Best time of year to go to Vietnam

Though not a big country, Vietnam has everything to offer to its visitors. 

If you are interested in breathtaking landscape, colorful hill-tribe groups, or never-fading culture, northern Vietnam is where you should visit.

The center of Vietnam is famous for some of the best beaches of the word. And the south offers both vibrant culture of Saigon & surrounding and the beautiful countryside of Mekong river delta. 

What you plan to do in Vietnam will also affect the best time for you to visit Vietnam. For example, if you want to see the rice terraced field in northern Vietnam, it is best to visit the country in May. In the same time, May is not good to visit Mekong River Delta and its surrounding.

Below is some most popular things to do and best time to join:

Best time for trekking the northern Vietnam

The best time to trek and explore the most remote area of northern Vietnam is between March and May, and from September to November when you’ll be spared the full brunt of the summer heat and the cold winter downpours.

Best time for Halong bay cruise

October to December (Fall) is the best time to visit Halong Bay and peak season thanks to the pleasant weather and low chance of rain, though you can expect double the crowds.

Best time to enjoy the sand, sun, and sea of Central Coast

The spring time from February to May is the best time to visit the central coast of Vietnam.You’ll find magical weather conditions and the perfect mix of lovely temperatures and low rainfall, pretty much guaranteeing you a fantastic time.

Best time for Scuba diving in Vietnam

There is no bad season to scuba dive in Vietnam but some areas are better then others depending on the time of year you go.

• If you want to see the whales at Whale Island near Nha Trang then the best time to go is between February and October.
• If you want to explore the shallow waters of Phu Quoc Island or the beaches of Hoi Han then the best time to go diving is between September and April.
• If visiting the exotic, untouched Island of Con Dao is on your agenda then be sure to go between March and September when storms and strong ocean currents do not muddle the water.

There are pretty many things to do in Vietnam. Do not hesitate to check our Vietnam things to do page for more detail

One of the best ways to make sure that your trip to Vietnam is an unforgettable one is to plan it around the time of the festivals celebrated in the country. Inspired by the Chinese Lunar calendar, most of the cultural events and festivals in Vietnam are celebrated during specific times of the year.

These festivals will not only let you witness and absorb the culture of the country but also give you a soul-touching experiene.

Sometimes, an attractive festival you urge you go to experience and learn more about the culture of the country, no matter how the weather is.

However, you should also notice that during the key festivals and events, some places are full of local tourists. If you are interested in the crowd, then you are welcomed. If not, you should avoid those places.

The largest national holiday in Vietnam is the Lunar New Year celebration known as Tet.

During Tet, transportation and accommodations go up in price or become booked solid as people move around the country celebrate or visit family. An influx of Chinese tourists traveling for Chinese New Year hit popular beach areas such as Nha Trang. Although Tet is an extremely interesting and exciting time to be in Vietnam, your travel plans will certainly be affected, so book ahead and arrive early.

Tet follows a lunisolar calendar - after all, it is Lunar New Year - so dates vary from year to year, usually coinciding with Chinese New Year. It's one of the largest winter festivals in Asia and occurs between January and February.

Other big national holidays include May 1 (International Worker's Day) and September 2 (National Day). Reunification day on April 30 celebrates the reunification of North Vietnam and South Vietnam at the end of the Vietnam War. Local families may be traveling during these times. The Mid-Autumn Festival (Chinese Moon Festival) is observed in September or October (based on the lunisolar calendar).

Before continuing further with the detailed weather guide, let's check the table below to have the general idea of the weather in Vietnam

In general, the northern Vietnam has 4 main seasons: Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter. Meanwhile, the other parts of the countries have 2 main seasons: Dry and Rainy.

You can check more detail below.

March and April in Vietnam are quite hot, with temperatures averaging around 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Typically, rain begins in full force by late April and by May, the heat and humidity are intense. The upside: Fewer crowds.

Events to check out:

• International Labor Day is held on May 1. Celebrations and parades are held in central squares throughout the country.
• Saigon Liberation Day is celebrated nation-wide on April 30.

Summer time weather can vary depending on where you are in the country. The south is quite warm, with highs climbing above 90 degrees Fahrenheit regularly, and is often victim to frequent heavy showers. If you're in the northern part of the country, you'll want to bring plenty of insect repellant—mosquitoes are at their peak, thanks to frequent heavy rainfall.

