How to Visit Vietnam in January? Ultimate Weather Guide and Advice

In January, you’ll find out what Vietnam has to offer. Across the diverse climates from north to south, the country has everything from magical, snowy landscapes to tropical paradise islands.

It’s a time for the most important festival of the year and unique cultural celebrations. Pick any destination in the country, and you’ll find perfect weather with pleasant conditions for outdoor activities and opportunities to enjoy Vietnam’s natural wonders. Keep reading to find out everything you need to know about traveling to Vietnam in January.

1. January Is One of the Best Months to Visit Vietnam

The weather across the country makes January one of the best months to visit Vietnam. It’s not often that the diverse climate regions align with perfect conditions. The whole country is transitioning to the dry season with cool days and clear skies.

In the north of the country, it’s cool and refreshing with crisp air and magical landscapes. Central Vietnam is passing out of monsoon season with mild conditions and great outdoor weather. The south is always warm, but the lower humidity makes it more pleasant to be outdoors.

Ho Chi Minh tourist weather in January.

2. Different Climate in January in North, Central, and South Vietnam

Weather in Vietnam is influenced by the country’s long stretch from north to south and the Gulf of Thailand to the southwest. North, Central, and South Vietnam are the three basic climate regions with different conditions in each area.

North Vietnam: Hanoi, Halong Bay, Sapa
North Vietnam is cool and dry in January. The region has a four-season climate with a brief, mild winter. Hanoi is pleasant and dry with little rain. Despite being the coldest month, at most, you’ll need a light jacket.

Sapa can be cold in January. Mist and occasional snow transform the rice terraces into a stunning landscape. Halong Bay can also be chilly when you’re out on the water, but overall it is pleasantly cool. Fog can sometimes obscure the view of the karst formations, so it’s not the busiest time for Halong Bay cruises.

Sapa January snow scene.

Central Vietnam: Da Nang, Hoi An, Hue
Central Vietnam’s rainy season is coming to an end in January, returning the region to mild weather. Average temperatures are around 23°C and visitors start returning to the beaches around Hoi An, Da Nang, and Nha Trang.

Hoi An and Hue continues to receive some rain, but less toward the end of the month. Da Nang is cool and dry, with the surrounding landscape lush and green after the monsoons.

Hoi An in January.

South Vietnam: Ho Chi Minh City, Can Tho, Phu Quoc
The south is warm and pleasant. It’s one of the best time to visit Ho Chi Minh City and areas of the Mekong Delta including Can Tho. Temperatures are mostly under 30°C with low humidity.

Phu Quoc lives up to its reputation as a tropical paradise in January. Sunny days and average temperatures in the mid-20’s are perfect for swimming, laying on the beach, or exploring the island’s natural surroundings.

7 Days Southern Vietnam Essential Relaxing Tour

Saigon – Mekong Delta – Can Tho – Phu Quoc

3. Best 5 Places to Visit in Vietnam in January: Hanoi, Halong Bay, Hoi An, Dalat, Saigon

Hanoi in January is going through its late, mild winter. The historic city has a mix of fascinating indoor attractions, and charming neighborhood to explore outdoors. Take advantage of the cool weather to stroll through the Old Quarter, stopping to sample the delicious street food. If it gets a little chilly at night, warm up with a hot bowl of Pho noodle soup.

It’s not the most popular month for visiting Halong Bay, but January still offers travelers the chance to experience the beauty of the UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Take an overnight Halong Bay cruise on the emerald waters for a close-up look at the towering limestone karsts, and go island hopping to explore caves and see the beautiful beaches. On board the cruise you’ll be treated to freshly caught seafood, and can join in exciting water activities like kayaking and swimming.

Halong Bay high tour in January.

January is the first opportunity to visit Hoi An after the rainy season in Central Vietnam. Mild weather returns to the charming city where you can explore Hoi An Ancient Town to experience the well-preserved atmosphere of an ancient trading port city.

