If you plan to visit Vietnam any time soon, we strongly recommend you travel here between October and April. The weather is usually comfortable with low rain, and, more importantly, you can expect affordable prices as domestic tourists do not travel during this time.
In particular, we advise more on the best time to visit each region in Vietnam.
1. The best time to visit Northern Vietnam
Northern regions feature tropical climates with four distinctive seasons during the year, of which the months from October to April are relatively cool and dry around 16–24°C (60.8–75.2°F). You can imagine the weather being like the summer in Manchester, the north-west city of England.
It sounds wonderful that you can escape the cool British winter to enjoy the cozy atmosphere and unveil the hidden charm of Northern Vietnam, from the millennium-civilization Hanoi capital to the northern highland areas like Sapa, Ha Giang, and Mau Son immersed in yellow grain.
Can’t wait to see the awe-inspiring beauty of Vietnam’s landscapes? Once you’ve determined the ideal time to visit, securing your flights to Vietnam will ensure a seamless and memorable journey.
2. The best time to visit Central Vietnam
Unlike the pleasant weather of the North in October and November, provinces in Central Vietnam experience a peak level of rainfall, which can likely lead to typhoons. You had better avoid traveling to Central at the end of the year.
Instead, the dry season from February to July is the best time. It is sunny outside but definitely not baking hot like in Coningsby or Cambridge, as the temperature only ranges between 28 and 32°C (82.4 and 89.6 °F).
Such wonderful weather allows you to explore the beautiful central coastal region stretching along an S-shaped curve from Danang to Nha Trang, Quy Nhon, and Ninh Thuan and do any sort of outdoor activities such as windsurfing, swimming, snorkeling, etc.
3. Best time to visit Southern Vietnam
The best time to visit Southern Vietnam is from October to April, as the average temperature is 25–30°C (77–86°F) and rain comes in short bursts. Between May and September, it becomes humid and wet; not to mention, this time is the peak tourism season for domestic visitors since they have summer breaks and holidays.
Some unmissable destinations for your reference include but are not limited to, the dazzling and frantic city of Ho Chi Minh (a mixture of historical heritage and modern urbanization); the relaxing and local-feel Mekong Delta; Nam Cat Tien national park, etc.
| Month | Temperatures and weather patterns | The best things to do |
| October | Northern Vietnam: Dry and sunny, 25°C on average (77°F)Central Vietnam: Heavy storms and prolonged rains, 24-27°C (75–81°F)Southern Vietnam: Warm and humid with less rain, 27–35°C (81–95°F) | Exploring mountainous regions in the north, such as Ha Giang and Mu Cang Chai.Taking a river cruise along the Mekong Delta and visiting beaches in the South like Con Dao and Phu Quoc. |
| November | Northern Vietnam: Moderate temperatures and little rain, 24–25°C (75.2–77°F)Central Vietnam: Rainfall and possible heavy storms, 23–25°C (73.4–77°F)Southern Vietnam: Less humidity and clear skies, 27–35°C (80.6–95°F) | Taking a junk cruise on Halong Bay.Visiting the Central Highlands and Dalat.Taking a tour to the southern beaches like Phan Thiet, Mui Ne, Ho Tram, Long Hai, etc. |
| December | Northern Vietnam: Onset of winter, with an average temperature of 19°C (66°F)Central Vietnam: Plenty of rain and storms at the beginning of the month, 22–27°C (72–81°F)Southern Vietnam: Low humidity, little rain, and blue skies; the lowest temperature is as pleasant as 26°C (79°F) | Exploring landscapes in Ho Chi Minh City such as the futuristic Bitexco Tower, Cao Dai Temple, and Binh Tay Market.Heading to the islands of Phu Quoc. |
| January | Northern Vietnam: Extremely dry and cool, with temperatures between 7°C (12°F) and 17°C (63°F)Central Vietnam: Warm and pleasant around 23°C (73°F)Southern Vietnam: Relaxing and dry with an average temperature of 30°C (86°F) in the afternoon and 20°C (68°F) at night | Visiting Halong Bay in the north and beaches in the Central such as Nha Trang, Quy Nhơn.Also exploring the beautiful Hue and Dalat. |
| February | Northern Vietnam: Cool and little rain, 15–20°C (59–68°F)Central Vietnam: Also cool and a light sprinkling of rain, 22–27°C (72–81°F)Southern Vietnam: Almost no rain and plenty of sunshine, 26–28°C (79–82.4°F) | Participating in traditional Tet holiday and spring festivals in three regions.Heading to the Mekong Delta for floating markets and sailing trips upriver. |
| March | Northern Vietnam: A more pleasant and milder temperature compared to previous months, 17–24°C (63–75°F)Central Vietnam: Less rain and lower humidity, 23–28°C (73–82°F)Southern Vietnam: Increasing temperature and high winds, 29–32 °C (84.2–90°F) | Driving to mountainous areas in Sapa, Mu Cang Chai, and Ha Giang.Discovering Hoi An Ancient Town and traveling to Danang, Hue, Nha Trang, |
| April | Northern Vietnam: Dry and little rain, with a daily temperature between 22ºC (71ºF) and 30ºC (86ºF)Central Vietnam: Hot and with sudden rain, 28–35°C (82.4–95°F)Southern Vietnam: Hot and dry, 32–36 °C (90–96.8°F) | Visiting Hanoi and hopping on to a cyclo around the city.Exploring beaches in the Central: Nha Trang, Mui Ne, Phan Thiet, etc. |
4. Tips for the First Time Traveling to Vietnam
Here are some useful tips for British visitors on your first visit to our beautiful Vietnam.
- Sort out your visa application and check for visa exemptions, if any.
- Purchase travel insurance for your safety.
- Always check the weather at your destination, as Vietnamese weather is split by region. If you visit the North between December and February, for example, you should prepare warm clothing.
- Plan your itinerary, with a note of being selective rather than fitting in too much. Within a city or province, we suggest only visiting two places a day. As such, you have chances to talk to local people and learn about the story of landscapes. In addition, you are not tired of moving all the time.
- Learn Vietnamese culture and some common phrases.
- Book flights and hotels at least six weeks ahead. Also, remember to book the return flights from Vietnam to London today to get attractive pricing and avoid peak time!
In a nutshell, the best time to visit the North and the South of Vietnam is from October to April when the weather is pleasant and it is off-peak for domestic visitors. For the Central only, you should avoid the stormy season from September to November and visit the Central provinces in other months to enjoy relaxing weather and beautiful beaches there!
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