When Is the Best & Worst Time to Visit Vietnam in 2024?

As a popular tourist destination in Southeast Asia tour, Vietnam has rich and colorful natural and cultural scenery. It has a long coastline and offers many beautiful white beaches along.

Before you are planning a Vietnam tour, the climatic conditions are crucial. Different seasons, weather, and areas in Vietnam always affect your journey to Vietnam.

And the attraction you’ll visit and the things you’ll experience are both influenced by the time to visit Vietnam.

So, in the essay, you’ll be told details of each month in Vietnam, right-time traveling tips.

And what’s more vital- the best and worst time to visit Vietnam in 2024 with kinds of satisfaction.

Big differences weather between North, Central and South Vietnam

The weather in Vietnam is shaped by Southeast Asia monsoons, latitude, topography, typhoons and rain shadow effect. All these factors make big differences weather in different areas.

Affected by Northeast Monsoon (winter monsoon), Vietnam suffers cool and dry air masses flow bringing colder temperatures and less rainfall.

With the southwest monsoon (summer monsoon), warm and moist air masses from Indian Ocean and the South China Sea lead to higher temperatures.

Vietnam can be defined in three areas according to the climatic conditions- North, Central, and South Vietnam.

 

Area	Season	Best time with things to do	Worst time with things avoid
North Vietnam	Winter & Summer season Winter (November to April) Summer (May to October)	October – April Things to do: Halong Bay Cruise Motorbike tour in Ha Giang Ba Be National Park Exploration Hanoi city tour Rice field Adventure (Sapa trekking, Ninh Binh Boat Tour)	May – September Things avoid: Avoid Halong Bay Cruise for dangerous typhoons. Avoid motorbiking, hiking and trekking Avoid visiting Red River Delta (Mai Chau, Hai Phong, Nam Dinh…) for flood.
Central Vietnam	Two seasons Dry season (Mid-January to August) Wet season (September to January)	February – June Things to do: Hoi An Ancient Town Discovery Historic imperial city tour of Hue Marble Mountains Exploration Day tour to My Son Beach relaxation	September – December Things avoid: Avoid beach activities during the peak typhoon season. Avoid outdoor trekking for heavy rains. Avoid flood-prone areas (Hoi An, Danang…)
South Vietnam	Two seasons Dry season (December to April) Rainy season (May to November)	November – April Things to do: Saigon city tour Mekong River Cruise Cu Chi Tunnels Exploration Visit to Cai Rang Floating Market Phu Quoc	May – October Relatively worst time. Just avoid heavy rainfall.

North Vietnam is located at a higher latitude than Central and South Vietnam. It’s in cooler temperatures in general.

In winter, it’s dry and cool, the temperature ranges from 10°C to 20°C (50°F to 68°F) in lowland areas.

In mountainous terrain, like Sapa, snowfalls usually cover the terraces with beautiful white picturesque scenery.

In the summer months, it’s hot and humid, the temperature ranges from 25°C to 35°C.

From early May, North Vietnam start to get into the rainy season. It will arrive peak rainy season during July and August. But you should notice that July to September is the typhoon season.  

Central Vietnam has a combination of mountains and coastal plains. Due to coastal effects, the eastern coastline particularly along the South China Sea, can be influenced by maritime weather conditions.

In wet season, the temperatures range from 20°C to 30°C.

It suffers the majority of its rainfall during this period, with heavy rain, occasional typhoon, and increased humidity. During October and November, coastal cities like Nha Trang is suffering from Typhoon.

The region has a long dry season, it’s hot and dry. In dry season, the temperature can even reach as high as 40°C, especially in June and July.

South Vietnam is close to the equator, so it’s at higher average temperatures throughout the year. Fall within the tropical climate zone, South Vietnam has a relatively hot and humid climate throughout the year.

But it also has two primary seasons: Dry and Rainy seasons.

In dry season, it’s dry and hot, the constant temperatures range from 25°C to 35°C. March and April are the hottest months.

In rainy season, South Vietnam often experiences heavy downpours and occasional thunderstorms. The temperatures range from 25°C to 30°C. June, July, and August meet the maximum rainfall. 

October to March is the best time to visit all regions of Vietnam

October to April is the best time to go to Vietnam.

