Planning your trip to the "Land of the Ascending Dragon”, first you must know the best time to visit Vietnam. With three distinct regions, it is very important to be aware of the best time to go to Vietnam before you book your Vietnam tour package .
As the country is divided into 3 parts, North, South and Central, it offers a mix of tropical as well as temperate climates. Picking the Vietnam peak tourist season can be a little tricky, as all three regions have different climate changes. But once you understand the right time to visit the country, it will definitely make your journey smoother and way more enjoyable with WanderOn.
Choosing the best time to visit Vietnam from India will make your trip more exciting, as you can you can explore various places to visit in Vietnam. As well as you can enjoy the Vietnam festival seasons, which is undoubtedly once in a lifetime experience.
In this blog, we will discuss the best months to visit Vietnam so that you can explore the country at its peak time. So what are you waiting for! Let’s get started.
best vietnam tour packages
Vietnam Weather Overview by Region
Vietnam’s map makes its climate quite diverse, but at the same time very exciting as you can experience different climates in the same month. You will be amazed to know that the climate of Hanoi is completely different from Ho Chi Minh City at the same time. This is one of the major highlights about the country that you will get to experience different weather if you travel from one city to another.
Northern Vietnam (Hanoi, Sapa, Halong Bay)
With four distinct seasons, Northern Vietnam offers one of the most diverse climate zones in the country. Here is the breakdown on the basis of seasons:
- Winter (December–February): This season brings cool to cold weather, especially in the mountains of Sapa, where temperatures can drop below 10°C and even bring frost.
- Spring (March–April): It is mild, with temperatures ranging from 17°C to 28°C and minimal rainfall.
- Summer (May–August): The hot and humid, with highs around 33°C and frequent downpours.
- Autumn (September–November): Considered the best time to go to Northern Vietnam clear skies, warm days around 25°C, and golden rice fields in Sapa.
Central Vietnam (Hue, Da Nang, Hoi An, Quy Nhon)
When it comes to Central Vietnam, it generally has a tropical monsoon climate. This part of the country is shielded from early summer rains. The best months to visit Central Vietnam are from March to July, when you can enjoy sunshine, minimal rain, and pleasant coastal breezes. Here is the breakdown:
- From January to July, it’s typically dry and sunny, with temperatures ranging from 22°C in January to 34°C in June, which is also the best month to visit Vietnam for beaches.
- August to November sees the wet season, often with storms, especially in Hue and Hoi An, which makes the travel plans unpredictable.
- Rainfall peaks in October, sometimes causing local flooding. So, avoid visiting Central Vietnam during this month.
Southern Vietnam (Ho Chi Minh City, Mekong Delta, Phu Quoc)
In the Southern Vietnam of there are only 2 consistent tropical climate year round i.e., dry and wet. The best season to visit Vietnam’s Southern part is during the dry months, particularly December to March, when humidity is low, and beaches like Phu Quoc are at their finest. Let’s discuss them briefly:
- November to April: These months are the dry seasons which are hot but comfortable with the temperature between 28°C and 34°C and little rain. These months are perfect for city tours and Mekong cruises.
- May to October: Whereas these months are the wet seasons, especially in June and July, though mornings usually remain sunny. You can easily commute in rainy season as the rain generally starts before evening time.
Best Time To Visit: Vietnam Weather by Month
Here is the breakdown of Vietnam weather by month which will make you more clear when you should book your Vietnam trip for better experience:
January is one of the best time to visit Vietnam, especially if you're escaping the cold in India. In the north, places like Hanoi and Sapa can be chilly, with temperatures ranging from 10°C to 18°C. Whereas in the mountains this temperature can be lower which makes this month one of the Vietnam peak tourist season.
Central Vietnam starts to dry up after the rainy season, while southern regions like Ho Chi Minh City enjoy dry, sunny days with highs around 28–30°C. Not only the temperature but if you want to enjoy the Vietnam festival season, then during this month you will see the decoration of Tet (Vietnamese New Year) in cities. This month is not best time to visit Vietnam for festivals & events but also you can expect the best places to eat in Vietnam.
February is arguably one of the best times to go to Vietnam, with mild and dry weather across most regions. Northern Vietnam continues to be cool and misty, with temperatures between 11°C and 20°C. Central Vietnam (Hue, Da Nang) experiences pleasant conditions and sees an increase in sunny days.
In the south, it’s warm and dry, with average highs around 30–32°C. This is also Tet Festival month in many years, so while cultural experiences are rich, early bookings are essential due to high demand. As well as, you will find various places for shopping in Vietnam, making it a great time for shopaholics.
March marks the beginning of spring in Vietnam, and it's one of the best months to visit Vietnam overall. The north starts to warm up, with daytime temperatures ranging between 17°C and 24°C and less humidity.
In this month Central Vietnam best time to visit like Hoi An and Hue enjoy dry, sunny days, perfect for sightseeing and beach time.
Down south, the weather remains consistently dry and hot, averaging 33°C, but not too humid. The natural beauty is in full bloom, making it ideal for trekking in Sapa or cruising in Halong Bay. March is also a good pick for a balanced and budget-friendly trip.
