Vietnam in winters (December to February) offers a rare mix of travel experiences - cool, foggy landscapes in Hanoi and Sapa (10-18 Degrees Celsius), comfortable sightseeing weather in Central Vietnam like Hoi An and Da Nang (18-25 Degrees Celsius) and warm beach days in Phu Quoc and Ho Chi Minh City (25-30 Degrees Celsius).
The Vietnam winter season is ideal for Halong Bay Cruises, cultural walking tours, cafe hopping, and island escapes without peak summer heat. Many Vietnam tour packages during winter focus on north-to-south routes, combining heritage cities, scenic cruises, local food experiences, and relaxing beach stays, making it one of the most balanced and practical seasons to explore the country.
Vietnam in Winter: Quick Takeaways
Vietnam winter season months
- December to February - peak Vietnam winter season.
- Late November and early March - shoulder winter travel.
- North Vietnam - coldest months Jan-Feb
- South Vietnam- dry season and best beach weather.
- Tet often falls Jan - Feb - you can expect crowds and closures.
Best regions in Vietnam in winter
- North Vietnam: Sapa, Hanoi, Halong Bay
- Central Vietnam: Hoi An Lantern streets, Hue Heritage sites, Da Nang coastal walks.
- South Vietnam: Ho Chi Minh City nightlife, Mekong Delta river life, Phu Quoc Beaches.
Quick Travel Suitability - Who should visit Vietnam in Winter?
- Perfect for culture, landscapes, trekking
- Ideal for beach lovers (South Vietnam)
- Good for photography - foggy mountains and golden sunlight
- Not ideal if you hate cold, damp weather (North Vietnam)
- Not peak swimming weather in Central Vietnam in early winter
Best-selling Vietnam tour packages
Weather in Vietnam in Winter
North Vietnam in Winter (Cool, Foggy & sometimes freezing)
Hanoi
- Temperature: 10-18°C
- Weather: Cool, dry and sometimes foggy - classic Vietnam in winter vibe.
- Places to visit in Hanoi in Winter: Hoan Kiem Lake, Old Quarter, Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, Temple of Literature, Train Street and West Lake cafes
Sapa
- Temperature: 3-12°C
- Weather: Very cold, sapa in winter snowfall vietnam is possible in Jan-Feb
- Places to visit in Sapa in winter: Fansipan Mountain cable car, Cat Cat Village, Muong Hoa Valley and Silver & Love Waterfalls.
Halong Bay - Misty Limestone Views
- Temperature: 13-20°C
- Weather: Cool, foggy cruises and peaceful winter scenery
- Places to visit in Halong Bay in winter: Sung Sot Cave, Ti Top Island Viewpoint, Floating fishing villages, and kayaking routes.
Central Vietnam in Winter (Mild and Occasional Rain)
Hoi An
- Temperature: 20-26°C
- Weather: Mild with occasional showers during the Vietnam winter season.
- Places to visit in Hoi An in Winter: Ancient Town & Japanese Covered Bridge, Lantern Night Market, An Bang Beach, and Coconut Basket boat village.
Da Nang
Hue
- Temperature: 17-23°C
- Weather: Light rain, cooler climate
- Places to visit in Hue in Winter: Imperial Citadel, Thien Mu Pagoda, Royal Tombs and Perfume river cruises.
South Vietnam in Winter - Warm and Sunny
Ho Chi Minh City
- Temperature: 25-32°C
- Weather: Warm, dry, sunny throughout Vietnam winter season
- Places to visit in Ho Chi Minh in Winter: War Remnants Museum, Notre Dame Cathedral, Central Post office, Ben Thanh Market and Bitexco Skydeck
Mekong Delta
- Temperature: 24-30°C
- Weather: Dry season - perfect for boat tours.
- Places to visit in the Mekong Delta in winter: Cai Rang floating market, coconut workshops, canal boat rides and local fruit orchards.
Phu Quoc
- Temperature: 26-31°C
- Weather: Best beach conditions during Vietnam winter season
- Places to visit in Phu Quoc in winter: Sao Beach, Long Beach, Hon Thom Cable car, Phu Quoc Night market, VinWonders, and Grand World.
Best Places to Visit in Vietnam Winter
Sapa weather in December it’s cold, foggy and sometimes frosty. Trek terraces, visit hill tribe villages, and enjoy scenic winter landscapes. Perfect for experiencing cold weather in Vietnam. From December to February, the town transforms into a misty mountain escape with chilly weather and more.
Weather in Sapa in winter: 0°C to 15°C
What makes Sapa special in winter: Dreamy landscapes, trekking adventures, Fansipan Peak, Cozy cafes
Travel tips: Pack heavy jackets, wear good trekking shoes, check weather updates and book hotels with heaters.