Events to check out:

• National Day celebrates the rise of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam on September 2 each year.

Rains continue through September and October, but typhoons can cause rough seas. Unsuspecting tourists should also beware that central regions of Vietnam are subject to hurricanes during the fall months.

Events to check out:

• During mid-September, Haiphong hosts the Do Son Buffalo Fighting Festival.
• The Mid-Autumn Festival, also held in mid-September (on the half-moon of the eighth lunar month, to be exact), is popular with kids and includes dance and sweets

At last, come December, the country dries out. Winter marks the best time for seaside vacations in Vietnam, but the northern part of the country can be quiet cool and gloomy. Expect temperatures in the around 50 degrees Fahrenheit and occasional drizzle.

Events to check out:

• Vietnam's Traditional Lunar New Year Festival (Tet Nguyen Dan) is celebrated country-wide. Spanning four days, this national holiday, called Tet, typically begins New Year's Eve and is then celebrated for the first three days of a Lunar New Year.

As with most destinations, Vietnam can still be enjoyed during the monsoon season (April to October), but there are some caveats.

You'll meet far fewer travelers and a lot more mosquitoes during the rainy season. Negotiating better prices for accommodation becomes easier, and tours may be cheaper, but outdoor activities such as exploring the Citadel at Hue become soggy experiences.

Transportation delays happen. Buses may not run during long periods of heavy rain — perhaps a good thing as roads become flooded and more dangerous to drive. Even the low-lying tracks along the north-south railway become flooded, causing delays in train service.

If your plan is to travel between Hanoi and Saigon, have a flexible itinerary in case weather causes delays. You may be better off flying into the part of Vietnam you wish to visit rather than trying to travel long distances overland during monsoon season.

Regardless of the season, large weather events such as tropical depressions and typhoons blowing in from the east can create week-long downpours that disrupt trip plans. Sometimes they can devastate areas that are prone to flooding.

Although Mother Nature doesn't always play by the rules, typhoon season typically ends around December each year. The start dates depend upon which part of Vietnam (north, central, or south), but August is a general starting point. October tends to be a stormy month overall.

The good news is that typhoons don't normally sneak up on a country unexpectedly. Keep an eye on weather events as your trip approaches. If a typhoon is moving into the area, flights may be diverted or delayed anyway.

January

January in Vietnam is one of the best months for tourism activities and also the month with most diverse weather characteristics throughout the country. January is the first month of the year in Gregorian calendar but the last month in Lunar year. This makes the atmosphere in Vietnam generally bustling, festive and happy.

North Vietnam in January is blessed with the prime of winter which bring almost no rain, dry air and low temperature (avg. 10-15 degrees Celsius). Water activities in Halong Bay, Cat Ba island and other beaches in north Vietnam are quite impossible because of the cold temperature. In Sapa there’s a chance that it might snow.

Central and South Vietnam in January are warmer than North Vietnam with avg. temperature at 20 and 30 degrees Celsius. If you’re seeking some tropical sunlight then we suggest you to go south.

Where to visit in Vietnam in January

There are a lot of things to do in Vietnam from north to south in January. In north, you can enjoy the festive atmosphere when lunar new year coming so close. In central and south, beach paradises and pristine islands are in the best time for swimming, snorkeling and diving.

February

Not much different from January, February has a dry, bright weather across the country with temperature raising southward. This month is also the first month of lunar new year, so you can enjoy the festive atmosphere of the most important holiday in Vietnam everywhere you go.

North Vietnam still is in winter time, clear skies with little rains which bring a certain romantic feeling to the new year since people say if it rain in the first day, the whole year will be lucky. Northern mountainous areas are covered in pastel colors of plum, apricot, peach blossoms with the backdrop of grey mountains.

Weather in Central and South Vietnam offers a great condition for a beach break with clear, sunny skies and warm sea water. Average temperature is from 25-27 degrees Celsius.

Where to visit in Vietnam in February

Like January, you can visit a lot of places in Vietnam during February, especially since February is a season of flowers. As mentioned, this month is lunar new year month, so you should visit major cities to enjoy the culture and the cuisine.

Come to north Vietnam plateaus to breath in the fresh air and enjoy natural landscape of spring blossoms. Drift south if you want to work on your tan and enjoy the water.

