What is the weather like in Vietnam in May, and is it a suitable time to visit the country?

The weather in May is more towards the hotter side, the temperatures range around 12 degrees celsius to 39 degrees celsius. Yes, May is a suitable time to visit the country.

What are some recommended destinations to visit in Vietnam during May?

Some of the best destinations to visit in Vietnam in May are Ho Chi Minh City, Ha Long Bay, Hoi An, and more. All of these places offer something different and unique to all visitors.

Are there any festivals or events in Vietnam during May that travelers can experience?

Yes, Vietnam celebrates two major festivals in May. The birthday of former president Ho Chi Minh and the birthday of Gautam Buddha known as Vesak.

What should travelers pack for a trip to Vietnam in May, considering the weather conditions?

Travellers should pack light clothes suited for summer but should also carry Umbrellas or raincoats as in May the country experiences rainfall too.

Vietnam In May (2024): Explore The Best

Thinking of buying one of our Vietnam tour packages and wondering when to go? Then one of the best times to visit Vietnam is May. Now, Vietnam in May is the best time to explore this South Asian paradise for a lot of reasons, firstly, the weather transitions from Spring to Summer in the North, dry to wet in the South, and warm to hotter conditions in the central parts of the country. However, that’s not it, Vietnam in May has a lot more to offer, so scroll down and check out what awaits you.

Vietnam Weather In May

Vietnam’s temperature in May is hot with temperatures ranging from 35 to 39 degrees Celsius. Making it perfect for adventure activities in Vietnam, especially water sports. Along with the hot weather, if you’re someone who loves rain then you’ll be able to experience that weather too in the southern parts of the country.

Temperature In Northern Vietnam

The Vietnam temperature in May especially in the Northern parts of the country is pleasant with temperatures ranging from 16 -28 degrees Celsius. The days are usually sunny, but at times experience cloudy weather as well as some rain.

Hanoi, one of the top places to visit in Vietnam witnesses rain in the evening which is why one of our top Vietnam travel tips is to carry a raincoat or an umbrella when exploring the many wonders of Hanoi.

Temperature In Central Vietnam

The Vietnam temperature in May in the Central parts is hot and sunny, with temperatures ranging from 21 to 35 degrees Celsius, even reaching 39 degrees Celsius in some parts of the country. Hue, Nha Trang, and Da Nang are the best places to visit during this time of the year. This is why we recommend checking out our Hue travel guide to get to know the place better.

The Weather In Southern Vietnam

The weather conditions in the southern part of the country are similar to the Central region, the weather is usually hot and sunny with temperatures ranging from 17 to 30 degrees Celsius, and some places even experience temperatures as high as 37 degrees Celsius.

Vietnam in May is an excellent time to explore places like Ho Chi Minh City, Mekong Delta, and Con Dao Island.

Places To Visit In Vietnam In May

Vietnam offers a plethora of places to visit in May which will give you an experience of a lifetime. Have a look at them to know more.

1. Nha Trang

One of the most famous seaside towns in Vietnam. Nha Trang offers a wonderful seaside setting and some of the best Vietnamese cuisine in its places to eat. The place is perfect for those who want to indulge in water sports like Jet Skiing, Snorkelling, Scuba Diving in Vietnam and much more.

The weather too is pleasant with temperatures ranging from 25 degrees celsius to 32 degrees celsius with moderate to no rainfall, making it perfect for exploring Vietnam in May.

Things To Do: Scuba Diving, Snorkelling, Jet Skiing

Temperature In May: 25 degrees celsius to 32 degrees celsius

Food To Eat: Seafood, Barbecued Pork

2. Ninh Binh

Located at the edge of the Red River Delta, Ninh Binh is one of the rare places not just in Vietnam but the entire world where the cultivation of long-standing rice still happens. Located just two hours away from Hanoi, this is the place to be in Vietnam in May, if you want to witness green paddies turn yellow.

Things To Do: Paddleboat tour, Visit the caves and caverns, try local cuisine

Temperature In May: 25 degrees celsius to 31 degrees celsius

Food To Eat: Rice Crust, Goat Meat

3. Ho Chi Minh City

The busiest and the most famous place in Vietnam, Ho Chi Minh City is perfect for those who want to experience city life and want to experience nightlife, as this place has the best nightlife in Vietnam with a plethora of bars, clubs, and restaurants that operate throughout the night.

Not just that, the place is also perfect for those who want to explore the scenes of shopping in Vietnam with amazing markets like Ben Thanh Market and more.

