Best Time to Visit Vietnam 2026: Month by Month Weather Guide
Vietnam’s climate varies significantly by region — the north, central coast, and south operate on different seasonal cycles. There is no single “best time to visit Vietnam” that applies to the whole country. Planning around which region you’re visiting matters.
The three climate zones
North Vietnam (Hanoi, Sapa, Ha Long Bay, Ha Giang): Genuine four seasons. Cool and dry December–March (Hanoi can be 15–18°C in January; Sapa below 10°C). Hot and wet May–September (typhoon season). Spring (March–April) and autumn (October–November) are the most comfortable.
Central Vietnam (Hue, Da Nang, Hoi An, Hoi An, Phong Nha): The most complicated climate in Vietnam. The northeast monsoon brings heavy rain and flooding October–December (Hoi An floods most years in November). The rest of the year is drier; April–July is hot and dry (35°C+). September is still viable but humid.
South Vietnam (HCMC, Mekong Delta, Phu Quoc, Con Dao, Mui Ne): Two seasons: dry (November–April) and wet (May–October). The wet season brings afternoon downpours, not all-day rain. HCMC and the delta are generally fine year-round. Phu Quoc’s west coast gets rough seas in the wet season.
Month by month
| Month | North | Central | South |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | Cool, dry | Dry, mild | Dry, good |
| February | Cool, some mist | Dry, mild | Dry, good |
| March | Warming, misty | Hot, dry begins | Dry, good |
| April | Warm, pleasant | Very hot | Dry ends, hot |
| May | Warm, rains begin | Hot, some rain | Wet season starts |
| June | Hot, wet | Hot, some rain | Wet, afternoon storms |
| July | Hot, wet | Hot, some rain | Wet, afternoon storms |
| August | Hot, wet | Hot, some rain | Wet, afternoon storms |
| September | Warm, rains ease | Heavy rain begins | Wet, easing |
| October | Cooler, pleasant | Very heavy rain | Wet ending |
| November | Cool, dry | Heavy rain/floods | Dry season starts |
| December | Cool to cold | Easing, some rain | Dry, good |
Best months by region
For the whole country: Late January–March covers Tet (Vietnamese New Year) and gives good weather in all three regions. Tet itself (usually February) closes businesses for 1–2 weeks in some areas — check dates.
For the north (Sapa, Ha Long): September–October for harvest terraces (Sapa) and clear weather. March–April for warmer temperatures and pre-monsoon clarity. December–February is cold in Sapa (sub-zero at night in January) but Ha Long Bay can be atmospheric in the mist.
For the central coast: March–August. Hoi An is best February–May before peak summer heat. Avoid October–December.
For the south and islands: November–April. Phu Quoc is at its best December–March. Con Dao for diving and turtles: April–October.
Special events
Tet (Vietnamese Lunar New Year): Late January–mid-February depending on the lunar calendar. Cities empty as residents return to family homes. Tourist sites are uncrowded but some restaurants and services close for 3–7 days. Hanoi and HCMC become quiet. Ha Long Bay and the tourism circuit remains operational.
Hoi An Full Moon Festival: 14th of each lunar month. The best one is usually during the cooler months (February–April) when flooding is not a concern.
Whale festival season (Vung Tau, coastal): February–March.