Da Lat also sees a beautiful sight of cherry blossoms in this time of year.

March

March is one of the best months to discover Vietnam with an ideal weather suitable for all kinds of activities.

In north Vietnam, march is not as cold and dry as January and February while in central and south Vietnam, it’s warm and dry. March is the month that many festivals are held throughout the country, of which the most bustling and important is Perfume Pagoda festival. People from all parts of the country coming here to pray for luck, health and happiness in the upcoming year.

Many central coast cities in this time turn into a beach paradise with warm water, mild weather and pristine culture. Southern islands are still the places to go for high blue sky and sunny beach.

Where to visit in Vietnam in March

It’s not at all to choose where to visit in Vietnam in March. It’s the month for almost all destination both famous attractions and off-the-beaten-path destinations.

Tay Nguyen in this time has white coffee flowers season blooming all over the places and also the most bustling festival in the area – Elephant Racing Festival.

The central coastal line Hue – Da Nang – Hoi An is just in the right time for you to explore. If you want to visit south Vietnam, Ho Chi Minh city in March is perfect to visit.

April

April marks the end of tourism peak season in Vietnam. It’s the last month of spring, wrapping up the festive season of Lunar New Year as well as the winter in North Vietnam. From this month onward, the average temperature and humidity throughout the country rise. Still, the weather in March is still much milder than summer months and there’re still many things to do and places to see in this time of year.

In North Vietnam, it’s getting warmer with less colder days, slightly more rainy but you can expect plenty dry days to see around. In Central and South Vietnam, it’s not different much from summer with average temperature 25-33 degrees Celsius.

April is also a historical month in Vietnam history, marking the reunification of the whole country after Vietnam-America War.

Where to visit in Vietnam in April

Hanoi in April turns vibrant red with the flags and flowers everywhere you go. Perfume Pagoda in the suburb of Hanoi is also in the month it’s most beautiful and less crowded since the festival ended.

April is also the month to visit Vietnam best beaches and islands like Halong Bay, Co To Island andLy Son. In north Vietnam, it’s the time farmers watering the rice fields, making a gorgeous sight of nature. 

In central Vietnam, April is most ideal to visit Da Nang city with average temperature of 27-29 degrees Celsius. The beaches have blue water and calm waves. 

May

May is the month right before summer hits north Vietnam. You can see the season changing in north Vietnam so blatantly and beautifully. The sun shines, nice breezes and temperature rises slightly to 30 degrees Celsius. However, you can barely feel the heat in early May. The rain happens more frequently but also end quickly.

Throughout the country, the summer holiday for students is about to start so you can feel a certain excitement of Vietnamese people. In central and south Vietnam, the rain starts to happen more but not as frequently as the north. May is great time to visit the major cities of Vietnam.

Like April, May is also a historical month with two important events: Dien Bien Phu Victory on May 7 and Ho Chi Minh’s Birthday on May 19.

Where to visit in Vietnam in May

Come to mountainous areas in north Vietnam to see the terraced rice fields turn into mirroring patches filled with water in preparation for the next crop. This sight in Mu Cang Chai is just heavenly to beholders. Visit Ninh Binh for its butterfly season from late April and May. Beach paradise like Nha Trang and pristine island like Cat Ba have the best condition of sea water for you to enjoy.

June

June is the first month of summer time in Vietnam, overwhelming you with a serious rise of temperature and humidity. This month also belongs to the wetter southwest monsoon in Vietnam, starting from May and ending in October. The rain will be much more frequent with intensity, storms might happen in the end of hottest days. When it’s sunny the skies are clear and blue, suitable for photo taking.

In northern mountain areas, there is a real threat of landslides and flash floods so we suggest you to stick to the lowlands or southern Vietnam for safest conditions.

Where to visit in Vietnam in June

Halong bay, southern islands, coastal line cities are the best destinations in Vietnam during June. Con Dao island has not only endless blue beaches but in this month, it’s the month of turtles hatching season.

Halong Bay is bluer than ever and Da Lat is one of the best place to stay away from the heat and enjoy the cool air.

Coastal cities have not only pristine beaches but also rich local culture. Nha Trang, Da Nang and Hoi An are the best places to go in this month.

