There isn't a best time to travel to Vietnam. But it isn't potluck either. You only need to be mindful of the monsoon depending on where you are flying into: Hanoi, Da Nang or Ho Chi Minh. The north, central or south in other words. The south has stable temperatures throughout the year followed by central Vietnam.
The monsoon does bring a fair share of rain. The north has seasonal ups and downs, like a yo-yo.
In our opinion, overall, September through to December is good for all parts of Vietnam as is March and April. Vietnam has all year-round warm weather but that comes with humidity too, particularly during a monsoon.
If you catch Vietnam at the wrong time, you'll face either daily downpours or heat and humidity. Our guide helps you understand where to be and when, before setting off on your holiday.
The cool, dry winter begins in November and lasts until the following April. There is no rain during this period, but it can often be a lot cooler and certainly cold going into the higher altitudes. The north gets the most rain from May to October, and that's when it's the hottest too. The very worst, heaviest of the rain is in July, August and September.
Read Also: Spring Holiday to Phu Yen Province, Vietnam
Rainfall peaks at its highest in October and November, in central Vietnam. This part of the country enjoys average daily temperatures of 95° Fahrenheit. From February, until the beginning of September, is when you have the best weather.
Can you have a smashing Christmas and New Year holiday break in Da Nang City?
Absolutely. Having twice holidayed in Da Nang for our Christmas, we would again. That's because there's something special about the city. When you're walking on a clean beach in mid-70's on Christmas evening, that's special. It's an amazing city and so is Hoi An Ancient Town.
Essential Reading: Your City Guide to Holidaying in Hoi An Town
The dry season begins in November, coming to an end by April. The wet season begins in May and may last until October. The months of June, July and August receive the worst of the rain.
The best month of the year for the most diverse activities you can enjoy in Vietnam. Not the warmest month and certainly cooler in the north for sure but also the busiest in terms of the Chinese Lunar New Year and festivities.
And yet it's the low season for beaches in the north so that's Ha Long Bay and Cat Ba Island best to avoid, and Sa Pa it's too cold.
Any region, town or city in central and south Vietnam is a safe bet for foreign tourists. The best time for water-based activities, including snorkeling off the Phu Quoc Islands begins in January.
The weather in north Vietnam in January is cooler but not completely inhospitable. Are you ready for traveling early in the New Year? If yes and are insistent on visiting Vietnam, pack warm clothes. In early spring, Sa Pa and Ha Giang are in full blossoming season. There are beautiful moments for photographers, not to mention romance too.
But you could argue there are other destinations to Vietnam after Christmas to aim for:
Vietnam's northern mountains are gorgeous, when they're covered in full blossoms. Walk under fruit trees of plum, apricot and peach, steady yourself for amazing selfies. Fragrance and great beauty surround you, as do the crowds.
The average temperatures found in central and southern Vietnam in February vary. The temperatures can be as high as 80°F. But do expect more in line of the mid-70's, or 24°C. Expect 50°F in Hanoi City. It still isn't ideal for Ha Giang and Cat Ba Island, and in our experience, neither for Sa Pa.
It is worth pointing out during this month, the Vietnamese Lunar New Year takes place. All shops and cafes, the restaurants close for a week.
The north will be at its finest warmth from April, but Sa Pa is a lot more accessible and bearable from March. Elsewhere in Vietnam it is warm and dry, and the rainy season is still a few months away. Beaches in central Vietnam are becoming more friendly for tourism.
And to the south of the country, you are seeing mid-to-high-80's Fahrenheit.
By the end of the month, all the haze hanging over Ha Long Bay will have cleared. You are now clear for thinking about and planning a Ha Long Bay cruise.
Travel in March: Vietnam Travel in March: 5 Best Places to Visit
April is the tell-tale sign it is now peak season throughout Vietnam. The beaches of Ha Long Bay are filling up now. Temperatures and humidity in the north of Vietnam continue to rise. That fact doesn't stop tourists pouring into Ninh Binh. You can expect a little rain in the northern regions from April by the way.
The rain feels irrelevant, with joy and happiness shining through. The peak season is in full swing, and it shows. But you must respect that public beaches are a no-go area on the 30th. That's a celebration during this month of Vietnam's celebration of their reunification.
Rain is far more common in the north of Vietnam by the time May comes around. You can see the seasonal change bringing in the summer. But the warmth is still around. The average temperature is 85°F. Take note rain is heavier far south of the country, which you may want to avoid. The rain loiters around long into October.
The monsoon season is beginning to leave central Vietnam around about May.