During this period, whether you are going to North Vietnam, Central Vietnam, or South Vietnam, the weather is relatively good and there is usually no bad weather like typhoons that can affect the planned travel.

There are plenty of flights to many places in Vietnam, such as Hanoi, Nha Trang, Ho Chi Minh City, Hoi An, and Hue. Halong Bay Cruise, and Mekong River Cruise are available for wonderful luxury enjoyment daily (6 hours) or overnight.

The Lantern Full Moon Festival in Hoi An

At any time during this period, you can enjoy the scenery of Vietnam's popular tourist cities to your heart's content. You can see the green or golden terraced fields in Sapa, enjoy the traditional festival atmosphere in Hoi An, sunbathe on the white sandy beaches of Phu Quoc Island, and feel the gentle sea breeze in the pleasant weather. And a Vietnam motorbike tour in Ha Giang is also a good idea for adventure lovers.

Choose any day, and you can have a full-blown cycling trip. You also don't have to worry about the places you want to visit appear to be closed to visitors.

Rainy season is the best time to visit Vietnam for low prices

The rainy season is often the shoulder season in Vietnam.

As Vietnam has three major areas, the rainy season is also different from the areas

In North Vietnam, the rainy season is from May to September. The rainfall is often frequent rain showers, actually unpredictable downpours.

In Central Vietnam, the rainy season is from September to December. Heavy downpours and continuous showers are common, and typhoons and tropical storms may occur.

In South Vietnam, the rainy season is from May to October. The rainfall is the frequent showers and occasional thunderstorms

During monsoon season, the number of tourists visiting Vietnam is pretty small. So you can have a chance to have a leisurely and comfortable Vietnam Tour at low prices.

The prices of Vietnam Airlines and Vietnamese accommodations are also the best for your budget-saving choice. These prices in the rainy season are much cheaper than the ticket in the high season. You can enjoy some luxury for way less money in Vietnam.

Next, you will be introduced to the best things to do in a certain month at each time of year.

Winter in Vietnam is the best time to join in local Vietnamese festivals

Heavy snowfall in mountainous area

For winter in Vietnam, there are many Vietnamese festivals, like New Year’s Eve, Christmas, Lunar New Year, Perfume Pagoda Festival, Lim Festival, Yen Tu Festival, etc.

Immerse yourself in the atmosphere of excellent Vietnamese festivals in winter in Vietnam if you are a festival-liker.

There’s a notice:

Book the hotels in advance in such a tourism peak season!

Visiting Vietnam in December

Is December a good time to travel to Vietnam?

Of course!

In North Vietnam, the temperature ranges from 15°C to 20°C, a little chilly in the evenings and early mornings. In Central Vietnam, it’s from 18°C to 24°C. The pleasant weather is comfortable for outdoor activities. In South Vietnam, December is featured in warm and humid conditions, with average temperature from 23°C to 32°C. The comfortable climate is brilliant for any activities in the three areas. 

Christmas in Vietnam

December is the time for Christmas. In Vietnam, people are also celebrating the worldwide popular Christmas. It’s on Wednesday, December 25^th in 2024, same with the time in America.

Christmas has gained popularity in Vietnam, especially in urban areas.

Have a city tour of the popular sites in Saigon to explore the metropolis with a perfect Christmas experience. You can get Vietnamese Christmas dining in many five-star hotels. It’s a great time to tour the southern coast in December, soak up the sun on Phu Quoc Island, and view the wonders in Mui Ne.

Visiting Vietnam in January

Weather Vietnam in January is different in different areas according to the monsoon influence.

In North Vietnam, the temperature ranges from 12°C to 20°C. In central Vietnam, the milder temperature usually ranges from 17°C to 24°C. In South Vietnam, the warm temperature varies from 22°C to 31°C.

Lion Dance to celebrate the Tet

In January, there is a vital revel among the whole year for Vietnam.

Tet Nguyen Dan (Lunar New Year) is Vietnam's most important and widely celebrated festival. It marks the beginning of the lunar calendar.

The festival for family reunions is celebrated in late January or early February. It begins on Saturday, February 10^th in 2024.

Visitors can engage in various customs and traditions, and witness cultural events and performances like dragon dances, lion dances, and traditional folk games. Visitors can also savor traditional Tet dishes such as banh chung (sticky rice cake), mut (preserved fruits), etc. But the prices will be a little higher during the festival.