July

Temperature in July can reach to 40 degrees on hottest day and last just below that all the way until midnight. Like June, downpours happen around day’s end often with strong winds and thunders which might pose certain threats.

However, this month is perfect to enjoy beach break across the country. You can choose the hottest days for a little trip to Halong, Phu Quoc or Nha Trang. In south Vietnam, the rainy season just hits its peak with daily downpours, especially in Mekong Delta. Central Vietnam enjoys a decent weather with sunny, warm weather with less rain than north Vietnam.

Where to visit in Vietnam in July

Halong Bay, Cat Ba Island and Southern Islands are best places to enjoy the cool ocean, sunny skies and savory seafood. July is also great time to visit the cities of central coastal line: Da Nang, Hoi Anand Hue.

While major cities are places you should avoid because the heat might make you exhausted. Floods and landslides in northwest can happen after long, heavy rains.

August

The temperature in August is still high but not as severe as in June and July and the rains can cool down the heat. Temperature ranges from 27 to 32 degrees in Hanoi and slightly lower in Da Nang and Ho Chi Minh city.

In Mekong Delta, August marks the start of flooding season caused by Mekong river. Life slowly comes back to the wet forests, swamps and plains. Storms might happen in north and central of Vietnam. While rainy season still go on northwest mountainous areas.

Where to visit in Vietnam in August

August is a great month to explore the caves in Phong Nha Ke Bang and Halong Bay, relax on the white beaches of Cat Ba island, Nha Trang, strolling the ancient town of Hoi An and have fun with sand sliding in Mui Ne. However, Mekong Delta isn’t ideal since it’s the rainy season in this month while trekking to mountainous areas in north Vietnam can be dangerous.

When there’re typhoons, stay away from coastal beaches of the area where the typhoons hit.

September

As one of the best months to visit Vietnam, September offers diverse weather conditions and natural landscape features across the country. September is also the ending of summer with temperature dropping significantly. In northern Vietnam, there is still rain but not as heavy as rain in June – August. While in central highlands, it rains more frequently. In south, rain is less and less while Mekong Delta enters in its flooding season.

Cat Ba Island and Halong Bay have great conditions to enjoy the water and the scenery. Mountainous areas start their harvesting season: terraced rice fields turning golden.

Where to visit in Vietnam in September

Northwest Vietnam in general and Mu Cang Chai in particular becomes a real cultural paradise with its gorgeous endless terraced rice fields and rich local culture. Bach Ma National Park in Hue should be your off-the-beaten-path to explore. Mekong Delta is just so beautiful in the flooding season. September brings a romantic atmosphere to Hanoi.

October

Autumn officially arrives in North Vietnam when October starts: the skies are blue, cooler breezes and bountiful treats. Rain is lesser, the air is drier and temperature drops a little bit further.
The beauty of northwest in October is in its prime. When you go to higher altitude, the air gets chillier. In central Vietnam cities like Hue, Hoi An and Da Nang, the rain continues but doesn’t make these cities any less beautiful then themselves in any other month.

In south, average temperature is fixed at 24-31 degrees Celsius with much less rain.

Where to visit in Vietnam in October

Ha Giang appeals visitors from all over the world with its beauty of golden terraced rice fields and pink fields of buckwheat flowers. Hanoi is best to visit in autumn and trekking in Sapa would be too strenuous when the heat is gone.

In October, Da Lat becomes a romantic foggy town with all the colorful flowers blooming. Ba Be lake and Ban Gioc Waterfall show their full beauty in this time of year.

November

If you’re planning to visit Vietnam in November, you should expect to stay longer than you plan. Because Vietnam in November is incredibly beautiful. 

In north, the flowers start to bloom when temperature drops even further down, air is clearer, and humidity is lower. Central Vietnam is still in rainy season but it’s not a reason to not visit these destinations, in fact, people visit Hoi An for the rain. South Vietnam sees a sunny weather, suitable for all kinds of activities.

Where to visit in Vietnam in November

There are a lot of places to visit in Vietnam in November from north to south. Hanoi still can enchant its visitors with its nostalgic, transparent autumn. Northwest Vietnam takes the cake as the best destination to visit in this month, boasting the unique ethnic culture and traditions. In the south, beaches and islands offer calm waves and cool water to stay away from the tropical heat.

