Best time to visit Vietnam: Weather, festivals & travel tips

Blessed with stunning natural landscapes, gorgeous beaches, with a combination of vibrant culture and rich history, Vietnam is truly a must-visited destination when it comes to South East Asia. From bustling cities to the tranquil countryside, Vietnam offers a unique experience that can be enjoyed all year round. Each season, there is a specific thing to do in Vietnam. Knowing the best time to visit Vietnam can significantly impact your trip and make your trip worth every second. 

Uncover the beauty of Vietnam: The best time to visit Vietnam Top-rated attractions

Climate in Vietnam

Vietnam has unusual topography, including tropical and temperate zones that result in various weather patterns. The average temperature is around 25°C, but it can reach up to 40°C during the hottest months. There is no bad time to visit Vietnam, as the country has a lot of places to offer tourists for each season. 

In the North, there are 04 seasons around the year: spring, summer, autumn, and winter. Meanwhile, the South of Vietnam only experiences two main seasons: the dry season and the rainy season. Generally, the best time to visit Vietnam depends on your interests and what you want to experience during your trip. Let's explore the different seasons in some famous places in Vietnam and what you can expect during each one.

The best time to visit Vietnam

The best time to visit Hanoi

April to June or September to December is among the best time to visit Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam. The temperature in April is occasionally high, above 30 degrees Celsius, and it may decrease by 5 degrees Celsius at night. September to November sees cooler temperatures of around 25 degrees and clear blue skies, perfect for strolling around the city, taking in the sceneries, and exploring the capital.

The Lunar New Year, also known as Tet, is the most important festival in Vietnam, and it usually falls in January or February. Visitors can experience the festive atmosphere, with dragon dances, fireworks, and traditional food being served. 

The best time to visit Sapa

Sapa is situated to take full advantage of the breathtaking vistas that emerge on clear days, looking out over a deep valley with mountains rising above it on all sides. This is the top trekking base in northern Vietnam. From here, hikers can explore the surrounding area, which is home to tiny hill tribal settlements and cascading rice terraces that seem to be on another planet. Once you have stepped out into the lush fields, you will surely be mesmerized by the Sapa area’s authentic charm.

The best time of year to visit Sapa is spring, which lasts from February through May. If you visit Sapa at this time of year, you will have a chance to see blossoming flowers on every street, hillside, valley, and mountain slope. Spring is undoubtedly the best time to participate in hiking, trekking, mountain climbing, and exploring Fansipan mountain owing to the stunning mountainous terrain hidden by a hazy fog and the comfortable weather.

Another popular time to visit Sapa is from September to November when the harvest season begins. Traveling to Sapa during this time, you can admire that the terraced rice fields in Sapa are at their best. The golden rice fields wind through the mountains like golden ribbons making the scenery breathtaking.

Additionally, the winter season from December to February can be a beautiful time to visit Sapa, with the town shrouded in mist and clouds and sometimes covered with snow. However, it's worth noting that the colder temperatures during winter may be less comfortable for some travelers.

The best time to visit Sapa

The best time to visit Hoi An, Vietnam

Graceful, historic Hoi An is Vietnam’s most atmospheric and delightful town. March is the best time to visit Hoi An when the fields, gardens, and streets are covered in vibrant blossoms and tranquil greenery. In the summer, from May to August, the temperature is relatively high, which is suitable for a beach holiday. However, the town tends to be crowded during this time due to summer vacation, and there is a higher chance of rainfall. During the latter months of the year, specifically from September to November, Hoi An encounters abundant rainfall, often accompanied by occasional minor floods.

The best time to visit Hoi An

When is the best time to visit Ho Chi Minh City?

Ho Chi Minh City (formerly known as Saigon) is a bustling metropolis that offers a unique blend of history, culture, and modernity. Visitors cannot help but be drawn into the city's chaotic whirl, which gives life and vitality to everyone there. Ho Chi Minh City has satisfying sights for market seekers, history buffs, architecture enthusiasts, park lovers, and anybody else yearning to witness Vietnam's most economically bustling city in action.

Southern Vietnam, particularly Ho Chi Minh City, experiences constant year-round temperatures. HCMC is either hot and dry or hot and rainy. There are some fresh days early in the year and some scorching days in the middle of the year. Typically, there is sunshine all year round and a 30-degree temperature. From May to November, during the rainy season, there is a regular occurrence of afternoon showers that persist for a few hours.

The best time to visit Ho Chi Minh City is during the dry season, which lasts from December to April. During this time, the weather is relatively dry, and the temperature is more comfortable, ranging from 21°C to 34°C. Traveling to Ho Chi Minh City during the rainy season, you may experience heavy rain almost every afternoon. However, the rain is short; sometimes, you can see sunshine and rain simultaneously, even when the sky is still blue. Therefore, remember to bring a raincoat or umbrella if your travel itinerary includes outdoor attractions.

The best time to visit Ho Chi Minh City

The best time to visit Phu Quoc

Phu Quoc underwent a rapid transition, evolving from a serene and secluded island destination to a highly sought-after beach retreat for Western expatriates and tourists in search of sunshine. The island is bordered by white-sand beaches and has extensive tracts still covered in the deep, tropical jungle. The peak season for tourism in Phu Quoc is midwinter (December and January), when the clear skies and dry weather make it ideal for exploring the island's gorgeous beauty. Visitors can swim, snorkel, or sunbathe on the beaches during this time, as the water is calm and the weather is sunny.

July through September is the rainy season when some storms roll through. Traveling to Phu Quoc during these months is not recommended because ferrying is dangerous, and the beach is unclear.

Conclusion: The best time to visit Vietnam 

The best time to visit Vietnam depends on your interests and what you want to experience during your trip. From the mountainous area in the North, a land of culture like Hanoi, to the modern city, and the stunning beaches in the South, there is something to offer tourists each season. No matter what time of year you visit Vietnam, you will indeed have an unforgettable experience in this fascinating country. You can read Vietnam Travel Guide to have some helpful tips for your upcoming trip to Vietnam.

The Vietnamese Government has made it easier for tourists to obtain a visa by introducing the electronic visa system. This online visa helps you get a Vietnam visa more conveniently and swiftly than ever. You can apply for a Vietnam e-Visa quickly on the Vietnam Immigration Services website by completing the online application form and providing the required documents. If you need any assistance, don’t hesitate to contact us. Hope you have the best experience on your Vietnam tour!