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When to go

The best time to visit Vietnam, month by month

Vietnam is long and thin, so while one region is in its dry season another may be wet. For a journey from north to south, February to April suits all three regions. Here is each month, region by region, and what it means for you depending on where you live.

Small rowing boats on a river beside golden rice fields beneath tall limestone karsts in Ninh Binh.

From where you live

Which months suit you

Suggestions, not rules: the right month also depends on the places you would like to see.

  • From the UK, Ireland and Europe

    January to March for winter sun; October and November for the North and South.

    • February to April is the one window that suits all three regions on a north-to-south journey.
    • Winter at home is the dry season in the South: a journey that ends on Phu Quoc or Con Dao suits it well.
    • It is a long flight, so we keep the first day quiet.

  • From the US and Canada

    January to April, and October to November.

    • Late winter into spring at home is the best time for a journey through all three regions.
    • In the autumn, combine the North and the South and leave the Centre for another time: it is in its rainy season.
    • These are the longest flights, usually with a connection in Asia, so we build a rest day in at the start.

  • From Australia and New Zealand

    March to May, and September to November; mid-year suits the central coast.

    • The shoulder months avoid the summer holidays at home and suit most of Vietnam.
    • June to August, winter at home, is hot and dry on the central coast around Hoi An, and wet in the North.
    • The flight is shorter than from Europe or America, so even a ten-day journey feels unhurried.

  • From Singapore

    Any long weekend; December to April for the South.

    • A short flight makes a four-day stay easy: the Gentle Short Stay in Ho Chi Minh City and the Mekong is at its best from December to April.
    • For a longer break, March and April suit the whole country.

Month by month

The three regions through the year

The North: Hanoi, Ninh Binh, Ha Long and Lan Ha Bay, Sapa. The Centre: Hue, Hoi An and the central coast. The South: Ho Chi Minh City, the Mekong Delta, Phu Quoc, Con Dao. Weather changes from year to year, so treat this as a guide.

  1. January

    The North
    MixedCool and often grey; bring a warm layer for the evenings.
    The Centre
    MixedDrying out after the rains, with some damp days.
    The South
    At its bestDry, warm and sunny.

    Journeys at their best: South, Mekong & Island, Gentle Short Stay

  2. February

    The North
    GoodMild, sometimes misty. Lunar New Year (Tết) often falls this month.
    The Centre
    GoodDry days return to Hue and Hoi An.
    The South
    At its bestDry and warm.

    Journeys at their best: Vietnam Highlights, Central Heritage & Coast, South, Mekong & Island, Gentle Short Stay

  3. March

    The North
    At its bestMild and comfortable for walking.
    The Centre
    At its bestDry and pleasantly warm.
    The South
    At its bestDry, and hot by midday: we keep sightseeing to the mornings.

    Journeys at their best: Vietnam Highlights, Northern Escape, Central Heritage & Coast, South, Mekong & Island, Slow Luxury Retreat, Gentle Short Stay

  4. April

    The North
    At its bestWarm, mostly dry, the countryside green.
    The Centre
    At its bestDry and warm, good beach weather.
    The South
    GoodThe hottest month; afternoons are for resting.

    Journeys at their best: Vietnam Highlights, Northern Escape, Central Heritage & Coast, South, Mekong & Island, Slow Luxury Retreat, Gentle Short Stay

  5. May

    The North
    MixedHot and increasingly humid.
    The Centre
    GoodHot and dry, good on the coast.
    The South
    MixedHot; the first rains arrive, usually as short afternoon downpours.

    Journeys at their best: Northern Escape, Central Heritage & Coast, Slow Luxury Retreat

  6. June

    The North
    Best avoidedHot and humid, with summer showers.
    The Centre
    GoodHot and dry; early mornings and the sea suit it best.
    The South
    MixedRainy season: short, heavy showers, then sun.

  7. July

    The North
    Best avoidedHot and wet.
    The Centre
    GoodStill dry on the coast, and hot.
    The South
    MixedTropical showers most afternoons.

  8. August

    The North
    Best avoidedThe wettest month.
    The Centre
    GoodHot and mostly dry.
    The South
    MixedShort storms; mornings are often clear.

  9. September

    The North
    GoodClearing, with the rice turning gold in the mountains.
    The Centre
    MixedThe rainy season begins.
    The South
    MixedShowers continue.

    Journeys at their best: Northern Escape

  10. October

    The North
    At its bestClear, comfortable days.
    The Centre
    Best avoidedThe wettest time, with storms possible.
    The South
    MixedStarting to dry out.

    Journeys at their best: Northern Escape

  11. November

    The North
    At its bestLovely: dry, mild and clear.
    The Centre
    Best avoidedWet, with flooding possible in Hue and Hoi An.
    The South
    GoodDrying out; Phu Quoc's best season begins.

    Journeys at their best: Northern Escape

  12. December

    The North
    MixedCool and dry; bring layers.
    The Centre
    MixedDamp, with the rains easing.
    The South
    At its bestDry and warm: the start of the best season.

    Journeys at their best: South, Mekong & Island, Gentle Short Stay

Questions

Seasons, heat and rain

When is the best time to visit Vietnam?
For a journey from north to south, February to April suits all three regions. The South is dry from about December to April, the North is clearest from October to April, and the central coast around Hue and Hoi An is driest from February to August.
When is the best time to visit Vietnam from the UK?
January to March gives you winter sun in the South and mild weather in the Centre; February to April suits a journey through the whole country. October and November are lovely in the North and South, but the central coast is in its rainy season.
When is the best time to visit Vietnam from Australia?
March to May and September to November avoid the summer holidays at home and suit most of Vietnam. In the Australian winter, June to August, the central coast is hot and dry while the North is wet.
How hot is Vietnam, and how do you plan around the heat?
The South is warm all year and hottest in April and May; the North is hot and humid from May to August. We plan sightseeing for the mornings, keep the middle of the day for rest, and every transfer is in a private air-conditioned car.
When is the rainy season in central Vietnam?
Roughly September to December, wettest around October and November, when storms are possible. We avoid the central coast then, or keep the plan flexible so a day can move.

Speak to us

Tell us when you would like to travel

Give us a month and the places you have in mind; we suggest the route and the pace that suit the season.

Plan your journey with us

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