When is the Best Time to Visit China and Vietnam Together?

Since Vietnam and China are located near each other, visiting both these countries at the same time can be a pleasant choice, as long as you have enough time.

Before planning to visit these two amazing countries, timing is very important. China and Vietnam are top destinations year-round, and each season offers its own unique experiences.

The best time to visit China and Vietnam together is March, April and November, with pleasant weather; winter from December to February comes with festive surprises; and summer, while hot and wet, is also manageable with proper planning.

In this blog, we will explain the best time to visit China and Vietnam together, as well as the expected weather conditions and share some tips that will ensure your trip is pleasant!

The General Climate Features of China and Vietnam

Before traveling to China and Vietnam, you should understand the climate features of the two countries. It has got different weather patterns according to the region.

China is a big country with a complex climate and has distinct four seasons (spring, summer, autumn and winter). Northern China has cold winters and hot summers. Southern China is more subtropical, with mild winters and rainy summers. The best times to visit China are generally March to May in the spring and September to November in the fall, when temperatures are moderate and rain is low.

Relative to the size of China, Vietnam is smaller but has a long, narrow topography and also plenty of climate zones. Northern Vietnam has four seasons, the best time to travel is September to November or March to April. It can be cold in December and January. There are only two seasons in the central and southern part of Vietnam: dry season and rainy season. The best time to visit Vietnam is typically between March to April, when rainfall is less and temperatures are great across the country.

The Best Time to Visit China and Vietnam Together: March, April and November

Both China and Vietnam are best visited in March, April and November. The weather in both of these countries is lovely at this time of year, making it ideal for hiking without concern of high temperatures or heavy rain.

In March and April, China wakes up from winter, greeted with mild temperatures and flowering blossoms. Temperatures in Beijing and Xi’an are between 15–25°C, ideal for a trip to the Great Wall or the Terracotta Warriors without getting sweaty or frozen. You’ll also enjoy very comfortable seasons in Vietnam during these months—not too hot in the south, not too cold in the north.

November is one of the best times to go to China. The summer heat has passed, and the weather is cool and dry. Iconic attractions in China are immersed in beautiful autumn scenery. Vietnam’s dry season sets in November with agreeable temperatures and less rain, ideal for visiting Halong Bay or wandering the streets of Hanoi’s Old Quarter.

China

Region	Month	Avg. Max Temp	Avg. Min Temp	Avg. Sunshine Hours (Daily)	Rainy Days	Avg. Rainfall	Avg. Humidity
North (e.g., Beijing, Harbin)	March	8°C to 12°C	-3°C to 3°C	6 - 7 hrs	6 - 8 days	20 - 40 mm	50 - 60%
	April	14°C to 18°C	3°C to 8°C	6 - 7 hrs	5 - 7 days	30 - 50 mm	50 - 60%
	November	8°C to 12°C	-5°C to 0°C	5 - 6 hrs	3 - 5 days	5 - 15 mm	50 - 60%
South (e.g., Guangzhou, Hong Kong)	March	15°C to 20°C	10°C to 14°C	6 - 7 hrs	5 - 7 days	40 - 80 mm	70 - 80%
	April	18°C to 24°C	13°C to 18°C	6 - 7 hrs	6 - 8 days	50 - 100 mm	75 - 85%
	November	12°C to 18°C	8°C to 12°C	5 - 6 hrs	4 - 6 days	20 - 40 mm	70 - 80%

Vietnam

Region	Month	Avg. Max Temp	Avg. Min Temp	Avg. Sunshine Hours (Daily)	Rainy Days	Avg. Rainfall	Avg. Humidity
North (e.g., Hanoi)	March	24°C	18°C	4.5 hrs	15 days	38 mm	82%
	April	28°C	22°C	5.5 hrs	14 days	81 mm	81%
	November	26°C	19°C	4.5 hrs	8 days	60 mm	74%
South (e.g., Ho Chi Minh City)	March	34°C	24°C	9.8 hrs	2 days	10 mm	61%
	April	35°C	26°C	9.4 hrs	5 days	50 mm	72%
	November	30°C	22°C	7.5 hrs	13 days	115 mm	81%

The Great Wall of China in April, spring flowers bloom.

September and October are also Good Time to Travel both China and Vietnam

If you can’t make it to China and Vietnam in March, April or November, don’t worry! September and October are also great times to visit.

