Best Time to Visit Vietnam & Wonderful Things to Do There!
There isn't an exact answer to the question of when the best time to visit Vietnam is. It is because Vietnam stretches across many latitudes, so its climates and seasons aren't similar in the whole country. For this reason, we will introduce you to the best time to visit Vietnam according to region, tourist volume seasons, and holidays and explain why.
When is the Best Time to Visit Vietnam by Region
Vietnam is located on the Indochinese Peninsula in Southeast Asia, stretching 1,650km from north to south. Due to its geographical location, the climate varies from region to region, from lowlands to highlands, and from east to west. Depending on the region and the time of visit, tourists can choose suitable destinations.
North Region
Autumn is generally considered the ideal time to visit the North region of Vietnam due to its pleasant weather, beautiful landscapes, and harvest season. However, each season has its charm and attractions, so it's worth considering your interests and priorities when choosing the best time to visit.Â
- Spring (January - April) is characterized by mild temperatures from 20-21°C (68-69.8°F), occasional drizzle and quite cold. The landscape becomes lush and colorful as flowers bloom. Recommended places: Hanoi, Sapa (Lao Cai province), Ninh Binh province, Moc Chau (Son La province), etc.
- Summer (May - July) in the North is hot and humid with temperatures from 25-39°C (77-102.2°F), with occasional heavy rain showers and thunderstorms. It's a good time for beach destinations and outdoor activities. Recommended places: Hanoi, Halong Bay, Cat Ba Island (Hai Phong province), Ha Giang province, and Sam Son Beach, Ninh Binh province, etc.
- Autumn (August - November) is considered the best time to visit the North region, offering pleasant weather with cooler temperatures from 18-28°C (64.4-82.4°F), lower humidity, and less rainfall. The landscape turns golden as the rice fields ripen. Recommended places: Hanoi, Halong Bay, Ha Giang province, Cao Bang province, Moc Chau (Son La province), Ninh Binh province, etc.
- Winter (October - December) can be chilly and foggy, especially in the mountainous areas. The average temperature falls around 10-20°C (50-68°F). Some regions in the far north may even experience snowfall, creating a unique and beautiful atmosphere. Recommended places: Hanoi, Sapa (Lao Cai province), Ninh Binh province, Moc Chau (Son La province), Cao Bang province, etc
South Region
The South region of Vietnam experiences a tropical climate with two main seasons: dry and rainy seasons. The best season to visit the southern region of Vietnam is also generally during the dry season. This period offers hot and sunny weather, ideal for outdoor activities and beach visits. The rainy season from May to November can still be a good time to visit, with lush landscapes and fewer tourists, but be prepared for occasional heavy rain showers.Â
- Dry Season (December - April): during the dry season, the weather is hot and relatively dry. The temperature ranges from 25°C to 35°C (77-95°F). The humidity is lower compared to the rainy season, and rainfall is minimal. The region experiences plenty of sunshine and warm temperatures, making it an ideal time for outdoor activities and beach visits. Recommended places: Ho Chi Minh City, Mekong Delta, Phu Quoc Island, Con Dao Islands (Ba Ria - Vung Tau province), Vung Tau City, Dong Nai province, etc.
- Rainy Season (May - November): the rainy season in the South region is characterized by increased rainfall and higher humidity. Its temperature will be from 25°C to 32°C (77-89.6°F). Tropical showers and thunderstorms are common, often occurring in the afternoon or evening. The rain showers can be heavy but are usually short-lived. Despite the rain, the region remains lush and green during this time. Recommended places: Ho Chi Minh City, Can Tho province, Ca Mau province, Ben Tre province, etc.
Central Region
The weather in Central Vietnam is diverse because of its geographical length. The weather in the Central Region is divided into 03 parts, including the North Central Coast, the South Central Coast, and the Central Highlands. While the North Central Coast is quite similar to the North region with 04 seasons, the South Central Coast and the Central Highlands have 02 seasons like the South region.Â
Therefore, the best time to visit destinations in the North Central Coast such as Nghe An province, Quang Binh province, Hue, etc. is autumn. Meanwhile, it is the dry season for the other destinations such as Hoi An, Da Nang, Nha Trang (Khanh Hoa province), Phan Thiet (Ninh Thuan province), Dalat (Lam Dong province), etc.
