Best Time to Visit Vietnam

Panorama Vietnam (vladkyselov / stock.adobe.com)  lizenziertes Stockfoto 
License Information available under 'Proof of Image Sources'
On this page, you will find information about the climate and the best time to visit Vietnam. We created climate tables and charts for the locations of Hanoi, Haiphong und Ho Chi Minh. These contain details about temperatures, precipitation and more.

Furthermore, we analyzed all climate data and provide a recommendation about which months are best to visit Vietnam for your holiday.

Climate Overview

Thermometer Symbol 14 °C to 35 °C
Waves Symbol 20 °C to 31 °C
Rainy Cloud Symbol 0.1613.94 in (7 – 22 Days of Rain)
Average Annual Temperature is between 23 °C (Haiphong) and 27.1 °C (Ho Chi Minh)
Show temperatures in degree

Geographical location

Vietnam (officially: Socialist Republic of Vietnam) is a coastal state in Southeast Asia.

The Republic extends from the Gulf of Thailand to the South China Sea and borders Laos, Cambodia and the People’s Republic of China. Approximately 94 million people live on an area of around 206000 square miles. The population density is therefore 282 inhabitants per square kilometre.

The capital of Vietnam is Hanoi in the north of the country, the international airport is connected to European cities such as Paris, Frankfurt and London by Vietnam Airlines as well as major airports in Asia and Australia.

As a region in Indochina, the country was under French colonial rule and was occupied by Japan during the Second World War. After a division into the socialist north with Hanoi and the more westerly south with Saigon, Vietnam was reunited in 1976.

Three quarters of Vietnam’s surface is covered with mountains and plateaus. In both the north and the south there are fertile river deltas, which are mainly used for rice cultivation. The deltas of the Mekong and the Red River Sông are particularly large.

Climate in Vietnam

04831-Ha-Long-Bay (xiquinhosilva)  [flickr.com]  CC BY 
License Information available under 'Proof of Image Sources' Due to its wide north-south extension, Vietnam is located in both the tropical and subtropical climate zones. In the north, around the capital Hanoi, there is usually a dry winter, which brings a maximum of 1.46 in of rainfall in the months from December to March. The temperatures here range between 20 °C to 22 °C. In summer the temperatures rise up to 33 °C.

At the same time, however, the rainy season begins and precipitation can reach up to 12.2 in in August. The mountainous region in the northwest can become very cold in winter, even snowfall is not uncommon in high altitudes. In the central areas of Vietnam there is a tropically moist monsoon climate. The weather here is usually dry and very hot from January to mid-August.

From October, the rainfall will increase sharply. In the south of Vietnam, the climate is hot and humid all year round. In Saigon, the rainy season lasts from June to October and brings monthly rainfall of up to 11.93 in. The drought runs from November to May and reaches its minimum in February with less than 0.2 in of rainfall. Temperatures rise to 35 °C.

Best Time to Visit Vietnam: Overview

JanuaryJan
Best time to traveltime
PerfectPerf. climate in
Hanoi
Haiphong
Ho-Chi-Minh
FebruaryFeb
Best time to traveltime
PerfectPerf. climate in
Hanoi
Haiphong
Ho-Chi-Minh
MarchMar
Best time to traveltime
PerfectPerf. climate in
Hanoi
Haiphong
Ho-Chi-Minh
AprilApr
Good time to traveltime
PerfectPerf. climate in
Hanoi
Haiphong
MayMay
Very hot (average up to 29 °C)
Up to 8.43 in of rainof rain
JuneJun
Very hot (average up to 29 °C)
Up to 11.69 in of rainof rain
JulyJul
Very hot (average up to 29 °C)
Up to 12.95 in of rainof rain
AugustAug
Very hot (average up to 28 °C)
Up to 13.94 in of rainof rain
SeptemberSep
Up to 12.32 in of rainof rain
OctoberOct
Good time to traveltime
PerfectPerf. climate in
Hanoi
Haiphong
NovemberNov
Good time to traveltime
PerfectPerf. climate in
Hanoi
Haiphong
DecemberDec
Best time to traveltime
PerfectPerf. climate in
Hanoi
Haiphong
Ho-Chi-Minh

When to go to Vietnam?


Basically it gets unbearably hot in most regions of Vietnam starting in May and the air humidity increases strongly. As our climate tables show, there is rainy season between May and September (in some areas also until October) with sometimes considerable precipitation. This humid-hot travel time is not optimal for your explorations in Vietnam, also bathing vacation is only very limited possible.

In general, therefore, we recommend the months November to April as the best travel season in Vietnam, as it is now significantly drier and cooler. In the high altitudes in the north (for example Ha Giang) it can get quite fresh in January and February, but the visibility and weather conditions are still ideal. Beach holidays on Nha Trang and Hoi An are best from mid-February to early September.

While Hanoi and Halong Bay are well travelable from October to April, Ho Chi Minh City and the Mekong Delta will be very hot from mid-February. Average day temperatures of 34 °C prevail in March, which is why we recommend the travel season from December to the end of February for South Vietnam. Due to the overlaps, this is also the best time for round trips!