Hanoi is cool in winter, ideal for exploring lakes, temples, and bustling streets. Try hot pho and egg coffee while wandering the Old Quarter, a must in places to visit in Vietnam winter. No sweaty sightseeing, no rushing - only calm lakes, cozy cafes and that soft winter vibe that makes everything look prettier.
Weather in Hanoi in winter: 10°C to 20°C
What makes Hanoi special in winter: Hoan Kiem Lake walks, cafe culture, Old Qaurter exploration.
Travel tips: Pack light sweaters or jackets, carry comfortable walking shoes, keep a small umbrella, and try hot local dishes.
Halong Bay in winter feels calm, cool and beautifully quiet! The air is fresh, the water is peaceful and the limestone islands look even more magical with a little mist around them. It’s not loud or crowded, but slow, scenic and perfect for simply enjoying the view.
Weather in Halong Bay in winter: 10°C to 20°C
What makes Halong Bay special in winter: Misty limestone views, peaceful cruises, kayaking, cave visits, cozy evenings on deck.
Travel tips: carry warm jackets, choose an overnight cruise for full experience, check weather forecae before booking and wear comfortable shoes for cave exploration.
Mild Vietnam winter weather makes evening walks magical. Enjoy lantern-lit streets, riverside cafés, and cultural markets, a top spot for places to visit in Vietnam winter.
Weather in Hoi An in winter: 18°C to 25°C
What makes Hoi An special in winter: Lantern-lit evenings, old town exploration, boat rides on Thu Bon River, Tailor shops and cafes
Travel tips: Carry light jackets, keep an umbrella, wear comfortable footwear and plan indoor activities on rainy days.
Da Nang is a place all cool and pleasant, perfect for beaches, mountains, and sightseeing. Explore Ba Na Hills and Golden Bridge while enjoying winter in Vietnam. It’s the perfect time to explore the city slowly, from mountains to markets, without rushing!
Weather in Da Nang in winter: 18°C to 24°
What makes Da Nang special in winter: Peaceful beaches, Golden Bridge, Marble Mountains and local food trails.
Travel tips: Carry light jackets, keep a small umbrella, check weather updates and wear comfortable shoes for sightseeing.
Cool winter days let you explore citadels, tombs, and temples comfortably. Hue’s rich history shines during the winter season in Vietnam. The cooler weather makes exploring temples and royal tombs comfortable, giving the whole city a peaceful, old-world charm.
Weather in Hue in winter: 16°C to 22°C
What makes Hue special in winter: Imperial city exploration, Misty river views, Royal tomb visits, and warm local food.
Travel tips: pack light sweaters, carry an umbrella, wear comfortable walking shoes and plan indoor attractions on rainy days.
7. Phu Quoc – Sunny Beaches
Warm and sunny, perfect for snorkeling, island hopping, and relaxing on Long Beach. One of the best places to visit in Vietnam in winter for tropical warmth.while many places get cold, Phu Quoc stays warm and perfect for slow, sunny days by the sea.
Weather in Phu Quoc in winter: 25°C to 30°C
What makes Phu Quoc special in winter: Beautiful beaches, island hopping, snorkeling, stunning sunsets and night markets
Travel tips: Carry light summer clothes and beachwear, don’t forget sunscreen, book island tours, and stay near the beach for the best experience.
Best Experiences in Vietnam in Winter
Halong Bay cruises are the best way to truly experience the beauty of the bay. Instead of just seeing the limestone islands from a distance, you sail right between them - waking up to misty views and calm green waters. You can choose from budget day cruises to luxury overnight stays, but an overnight cruise gives you the full, peaceful Halong Bay experience.
Why you should go: The winter mist creates dramatic limestone landscapes and peaceful cruises.
Best experiences: Kayaking, cave visits, and overnight cruise stays.
Suggested itinerary: Include 2 nights in Halong Bay during your Vietnam winter weather and itinerary for the North.
Trekking in Sapa during winter feels calm, cool, and a little magical. The air is fresh, the mountains are covered in light mist, and the rice fields turn golden-brown. It’s quieter than other seasons, so you can really enjoy the views without too many people around.
Why you should go: Winter fog and rare snow make Sapa’s terraces magical.
Best experiences: Sapa trekking through hill tribe villages, the Fansipan cable car, and winter photography.
Suggested itinerary: 2-3 days in Sapa for trekking and cultural immersion during your Vietnam winter travel.
3. Attend Hoi An Lantern Nights
If you’re in Hoi An during winter, don’t miss the Lantern Night. The weather is cool, the air feels fresh, and the whole town glows with colourful lanterns. It’s not loud or rushed — it’s calm, beautiful, and honestly, a little magical.
As the sun sets, the streets of the Old Town light up. Cars stay away, people walk slowly, and the river reflects hundreds of glowing lanterns. You can even release a small paper lantern on the water and make a wish.
Why you should go: Lantern-lit streets glow beautifully in cool evenings.