December

As the most suitable month to visit Vietnam with least rain, you can visit many destinations in Vietnam without any weather hindrances. December is the beginning of winter in north Vietnam, average temperature dropping down to 20 degrees Celsius, with bright skies and chilly breezes.

In central Vietnam, rainy season has ceased, returning the beaches their original beauties. Average temperature is about 24 degrees Celsius.

In the south, the sunny days continue with temperature of 26 degrees Celsius, sunny days and less humidity.

Where to visit in Vietnam in December

If you want to stay away from the winter in North Vietnam, head south for some sunny beaches and warm water in Phu Quoc island. However, if the cold doesn’t bother you, then Moc Chau is a best place in north Vietnam to explore the nature and culture of Vietnam.

Ban Gioc waterfall, the most beautiful waterfall in Vietnam is still a true beauty in this time of year. Perfume Pagoda sees a poetic beauty of Yen river covered in full lilies blooms. Visiting Perfume Pagoda in its off-season is just so relaxing and you can truly appreciate the nature.

Vietnam stretches across an area of 331,690 square kilometers and borders the countries of Cambodia, Laos and China. The coast borders on the South China Sea and the Gulf of Thailand. Vietnam ranges from flat plains in the south to mountainous terrain in the North.

The differences in climate and weather between these two regions are enormous. The long and narrow country can in fact be split up into three different climate zones: North Vietnam with Hanoi, South Vietnam with Ho Chi Minh City, and Central Vietnam with Da Nang.

You’ll find all the climate information below, as well as handy tables with all the info there for you.

The entire country features a tropical climate. With autumn and spring being very similar to winter and summer, it’s quite normal to just split the year up into summer and winter.

Winters in North Vietnam are relatively mild, whereas in areas at a higher altitude it can actually get very chilly. The winter months from November until April can be best described as cool and dry.

The coldest months of the year are December and January. These months make up the dry season and the maximum temperature will be somewhere around 20 – 22°C.

Minimum temperatures hover at around 14 – 15°C. Just bear in mind that mountainous regions can be a lot cooler than this.

The summer months are May, June, July, August, September and October. This time of year, it is hot and humid, with the most rainfall for the region occurring as well.

The summer in North Vietnam is the rainy season. June and July are the hottest months with maximum temperatures of up to 33°C. The high humidity can be quite grueling at times.

However, the native flora is unbelievably lush thanks to the rain. A disadvantage of the rainy season are the typhoons, which often drift over from the South China Sea from September until mid-October.

To give you an overview of the climate in North Vietnam, I’ve included a climate table for Hanoi. You can get all of the most important tidbits of information from it.

Climate table of Hanoi - North Vietnam

The best time to visit North Vietnam

For the perfect holiday to North Vietnam and places such as Hanoi and Halong Bay, I recommend the months of November, December, January, February, March and April.

The winter months are the dry season and you’ll have the best weather conditions in the region. December, January and February feature the least precipitation.

The temperatures in December and January are summery, but they’re not too hot either. However in more mountainous areas it can be pretty fresh! If you like things to be a bit warmer, you should list November, March and April as the best time to visit North Vietnam.

Just bear in mind that there are more rainy days per month during this time and that the rainy season is slowly returning!

The worst time to go to North Vietnam are the months of May, June, July, August and September. The rainy season is in full swing and the air is hot and humid.

For us Europeans, such weather conditions are totally out of our comfort zone, so unless you’re experienced in dealing with humid, sticky weather I’d avoid it!

The temperatures are known to hit the 33°C mark and nights aren’t really much cooler than that either. The months of July, August and September are the most humid and uncomfortable months to go on holiday to Vietnam.

However, during the rainy season you’ll enjoy the longest days and the best water temperatures. If you don’t have a problem with hefty rainfall every now and then, then there’s nothing stopping you from exploring North Vietnam during the rainy season too.

But be sure to keep an eye on those weather forecasts – you wouldn’t want to be caught out by a typhoon after all.

