Best Time to Visit Vietnam – By season
Dry Season: Vietnam’s dry season varies by region. The northern and southern areas of the country experience rain-free days and clear skies from November to April, and the central parts see sunny days from February to June. If you want to travel to different parts of the country, then March and April are the best times to visit Vietnam for the weather. During these months, temperatures range from the low 20s in the north to 30°C in the south.
Rainy season: The North and the South experience rains from the end of April to September or October. During this time, temperatures rise, as do humidity levels. Outdoor activities such as trekking become difficult as trails become slushy and access to small towns and villages gets cut off due to bad road conditions.
The rainy season in the central region is from August to January. During these months, there is a possibility of storms and typhoons hitting the coastal towns.
Best Time to Visit Vietnam – By Region
North Vietnam: The best time to visit Vietnam’s northern cities, such as Hanoi and Sapa, is during the spring months of March and April and the autumn months from mid-September to November. During these months, the region sees the least amount of rainfall and pleasant temperatures. The period from December to March can get quite chilly, with nighttime temperatures dipping into the single digits, particularly in the mountainous regions of the far North, such as Sapa. The weather is hot, humid and rainy during the summer months from May to September, and the area sees maximum rain from July to October.
Central Vietnam: The towns and cities of Central Vietnam, such as Da Nang, Hue, and Hoi An, see weather patterns that differ from the rest of the country. Rainfall increases in mid-summer July and ends in January, with September and October being the rainiest months. The best time to visit Central Vietnam is from mid-January to August when clear skies accompany temperatures in the mid to high 20s.
South Vietnam: The rainy season in South Vietnam matches that of North Vietnam. But unlike the North, the southern regions of Vietnam, such as Saigon and the Mekong Delta, do not see considerable temperature variations between the summer and winter. The best time to visit North Vietnam is during the dry months, from December to April. The region experiences wet weather conditions from May to November, with the heaviest rainfall between June and October.
What to Pack for Vietnam?
What you pack for your Vietnam holiday depends on the region/s and month you plan to visit.
Vietnam’s summers are hot and humid, so take clothes that allow your skin to breathe, anything made from cotton, linen or bamboo. Short and long-sleeved T-shirts, shorts and loose-fitting pants work well for men and women. The latter can also wear tops, skirts, and dresses to go sightseeing. If temple visits are part of the itinerary, pack a set of long-sleeved tops and trousers.
Vietnam offers plenty of opportunities for outdoor adventures such as beach activities, trekking and more. Take a pair of good quality hiking or walking shoes and hiking pants for treks. Pack your favourite swimsuits, sunscreen, sun hats and glasses for your holiday at Vietnam’s beach towns.
If you visit the northern region during the winter, take warm clothes such as a jacket or sweater and socks. Keeping a rain jacket, umbrella, and bug spray handy during the rainy months is essential.
Experience Vietnam’s natural beauty and colourful culture on a tailormade journey through Hayes & Jarvis. Call us today to get started on an unforgettable adventure.
Hear from our Experts

“Spend some time immersing yourself in the local culture, and you will gain a much deeper understanding of the Vietnamese people. Book a homestay, visit different temples, and try to head out to meet local people in some ethnic minority villages. The north, such as in Sapa, is particularly good for this.”

“Don’t miss out on the opportunity to relax and enjoy the white sands, crystal-clear water and fresh seafood served to you on your chair at the beach. Check out An Bang Beach or Cua Dai Beach, which are both in Hoi An, or Doc Let Beach on the Hon Khoi Peninsula or Con Dao Islands in southern Vietnam.”
Overview of Vietnam
In the beautiful north of Vietnam is Hanoi, centre of the French Indochina administration and home to well-preserved colonial architecture.
Vietnam Multi-centre
Mix up a busy urban tour with a more relaxed excursion to the countryside, or pair it with a blissful beachside stay.
Things to Do in Vietnam
Our list of the best things to do in Vietnam speaks to every kind of traveller – culture lovers, adventure seekers, food connoisseurs and everyone in between.
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