Things To Do: Try out street food, take a cooking class, shopping

Temperature In May: 27 degrees celsius to 35 degrees celsius

Food To Eat: Pho, Banh Mi, Com Tam

4. Mui Ne

Mui Ne, the paradise of turquoise waters and some of the best beaches in Vietnam, the place is a haven for those who want to try kayaking in Vietnam, try out seafood delicacies, take a kitesurfing lesson, and even sandboarding in Vietnam.

With some of the best places to visit like Sand dunes, the Fairy Stream, Fishing Village, and much more, visiting this place will take your Vietnam in May exploration to the next level, making it one of the best places to visit in Vietnam in May.

Things To Do: Sandboarding, Kayaking, Try out Seafood

Temperature In May: 26 degrees celsius to 33 degrees celsius

Food To Eat: Pho and Banh Mi

5. Ha Long Bay

Last but for sure not least is Ha Long Bay. A UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the best natural wonders in Vietnam and in the world, Ha Long Bay has a lot of cultural influences apart from the natural ones that led to the formation of its limestones.

The Ha Long Bay cruise is the top attraction that is a winner in all our Vietnam itineraries, as the cruise takes you through the maze-like Limestone karsts. Another top attraction is the underground heaven the Hang Sut Sot.

Things To Do: Ha Long Bay Cruise, Try Out Street Food

Temperature In May: 25 degrees celsius to 34 degrees celsius

Food To Eat: Ca Cha La Vong, Spring Rolls

Things To Do In Vietnam In May

Once you’ve read about the places to visit in Vietnam in May, now have a look at the best things to do in Vietnam in May across the country.

1. Visit Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum

A remarkable piece of architecture constructed from resources from all over the country, the Mausoleum, a marble building is one of the best places to visit in Vietnam in May. it is often said that if you have not visited this while exploring Vietnam in May, then you have missed out on a lot.

Opening Hours: Saturday to Thursday, 8 AM to 11 AM

Entry Fees: INR 30.66

2. Visit The Imperial

One of the best Vietnam tourist spots, the Imperial was the former political centre for over 13 centuries straight. The Imperial Citadel Of Thang Long still remains one of the must-visits in almost all Delhi to Vietnam itineraries. It is a fortress which reflects the power of the military in Vietnam.

Opening Hours: 8 AM to 11:30 AM and 1:30 AM to 5 PM

Entry Fees: INR 90.6

3. Vietnam Military History Museum

As the name says, the Military Museum is basically a journey into the past of the Vietnam military. When you visit this place, you’re going to learn about the military of the country, from weapons to artillery used, the museum has it all, making it a must-visit during your trip to Vietnam in May.

Opening Hours: 8 AM to 4:30 PM and 1:30 AM to 5 PM

Entry Fees: INR 90.6

4. Hoan Kiem Lake And Ngoc Son

If you want to spend some jolly old time with your loved ones with whom you’re travelling to Vietnam then this is the perfect place for you. Famous for the turtle lake and the natural beauty surrounding it, the Hoan Kiem Lake and Ngoc Son is perfect for all kinds of travellers.

Entry Fees: INR 61.31

Events And Festivals In May

There are a lot of events and festivals in May to look forward to when you’re travelling to Vietnam in May. Have a look at the festivals in Vietnam below to plan your travel accordingly.

1. Vesak- Celebrating Buddha’s Birthday

One of the best festivals in Vietnam that arrives every year is Vesak, the birthday celebration of Gautam Buddha. The annual celebration happens on the 15th day of the fourth Lunar calendar either in April or May varying year by year.

The festival is held in different temples in Vietnam across the country and has a lot of activities like releasing flowers in the river, Buddha bathing rituals, preaching about Buddhism and much more.

2. President Ho Chi Minh’s Birthday

On May 19 every year, the Vietnamese people celebrate the birthday of the father and the former president of Vietnam, Ho Chi Minh with various activities and campaigns across the country. The celebrations take place in Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and Nghe An- the hometown of President Ho Chi Minh.

What To Wear In Vietnam in May

The temperature of Vietnam ranges from 12 to 39 degrees Celsius, depending on the region that you’re exploring. The majority of the country experiences dry and sunny weather but the evening turn cool. It is suggested that during the hot weather, you should wear light trousers, cotton T-shirts and shorts, and also carry a raincoat or an umbrella.

Here are some other essential items which you should pack for your visit to Vietnam in May.

Phone Chargers And Cables
Sunscreen, moisturizer and mosquito repellent
Sunglasses and Hat
Swimsuit, swimming goggles, and cap (for water activities)

In the end, Vietnam in May is perfect to stroll around the country and take part in adventure activities in Vietnam. Whether you love rain or summer, this time is perfect for those who just want to escape the ordinary and experience something like never before.

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Vietnam In May (2024): The Complete Guide