The best times to visit North Vietnam at a glance:

• November: 26°C, 5 sunshine hours, 25°C water temp., 5 rainy days
• December: 22°C, 4 sunshine hours, 22°C water temp, 3 rainy days
• January: 20°C, 3 sunshine hours, 20°C water temp., 5 rainy days
• February: 21°C, 2 sunshine hours, 19°C water temp., 7 rainy days
• March: 23°C, 2 sunshine hours, 20°C water temp., 11 rainy days
• April: 27°C, 3 sunshine hours, 23°C water temp., 9 rainy days

Below is the current weather of Hanoi and the 7-day forecast:

HANOI WEATHER

The climate in central Vietnam is special – after all, it’s where the climates of north and south Vietnam meet. Generally speaking, you’ll find a tropical, semi-humid climate with similar temperatures to those in Central Vietnam. The only difference is that in Central Vietnam, you’ll encounter a lot more rain than in the south.

The months of October and November in particular promise lots of precipitation. These months also come with the danger of encountering typhoons with strong winds and heavy downpours. Flooding isn’t unheard of during this time.

From January until August, you’ll find the weather is warm and dry. The temperatures climb higher from May onwards and can even reach 35°C during the summer months, so it starts to get pretty uncomfortable. In June and July, temperatures won’t fall below 24°C at night.

Temperatures start to slowly sink again once September arrives, however precipitation increases until it reaches a high point in October and November.

There are a few minor regional differences within Central Vietnam as well – for example, the dry season in southern Central Vietnam lasts longer than in other places.

Climate table of Da Nang - Central Vietnam

The best time to visit Central Vietnam

If you want to visit popular destinations such as Da Nang and Hoi An, you should head there in the spring months.

We’d recommend the months of February, march, April and May as the best time to visit Central Vietnam, since you’ll find optimum weather conditions and the perfect mix of lovely temperatures and low rainfall, pretty much guaranteeing you a fantastic time.

Staying in may, temperatures start to reach their highs. If you can’t deal with temperatures of around 34°C, then you’re best avoiding the time between May and August. However since it is the dry season, it’s still a potential choice – if you don’t putting up with those high temperatures.

We wouldn’t recommend travelling between October and December as the rainy season is in full swing, and you could encounter the odd typhoon here and there too.

The best time to visit Central Vietnam at a glance

• February: 26°C, 5 sunshine hours, 6 rainy days
• March: 27°C, 5 sunshine hours, 3 rainy days
• April: 30°C, 6 sunshine hours, 3 rainy days
• Mai: 32°C, 7 sunshine hours, 5 rainy days

Below is the current weather of Da Nang and the 7-day forecast:

DA NANG WEATHER

The climate in southern Vietnam is much more tropical and humidity much more variable. The year here can be divided into two seasons – the dry season and the rainy season.

Fundamentally the temperatures across the year are pretty high, yet there are a few months that are extremely hot and also come with high humidity and lots of precipitation. Between November and January, the maximum temperatures are more bearable with highs of up to 30°C, and lows of around 20°C.

The winter months are a warm but dry time of year in South Vietnam. The dry winds from the north-east monsoon are a large factor behind these weather conditions.

Temperatures and humidity rise drastically from February to May. Thermometers can sometimes reach highs of up to 35°C. Nights are a little cooler at around 22°C. The most extreme weather in South Vietnam can be found in June, July, August, September and October – the rainy season.

With an average temperature of around 31°C during the day, things are very hot and sticky with lots of rain falling especially in the afternoons. The south-east monsoon is responsible for these weather conditions.

If you want to know the maximum and minimum temperatures, sunshine hours, water temperatures and the number of rainy days in South Vietnam on a month-to-month basis, then just take a look at the climate table below.

Climate table of Ho Chi Minh - Southern Vietnam

The best time to visit South Vietnam

If you’re sick of the grey, cold weather at home, then South Vietnam is a fantastic place to get away from it all! The best time to visit South Vietnam are the months of December, January, February, March and April.

While the folks back home will probably be coping with the cold, you’ll be able to kick back and enjoy the perfect weather in Vietnam. December, January and February avail of max temperatures of 30 – 32°C and the number of rainy days ranges from 2 to 7, December being the month with the most precipitation.

The least rain falls in February. March and April are the hottest months of the dry season, yet thanks to the low humidity the heat is easy to cope with. If you go to to South Vietnam during the dry season from November to the start of may, you’re doing it right!

The rainy season in South Vietnam takes place from May until October. The months of June, July, August and September see a lot of rain in particular. It doesn’t rain the entire day, but the short downpours can be pretty hardcore. Temperatures won’t drop below 20°C in South Vietnam, with high temperatures across the year in both seasons.