September and October are China’s autumn months, known for mild weather and clear skies. The summer heat recedes and the weather is generally dry and mild, with clear blue skies perfect for photo opportunities. Popular destinations like Shanghai, Beijing and Xi’an see temperatures between 15-25°C, perfect for sightseeing.

The rainy season in Vietnam starts to wind down in September, and by October many parts of the country start to transition to the dry season, making it a great time to visit both city centers and rural areas, exploring Halong Bay or strolling the charming streets of Hoi An in sunny weather.

China

Region	Month	Avg. Max Temp	Avg. Min Temp	Avg. Sunshine Hours (Daily)	Rainy Days	Avg. Rainfall	Avg. Humidity
North (e.g., Beijing, Harbin)	September	25°C to 30°C	15°C to 20°C	7 - 8 hrs	6 - 8 days	40 - 70 mm	50 - 60%
	October	15°C to 20°C	5°C to 10°C	6 - 7 hrs	4 - 6 days	10 - 30 mm	50 - 60%
South (e.g., Guangzhou, Hong Kong)	September	24°C to 29°C	18°C to 23°C	7 - 8 hrs	12 - 16 days	150 - 200 mm	75 - 85%
	October	19°C to 24°C	14°C to 19°C	6 - 7 hrs	6 - 8 days	40 - 80 mm	70 - 80%

Vietnam

Region	Month	Avg. Max Temp	Avg. Min Temp	Avg. Sunshine Hours (Daily)	Rainy Days	Avg. Rainfall	Avg. Humidity
North (e.g., Hanoi)	September	32°C	25°C	6 hrs	14 days	245 mm	81%
	October	30°C	22°C	5.5 hrs	11 days	155 mm	76%
South (e.g., Ho Chi Minh City)	September	32°C	24°C	7.6 hrs	23 days	335 mm	85%
	October	31°C	23°C	7.3 hrs	22 days	265 mm	85%

Autumn in Hanoi is known as the most romantic season.

China and Vietnam Tours from December to February have Festive Surprises

December to February is an interesting time to visit China and Vietnam, with local festivals and a different culture to experience.

Winters in China can be cold, especially in the north. Snow-covered Beijing gives the Forbidden City a magical look. Places like Harbin in northern China host incredible ice and snow festivals, with giant ice sculptures illuminated by colorful lights. In southern China, winters are milder, with cool but generally comfortable temperatures, not as sweltering as in the summer.

From December to February, it is Chinese New Year, a time when all things are decorated with lights and is a Chinese reunion festival. You’ll get to sample specialties from all over the region and participate in local New Year festivities.

Vietnamese winters are much milder than in northern China. In the north, cities such as Hanoi can be cool, but the weather remains relatively agreeable and good for sightseeing. In the meantime, southern Vietnam experiences warm and dry climate, which is the peak tourist season for beach cities in Vietnam like Da Nang, Nha Trang and Phu Quoc Island with bright sunshine.

China

Region	Month	Avg. Max Temp	Avg. Min Temp	Avg. Sunshine Hours (Daily)	Rainy Days	Avg. Rainfall	Avg. Humidity
North (e.g., Beijing, Harbin)	December	2°C to 5°C	-10°C to -4°C	5 - 6 hrs	4 - 6 days	5 - 10 mm	60 - 70%
	January	0°C to 4°C	-10°C to -4°C	5 - 6 hrs	3 - 5 days	10 - 20 mm	60 - 70%
	February	3°C to 6°C	-8°C to -3°C	6 - 7 hrs	3 - 4 days	5 - 15 mm	60 - 70%
South (e.g., Guangzhou, Hong Kong)	December	8°C to 14°C	3°C to 8°C	5 - 6 hrs	6 - 8 days	10 - 30 mm	70 - 80%
	January	10°C to 16°C	5°C to 10°C	5 - 6 hrs	8 - 10 days	30 - 60 mm	70 - 80%
	February	12°C to 18°C	7°C to 12°C	6 - 7 hrs	6 - 8 days	20 - 50 mm	70 - 80%

Vietnam

Region	Month	Avg. Max Temp	Avg. Min Temp	Avg. Sunshine Hours (Daily)	Rainy Days	Avg. Rainfall	Avg. Humidity
North (e.g., Hanoi)	December	22°C	15°C	4 hrs	7 days	22 mm	73%
	January	20°C	14°C	1.5 hrs	8 days	18 mm	85%
	February	21°C	15°C	3 hrs	13 days	26 mm	84%
South (e.g., Ho Chi Minh City)	December	30°C	21°C	8.2 hrs	6 days	50 mm	77%
	January	31°C	21°C	8.2 hrs	1 day	6.8 mm	71%
	February	32°C	22°C	9.6 hrs	1 day	10 mm	72%

Lively traditional celebration of Chinese New Year.

