When is the best time to visit Vietnam?

It’s challenging to pinpoint the best time to visit Vietnam due to the country's diverse climate. From the North to the Central region and then the South, visitors can experience everything from chilly mountaintops to sunny coastlines, cool highlands, and steamy jungles. Thanks to this variety and the opposing monsoon patterns across the three regions, there is almost always a high season somewhere in Vietnam throughout the year.

The North

The North is the coolest region of Vietnam, featuring four distinct seasons: spring, summer, fall, and winter. The rainy season occurs from summer to autumn, while the dry season takes place between the other two. Winter in Northern Vietnam typically brings extremely cold but dry weather, especially in the Northwestern altitudes like Sa Pa, Dien Bien, and Lao Cai, where snowfall can occur in sub-zero conditions. Hanoi and its neighboring provinces, such as Ninh Binh, Hai Phong, and Quang Ninh, experience a milder climate in winter but a hotter and more humid rainy season (May to October) with an average humidity of about 80%.

Best time to visit the North: from October to April

Reason: This period brings the driest weather and the most favorable temperatures. It also coincides with Tet Holiday, the most festive time of the year in Vietnam, which is an experience not to be missed.

The Central

The central coastal area of Vietnam is home to some of the country’s most beautiful beaches, where the monsoon season runs opposite to that of the North. While the North experiences its wettest months from June to October, the Central region enjoys its driest days during that time, and conversely, suffers from heavy rainfall while the North is dry. During the rainy season, the area may experience significant flooding, leading to substantial property damage annually. Additionally, while the Central Coast has both hot and cold seasons, its climate resembles the steamy conditions of the South.

In contrast to the heat of the Central Coast, the Central Highlands, stretching from the inland areas to the southern end of the Truong Son Mountain range (Annamite Range), features a temperate climate with precipitation levels that are double the national average. High-altitude areas like Da Lat and Pleiku exemplify this type of weather. The dry months, from November to March, tend to be more favorable for travelers.

Best time to visit the Central region: from February to April

Reason: To avoid the frequent rainy days and enjoy the sunny beach weather.

The South

The Southern region encompasses Ho Chi Minh City and the extensive Mekong Delta, characterized by a hot climate with two distinct seasons: dry (December to April) and rainy (May to November). Average temperatures in this humid zone typically range from 21 to 32 degrees Celsius. February and March are ideal for visiting Southern Vietnam, as the temperatures are manageable, and rainfall is at its lowest.

Best time to visit the South: February to April

Reason: This period provides dry and warm weather, along with numerous festivals taking place.

Read more: Guide to the Best Time to Visit Vietnam