The best time to visit southern Vietnam at a glance:

• December: 30°C, 5 sunshine hours, 28°C water temp., 7 rainy days
• January: 30°C, 5 sunshine hours, 27°C water temp, 3 rainy days
• February: 32°C, 6 sunshine hours, 27°C water temp, 2 rainy days
• March: 33°C, 6 sunshine hours, 27°C water temp, 3 rainy days
• April: 34°C, 7 sunshine hours, 28°C water temp, 4 rainy days

Below is the current weather of Ho Chi Minh City and the 7-day forecast:

HO CHI MINH WEATHER

If you intend to combine Vietnam with its neighbor countries such as Thailand, Cambodia, Myanmar, and Laos, the best time to do the long circuit of 2 to 3 months should be around November until February when the weather is at its best in all the countries.

Let’s find out more detail below:

Thailand

Although the climate varies throughout Thailand, you can visit all year round. The best time to visit Thailand is during the cool and dry season between November and early April. In the south, the climate differs between the eastern and western coasts. 

The west coast is more favorable during the winter months, when diving and snorkeling will be at its best. The weather on the east coast is good for most of the year, with the lowest rainfall in January and February and the highest in November.

Here is more detail about where and when to visit Thailand throughout the year.

Cambodia

The best time to visit Cambodia is between November and April, when it sees very little rain. During this time, you’ll see clear blue skies making it a great time to enjoy a relaxing getaway on the southern coast.

Outside of this period, humidity increases, and the rains come, assisting Cambodian farmers in the growing of their crops. However, you shouldn’t be deterred from travelling – the countryside is lush and green, rivers are full and flowing, and the temples are quiet. This is the best time to visit some of the outer-lying temples, which will often be deserted.

At the end of the summer one of Cambodia’s true wonders comes to life – The Tonle Sap, the largest freshwater lake in Southeast Asia and home to Cambodia’s floating villages.

Here is more detail about where and when to visit Cambodia throughout the year.

Myanmar

The very best time of year to visit Myanmar is between November and February, with warm dry days bringing in the bulk of the country’s annual visitors. However, a visit in the 'green season' (the months immediately either side of these high season dates) can reward those looking to explore key sites in more solitude. 

Here is more detail about where and when to visit Myanmar throughout the year.

Laos

The small, landlocked country of Laos is best visited between late October and early April, when the weather’s warm and dry throughout.

River travel is best between November and January, when high water levels make passage easy along Laos’ main waterway, the Mekong River. Visiting the Bolaven Plateau is also pleasant at this time of year.

Laos’ geography plays a major part in shaping its climate, and cool temperatures can still be found in the highlands, which lie mainly in northern, eastern and central regions.

The ‘green season’ falls between late May and October, when the rains return to the country.

However, showers are usually short and sharp, having little impact on your exploration. At this time of year, the country comes to life, with waterfalls beginning to flow once more and the lush scenery attracting a variety of wildlife.

Here is more detail about where and when to visit Laos throughout the year.

Q. What is the best month to visit Vietnam?

A. As said, the best time to visit Vietnam is spring (February to April) and autumn (August to October). The temperatures are more moderate, and rainfall is lighter

Q. What is the best time of year to visit Vietnam combining with Cambodia & Laos?

A. In the broadest sense, the best time to visit Vietnam combining with Cambodia & Laos is from November to March. This is because temperatures and humidity falls across central and northern Vietnam and rainfall becomes less frequent in both Cambodia, and Laos.

Q. What month is the cheapest to fly to Vietnam?

A. Logically, the cheapest time to fly to Vietnam is during the off-travel season (roughly from March to April, and September to October) when there are not many tourists visiting the country.

According to cheapflights.com.au, the cheapest flights to Vietnam are usually found when departing on a Monday. The departure day with the highest cost is usually on a Friday.

Moreover, Vietnam flights can be made cheaper if you choose a flight at noon. Booking a flight in the morning will likely mean higher prices.

Simply follow this, sometimes you can have the promotion of 40-50% discount.

**************

Well, we believe you have the idea of the weather in Vietnam now. If you still need further and latest updated information, do not hesitate to CONTACT US