April is a shoulder season and a solid pick if you're looking for the best time to visit Vietnam from India. Northern Vietnam experiences mild spring weather with temperatures between 20°C and 28°C, making it great for outdoor exploration. Central Vietnam is now warmer, with sunshine perfect for hitting the beaches in Da Nang or Quy Nhon.
Whereas in the southern part of Vietnam, it’s hot and dry, reaching highs of 35°C, so pack light clothing. April is also the time of the Hue Festival (held every two years), showcasing traditional Vietnamese arts and culture. It’s one of the best seasons to visit Vietnam for diverse experiences.
May brings rising temperatures and the beginning of the wet season in some regions, but it’s still considered a Vietnam best time to visit. The north starts getting warmer, ranging from 24°C to 32°C, with occasional rains. Central Vietnam remains dry early in the month, making it a good time for beach getaways.
The south sees short, sharp showers late in the afternoon, but mornings remain sunny and clear. Visitor crowds thin out, so you can find better deals. May is one of Vietnam’s seasons to visit if you want to avoid crowds but still enjoy fair weather.
June is summer in Vietnam, and temperatures soar across the country. In the north, Hanoi and Halong Bay become hot and humid, with temperatures climbing up to 35°C, and occasional downpours. Central Vietnam (Hoi An, Da Nang) is in peak beach mode, with plenty of sun and little rain, ideal for swimming and watersports on the best beaches of Vietnam.
In the south, you’ll get afternoon showers but also bursts of sunshine, with highs around 32°C. June is one of the best months to visit Vietnam if you love beach holidays and don’t mind the heat. It’s also a good time to explore offbeat destinations.
July is part of the rainy season in many parts of Vietnam, but it’s still popular for summer travel, especially in Central Vietnam. The north experiences heavy showers and hot temperatures (25°C–34°C), so trekking and outdoor sightseeing might be limited. Central Vietnam, however, remains relatively dry and sunny, which is perfect for beach lovers.
The south sees regular rains, especially in the afternoons, but you can still enjoy cultural sites and city life. It's not the best time to go to Vietnam if you're averse to rain, but it’s great for travellers looking for off-season deals.
August is one of the hottest and wettest months in Vietnam. The north sees consistent rainfall and high humidity with temperatures around 28°C to 35°C, making outdoor travel a bit tricky. Central Vietnam continues to shine as the driest region, ideal for beach destinations like Nha Trang or Da Nang.
In the south, expect humid days with afternoon thunderstorms. Though it’s not usually listed as the best season to visit Vietnam, August is good for budget travellers and those focusing on coastal stays. Just keep an umbrella handy and plan some indoor cultural visits.
Vietnam in September marks the end of summer and brings some relief in the north, with cooler temperatures between 24°C and 31°C. The landscapes in places like Sapa and Ninh Binh are lush and green after the rains. Central Vietnam starts to experience its monsoon season, especially in Hue and Hoi An, with possible flooding.
In the south, the rain gradually begins to ease. This is also when the Mid-Autumn Festival happens, a fantastic time for cultural exploration. Overall, September is one of the best months to visit Vietnam in the north, but less ideal for central beach trips.
October is a transitional month and one of the best times to go to Vietnam if you’re planning to explore the north. Hanoi and Ha Giang begin to cool down, with clear skies and temperatures around 20°C to 28°C. It’s ideal for mountain treks and river cruises. Central Vietnam is often hit by typhoons this month, so beach plans may be disrupted.
The south starts drying up, making it a good time to start planning for island trips to Phu Quoc. October is a strong contender for the best season to visit Vietnam, especially for nature lovers and culture seekers.
Vietnam in November is considered one of the best months to visit Vietnam, particularly in the north and south. In Hanoi, the air becomes crisp and the weather is ideal for sightseeing, with average highs around 24°C. Central Vietnam may still see rain, but conditions improve by mid-month.
The south enjoys dry and sunny days are perfect for exploring Ho Chi Minh City or relaxing in the Mekong Delta. The cooler weather also makes this one of the best times to explore caves and rivers. If you're wondering is it's better to visit Vietnam in summer or winter, November tips the scale toward winter.
December is peak travel season and one of the most comfortable months across Vietnam. The north can get chilly (around 15°C to 22°C), especially at night, making it cozy for walks around Hanoi’s Old Quarter. Central Vietnam begins to recover from the rainy season, and beach towns like Da Nang gradually become sunnier.
South Vietnam is at its bestsunny, dry, and ideal for island getaways like Phu Quoc or Con Dao. With Christmas celebrations and the New Year around the corner, December wraps up the year beautifully and is one of the best times to go to Vietnam.
What to Pack for Vietnam by Season?
Well once you decided what is the best time to visit Vietnam from India, the next biggest question in the line is what to pack for Vietnam by season? It completely depends on which season and in which region you have decided to visit:
- Layered clothing, jackets, cardigan, comfortable walking shoes, and more. Keep umbrella, raincoat, water proof bags with you.
- Cotton based clothes, shorts, t-shirt, sunglasses, hat, sunscreen and more.
- Keep your electronic items in waterproof bag
- Carry a first aid kit with you for emergencies.