From May to August: Rainy, Hot but Not Much Impact

From May to August, the weather in China and Vietnam is hot and sometimes rainy. While these conditions may not seem very appealing, they are definitely manageable with proper planning.

During this time, the weather in both countries is hot and humid. Temperatures can exceed 35°C in southern China and much of Vietnam, with high humidity making it feel even hotter. This is also the rainy season in many parts of southern China and Vietnam, with brief but intense afternoon downpours common.

However, there is also good news! Rain usually comes briefly in the afternoon, leaving the morning and evening free to explore. Most of the historical and cultural attractions in cities like Hanoi, Beijing and Xi'an are indoor or covered attractions, so they are not greatly affected by the rain.

China

Region	Month	Avg. Max Temp	Avg. Min Temp	Avg. Sunshine Hours (Daily)	Rainy Days	Avg. Rainfall	Avg. Humidity
North (e.g., Beijing, Harbin)	May	20°C to 25°C	8°C to 15°C	7 - 8 hrs	6 - 9 days	30 - 60 mm	50 - 60%
	June	25°C to 30°C	15°C to 20°C	7 - 8 hrs	7 - 10 days	40 - 80 mm	50 - 60%
	July	30°C to 35°C	20°C to 25°C	7 - 8 hrs	8 - 12 days	60 - 100 mm	50 - 60%
	August	30°C to 35°C	20°C to 25°C	7 - 8 hrs	8 - 10 days	70 - 120 mm	50 - 60%
South (e.g., Guangzhou, Hong Kong)	May	23°C to 28°C	18°C to 22°C	7 - 8 hrs	10 - 12 days	80 - 150 mm	75 - 85%
	June	28°C to 33°C	22°C to 26°C	7 - 8 hrs	15 - 18 days	150 - 250 mm	80 - 90%
	July	30°C to 35°C	24°C to 28°C	7 - 8 hrs	15 - 20 days	200 - 300 mm	85 - 90%
	August	29°C to 34°C	23°C to 28°C	7 - 8 hrs	18 - 22 days	200 - 300 mm	80 - 90%

Vietnam

Region	Month	Avg. Max Temp	Avg. Min Temp	Avg. Sunshine Hours (Daily)	Rainy Days	Avg. Rainfall	Avg. Humidity
North (e.g., Hanoi)	May	32°C	24°C	6 hrs	14 days	165 mm	81%
	June	34°C	26°C	5.5 hrs	15 days	265 mm	79%
	July	34°C	26°C	6.5 hrs	16 days	255 mm	81%
	August	33°C	26°C	5.5 hrs	17 days	275 mm	84%
South (e.g., Ho Chi Minh City)	May	34°C	25°C	8.6 hrs	18 days	220 mm	78%
	June	33°C	25°C	8.2 hrs	19 days	310 mm	83%
	July	33°C	24°C	8.2 hrs	23 days	295 mm	84%
	August	33°C	24°C	7.8 hrs	23 days	280 mm	85%

Travel to Nha Trang, Vietnam in summer to enjoy the sea and the beach.

Insider Tips for Your China and Vietnam Tours

Are you planning a trip to China and Vietnam? Here are some pointers that may make your journey easier.

Research visa requirements in advance

China now has visa-free access to most countries, but Vietnam usually requires visas. It can be obtained online, or upon arrival.

Pack smart

It's necessary to bring clothing and comfortable walking shoes suited to the season you’re traveling in. Prepare rain gear, sunblock and essential medicines, too.

Avoid peak season

Be cautious when traveling to China during the first week of October! It’s China’s National Day holiday, and millions of Chinese tourists roam the country. Tourist destinations are often crowded and hotel rates can surge.

Plan your trip wisely

The visit to both China and Vietnam is one that should be well planned ahead. Create a flexible itinerary that allows you to fluctuate according to traffic and weather conditions.

Conclusion

Before traveling to China and Vietnam, we can first learn about the climate characteristics of these two countries. While March, April and November are the most comfortable seasons in both countries, each time of year has its own experiences worth considering.

So pick the best time for your interests and be fully prepared, and you can enjoy a wonderful journey at any time of the year.

When will you travel to China and Vietnam? No matter when you choose, we promise it will be a memory you will never forget!