Best experiences: Ancient Town walks, night markets and riverside cafes
Suggested itinerary: 1-2 nights in Hoi An as part of central Vietnam leg in your Vietnam winter weather and itinerary.
4. Try Hanoi Street food and Culture
Winter is honestly the best time to enjoy Hanoi’s street food. The cool air makes hot bowls of pho taste even better, and walking around the Old Quarter feels comfortable instead of sweaty. You can explore slowly, stop at small stalls, and really enjoy both the food and the vibe of the city.
Why you should go: Winter is perfect for warm local food and cultural walks.
Best experiences: Old Quarter food tours, Hoan Kiem Lake strolls, museums
Suggested itinerary: 2-3 days in Hanoi for northern cultural highlights
5. Hue Heritage Exploration
Exploring Hue in winter feels calm and meaningful. The weather is cooler, the crowds are fewer, and the old monuments look even more beautiful with a little mist in the air. You can walk through ancient gates, quiet courtyards, and royal tombs without rushing or feeling too hot.
Why you should go: Explore imperial tombs and citadels without summer heat.
Best experiences: Imperial Citadel, royal tombs, and Perfume river cruises.
Suggested itinerary: 1-2 days in Hue during Central Vietnam travel.
6. Phu Quoc Beach and Snorkeling
Phu Quoc is the kind of place where your only serious decision is — beach nap first or snorkeling first? The water is that clear, the sand is that soft, and the vibe is completely “no stress allowed.” It’s slow mornings, salty hair, and sunsets that make you pause mid-conversation.
Why you should go: Warm beaches are perfect for winter escapes.
Best experiences: Snorkeling, island hopping, and sunset relaxation.
Suggested itinerary: 2-3 days in Phu Quoc as a southern highlight in your Vietnam winter travel.
7. Attend Winter Festivals in Vietnam - Tet
If you visit Vietnam in winter, you might be lucky enough to experience Tet, the Vietnamese Lunar New Year. It’s not just a festival, it’s the biggest celebration of the year. Streets turn colorful, homes are decorated with flowers, and there’s a feeling of fresh beginnings everywhere.
Why you should attend: Witness traditional customs like giving lucky money, lion dances, and festive family gatherings.
What to experience: Streets decorated with flowers, kumquat trees, red lanterns, and bustling local markets.
Tip: Late Jan to Feb is the best time to visit Vietnam winter if you want an authentic cultural immersion.
Best Food to Try in Vietnam in Winter
1. Lau (Vietnamese Hotpot)
This is the ultimate comfort food during the Vietnam winter season. A pot of boiling broth (often sour and spicy or crab-based) is placed in the centre of the table and diners cook their own beef, river fish, tofu and winter vegetables like morning glory and mustard greens.
Where to try: Phung Hung Street (Hanoi) is famous for its line of hotpot restaurants open late into the night.
2. Banh Duc Nong (Hot steamed rice cake)
Unlike the cold, jelly-like version eaten in summer, this winter variation is served hot and viscous, with the consistency of thick porridge. It is topped with savory wood ear mushrooms, ground pork, fried shallots, and fresh cilantro, all swimming in a warm, sweet-salty fish sauce broth.
Where to try: Le Ngoc Han Street (Hanoi) has a legendary stall that has been serving this dish for decades.
3. Do Nuong (Roadside BBQ)
You will see smoke rising from small charcoal grills on nearly every corner in the North. Skewers of marinated pork, beef wrapped in wild betel leaf, and vegetables are grilled to order and served with a spicy chili dipping sauce.
Where to try: Ly Van Phuc Street (Hanoi) is known locally as “Chicken Street” for its specialized grilled chicken vendors.
4. Pho (Hanoi Beef Noodle Soup)
Steaming hot broth with rice noodles, herbs and tender beef which is perfect for the cold weather in Vietnam. It is best eaten in the morning for an authentic winter season in Vietnam experience.
Where to try: Pho Bat Dan, Pho Thin Hanoi
These are grilled pork patties with rice noodles and herbs, a very popular, hearty dish to warm you up during winter in Vietnam. You can pair with Hanoi egg coffee for full winter vibes. You must try out one of the best foods in Vietnam for the unique taste.
Where to try: Bun Cha Huong Lien, Hanoi Old Quarter
6. Banh Beo (Steamed rice cakes)
These are soft rice cakes with shrimp, scallions and crispy toppings! This is the best comfort food in winter in Vietnam that you can try especially in Central Vietnam.
Where to try: Banh Beo Hue, local Hue street vendors
7. Hu Tieu (Southern Noodle Soup)
A very light, aromatic noodle soup with pork, seafood and herbs which is warming yet not too heavy for everyone. Also, it is known as an ideal lunch dish during winter in Vietnam when exploring the South.
