Planning to visit Vietnam?
Who wouldn’t? The country is famous for its
food and biodiversity, making it a great place to explore. It also boasts a deep history and
beautiful works of art, making it the ideal tourist spot for those looking for mythical adventures!
That said, when should you go to Vietnam? Are there peak seasons when there are more tourists and souvenirs are more expensive? Are there specific events that only happen during specific seasons?
Don’t worry, we’ve got it all laid out below. Read on to discover the best time of year to visit Vietnam!
1. Vietnam in the Spring
The best months for this season are March and April. The main reason is the fact that it’s warm and dry, especially in the north. The temperatures in Hanoi and Ha Long Bay are steady in the 60s, with high levels of humidity and the occasional shower.
As for the south, you’re in for steamy weather that can range from 70-90F. No matter where you are, you can expect great sunny skies. But you need to plan for some rainy days—most locals have thin plastic ponchos during these days, which you can adapt.
Fortunately, you can expect only light rain during the spring. You won’t have to worry about strong
monsoon storms ruining your vacation anytime soon. This makes spring a great time to go out with the family or with young kids.
Make it a point not to wear anything too thick since you’re likely to overheat. When going to Vietnam during spring, opt for lightweight, breathable materials. It’s also worth noting that locals often stay covered up during this time, so bring a few outfits that help in covering your shoulders and legs.
2. Vietnam in the Summer
If you’re looking to explore Vietnam’s entirety, you’ll find that May and June will have consistent nice weather. During this season, the farthest corners of northern Vietnam can get chilly while the rest remains hot. It’s worth remembering that the country’s middle regions will be hot and dry, while the northern and southern regions will have a lot of rainy days.
When you visit Vietnam during the summer, you need to prepare for the monsoon season. When it starts raining, the skies will open up for a massive downpour. This can be a relief if it happens during days when temperatures go past the 100F mark.
But this can also mean some serious, long-term rains. If you’re unlucky enough to get caught in this situation, it’s always better to plan for some backup indoor activities. Fortunately, Vietnam has multiple museums and historical sites for you to visit and enjoy its culture even when indoors.
Regardless, Summer is the most popular season in Vietnam. Most visitors agree that it’s the best time of year to visit Vietnam, especially when traveling around the coast. Make sure to book your accommodations well in advance before the summer rush starts and prices start skyrocketing.
3. Vietnam in the Autumn
The best months to start visiting Vietnam are in October and November. The temperature isn’t too hot and the weather isn’t too rainy. This season is the best time for you to visit Hanoi and enjoy what it has to offer.
On the contrary, the early months of autumn, particularly September, can experience an onslaught of storms. The tropical rains can go on for days so you might not want to schedule your visit during the constant rainy period. Fortunately, the remaining months of fall experience less rain.
Most of the dry days will have an average temperature of 70F. This makes it the perfect weather to start sightseeing. The rest of the country will also have pretty dry weather, with temperatures ranging in the mid to upper 60s.
But the best thing about visiting Vietnam in the fall is the Mid-Autumn festival. It’s incredible and out of this world, with lanterns illuminating the night skies while lion dancers take to the streets. It's the best time to enjoy some mooncakes while taking in what life in Vietnam is like.
4. Vietnam in the Winter
Vietnam can get hot, so if you prefer more temperate weather, the best time to travel is during the winter season, from December to February. If you’re in a festive mood, you should visit on the Vietnamese New Year, Tết, since it’s the biggest country-wide celebration.
If you’re keen on visiting the northwest, you should visit sometime between October and March. It’s usually cold in the mountains, so it’s better to bring a jacket to warm yourself up. It isn’t rare to see some snow in Sapa in December and January.
Hanoi and other parts of northern Vietnam region will have dry weather, with temperatures ranging from 62-71F. As a general rule, any day between October and March is best when trekking the terrain and seeing the picturesque sceneries. The monsoon season also ends in December in Central Vietnam.
The winter season is the best time to give Phu Quoc a visit. This is one of the best tropical beach getaways in the country. The best part is that you only need to pack your swimwear and some extra clothes to enjoy your vacation.
Learn the Best Time of Year to Visit Vietnam!
Vietnam has a lot to offer, no matter when you plan to visit this wonderful country. But if you want the best time of year to visit Vietnam, this guide helps you plan, especially during the monsoon season. Poor planning can result in a less-ideal vacation, so make sure to use the knowledge you gained and adjust your itinerary as needed.
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