When to visit Vietnam by tourist volume seasons
Peak Season (mid-December to March and July to September)
The period between December and February, as well as July to September, is considered the peak tourist season in Vietnam, particularly for popular tourist destinations such as Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Halong Bay, Hoi An, and Nha Trang. According to the Vietnam General Statistics Office, in the peak months of 2023, Vietnam welcomed over one million international tourists each month.
03 things to note when traveling during the peak season:
- Plan and Book in Advance. To secure accommodations, flights, and preferred activities, it is recommended to plan and book your trip well in advance;
- Pack Accordingly. As the weather can vary across different regions of Vietnam, pack appropriate clothing and accessories based on the expected weather conditions during your visit;
- Patience and Tolerance. With the increased number of tourists, it's important to be patient and tolerant of potential delays, crowds, and other inconveniences that may arise.
Low Season (April to June and September to November)
If you want to avoid crowds, you should consider visiting Vietnam during the low season, which is typically from March to April and September to November. These periods provide an opportunity to enjoy popular tourist destinations with fewer tourists and potentially lower prices.
One thing to note when traveling during the low season is to research weather conditions. As the weather can vary across Vietnam, it's essential to research the specific weather patterns of the regions you plan to visit during the low season and pack accordingly.
When to visit Vietnam to enjoy Festivals and Holidays
Lunar New Year - Tết Eve
Lunar New Year is the most essential holiday of the year in Vietnamese culture. The time to celebrate Tet is according to the Lunar calendar. Therefore, it doesn't have fixed dates in the solar calendar and usually falls between mid-January and late February.
On this holiday, Vietnamese people from all parts of the country and abroad return home for family reunions. All places are decorated with flowers, kumquat trees, lights, and countless decoration forms displaying the Tet holiday. When traveling to Vietnam at this time, you will experience a warm and joyful atmosphere, numerous special traditional activities, and food. You also explore more about Vietnamese culture, history, and cuisine.Â
Mid-Autumn Festival - Full Moon Festival
Mid-Autumn Festival, also called the Full Moon Festival, is one of the special occasions in Vietnam when Vietnamese people celebrate it to welcome the brightest moon of the year. It takes place on the night of the 15th in the 8th Lunar month, between September and late October in the solar calendar.
Beautiful lanterns, colorful masks, and mooncake stalls are 03 significant features that you can see during the weeks before the festival. On the full moon, many groups of lion dancers perform everywhere to create bustling and joyful atmospheres.Â
Hue Festival & Hue Craft Village Festival
The Hue Festival and Hue Craft Village Festival celebrate the cultural diversity of Hue through a wide range of artistic performances, exhibitions, traditional crafts, and culinary experiences. During the Hue Festival, the city comes alive with vibrant parades, music and dance performances, theatrical shows, and traditional ceremonies. One of the highlights of the Hue Festival is the Imperial Night, a grand spectacle that takes place within the historic grounds of the Hue Citadel.Â
The Hue Festival is typically held every two years around April, May or June, while the Hue Craft Village Festival takes place annually. The exact dates for each festival may vary, so it is recommended to check the official schedule for the latest information.
Hoi An Lantern Festival
The Hoi An Lantern Festival, also known as the Full Moon Lantern Festival, showcases the charm and beauty of Hoi An, particularly its mesmerizing lantern displays. During the festival, Hoi An's streets, buildings, and riverbanks are adorned with countless colorful lanterns. The lanterns come in various shapes, sizes, and colors, creating a kaleidoscope of vibrant hues that illuminate the town with a warm and enchanting glow.
The festival occurs monthly on the 14th day of each lunar month when the full moon shines the brightest, so it provides frequent opportunities for visitors to experience this magical event.
Da Lat Flower Festival
Da Lat Flower Festival showcases the region's abundant flower industry, which is one of the main economic drivers of the area. It takes place every two years, typically in December.
The festival typically features a wide array of flower displays, exhibitions, and competitions. Visitors can admire breathtaking flower arrangements, intricate floral sculptures, and beautifully decorated floats adorned with vibrant blooms.Â
Da Nang Firework Festival
Da Nang Firework Festival, also known as the Da Nang International Fireworks Competition, is a spectacular event that lights up the night sky in the coastal city of Da Nang, Vietnam. This festival showcases breathtaking fireworks displays from teams around the world, creating a mesmerizing visual spectacle. The festival is typically held annually, usually during the summer months.Â
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