Best Time to Visit the Regions

Find the best time to visit the regions (Vietnam) in the following overview.

LocationBest Time to Travel
HanoiJanuary, February, March, April, October, November, and December
HaiphongJanuary, February, March, April, October, November, and December
Ho Chi MinhJanuary, February, March, and December

Climate Charts Vietnam

In the following, you will find climate charts for the regions.

Furthermore, there are some charts you can use for quick comparison of climate between the regions.

Show Climate Chart for    

Hanoi

Climate Chart Hanoi
Show temperatures in degree

Haiphong

Climate Chart Haiphong
Show temperatures in degree

Ho Chi Minh

Climate Chart Ho Chi Minh
Show temperatures in degree

Day Temperatures

Show temperatures in degree

Night Temperatures

Show temperatures in degree

Average Temperatures

Show temperatures in degree

Water Temperatures

Show temperatures in degree

Precipitation

Source of Data: German Weather Service (Offenbach) and Wikipedia

Climate Tables Vietnam

In the following, you will find some climate tables for Vietnam, containing information about Temperatures, Precipitation, Water Temperatures, and Hours of Sunshine.
Show climate table for    

Temperatures, Precipitation in Hanoi (Vietnam)

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Day Temperature20°21°23°27°32°33°33°32°31°29°26°22°
Night Temperature14°15°17°21°24°25°26°25°24°22°18°15°
Precipitation (inch)0.791.11.463.986.619.2910.0812.210.435.912.760.59
Rainy days781016192121221812910
Show temperatures in degree
Temperatures
The annual average temperature in Hanoi is 23.4 °C.

For comparison: London 11 °C, NYC 12 °C, LA 17.9 °C

Warmest month: July (29 °C)
Coldest month: January (16 °C)

Precipitation
Overall annual precipitation: 65.2 inch on 173 rainy days

For comparison: London 24.06 in, NYC 41.57 in, LA 12.01 in

Rainy season (months with more than 6.9 in of precipitation): June, July, August, and September
Overall precipitation in the rainy season: 42.01 in

You cannot expect snow in any month in Hanoi.

Temperatures, Precipitation in Haiphong (Vietnam)

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Day Temperature20°20°22°26°30°32°32°31°31°29°26°22°
Night Temperature14°15°17°21°24°25°26°25°24°22°19°15°
Water Temperature20°20°20°23°27°29°31°30°29°27°25°22°
Precipitation (inch)0.981.462.643.468.3110.1212.9513.9411.265.242.521.06
Show temperatures in degree
Temperatures
The annual average temperature in Haiphong is 23 °C.

Warmest month: July (28.2 °C)
Coldest month: January (16.7 °C)

The maximum water temperature in Haiphong is 31 °C. You can take a bath at these temperatures.

Months with water temperature of at least 17 °C (Limited bathing is possible):
all months

Months with water temperature of at least 21 °C (adequate for beach vacation):
all except January, February, and March

Precipitation
Overall annual precipitation: 73.94 inch

Rainy season (months with more than 6.9 in of precipitation): May, June, July, August, and September
Overall precipitation in the rainy season: 56.57 in

You cannot expect snow in any month in Haiphong.

Temperatures, Precipitation, Sunshine in Ho Chi Minh (Vietnam)

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Day Temperature32°33°34°35°33°32°31°31°31°31°31°31°
Night Temperature21°22°23°25°25°24°24°24°24°24°23°22°
Water Temperature27°27°27°28°29°30°30°29°29°29°29°28°
Precipitation (inch)0.430.160.391.818.4311.6911.2210.8311.9310.634.411.34
Hours of Sunshine687755455556
Show temperatures in degree
Temperatures
The annual average temperature in Ho Chi Minh is 27.1 °C.

Warmest month: April (29 °C)
Coldest month: January (25.7 °C)

The maximum water temperature in Ho Chi Minh is 30 °C. You can take a bath at these temperatures.

Months with water temperature of at least 21 °C (adequate for beach vacation):
all months

Precipitation
Overall annual precipitation: 73.27 inch

Rainy season (months with more than 6.9 in of precipitation): May, June, July, August, September, and October
Overall precipitation in the rainy season: 64.72 in

You cannot expect snow in any month in Ho Chi Minh.

Sunshine
As our climate table shows, February is the sunniest month with an average of 7.5 hours of sunshine per day. Over the year, there are 5.7 hours of sunshine per day on average.

Highlights and Attractions


Vietnam is rich in cultural and scenic highlights and is therefore perfect for round trips with several places. Of course, the capital Hanoi and Saigon as well as the UNESCO World Heritage Sites Hoi An and Hue should not be missing from your trip. The famous floating markets of Cai Rang and Cai Bae give you a delicate insight into the culinary highlights.

A boat trip through the picturesque Halong Bay is of course a must among Vietnam’s sights. You can also admire the former capital Hue, the lush rice terraces of Lao Chai or the impressive 120 miles long Cu Chi tunnel from the Vietnam War. From picturesque pagodas to warm locals: Vietnam will enchant you!