The Lantern Full Moon Festival is also a very worthy place to visit. It will be celebrated from January 24^th to 26^th in 2024.

It’s the best time to the ancient town of Hoi An. This month in Hoi An. You can fully embrace the festival- viewing the various hanging lanterns, making your Vietnamese lantern, and releasing lanterns on the river to pray for your best wishes. The nearby imperial city of Hue is still great this month. It’s a suitable temperature to walk around the Citadel with fewer people.

Hai Van Pass

Getting a motorbike tour from Hue to Danang through Hai Van Pass is also a good time. Comfortable weather without rainfall to witness the kinds of scenery along the way.

Visiting Vietnam in February

Vietnam weather February also varies from the area.

There’s not much difference in the weather in January.

It’s the best time to the historic Hanoi. The average temperature in Hanoi is about 17°C. It’s perfect for a Hanoi city tour to dip into the delicious Vietnamese food, and visit museums, temples, and monuments. You can move to the Perfume Pagoda (near Hanoi) for a Buddhist visit.

Perfume Pagoda

The Perfume Pagoda Festival is a characteristic annual religious festival this month.

In 2024, it will start on the 6^th day of the first lunar month and falls on Monday, February.

Attending the festival, visitors can enjoy cultural performances, seek blessings, and make offerings. They can have a special cruise along the Yen Stream and a trek uphill to the pagoda nestled in a beautiful cave on seldom rainy days.

If you are a flower lover, February is also an excellent time for flowers in Da Lat. You can travel around the French-style town and get the best cherry blooming in the dry season. Valley of Love and Da Lat Flower Park are good sites for roses, orchids, and more.

Spring in Vietnam is the best time for Halong Bay cruise & adventures

March, April, and May is the perfect time for a Halong Bay cruise. Halong Bay is a beautiful northern Vietnam bay known as a World Natural Heritage Site with spectacular limestone islands and turquoise waters. There is less rainfall in Halong Bay this season.

Halong Bay Cruise

Visiting Vietnam in March

For Vietnam weather March, it is warm, the daily temperature in Halong Bay ranges from 20°C to 25°C. And it may drop slightly to around 15°C to 20°C at night.

It’s the best time for island adventures and cave exploration through Halong Bay Cruise. You can admire the gorgeous limestone to explore the unique geomorphic landscape with a Vietnam cave tour in Sung Sot Cave (Surprise Cave) or Dau Go Cave (Wooden Stakes Cave). Try kayaking and diving to admire the variety of halobios. And you can have a breathtaking view and sunset beauty along the Vietnam cruise with a beautiful sandy beach enjoyment.

Tea plantation

The month is brilliant for Moc Chau and Da Lat. Trai Ham Da Lat Tea And Tea Sea offers the beautiful scenery of the tea garden. You can trace back to the origin of tea and enjoy a fresh taste.

Visiting Vietnam in April

April is generally the dry season all over Vietnam.

Maybe a little bit hot in South Vietnam, but it provides a good chance to explore the Mekong Delta with less rainfall. 

42 Nguyen Hue Street

Have a Mekong River Cruise to explore the small villages, and visit orchards and fruit gardens for abundant fresh tropical fruits. You can arrive in Saigon to check in celebrity location-42 Nguyen Hue Street. It’s also worth visiting Cai Rang Floating Market in Can Tho.

However, average temperature of 35°C needs you to prepare for sun protection and stay hydrated.

For exciting Halong Bay in April, the temperature may get increased, the average temperature is about 27°C.

April is the best time for water sports and relaxing activities in Halong Bay. Some popular water sports like surfing, and arm pulling can give you a fantastic Vietnam adventure tour. And you can enjoy a sunbath on the beach and feel the breeze of the sea. And the abundant ecosystem and natural landscape can also be a good choice.

Visiting Vietnam in May

May is the best time for spring with the most beautiful scenery in North Vietnam. You can enjoy the magnificent natural scenery and the charming beauty of mountains and rivers.

In the spring of May, Halong Bay’s temperature is likely to rise further, reach above 30°C during the day, and range from 25°C to 30°C at night.

