Best Time to Visit Vietnam 2026
Planning Your Vietnam Journey Made Easy

With over 10 years of experience arranging tours across Vietnam, we've helped thousands of travelers choose the perfect time for their visit. Here's what we recommend:
🌤️ North Vietnam: March-May & September-November 🏖️ Central Vietnam: February-May
☀️ South Vietnam: November-March
Vietnam's long, narrow shape means you can enjoy wonderful weather somewhere in the country throughout the year. Let us help you plan the perfect timing for your dream vacation!

Understanding Vietnam's Climate

Vietnam stretches 1,650km from north to south, creating three distinct climate zones:

Northern Vietnam

• Four seasons: Spring, Summer, Autumn, Winter
• Temperatures: 2°C to 40°C
• Includes: Hanoi, Halong Bay, Sapa, Ninh Binh, Ha Giang

Central Vietnam

• Two seasons: Dry and Rainy
• Temperatures: 20°C to 35°C
• Includes: Hue, Da Nang, Hoi An, Nha Trang

Southern Vietnam

• Two seasons: Dry and Rainy
• Temperatures: 25°C to 35°C (warm year-round)
• Includes: Ho Chi Minh City, Mekong Delta, Phu Quoc

Month-by-Month Breakdown

January - February: North: Cold & foggy (2-20°C) Central: Pleasant & dry (20-25°C) South: Perfect weather (25-30°C)
Best for: 
✅ Beaches in South Vietnam & Phu Quoc 
✅ Central Vietnam (Hoi An, Da Nang) 
✅ Tet Festival celebrations (late Jan/early Feb)
Avoid: 
❌ Northern mountains (cold, misty)
Top Destinations: Phu Quoc, Nha Trang, Hoi An, Mekong Delta

March - April - May: North: Warm & pleasant (20-30°C) - BEST SEASON Central: Hot & sunny (25-35°C) South: Getting hot & humid (28-35°C)
Best for: 
✅ Northern Vietnam (perfect weather!) 
✅ Halong Bay cruises 
✅ Sapa trekking 
✅ Central beaches
Highlights:
•    Cherry blossoms in Da Lat (March)
•    Rice planting season starts (April)
•    Fewer tourists, good prices
Top Destinations: Hanoi, Halong Bay, Sapa, Ninh Binh, Hoi An

June - July - August: North: Hot & humid, occasional rain (28-35°C) Central: Beach season! (30-35°C) South: Rainy season (afternoon showers)
Best for: 
✅ Central Vietnam beaches (Nha Trang, Da Nang) 
✅ School holidays (family travel) 
✅ Lower prices in North & South
Consider: 
⚠️ Hot temperatures 
⚠️ Occasional rain (short showers)
Top Destinations: Nha Trang, Da Nang, Hoi An (early morning/evening)

September - October - November: North: Cool & golden (20-28°C) - BEST SEASON Central: Rainy season risk (typhoons possible) South: Transitioning to dry season
Best for: 
✅ Ha Giang Loop (buckwheat flowers) 
✅ Rice terraces harvest (golden views!)
✅ Northern Vietnam trekking 
✅ Comfortable temperatures
Special:
•    Rice harvest season (September-October)
•    Most photogenic season in North
Avoid: 
❌ Central Vietnam (typhoon risk September-November)
Top Destinations: Ha Giang, Sapa, Ninh Binh, Halong Bay


December: North: Cold in mountains (10-20°C) Central: Recovering from rainy season South: High season begins! (25-30°C)
Best for: 
✅ Southern beaches 
✅ Christmas & New Year celebrations 
✅ Phu Quoc island
Consider: 
⚠️ Peak season pricing begins 
⚠️ Cold in Sapa (possible snow!)
Top Destinations: Phu Quoc, Ho Chi Minh City, Mekong Delta

Regional Deep Dive

Northern Vietnam (Hanoi, Halong Bay, Sapa)


Pro Tips:
•    Book Halong Bay cruises in advance during autumn
•    Bring warm clothes for Sapa in winter
•    Spring and autumn are most popular (book early!)

