Best Time to Visit Vietnam

The varied topography and temperatures make it difficult to decide on the best time to go to Vietnam. It is because the country is divided into three portions and has a coastline of over 2000 miles.

While the weather is generally warm and humid, it can vary from region to region due to the country’s length. So, when it comes to the best weather to visit Vietnam, you should imagine the country as three different destinations.

Here’s all about the best time to visit Vietnam from India based on locations:

January

January can be a good month to visit Vietnam. It is the winter month with dry, warm and sunny weather. While the weather and temperature can vary in different regions, you can experience low humidity and average high temperatures of 20-25 degrees celsius.

Visiting Vietnam in January can also let you experience the festive vibes of the Lunar New Year (Tet) across the country. A few places to visit during this time include Hoi An and the islands of Phu Quoc and Con Dao in the south.

February

While the northern part is still cold in February, you can witness pleasant weather in the country’s central and southern regions. You can enjoy cycling, trekking and soaking yourself in the sun on serene beaches. February is also a good time to witness the Tet festivities.

The temperature ranges between 20 to 26 degrees celsius in the central and southern regions during this month. It can be a perfect time to plan a trip to the Mekong Delta.

March

March is the best month to visit Vietnam if you are planning a trip to this country. The rising temperatures and little to no rainfall make it an ideal time to explore Vietnam to the fullest.

You can enjoy trekking in both the northern and central regions of the country and relax on the white sandy beaches in the south.

However, you can experience an extreme rise in the temperatures in the south at the end of March. Temperatures in this month can range between 20 to 40 degrees celsius.

April

Another best month to visit Vietnam is April. The temperatures start increasing throughout the country, which makes the weather pleasant and dry. However, the south is the warmest during this time.

A few activities you can enjoy include trekking, biking and relaxing on the beach resorts of central and southern beaches.

Temperatures in April can range between 20 to 40 degrees Celsius. This can also be a good time to visit the Phu Quoc and Con Dao Archipelago and Dalat Waterfalls.

May**

In May, southern Vietnam experiences high temperatures that can reach up to 40 degrees Celsius. You may also witness some rainfall due to the advent of the monsoon season in the area. So, avoid visiting southern regions during this time.

However, this can be the best time to go to the central part and the northern mountains due to the lively and pleasant weather.

June

The northern and southern regions experience rainfall during this month. While the temperature in the northern region hits a maximum of 30 degrees Celsius, it can reach up to 40 degrees in the southern and central regions.

Avoid travelling to the south since it is the wettest and hottest during this time. Furthermore, trekking activities in the north may be halted due to rain.

However, this can be the best time to explore central regions like Hoi An, Nha Trang, Hue and Da Nang.

July

July can be a good month to explore the country’s central part, especially the beaches, since it is warm and dry. However, the north and south are still in the grip of rain.

The temperature can range between 30 to 40 degrees Celsius. You can witness the Da Nang International Fireworks Festival this month.

August

North and south are still wet during August while the central regions experience dry and hot weather.

So, beaches in the central part are the best places to enjoy in the country during this time. The temperature can range between 30 to 40 degrees celsius in this month.

September

The second half of September brings relief from the rainfall in the northern and southern parts of the country. While the weather is dry and cool in the southern part, it is cold in the northern region.

September marks the beginning of typhoon season in central Vietnam. So, this may not be a good time to visit the central regions. The temperature can range between 20 to 25 degrees celsius.

Visiting Vietnam in September can let you witness the Vietnam National Day and Hanoi Pride.

October

The weather becomes dry in the southern and northern regions as the rainy season ends. However, the central regions experience heavy rainfall and storms during this month.

It is the best time to go hiking in the hilly ranges of Sapa in the north and visit places like the Mekong Delta and Ho Chi Minh City in the south.

Temperatures in the country can reach up to 20 to 25 degrees celsius.

November

The best time to visit Vietnam from India is November. You will get pleasant weather in the north and south of the country while the central regions experience heavy rainfall.