Cua Van Floating Village

May is the best time for fishing- one of the best things to do in Halong Bay. You can visit the Cua Van Floating Village to see the local floating life and see the fishers catching fish. You can try fishing by using traditional nets and bamboo traps and visiting the local cultural museum. You can also attend cooking classes, and taste the local delicacies. Get up early to Halong Bay and you can observe the wonderful magnificent sea view and sunrise.

This month, the Water Lantern Festival is a charming Vietnamese cultural experience in Halong Bay.

Summer in Vietnam is the best time to visit Vietnam beaches

With its magnificent coastline, Vietnam offers several stunning beach destinations. In June, July, and August, Vietnam is the perfect time for brilliant sunshine giving the best enjoyment for Vietnam Beach.

Visiting Vietnam in June

In June, Vietnam start to get into the summer season. In general, it’s hot and wet. The temperature is about 28°C to 35°C. You may experience some brief thunderstorms.

June is the start of the tourist season and the number of tourists may be relatively low. So it’s the best time to visit beautiful Vietnam beaches with less crowded in hot beaches with great beach resorts in Vietnam. 

Nha Trang Beach

Nha Trang Beach is the best choice for June. You can view the Long stretches of golden sand and crystal clear waters. Explore the water sports like swimming, surfing, sunbathing, boating, etc. Never miss the diving activity to observe the abundant marine life and coral reefs in the sea and cruise to the near Vietnam islands.  

And June is also the time for Tet Doan Ngo. The next celebration is on June 8^th, 2024.

During this festival, you can engage in various activities such as eating sticky rice dumplings (banh chung), racing dragon boats, wearing medicinal herb pouches, and hanging mugwort leaves.

Visiting Vietnam in July

In July, the temperature usually ranges from 30°C to 36°C. The humidity is high with occasional short showers or thunderstorms. 

My Khe Beach

July is the summer vacation, so there may be more crowded. You can visit the beach in Danang. My Khe Beach, one of the most famous beaches in Danang, is named one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. It is famous for its fine white sand and clear and transparent water. The sandy beach is wide and flat, suitable for walking, sunbathing, and beach activities.

As one of the best places for surfing in Vietnam, you can rent surfboards and enjoy a thrilling surfing experience.

You can also travel to nearby attractions like Ba Na Hill to experience the world's most extended tree-line cable car system.

Visiting Vietnam in August

August is simply the same as July- similar climate, still in summer vacation, and suffering from high humidity and short showers.

August is the ideal time for beach and water sports in Phu Quoc Island. The brilliant beach here like Long Beach and Starfish Beach offers clean and delicate sand, and crystal clear. Try diving, snorkeling, boating, windsurfing, and fishing. 

Starfish Beach

You can also get a trekking exploration in the Phu Quoc National Park and Da Ban Forest near the beaches. Amazing natural landscapes and rich biodiversity can make your beach tour more special.

Oh, don’t forget the abundant fresh seafood to satisfy your stomach! 

Autumn in Vietnam is the best time for rice fields & trekking

You won’t have an entire Vietnam tour without glancing at Vietnam’s rice fields through Vietnam trekking.

September, October, and November is the best time to trek to the rice fields. The green or golden rice fields can fully give you a unique visual view.

Bring your camera to catch wonderful pictures.

Visiting Vietnam in September

In September, average temperature in most parts of Vietnam varies from 24°C to 31°C with occasional showers and thunderstorms. In the mountainous area, the temperature gradually gets decreased. The daily temperature varies from 20°C to 25°C and about 15°C at night.

September is the rainy season. But the short drizzle can bring out a more verdant hue of the terraced rice fields and rice fields. 

Sapa

Sapa is the best site to witness the most excellent terrace and rice fields in green. After a Hanoi tour to explore the city, you can have a Sapa trekking to view the lush and green rice paddy. And also, join the local market and experience the local life with the ethnic of Vietnam.

Visiting Vietnam in October

In October, the temperature is suitable for tourism. It ranges from 25°C to 30°C during the day and about 20°C at night.

The rice fields in October will change from emerald green to yellow-green. In late October, Sapa or Ninh Binh will present you with a golden or bronzed beauty. Have a Vietnam boat tour to closely view the rice fields.

Amazing trekking and boating experience!