More information about the best things to do: Vietnam

Popular Activities

More attractions

N?i Bài International Airport Private Transfer | From Hanoi: Hoa Lu & Tam Coc with Buffet lunch & Cycling | Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre Skip-the-Line Entry Ticket | Hanoi: Small-Group Street Food Walking Tour | Ho Chi Minh: Motorbike Street Food Tour with Local Students | Ho Chi Minh City: Private Street Food Motorbike Tour | From Ho Chi Minh: Cu Chi Tunnels and VIP Speedboat Tour |

Current Weather and Forecast

Current Weather in Hanoi
overcast clouds     overcast clouds, 22 °C
Clouds: 100 %       Wind: 8 mph SO
Air Pressure: 1010 hPa       Humidity: 88 %
Last updated: 7th Feb 2023, 12:12 pm
The next days …
7th Feb 20238th Feb 20239th Feb 202310th Feb 202311th Feb 202312th Feb 2023
light rain20 °C to 23 °Clight rain21 °C to 22 °Clight rain21 °C to 22 °Clight rain21 °C to 23 °Clight rain21 °C to 26 °Clight rain22 °C to 27 °C
20 °C to 23 °C21 °C to 22 °C21 °C to 22 °C21 °C to 23 °C21 °C to 26 °C22 °C to 27 °C
Clouds: 100 %Clouds: 100 %Clouds: 100 %Clouds: 100 %Clouds: 100 %Clouds: 100 %
0.04 in of rain0.12 in of rain0.16 in of rain0.07 in of rain0.06 in of rain0.01 in of rain
Weather information provided by OpenWeatherMap. (CC BY-SA)
Show temperatures in degree

Vietnam: Experiences of our Visitors

There are 9 reviews for Vietnam holiday already. Average rating is 3.8 of 5 stars.
  1. Avatar Preview
    Marc, 57 years old was there in February

    In February on the way between Da Nang and Ho Chi Minh town, the weather was mostly good, we only travelled to the south temperature Da nang during the day between 21 and 26 degrees, the further south the warmer in Ho Chi Minh then about 32 degrees.

    Weather Rating: 4 stars – Good

  2. Avatar Preview
    Eveline, 59 years old was there in January

    because I was mainly interested in the rice fields and the green, I had met the wrong month in the north, it was winter and everything was grey in grey, also the Halong bay. According to the tour guide, the north is greener and blooming in the MAI. From Hoi An it became greener, but also only timidly like here in early spring and in the south in Saigon in this megacity was far and wide not much “green” to see, also the so hard expected MEKONG delta was only a dirty grey broth, the stank (flood is in the night and unfortunately not by day) and the smoothed brochure pictures were unfortunately NEVER to see. More than 100 Chinese hydroelectric power stations have killed the delta including fish and are robbing the inhabitants of their food base and the tourists around the once wonderful nature!

    Weather Rating: 2 stars – Tricky

  3. Avatar Preview
    Claudia, 36 years old was there in November

    In the north around Hanoi and Ninh Binh rather cloudy, in Hoi An unfortunately massive rainfalls and in Ho Chi Minh very hot.

    Weather Rating: 2 stars – Tricky

  4. Avatar Preview
    Jessica, 30 years old was there in March

    Always very good bathing weather, with cloudless or slightly cloudy skies. High temperatures, sometimes somewhat oppressive. Rain, if at all only at night or in the early morning in the form of short showers.

    Weather Rating: 5 stars – Excellent

  5. Avatar Preview
    Brigitte, 61 years old was there in November

    Ideal travel weather in the north, no rain, up to 25° C. Heavy rain in the middle. In the south muggy warm to 30° C with light rain showers.

    Weather Rating: 4 stars – Good

  6. Avatar Preview
    Andreas, 20 years old was there in September

    It was very humid and hot. In the capital Hanoi it is often very cloudy at this time of year. In the north of Vietnam, however, it can become very cool with up to 10 degrees Celsius in the morning.

    Weather Rating: 3 stars – Mixed

  7. Avatar Preview
    Christin, 31 years old was there in February

    In the north of Vietnam it was pleasantly temperate but mostly cloudy. In the south very sunny and very hot. In the central part of Vietnam there were occasional rainy evenings.

    Weather Rating: 4 stars – Good

  8. Avatar Preview
    Marco, 30 years old was there in December

    9.12.2016 from berlin to hanoi. 10.12.2016 loaded. until 10.1.2017.
    never rain. mostly sun and sometimes cloudy. felt 20 degrees warm.

    Weather Rating: 5 stars – Excellent

  9. Avatar Preview
    Miriam, 49 years old was there in March

    In the north a lot of rain, grey and humid. Warm, sunny and dry in the south.

    Weather Rating: 5 stars – Excellent

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Van Chai, Ha Giang - Viet Nam (Nhi Dang)  [flickr.com]  CC BY 
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Sunrise on Eastern Sea, Vietnam (Loi Nguyen Duc)  [flickr.com]  CC BY 
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Vietnam from the air

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