The temperatures in Vietnam in November range between 20 to 25 degrees celsius. During this time, you can enjoy trekking in the north and experience the calmness of southern beaches.

December

December is also the best time to visit Vietnam since the weather is pleasant in all parts of the country. The rains in the central portions start declining. It is also the best time to visit northern and southern regions due to cooler temperatures and less rainfall.

You can visit Sapa in the north to witness snowfall. You can also enjoy Christmas and New Year’s celebrations during this time.

Vietnam offers an exhilarating dose of Southeast Asian magic anytime during the year. However, some seasons are more favourable for tourists. Here are the best seasons according to your travel expectations:

Best season for beaches

The hot season from July to August offers the most favourable conditions to enjoy central beaches.

During this time, accommodation prices may increase by 50% in the resort areas of Danang and Nha Trang. So, make sure you book flights and hotels in advance, as you can expect crowds at popular resorts.

These months are not good when it comes to travelling to the north and south. It is because these regions are gripped in heavy downpours.

Best season for visiting Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi

The winter season from December to March is cool and dry making it an ideal time to explore the northern and southern portions. The bearable temperature and low humidity levels can help you roam around Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi on foot.

However, it can be chilly in the north, especially at greater heights. This is also a good time to visit the islands of Phu Quoc and the Mekong Delta. However, from April onwards the temperatures in the south start rising to unbearable levels.

You can experience the biennial Flower Festival in December which brings music, wine and fragrant blooms to Dalat. The Tet festivities begin in late January or February gripping the entire country in festive vibes.

The transport and hotel prices skyrocket during this time. If you are a coffee lover, visiting Vietnam in March can let you experience the annual Buon Ma Thuot’s Coffee Festival.

Best season to avoid crowds

The transition from dry and cool winters to hot and sticky summers and vice versa is the low season in Vietnam. From April to June and September to November, you will experience unsettled weather conditions.

During these times, you can avoid crowds at tourist attractions and save money. You can explore the islands around Halong Bay and Bai Tu Long Bay with mild temperatures in October and November.

This can also be a good time to enjoy festivities like the Hue Festival in April, May or June and the Nha Trang Sea Festival in Nha Trang.

The typhoon season in the Northwest Pacific is from May to November. However, Vietnam faces higher risks from storms in August and September. The country witnesses four to six typhoons on average in a year characterised by strong winds and heavy downpours.

Severe storms can cause flooding and disrupt transport. Hence, it is crucial to check weather reports during this time. Also, avoid water-based activities like diving and boat trips.

Weather conditions can change significantly as you travel around the country. So, it is essential to plan your trip keeping in mind the different weather across the north, south and central Vietnam.

Having a visa is essential to enter Vietnam. Vietnam does not offer visa-free entry or visa on arrival for Indian passport holders. However, you can apply for a Vietnam visa via a simple online application.

Another crucial thing to do before travelling to this beautiful Southeast Asian country is to buy travel insurance. No matter how much you plan, there is a possibility of something going wrong.

Travel insurance is an effective tool to stay safe against uncertainties when far away from your home. At Tata AIG, you can buy travel insurance online according to your travel requirements to ensure a smooth vacation.

What are the best months to visit Vietnam?

You can land in the country anytime to experience its beauty. However, the best time to plan a trip can be from November to April. During these months, the weather is pleasant and rainfall is little.

What is Vietnam's rainy season?

The rainy season is from May to October in northern and southern Vietnam and September to November in the central regions.

What is the hottest month in Vietnam?

The highest temperatures in Vietnam usually occur in March to May in the Southern regions and May to July in the northern part.

What is the off-season for Vietnam?

April to November (except peak season) is usually the off-season for Vietnam. This is the best time to avoid crowds and save money.

What is the peak Vietnam tourist season?

There are two peak seasons in Vietnam. The first is from December to March and the other one is from July to August.