Vietnam travel guide
Vietnam in January is cool in the north and dry in the south, with highs near 29°C, lows near 17°C and only about 25 mm of rain. Hanoi, Ha Long Bay and the south suit it well, while the central coast can be cool and wet. It is a popular, busy month, so book early.
Facts checked 2 Nov 2026
Good for Hanoi, Ha Long Bay and southern Vietnam; central coast can be cool and wet.
This guide explains what Vietnam is like in January: the weather, how busy it is, what to plan and who the month suits. Figures are typical values from our destination research, so check a forecast before you travel. Weather differs sharply by region, so read the notes for the north, centre and south.
January is one of the cooler months. Daytime highs reach about 29°C and lows fall to about 17°C, the lowest of the year in the figures. Rainfall is only about 25 mm and humidity is around 73 percent. Hanoi feels cool in the evenings, so pack a light layer. The south stays warm and dry. The central coast is the weak spot, because Hoi An and Da Nang can be cool and wet.
January suits travellers who want comfortable sightseeing in the north and south, such as first-time visitors to Hanoi and Ha Long Bay. It also suits families on school breaks, who like the dry weather. It is less suited to a beach-first trip in Da Nang, where the cool, wet central coast can disappoint.
January is cooler than December by about one degree at the low end, with similar dryness, and the central coast stays variable. Compared with February, it is slightly cooler and just as dry. If beaches in the centre matter most, March and April are more reliable. See also December and February.
Because January sits in the peak window, popular cruises and central hotels fill early. The dry northern weather is good for the karst scenery at Ninh Binh and Ha Long Bay, though cool mornings on the water call for a layer. Our research does not give an exact Tet date for any year, so check it before you fix your dates. Choose private transfers to avoid airport taxi problems that travellers report in Hanoi. Our packages are land-only, so flights are booked separately, and Indian travellers need an e-visa, covered in the Vietnam visa guide for Indians.
This guide is compiled from published tourism and weather 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.
See the full best time to visit Vietnam guide, plan your days with places to visit in Vietnam and things to do in Vietnam, and browse our Vietnam tour packages.
Ready-made trips
Hanoi 2N · Ha Long Bay 1N · Hoi An 2N · Ho Chi Minh City 1N
Hanoi 2N · Ha Long Bay 1N · Hoi An 2N · Da Nang 2N
Hanoi 2N · Ninh Binh 1N · Ha Long Bay 1N · Hoi An 2N · Da Nang 1N · Ho Chi Minh City 2N
*Approximate price per person, excl. GST. Contact us for exact pricing.
Packages cover stays, transfers, sightseeing and meals as listed. Flights are not included. Prices are per person, excl. GST.
FAQs
Short answers to what travellers ask about Vietnam.
January has highs near 29°C and lows near 17°C, with about 25 mm of rain and humidity near 73 percent. It is good for Hanoi, Ha Long Bay and southern Vietnam. The central coast can be cool and wet.
Yes for the north and south, which are comfortable and dry. The central coast can be cool and wet, so keep Hoi An and Da Nang short or flexible. Demand is high, so book cruises and hotels early.
It is cool rather than cold, with lows near 17°C. Evenings feel cooler on the water and in the Old Quarter. Pack a light jacket or cardigan for Hanoi and a Ha Long Bay cruise.
You can, but the central coast can be cool and wet. Hoi An is still pleasant for the old town, so keep a spare half-day for showers. Beach time is less reliable than in March or April.
Yes. Demand is strong from November to April, so Ha Long Bay cruises and central Hoi An hotels fill first. Fix your route before choosing domestic flights, and ask for a written quote with every inclusion listed.
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