You are also going to see lots of Vietnam's students enjoying themselves. In their droves, supplementing the already crowded streets, beaches and amusement parks. It's the best atmosphere to visit the major cities: Hanoi, Da Nang and Ho Chi Minh. The 1st of May is a public holiday, so you can expect all attractions to be very busy.
With little rain in the central part of Vietnam, the destination to be at are the beaches at Lang Co, and Hoi An. It is now the summer for the Vietnamese. When it is sunny, the sky is blue and clear, and you should enjoy it. Because in the north and south there is the threat of rainstorms.
June is also the month the turtles hatch, on Con Dao Island. But avoid Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City.
The rainstorms, and thunder continue. Despite this and strong winds temperatures reach highs of 106°F.
On the best days of July, it can become rather hot. The rains to the north and south of Vietnam often will occur towards the end of the day. When planning a trip, note temperatures north and south are still warm. That's true even during the rainy season too, for July, the mid-80s Fahrenheit aren't unheard of.
Because of that Ha Long Bay and Nha Trang are as good a bet as Phu Quoc Island, in July. A little rain but nothing like the previous month. But still avoiding Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, and the Mekong Delta.
Temperatures are a little lower than what they were in June and July. The Mekong Delta is becoming more prone to flooding. Great, because this deluge of water replenishes the water lost in the dry season. Flood waters bring life back to the deprived forests, swamps and plains. The northwest mountainous regions still face the brunt of any lingering rainstorms. But you can now visit Hanoi once again.
Flights may be more expensive now, for this time of the year. Hotel accommodation should be more favorable. As always shop around. Beaches may be off limit if there is a typhoon around, so if you see a deserted beach, that's why.
The end of August, for the start of September brings in the rain to central Vietnam. Next month the rain lessens in the north, and the south in November. But for the central part of Vietnam the rains are here to stay until the following January. Temperatures will remain in the low 20's Celsius, or high-60's Fahrenheit.
The ancient town of Hoi An is gorgeous but not this month, sorry. Avoid if you can, Da Nang too. Instead, head for Hanoi, Mu Cang Chai or Sa Pa.
The air is drier and a degree or two lower, an improvement on last month in north of Vietnam. In central Vietnam is continues to rain whilst not so in the south. The best holiday experience for October is in the north: Sa Pa for example, now perfect for trekking, or Ha Giang.
There is beauty for sure found at Ba Be Lake, especially at Ban Gioc Waterfall. But not the best month for the beaches, it's a month for Vietnam's interior.
Traveling in the north is the ideal time now. That's because humidity is lower, and temperatures cooler. The lower temperatures are not a problem, not yet anyway. It means it's possible to continue with your plans and enjoy your treks. The south of Vietnam enjoys sunnier weather but it's still raining in central Vietnam.
The thought of rain shouldn't put you off visiting Hoi An Ancient Town. Many tourists brave the weather; the rain bulges out the rivers. That's particularly useful for visiting Bay Mau Coconut Forest.
Coming to the end of November the whole of Vietnam is hot and dry, bar the central parts.
It's coming into peak season for Phu Quoc Island once again. It's recommended you have booked flights and hotels early, those few months in advance. During any peak season in southeast Asia, you must plan ahead. On the Phu Quoc archipelago, hotels and resorts sell out fast.
A little rain remains in parts of central Vietnam but lessening as it nears January.
It's a sign of winter in the north. Temperatures as high as 66°F but in some places, it'll feel cooler because of a persistent breeze. Now is the time you can return to the beaches of Da Nang and Hoi An, in time for a Christmas and New Year holiday vacation. Annual temperatures in Da Nang are upwards of 74°F most days, for December.
The cheapest months to travel to Vietnam are September and October to pay for flights. Those two months are when the airlines are discounting. It's also the low tourist season meaning accommodation is cheaper too. It's also around about this time for the rice harvesting period, when the rice is at its most golden in color.
Vietnam promises you a beautiful holiday experience no matter where you go. That's down to the people being so open and welcoming to foreigners. You come to Vietnam and enjoy what you come across:
You enjoy everything and that, believe it or not does include the rain. Some truth is the rain doesn't bother you. Not us anyway during our Vietnam travels, and not those we met in with either. That's because the clouds move on, and the fun begins all over with the sunshine once more. And whilst many Europeans may moan about the rain, the Vietnamese seldom do.
Travel Vietnam and you will discover why that is for yourself.
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Hello, we are George and Elle Mae Melyre.
Over the years, amidst work and family life, we have traveled extensively throughout Asia. Any chance to briefly escape or properly holiday in our beloved Asian destinations is eagerly seized, motivated by the enduring dream of leaving behind the UK's dreary cold for tropical climes.