Where to try: Hu Tieu Nam Vang, Ho Chi Minh city street vendors
8. Che (Sweet Dessert Soups)
These are warm desserts with beans, coconut milk, or tapioca pearls, which are perfect for cozy winter evenings. You can enjoy this as an after-dinner treat during winter in Vietnam nights.
Where to try: Che 3 Ba, Ho Chi Minh city, local street stalls in Saigon
Festivals to Attend in Vietnam in Winter
1. Tet Nguyen Dan (Vietnamese Lunar New Year)
Tet is like a full reset button for life! Homes get cleaned, debts are cleared, flowers fill the streets and everyone welcomes the year with hope and fresh energy. Families gather, lucky red envelopes are shared and fireworks light up the winter sky. It’s that time when the whole country pauses, celebrates and believes in new beginnings - together.
Date 2026: 17 Feb 2026
Where: Nationwide, especially Hanoi and northern towns.
What to experience: Flower markets, lion dances, red lantern streets, family gatherings and traditional foods like banh chung and mut Tet.
Tip: Arrive early or stay a bit after, many shops close on the core days of Tet, but the winter in Vietnam market buzz is unmatched
2. Perfume Pagoda Festival - Feb 22 to May 17, 2026
The Perfume Pagoda Festival is one of Vietnam’s most beautiful and spiritual celebrations. Held every year near Hanoi, it takes place in a scenic mountain area filled with temples, caves, and peaceful rivers. The journey itself feels special, you travel by boat, walk through nature, and finally reach the sacred pagoda.
Date 2026: Feb 22 - May 17, 2026
Where: Yen River and Perfume Pagoda
What to experience: A Long Buddhist Pilgrimage and festival where devotees sail scenic waterways and climb to sacred pagodas in the mountains.
3. Hoi An Lantern Festival - Monthly Full Moon
Once every month, on the night of the full moon, Hoi An turns into pure magic. The electric lights go off in the Old Town, and hundreds of colorful lanterns take over the streets. The entire town glows softly under the moonlight, creating a peaceful and almost dream-like atmosphere.
Date 2026: Jan 13, Feb 11, March 13 (key dates)
Where: Hoi An Ancient Town
What to experience: Electric lights go off and thousands of lanterns illuminate the riverside streets, creating one of Vietnam’s most photogenic moments.
4. Lim Festival - Jan 24-26, 2026
The Lim Festival is one of Vietnam’s most beautiful traditional celebrations, famous for its soulful Quan Ho folk singing. Held in Bac Ninh province, this festival feels like stepping into old Vietnam, colorful costumes, melodic duets, and a joyful spring atmosphere everywhere.
Date 2026: Jan 24-26, 2026
Where: Bac Ninh Province
What to experience: UNESCO-recognized Quan Ho folk singing, ancient dances, traditional music and cultural rituals.
5. Yen Tu Festival - Feb 26 - Spring (3 months)
The Yen Tu Festival is one of Vietnam’s most important spiritual festivals. Held in the sacred Yen Tu Mountain area, it marks the start of a three-month pilgrimage season. Every spring, thousands of visitors climb the mountain to pray, reflect, and enjoy the peaceful natural surroundings.
Dates 2026: Feb 26- Spring (3 months)
Where: Yen Tu Mountain, Quang Ninh Province
What to experience: Grand Buddhist festival focusing on incense offerings, ancient rituals, traditional arts and scenic mountain temples.
Travel Tips for Vietnam in Winter
- Carry warm layers for North Vietnam (Hanoi, Sapa and Halong Bay)
- Check regional weather for North, Central and South Vietnam.
- You need to book early around Tet as flights and hotels fill up quickly during Lunar New Year.
- Wear comfortable shoes as you need to walk a lot in places like Hanoi Old Quarter, Hoi An and Hue’s Imperial City.
- Choose the right experiences like cruising, visiting lantern nights in Hoi An or try street food in Hanoi during chilly evenings.
What to Pack for Vietnam in Winter?
- Warm jacket (for North Vietnam)
- Light sweater or hoodie
- Thermals (if visiting Sapa)
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Trekking shoes
- Light rain jacket or small umbrella
- T-shirts and light clothes for South Vietnam
- Swimwear for Phu Quoc
- Sunscreen and sunglasses
Vietnam in Winter: A Season That Feels Just Right
Vietnam in winter isn’t about extreme snow or freezing temperatures, it’s about balance. Cool mornings in Hanoi, misty mountains in Sapa, peaceful cruises in Halong Bay, and sunny beaches in Phu Quoc all exist at the same time. You can trek in light layers up north and relax by the sea down south, all in one trip.
What makes winter special is the comfort. You explore more, walk longer, and actually enjoy the journey without fighting the heat. Add to that glowing lantern nights in Hoi An and festive energy around Tet, and the experience feels richer and more meaningful.