October is also celebrating Mid-Autumn Festival. The festival is held on September 18^th in 2024. It is a family reunion festival that is usually celebrated with dinner parties, moon viewing, moon cakes, and various activities. Immerse yourself to feel the special atmosphere and taste the moon cake.   

Visiting Vietnam in November

Early November catches the best golden sight of rice fields. The golden rice paddies contrast with the surrounding green mountains and blue sky, creating a magnificent and pleasant landscape.

It’s best to visit Mai Chau. The average temperature ranges from 16°C to 23°C. 

Mai Chau

You can admire the golden rice fields and the hillsides covered in red leaves. And Mai Chau is a perfect place to learn the minority culture.

You can visit the local market. You can select one homestay for Vietnamese countryside life with fancy activities of harvesting rice fields to experience the farming culture. 

Typhoon season is the worst time to visit Vietnam

The rainiest months in Vietnam are from June to September. It’s time for typhoon season.

Typhoons can bring extreme weather conditions such as strong winds, heavy rain, and flooding, which can adversely affect travel and outdoor activities. 

Floor

From July to September, Halong Bay will suffer from typhoon season and you cannot enjoy a wonderful Halong Bay Cruise.

From September to November, central Vietnam will be stuck in typhoon season.

And the cities may suffer from floor.

Therefore, Indochina Tour does not recommend you travel to Vietnam during the typhoon season.

And, there is no typhoon weather south of Nha Trang.

If you really want to see the scenery during this period, it is recommended to visit South Vietnam. There is no typhoon influence in the South. You can have a Saigon city tour, visit Cai Rang Floating Market in Can Tho, and enjoy a beach and island exploration in Phu Quoc and Mui Ne. 

More tips about planning Vietnam tour at the right time

Planning a Vietnam tour, consider the following tips.

After reading the above contents, there have been four tips:

Consider the season and weather conditions to suit your preference.

If you enjoy warmer temperatures and sunny days, the dry season from December to April is ideal. If you prefer cooler temperatures and less humidity, consider visiting during the cooler months from November to February.                                                                                     

Opt for the high season or shoulder season for a different experience.

High season is always with abundant attractions but popular tourist destinations can be more crowded and prices may be higher.

And shoulder season offers a good balance of pleasant weather and fewer crowds.

Moreover, there is the tourism peak season- July and August for summer vacation and from December 20^th to January 10^th for Christmas and New Year (with compulsory Christmas dining on December 24^th and 30^th in five-star hotels).

Avoid the typhoon season for the disturbance from extreme weather.

Typhoons can bring heavy rain, strong winds, and disruptions to travel plans. To avoid potential disturbances and ensure a smoother trip, it's advisable to avoid visiting during this period.

Tour during the Vietnamese festivals if you are interested in Vietnamese culture.

Festivals like Tet Nguyen Dan (Lunar New Year) and the Mid-Autumn Festival offer unique insights into local customs, vibrant celebrations, and traditional performances.

There are two more detailed tips.

Plan ahead to ensure access to attractions, especially the popular sites

If you want to have a tour to Vietnam, you should make your schedule in advance. As a professional travel agency, Indochina Tour is responsible to tell you that we cannot accept travel plans with too little time left. If you plan too late, there is no way to make a reservation for most attractions. Your Vietnam tour won’t be the super brilliant one.

Prepare essential items for your Vietnam Tour

Here is the list for you:

Essential:

Valid passport and necessary visas

Travel insurance information

Local currency (Vietnamese Dong) and international credit/debit cards

Power adapter for electrical outlets (Vietnam uses 220V, Type A/C plugs)

Medications, if needed, along with a basic first-aid kit

Portable charger for electronic devices

Reusable water bottle to stay hydrated

Travel-sized toiletries and sunscreen

Insect repellent for areas with mosquitoes

Travel guidebook or maps for reference

What’s more:

Comfortable Walking shoes and suitable clothing- light or warm

Rain gear like an umbrella or raincoat for rainy season

Sunscreen, sunglasses, and hat for summer

Hat, scarf, and gloves for cooler temperatures

Conclusion

In conclusion, when planning a visit to Vietnam in 2024, it's important to consider the different seasons and their characteristics. Your best time to visit Vietnam depends on your preferences and the specific activities and destinations you have in mind.

In the end.

Notice!

Again!

Schedule your time in advance!

Never send your inquiry one or two days before your planning tour!