What is the best time to travel to Vietnam?
Vietnam is a vast country, with the climate varying by region. The best travel time for Vietnam therefore varies between North, Central and South Vietnam. Vietnam is good to visit all year round, but be prepared for high(er) temperatures and the occasional tropical downpour.
Note that the dry season does not guarantee bright blue skies. There can still be heavy rain and storms. Especially in the Central Highlands in Central and South Vietnam, the weather is unpredictable and changeable all year round.
Best travel time for Vietnam: North Vietnam
North Vietnam includes capital Hanoi, the impressive rice fields of Sapa, the limestone formations of Ha Long Bay & Ninh Binh and the Ha Giang Loop.
Temperature
In the winter months (December to February), temperatures in North Vietnam are cooler than in the rest of Vietnam: daytime temperatures are around 20 degrees. In the summer months (May to September), the temperature in northern Vietnam is between 30 and 35 degrees.
In the mountains around Sapa and Ha Giang, it cools down sharply at night, sometimes to freezing in the winter months.
Precipitation
July and August see the most rain in northern Vietnam. November to March is the dry season.
Best travel time for Vietnam: Central Vietnam
Central Vietnam is home to the caves of Phong Nha, imperial and stately Hue, the Hai Van Pass, colourful Hoi An and the history-soaked demilitarised zone (DMZ).
Temperature
Temperatures in Central Vietnam are between 25 and 30 degrees in the winter months (December to February). In summer (May to September), temperatures in Central Vietnam average between 30 and 35 degrees
Precipitation
Most rain falls in this region between September and December. February to May is the dry season.
Best travel time for Vietnam: South Vietnam
In South Vietnam, modern Ho Chi Minh City, coastal resorts Mui Ne and Quy Nhon, mountainous Dalat, tropical Phu Quoc and Con Dao and, of course, the Mekong Delta are often visited.
Temperature
As this region is closest to the equator, temperatures in southern Vietnam are generally the warmest, averaging between 30 and 35 degrees.
The exception to these tropical temperatures can be found in the Central Highlands – temperatures in Dalat do not often exceed 25 degrees. At night, it cools down more strongly in the Central Highlands than in the rest of the region.
Precipitation
Most rain falls in this region between June and October. January to March is the dry season.