton and linen clothes. The Mekong Delta can be especially humid around this time so don’t forget to stay hydrated at all time.

Tip: Packing for a trip to Vietnam can be a challenging task, and depends on where you plan to be visiting. Larger cities like Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi offer upscale restaurants and bars, so pack some clothes and shoes for a nice evening out. It’s not advisable to bring flashy jewelry. Check with your Travel Consultant if you have any questions.

Vietnam travel guide

Popular Trips to Vietnam

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Best Places To Visit

Things To Do

Traveler’s often wonder ‘What are the best destinations to visit in Vietnam?’, ‘What is the best Vietnam travel guide?’ or ‘What can you do in Vietnam?’ From Old Town in Hanoi, street food in Saigon, and Hue to the Mekong Delta in southern Vietnam and Cambodia – experience the best of the culture and landscapes on your Vietnam holidays with us. Discover our top ten Vietnam attractions.

Things To Do in Vietnam

Travel Guide

How to travel in Southeast Asian countries like Vietnam and Cambodia? What should you consider while planning your Vietnam holidays? What should you pack for your tours in Hanoi’s temples or Sa Pa‘s mountains? What currency is accepted in the country? Find answers to all your questions and travel advice from our destination experts.

Vietnam Travel Guide

Safety

How safe is it to travel in Vietnam? Is Vietnam safe to travel in for a foreigner from the West? What are things that you should keep in mind while traveling in destinations such as Hoi An, Halong Bay, Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City? Vietnam is a developing nation with its own rules and regulations. Here is some of the most up-to-date travel advice from our experts to ensure seamless and stress-free Vietnam holidays.

Is Vietnam Safe

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Beautiful Vietnam is brimming with rich culture and heritage and Vietnam festivals in 2019 are going to be celebrated with aplomb, just like every year. There’s nothing quite like the lively, jovial atmosphere of a traditional celebration.

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What Our Guests Say

Enchanting Travels made our trip entirely stress free and easy. This meant we were able to enjoy the beauty of Vietnam and Cambodia. All our guides, drivers, hotel staff, and trip coordinators were so so wonderful and a pleasure to interact with- Can’t speak highly enough about this company.
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Edith Isaacs

Australia

Enchanting Travels exquisitely prepared our excursion from top-to-bottom based on our initial discussions regarding our desires for our trip. From cities, sites, tours, hotels, & activities, we were immersed in our favorite style of travel: get involved in activities [culinary class, organic farming, yes – and of course care of the elephants], great knowledgeable guides, local food tasting as one priority, and trying different modes of local transport [from car, boat, bicycle, Cyclo-cross, Tuk-Tuk, Long Boat, gondola, canoe, Vespa scooter, and even a bamboo raft]. The hotels were specifically selected for their local style, and the sites were all well represented and included off-the-beaten path historical and natural treasures. The oversight of our trip via the App as well as 24/7 coordinator involvement made it totally hassle-free.
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Marek Mirski

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Enchanting Travels and their staff put together a trip of a lifetime. We hadn’t traveled to Asia before and were nervous about what to expect or how to navigate once we were there. We also really didn’t know what we wanted to do other than a few expectations. We went to four countries with multiple hotels, flights and boat excursions. I cannot believe that the 5 week trip went off with out any hitches! Everything was so smooth and effortless. We did not worry about anything the whole time we were there. It was comforting to know that our trip coordinator was there for us if we needed her and she certainly responded quickly if we did have a need or question. The choices for hotels that Enchanting Travels recommended were superb and the guides and driver were knowledgeable and fun. I can not speak more highly of all of their services and plan on using them again for another big trip.
Rating 5 out of 5 stars
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Candace Morton

USA

We had a wonderful tour of Vietnam. Our itinerary was very thoughtfully organized with great attention to detail. Many of the activities suggested were excellent and the logistics are all handled crispy. We really appreciate the custom aspects of Enchanting’s itineraries. Having one on one time with very knowledgeable guides is indispensable. From the moment we arrived in Hanoi airport to the minute we left Saigon we were treated royally. Excellent service
Rating 5 out of 5 stars
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Debra Pryhitko

Canada

We had a wonderful trip to South East Asia organized by Enchanting Travels. The organization was seamless with no mishaps. Guides were very pleasant and informative and activities and sights seen were incredible. We hope to book another trip with enchanted travel in the future.
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Jacquelynn Schouls

Canada

We had a wonderful trip to South East Asia organized by Enchanting Travels. The organization was seamless with no mishaps. Guides were very pleasant and informative and activities and sights seen were incredible. We hope to book another trip with Enchanting Travels in the future.
Rating 5 out of 5 stars
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Jacquelynn Schouls

Canada

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