Best Time to Visit Vietnam: A Complete Weather Guide

As usual, one question all travelers ask is, “What’s the best time to visit Vietnam?”
Well, one thing is for sure. Vietnam is a year-round travel destination. However, the weather is different depending on where you go because the country is over 1,600 kilometers from north to south.
In this guide, VIET DOVE Travel will show you the best time to visit Vietnam, region by region. So you can plan your trip better.

Best Time to Visit Northern Vietnam

Top Places in Northern Vietnam

Hanoi, Ha Long Bay, Ninh Binh, and Sapa (the mountainous region).

General Climate

The North has four seasons, as follows:

• Winter: December to February: Cold and dry.
• Spring: March to April: Mild and pleasant.
• Summer: May to August: Hot, humid, and rainy.
• Autumn: September to November: Pleasant and dry; the prettiest time of the year.

Best Times to Go:

• September-November & March-April
• During these months, the weather is mild, dry, and pleasant, with plenty of sunshine, particularly from September through November, for it is at this time of year that Hanoi’s autumn is beautiful.

Recommended Activities:

• Cruise through the limestone karsts of Ha Long Bay.
• Trek around or see the golden rice terraces of Sapa.
• Walking about the streets of Hanoi’s Old Quarter, try the local foods.

💬 Personal Note: In 2025, I canceled a trip to Ninh Binh in October because of a typhoon. So, always check the weather forecasts right before your trip!

Months to Be Cautious About:

• December - February and May - August
• WINTER (December - February) is COLD, foggy, and FROSTY in the mountains.
• SUMMER (May-August) is hot, sticky, there may be storms, and probably some afternoon showers.

Some General Travel Advice:

If you come in the WINTER time, you can visit Ha Giang and hunt for clouds, or see the buckwheat flowers bloom in all their splendor. 

Best Time To Visit Central Vietnam

Hue, Danang, Hoi An and Nha Trang, and Da Lat (Central highlands )

General Climate

The Central part is in-between the Northern and Southern parts; therefore, it has a mix of weather from both. It has a long dry season and a short but torrential rainy season.

Best Time To Visit: (February - May)

This is the best time to visit Central Vietnam, warm, dry, and pleasant without being too hot.

Things to do:

• Relax on My Khe beach or An Bang beach
• Visit the ancient town of Hoi An
• Visit Hue Imperial Citadel
• Go HIKING or enjoy COFFEE on the cool hills of Dalat

Discover full details: Danang city Tour From Hoi an & Danang

Months to Be Cautious About: September - December

These months come with TYPHOONS and flooding, especially in the coastal provinces of Hue, Da Nang, and Hoi An.
It is OKAY to travel, but always check the weather before setting off to travel ANYWHERE.
Personal Note: Don’t underestimate the rainy season in Central Vietnam!
Last year, I was in Hoi An at the time of the floods. I took a boat ride through the ancient town and watched the local children catching fish in the flooded street. An unbelievable experience.

Best Time to Visit Southern Vietnam

Main Destinations

Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon), Mekong Delta, Phu Quoc, Con Dao Islands

General Climate

Southern Vietnam has a tropical climate and only two main seasons:

• Dry (Nov–Apr): sunny and pleasant
• Wet (May–Oct): brief afternoon showers, lush green

Best Time to Visit: November-April

These are the months of glorious sunshine and clear skies, perfect for island getaways and outdoor adventures.

Recommended activities:

• Go shopping in Ho Chi Minh City and its bustling markets
• Take a boat trip through the Mekong Delta
• Relax on the white sand beaches of Phu Quoc or Con Dao

Discover full details: Cooking Class & Basket Boat Half Day Tour From Hoi An & Danang

Rainy Season: May–October

The rains come mainly in the afternoon, but the showers are short and refreshing. The scenery in the Mekong Delta greens up in this period and becomes even more photogenic.

Summary & Travel Tips

General Advice for Travelers

• If you intend to travel from North to South, the best time is from March–April or November, when the weather is relatively stable throughout the country.
• No matter which season you happen to be in, it is always best to carry solar cream, a light jacket or cloak, a small umbrella, or rain coat.
• Put on some comfortable shoes in case you want to see places, such as Hanoi or Hoi An, on foot.

Conclusion

From the foggy mountain tops and the wonderful golden paddy fields, to the tropical beaches and the floating markets, there is something beautiful to see all over the world in every season.
Choose your period for traveling with reference to what you prefer most, and remember: “The journey is always worth it”.
✈️    Plan your next visit with VIET DOVE Travel and see Vietnam at its best.

FAQs About the Best Time to Visit Vietnam

What is the best month of the year to visit Vietnam?

March and April are the best months, when the weather in the different parts of the country is delightful, and perfect for a trip from North to South.

Is it all right to travel in the rainy season?

Yes! The rain generally comes for a very short time, especially in the South. You can still enjoy sightseeing between showers.

Which season is the most suitable for the beaches?

From February to August, especially in Central Vietnam, Da Nang, Hoi An, and Nha Trang have the best weather for going to the beach.

Is there any great cold in Vietnam?

Only in the North! Hanoi and Sapa get down to from 8 to 10°C during the winter, whereas the South always has warm weather.