See the city illuminated at night with hundreds of colorful lanterns, and explore the surrounding countryside riding in a traditional bamboo basket boat.

8 Days Hanoi, Hoi An, and Saigon Tour

Hanoi - Halong Bay Cruise - Hoi An - Saigon

Away from the coast in the region around Dalat, January is cool and pleasant. The dry weather is perfect for exploring the natural beauty of the surrounding mountains.

A cable car ride to the top of Lang Biang Mountain rewards visitors with stunning views. Nearby Pongour Waterfall, Xuan Huong Lake, and the Dalat Flower Gardens are also worth exploring.

Ride the cable car in Dalat.

Saigon takes Lunar New Year celebrations to extravagant extreme with massive fireworks shows and traditional performances around the city. It’s always warm in the southern region, but the dry weather in January brings down the humidity for a comfortable experience touring the colonial architecture and busy walking streets.

Ho Chi Minh New Year fireworks scene.

4. Best 2 Beaches in Vietnam in January: Nha Trang & Phu Quoc

If you’re looking to escape from cold winter weather in January, Vietnam has incredible beaches. Nha Trang is a coastal resort city in southern Vietnam with beautiful offshore islands, great dive sites, and long stretches of pristine white sand.

With cool, dry weather in mid to high 20s, you can spend time relaxing on the beach, or swimming in the clear waters. Fresh seafood is always on the menu, and there are plenty of beachfront restaurants to choose from.

Nha Trang beach in January.

Phu Quoc, in the Gulf of Thailand, is a true tropical paradise in January. Temperatures between 22-30°C are perfect for water activities like swimming, snorkeling, and diving, or just relaxing on the sand. What’s more Phu Quoc is a visa free island. Travelers arriving by air can visit the island with no visa for up to 30 days.

Phu Quoc Island snorkeling in January.

5. Best Things to Do in Vietnam in January: Outdoor Activities & Beach Relaxing

The magnificent natural landscapes of Vietnam are great places for outdoor activities in January. At the northernmost point of the country, Ha Giang is a place of picturesque landscapes and diverse ethnic cultures. You can see the cherry and white plum blossoms, or travel the Ha Giang loop through the majestic Ma Pi Leng Pass.

9 Days Ha Giang Loop Motorbike Tour

Hanoi - Thac Ba Lake - Vu Linh - Bac Ha - Hoang Su Phi - Ha Giang - Dong Van - Meo Vac Town - Bao Lac - Ba Be Lake - Hanoi

Moc Chau is a popular area of photography enthusiasts for day trips from Hanoi. The plateau, west of Hanoi, is a beautiful natural setting of tea plantations, waterfalls, and caves set within rolling mountains.

There are unique sites like the Heart-Shaped Green Tea Hill, and Ban Ang Pine Forest, and vibrant markets like Lao Long Sap Market with a diverse arrange of local handicrafts, textiles, and traditional garments.

Visit Moc Chau Heart-Shaped Green Tea Hill in January.

Beaches are always popular, and January is perfect time for relaxing on the sand. In addition to Phu Quoc and Nha Trang, Da Nang has 60 km of coastline with pristine sands and quiet waters. My Khe Beach is one of the most famous for its blue skies and smooth sand, only a short distance from the city center.

Da Nang Mei Khe beach in January.

6. Festival and Events in January: Lunar New Year & Perfume Pagoda Festival

In 2025, Vietnamese Lunar New Year falls at the end of January on the 29th. It’s the biggest celebration in the country when local people have at least 7 days to reunite with family and take part in cultural celebrations.

There are events to see all over Vietnam, but special activities take place in some areas. The Imperial Citadel of Thang Long, Hanoi, has a grand event with offerings, folk music, and water puppet shows. Ho Chi Minh City has some of the best fireworks displays, and you can see crowds of people in color traditional clothes on the city’s walking streets.

Vietnamese Spring Festival together scene.

