Vietnam in April: Weather, Regions and What to Do
Vietnam’s climate varies significantly by region — the north, centre, and south each have distinct seasonal patterns. Understanding this is essential for planning your trip.
Weather in April
North Vietnam (Hanoi, Ha Long Bay, Sapa): Changes with the seasons — cool and dry in winter (November–March), hot and wet in summer (May–September), with a pleasant spring (March–April) and autumn (October–November).
Central Vietnam (Da Nang, Hoi An, Hue): Dry from April to September, with the wet season running October–January. The central coast faces the highest typhoon risk September–November.
South Vietnam (Ho Chi Minh City, Mekong Delta, Phu Quoc): Two seasons — dry (November–April) and rainy (May–October). Rain in the wet season usually comes as afternoon showers rather than all-day downpours.
Hoi An Old Town at its most accessible, Ha Long Bay cruises in perfect conditions, Sapa trekking before summer rain, and the last weeks of dry season in the south.
Where to Go in Vietnam in April
Different regions suit different times. Use the information above to choose based on where your Vietnam itinerary focuses.
Practical Tips for April
- Tet: Check whether Tet (Vietnamese Lunar New Year) falls during April in your travel year. Tet dates shift annually. During Tet week, book transport and accommodation well in advance.
- Visa: Most Western passport holders require a Vietnam e-visa (apply at xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn) or can use the Vietnam eVisa portal. Check current requirements.
- Getting around: Domestic flights (Vietnam Airlines, Bamboo, VietJet, Pacific) connect cities cheaply. The Reunification Express train runs the length of the country. Overnight buses cover most routes.
- Currency: Vietnamese dong (VND). 1 USD ≈ 25,000 VND, 1 GBP ≈ 30,000 VND. Cash is widely used; ATMs are plentiful in cities.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is April the best month for Vietnam?
- April rivals February/March and November/December as Vietnam's finest months. The north is warm and dry, the central coast is excellent, and the south is still in dry season. The whole country is accessible and pleasant. Book ahead — it's busy.
- How hot is Vietnam in April?
- Hanoi: 25–30°C. Ho Chi Minh City: 34–37°C (very hot). Da Nang: 28–33°C. The south is extremely hot in April — the hottest month of the year. The centre and north are more comfortable.
- Are there any festivals in Vietnam in April?
- Hoi An's Lantern Festival takes place on the 14th of every lunar month — in April this creates a beautiful evening of paper lanterns released on the Thu Bon River. The Hung Kings Commemoration festival (Hung Vuong Festival) in mid-April is a major national holiday.