Weatherwise – When Is the Best Time to Visit Vietnam?
When Is the Best Time to Visit Vietnam?
At Local Buddy Tours, we often get asked: “When is the best time to visit Vietnam?”
The truth is — there’s no bad time! Thanks to Vietnam’s unique shape and geography, each region has its own weather pattern. So while one area may see a bit of rain, another will be full of sunshine and blue skies.
The truth is — there’s no bad time! Thanks to Vietnam’s unique shape and geography, each region has its own weather pattern. So while one area may see a bit of rain, another will be full of sunshine and blue skies.
Here’s our friendly guide to help you plan your trip around the country.
Northern Vietnam
Hanoi
-
Dec – Mar: Cool to cold, misty and cloudy
-
Apr – Jun: Warm to hot, clear skies
-
Jul – Aug: Hot, humid, rainy
-
Sep – Nov: Pleasant, sunny, cool evenings
Best time to visit: April–June or September–November.In spring and autumn, the weather is just perfect for walking around the Old Quarter or sipping egg coffee by Hoan Kiem Lake. If you visit in winter, don’t forget a jacket — Hanoi can get surprisingly chilly!
Halong Bay
-
Dec – Mar: Cool, misty, cloudy
-
Apr – Jun: Warm, sunny, clear skies
-
Jul – Aug: Hot, humid, chance of storms
-
Sep – Nov: Mild, sunny, pleasant
Best time to cruise: April–June or September–November.You’ll enjoy calm waters, clear skies, and fewer tourists. Even on misty days, Halong Bay looks magical with its limestone karsts wrapped in fog — a photographer’s dream!
Sapa
-
Dec – Mar: Cold, foggy, chance of frost
-
Apr – Jun: Warm, blooming flowers, clear skies
-
Jul – Aug: Rainy, lush green hills
-
Sep – Nov: Dry, cool, golden rice terraces
Best time to visit: April–June for flowers or September–October for harvest season.If you’re visiting in winter, pack warm clothes — temperatures can drop below 10°C, and heated blankets are your best friends!
Central Vietnam
Hue
-
Sep – Feb: Cool, cloudy, rainy
-
Mar – Aug: Hot, sunny, dry
Best time to visit: March–August.You’ll get plenty of sunshine for exploring the Imperial Citadel or relaxing by the beach. The later months can bring rain and occasional flooding, so plan accordingly.
Hoi An
-
Sep – Jan: Rainy, cool, cloudy
-
Feb – Aug: Warm, sunny, clear skies
Best time to visit: February–August.From February to May, the weather is perfect — blue skies, colorful flowers, and cozy lantern-lit nights. If you join our Local Buddy Hoi An Countryside Tour, you’ll see the rice fields in their greenest glow!
Da Nang
Da Nang’s weather is similar to Hoi An — warm and sunny most of the year.
Best time: March–August for beach days and clear skies.
Even during the rainy season (Sep–Jan), short showers often pass quickly, and the city stays lively with great food and friendly locals.
Best time: March–August for beach days and clear skies.Even during the rainy season (Sep–Jan), short showers often pass quickly, and the city stays lively with great food and friendly locals.
Da Lat
-
Apr – Oct: Rainy afternoons, cool evenings
-
Nov – Mar: Dry, crisp, clear skies
Best time to visit: November–March.Da Lat’s cool mountain air makes it a perfect retreat from the coastal heat. Fresh flowers, pine trees, and waterfalls — no wonder it’s called the City of Eternal Spring!
Southern Vietnam
Ho Chi Minh City & Mekong Delta
-
May – Nov: Rainy season, warm and humid
-
Dec – Apr: Dry, sunny, clear skies
Best time to visit: December–April.The dry season is ideal for exploring the city or cruising the Mekong. Even during the wet season, rain usually comes in short bursts — you’ll still have plenty of sunshine.
Phu Quoc Island
-
Jul – Sep: Rainy, stormy
-
Oct – Jun: Dry, sunny, tropical
Best time to visit: November–May.Crystal-clear water, palm-fringed beaches, and sunny skies — everything you want from a tropical island escape.
Local Buddy Tip
If you’re planning to explore both North and Central Vietnam, March–May and September–November are the most balanced months for great weather everywhere.
No matter when you come, Vietnam always has something beautiful waiting for you — and our Local Buddy team will be here to show you the best of it, rain or shine!