Central Vietnam (Hue, Hoi An, Da Nang, Nha Trang)

Pro Tips:
•    February-May is ideal for Hoi An & Da Nang
•    Nha Trang is best February-August
•    Rainy season = short heavy downpours, not all-day rain
•    September-November: high typhoon risk

Southern Vietnam (HCMC, Mekong, Phu Quoc)

Pro Tips:
•    November-March is peak season (higher prices)
•    Rainy season still good for travel (just brief showers)
•    Mekong Delta best during fruit season (Dec-Apr)
•    Phu Quoc perfect November-March

Peak vs Off-Peak Travel

Peak Season (November - March)
Pros: 
✅ Best weather conditions 
✅ All tours operating 
✅ Festivals and events 
✅ Perfect for first-time visitors
Cons: 
❌ Higher accommodation costs 
❌ More tourists at attractions 
❌ Book in advance required 
❌ Busy tourist sites
Best for: First-time visitors, families, travelers seeking guaranteed good weather and full tour availability

Shoulder Season (April-May, September-October)
Pros: 
✅ Good weather in most regions 
✅ Better value for money 
✅ Fewer crowds 
✅ Authentic experiences
Cons: 
⚠️ Some rain possible 
⚠️ Weather can be unpredictable
Best for: Flexible travelers, photographers seeking beautiful landscapes, those looking for authentic experiences with fewer crowds

Low Season (June-August)
Pros: 
✅ Lowest prices 
✅ Fewer tourists 
✅ Lush green landscapes 
✅ Available bookings
Cons: 
❌ Hot & humid 
❌ More rain (but manageable) 
❌ Some attractions may close
Best for: Budget-conscious travelers, beach enthusiasts in Central Vietnam, those who don't mind occasional afternoon showers

Special Events & Festivals 2026

Tet (Vietnamese New Year) - January 29, 2026
Vietnam's most important celebration! Experience traditional customs, festive decorations, and special foods. Many businesses close during this time, so advance planning is essential. Our team can arrange special Tet experiences or help you plan around this period.
Hue Festival - April/June (biennial, check dates)
Celebrating traditional arts and Vietnamese culture in the Imperial City. Features music, dance, exhibitions, and cultural performances. We can arrange special festival packages including accommodation and tickets.
Mid-Autumn Festival - September 17, 2026
A beautiful children's festival featuring colorful lanterns throughout Vietnam. Especially magical in Hoi An Ancient Town. Perfect timing for families traveling with children.
Da Nang Fireworks Festival - June-July
International fireworks competition held over multiple weekends. A spectacular event that attracts visitors from around the world. Accommodations fill up quickly - our team can help secure the best locations with prime viewing areas.

Choosing Your Best Time

For Beach Holidays: Best: November-March (South), February-July (Central) Destinations: Phu Quoc, Nha Trang, Da Nang
For Mountain Adventures: Best: March-May, September-November Destinations: Sapa, Ha Giang, Da Lat
For Cultural Experiences: Best: February-May, September-November Destinations: Hanoi, Hue, Hoi An
For Photography: Best: September-October (rice harvest), March-April (spring) Destinations: Ha Giang, Sapa, Ninh Binh
For Budget Travel: Best: June-August, May, October All regions (avoid peak season prices)

Quick Reference Guide

Best Overall Time: March-April & October-November
Best for North Vietnam: March-May, September-November
Best for Central Vietnam: February-May
Best for South Vietnam: November-March
Best for Whole Country Tour: March-April (transitional weather)
Worst Time: September-October (Central Vietnam typhoons)

Expert Tips from Our Team

Based on our 10+ years of experience organizing tours throughout Vietnam:
💡 Be flexible with your dates - Vietnam offers wonderful weather somewhere in the country year-round. Our team can help you find the best destinations for your travel period.
💡 Book early for peak season (November-March) - Accommodations and tours fill up quickly during these months. We recommend booking 2-3 months in advance.
💡 Don't fear the rainy season - Rain typically comes in short afternoon showers, leaving plenty of time for sightseeing and activities.
💡 Check our updates for Central Vietnam (September-November) - We monitor weather conditions closely and can adjust itineraries if needed.
💡 Consider shoulder season for best value - April-May and September-October offer excellent weather with more competitive pricing.
💡 Pack smart - Our team will provide you with a detailed packing list based on your travel dates and destinations.

Plan Your Perfect Trip

Ready to experience Vietnam at the best time? Our experienced team is here to help you create the perfect itinerary tailored to your preferences and travel dates.
Contact Vietnam Easy Holiday:
📧 Email: info@vietnameasygolf.com | sales@vietnameasygolf.com
📱 Hotline: +84 988 281 134 | +84 986 833 811
🏢 Head Office: No 2 - 164/72 Y La Street, Ha Dong District, Hanoi, Vietnam 

💬 We also have representatives in Da Nang, Hoi An, Ho Chi Minh City, Sapa, Da Lat & Nha Trang

We welcome you to Vietnam!