The Perfume Pagoda Festival also begins in January. Located 70 km from Hanoi, it’s the greatest complex of pagodas in Vietnam. The Buddhist festival attracts pilgrims from around the country who approach the temple on scenic boat rides on the Yen River and then climb the stone steps to pray for a prosperous new year.

The Perfume Pagoda Festival in January.

7. Vietnam is More Expensive in January but Still Affordable

Between the January 1st New Years, the Lunar New Year, and great weather around the country, January is a busy travel period in Vietnam. Accordingly, prices for flights, hotels, and tours can go up with the increased demand. However, Vietnam is still an affordable travel destination, and there are ways to help manage your budget.

The best thing is to book well in advance. Securing your flight and tour 2-3 months ahead of time will help you find the best prices. Domestic air travel is the best way to get around in the country, these tickets can also be booked ahead of time. In cities, ride-hailing apps like Grab are convenient and will ensure you always pay a fair price.

14 Days Vietnam Discovery Tour from North to South

Hanoi - Sapa - Hanoi - Halong Bay Cruise - Hoi An - Saigon - Vinh Long - Can Tho - Saigon

8. Plan Your Trip with Our Vietnam Itineraries in January

Take the 8 Days Best of Vietnam Tour to see highlights all around the country. Start in Hanoi with a deep experience of Vietnamese culture and history. Stroll along the shore of West Lake, and see the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum. Then, drive to Halong Bay for an overnight cruise.

Charming Hoi An awaits in central Vietnam. Visit the 200-year-old Tan Ky House and the picturesque Japanese Covered Bridge in the ancient town, and take a half-day excursion to Cam Thanh Village to see the traditional fishing techniques and enjoy a bamboo basket boat ride.

Bamboo Basket boat tour in Hoi An.

Finish the tour in the south, visiting the vibrant Ho Chi Minh City. See the colonial architecture of Notre Dame Cathedral and the Old Saigon Post Office, and enjoy a dinner cruise on the Saigon River. Then, explore the Mekong Delta on a river cruise that will visit floating markets and tour local cottage industries.

8 Days Best of Vietnam Tour Package

Hanoi - Halong Bay - Hoi An - Saigon - Mekong Delta – Saigon

9. What to Wear: Detailed Packing List for Vietnam in January

With the diverse climates from north to south, what wear depends on your travel plans.
- When traveling in northern Vietnam, a light jacket or sweater will keep you comfortable during the cooler evenings. Sapa and mountainous north area may require cold weather gear, check the forecast in advance.
- Bring a travel umbrella or rain jacket for the occasional rain in central Vietnam.
- Pack breathable and lightweight clothing for the warmer areas of southern and central Vietnam. Visiting temples requires modest clothing, so bring long-sleeved shirts and long pants.
- Comfortable walking shoes are needed everywhere. Sandals or flip-flops are suitable for beach destinations.
- Sun protection is always important. Bring sunscreen, sunglasses, and a wide-brimmed hat for long periods outdoors.

Street in Ho Chi Minh City in January.

10. More Tips about Visiting Vietnam in January

- January is a popular travel month due to the Lunar New Year (Tet), so book accommodations and flights well in advance to secure the best options and prices.
- Many businesses and attractions may close for a few days around Tet, so plan your activities and dining options accordingly.
- The weather can be warm in southern Vietnam, so drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.
- Prices can be higher in January. Eating street food will not only help you manage your budget, but it is also the best way to try the best local specialties.

12 Days Saigon & Hanoi Essential Tour

Saigon - Hoi An - Hanoi - Sapa - Hanoi - Halong Bay Cruise - Hanoi

Conclusion

Book early to take advantage of the great January weather in Vietnam. Whether you plan to immerse yourself in nature, explore the country’s culture and history, or escape from modern life relaxing on a beach, there’s no better time to visit the vibrant Southeast Asian nation.

Popular itineraries can take you on a whirlwind tour across the country or give you the opportunity for deep exploration of unique aspects of the country. We are always happy to help you customize your travel plans for the best experience. Contact us to start planning your dream holiday today.