Best Time to Visit Vietnam

Vietnam is a year-round destination, but planning is region-specific because weather differs greatly between the north, centre and south. There is no single month that is perfect everywhere. This guide explains the seasons, compares the regions and gives a month-by-month view so you can match your dates to your route. Figures are typical values from our destination research, so check a forecast before you travel.

When is the best time to visit Vietnam?

March to April and October to November generally offer the best balance across all three regions. Some sources also describe November to April as the broad window overall, especially for south-to-central itineraries. March is one of the strongest nationwide months: warm, comparatively dry and suited to multi-region circuits. April is excellent for broad touring, though heat builds in the south and showers begin.

Vietnam month by month

• January: 17°C to 29°C, about 25 mm of rain. Good for Hanoi, Ha Long Bay and the south; the central coast can be cool and wet.
• February: 18°C to 30°C, about 20 mm. Good overall, with comfortable northern weather and improving central-coast conditions.
• March: 20°C to 32°C, about 35 mm. One of the strongest nationwide months.
• April: 23°C to 34°C, about 55 mm. Excellent for broad touring; heat increases in the south.
• May: 25°C to 34°C, about 170 mm. Hot and humid; central Vietnam is usually more favourable.
• June: 26°C to 34°C, about 220 mm. Wet season in much of the country; the central coast is comparatively usable.
• July: 26°C to 33°C, about 245 mm. Frequent showers and storms in the north and south.
• August: 26°C to 33°C, about 250 mm. Humid and rainy nationwide; typhoon disruption is possible.
• September: 25°C to 32°C, about 290 mm. Among the wettest months in the north and south.
• October: 23°C to 31°C, about 220 mm. Good for the north; the central coast may see heavy rain and flooding.
• November: 20°C to 31°C, about 75 mm. Very good for Hanoi, Ha Long Bay and the south.
• December: 18°C to 30°C, about 35 mm. Good for north and south; central Vietnam may stay cloudy or showery.

How does the weather differ by region?

The north has a cooler season from December to March, with lows of 17°C to 18°C in January and February in the figures above. The south is warm all year, with a wet season in the middle months. The central coast behaves differently: it can be cool and wet from October to January, while May and June are comparatively usable there. Because of this split, match each month to the region you will spend most nights in.

What is the monsoon season in Vietnam?

May to September is the hotter, wetter part of the year across much of the country, with rainfall of about 170 mm to 290 mm a month in the figures. Showers and storms are frequent, and typhoons can disrupt northern and central coastal areas in August. This does not mean travel is impossible. It means you need flexibility for outdoor plans, and a cruise or an overnight stay may be altered.

Which months are peak season and which are cheaper?

Demand is strongest from November to April, around Christmas and New Year, and during Tet, when opening hours, transport and hotel rates can change. May to September often has lower hotel and package prices, but rainfall, storms and regional closures can affect plans. Shoulder months such as March to May and September to November can offer a good balance of weather, crowds and price, with May and September often budget-friendly for flights and hotels.

What are the best months for different trips?

• First-time multi-region route: March or April.
• Hanoi and Ha Long Bay: November, December, January or February.
• Honeymoon: March, April, October or November.
• Families: December, January, March or April.
• Budget travel: the shoulder months, with flexible plans.
• Beaches in the centre: March and April, before the heat and rain.

What about Tet?

Tet is the lunar new year, and it is a peak period. It can bring altered opening hours, transport pressure and hotel surcharges. Our research does not give exact dates, so check the year's Tet dates before you fix a trip. If you do travel then, book early and keep the plan light.

How should you plan around the weather?

Fix the north-centre-south order for your dates before booking flights. Book Ha Long Bay cruises and central Hoi An hotels first from October to April. Avoid non-refundable cruise dates in storm-prone months. Keep a spare day in the plan from May to October. For a route with three regions, choose the month that suits the region where you spend the most nights.

How was this guide compiled?

This guide is compiled from published tourism, weather and transport information and traveller reports about Vietnam, and was last checked on 2 November 2026. Weather, prices and schedules change, so confirm details before you book.

Where to go next

Open a month page, such as March, October or December. Then plan your days with places to visit in Vietnam and things to do in Vietnam, return to the Vietnam travel guide, and browse our Vietnam tour packages.