Planning Your Vietnam Adventure: Finding the Ideal Time to Go

“As the climate varies so much from north to south, there will always be somewhere worth going in Vietnam, whatever time of year you travel,” says Melissa Matthews, regional director for Southeast Asia and North America. Before you start planning your trip, read on to learn about the ideal time to visit Vietnam for hiking the majestic, mountainous rice terraces of Sa Pa, cruising the limestone marvels of Ha Long Bay, and avoiding the rainy monsoon season with Sun Getaways Travel!

1. Best Times to Visit for Smaller Crowds

The high season in Vietnam varies according to the region, so you’ll always be able to find a place that feels more secluded from the bustle of crowded beaches or cruise ships. Wet season attracts fewer crowds, says Matthews, which falls from May to October in the north, September to May in the central part of the country, and May to September in the south. 

Visiting during this time has plenty of perks, as you’ll likely be able to save on accommodations and travel costs. Popular restaurants and tours will be less overrun with tourists, offering a rare opportunity to better immerse yourself in the local culture as you tuck into bun cha on a sidewalk stool. However, bursts of rain and cloudy weather can dampen any plans to hike in Sa Pa or cruise along Ha Long Bay — two quintessential experiences you won’t want to miss. 

2. Best Times to Visit for Good Weather

Northern Region

The best time to travel to Northern Vietnam is from September to April next year. During these months, the weather is pleasant and favorable for outdoor activities. There are many exiting festivals also. 

The rice terraces are at their best during the harvesting season from September to October. You may experience some thunderstorms during these months.

From December to February, the weather can be quite chilly with fog and drizzles, while from June to August, it can be hot and humid with occasional heavy rain.

Central Region

The best time to go to Central Vietnam is from January to May when the weather is mild and dry. The temperatures are not too hot or too cold during this time of the year, making it perfect for exploring coastal cities like Danang, Hoi An, and Hue.

Additionally, this time falls outside of the rainy season, so you will have fewer chances of experiencing sudden downpours. Traveling to the region from September to December should be carefully checked, as it is the typhoon season and the weather can be unpredictable and dangerous.

Southern Region

Phu Quoc – Pearl Island has a calm sea with crystal-clear water

The best time to travel to Southern Vietnam is from December to April when the weather is dry and cool. During these months, temperatures are often more comfortable, with less humidity and rain, making outdoor activities more enjoyable.

The rainy season in Southern Vietnam is from May to November, with July to September being the wettest months. The rain can be heavy and frequent during these months.

It can be seen that the best time of the year to visit Vietnam is also different between regions. In conclusion, we recommend the best time to visit Vietnam Northern is spring (from February to May) and autumn (from September to November) while the best time to visit Vietnam Central is from February to May, and the best time to travel to Vietnam Southern is from December to April.

3. Best Times to Visit for Lower Prices

Vietnam is a relatively affordable destination all year long, with abundant and economical street food and comfortable hotels for all budgets. For your best chance at scoring low-cost flights and accommodations, consider traveling outside the peak tourist season. April, May, October, and November are excellent times, as you’ll still find warm weather throughout the country, but will have fewer tourists to contend with. 

4. Worst Times to Visit

While Vietnam’s varied climate means there’s never really a bad time to visit, you may want to avoid traveling to the country during monsoon season. 

“When the monsoon hits, it is hard and heavy and very humid,” says Matthews, who suggests sightseeing in cities during the wet season, where you can still visit museums and historic temples between rainstorms. “Avoid the mountainous region of Sa Pa and definitely don’t book a cruise in Ha Long Bay, as storms will occur and boats are grounded,” she warns. 

If you do decide to travel during the rainy season, it’s best to remain flexible in your planning, says Kreuz. “Consider not booking everything in advance due to unpredictable weather,” he says, adding that staying open-minded may help you to take advantage of potential low-season discounts. 

Tet, which marks the Vietnamese Lunar New Year, is another tricky time to visit, as many landmarks and businesses close for a week or more to celebrate. It typically lands in late January or early February — this year, it falls on Feb. 10. 

Lunar New Year

It’s advisable to monitor the weather conditions before planning your trip to Vietnam, or better yet, seek advice from locals for additional insights. With this information, you now know when is the best time to visit Vietnam, considering its climate. If you require further assistance or more detailed guidance for your upcoming adventure in Vietnam, don’t hesitate to reach out to Sun Getaways Travel by leaving a comment or sending a message.