Choosing the best time to visit Vietnam is key for having a wonderful trip. What most people forget when planning their travels is that this country is very long and it has three different weathers: North, Central and South. Each one has its own peculiarities that every traveler should know.
In this article, I will share with you everything you need to know about the seasons in Vietnam depending on the zone you want to visit. I will also tell you the optimal time to visit Ho Chi Minh City and Halong Bay, must-see places in the country.
Seasons in Vietnam
The best way to understand the weather in Vietnam is to think of the country as three separate regions. The thing these three parts share is that it tends to be hot and humid everywhere but in each one the seasons have their peculiarities.
North Vietnam
In the North you have winter and summer. The winter lasts from November to April and it’s the coldest in January and March. During this season it tends to be cool and dry with temperatures from 17 to 22 degrees Celsius. The summer goes from May to October. In this season it is hot and humid with a lot of rainfall, you get the most rain between July and September.
If you want to go to the north the best time to visit is March to April and September to November. You will get warm and sunny days during this months.
Central Vietnam
Central Vietnam also has summer and winter. The difference with the north is that here the summer is hot and dry. You will get around 30º C between mid January to late August.
July and August are the best months to go to the beach on the coast. In the winter months is when you get the rainfall that is at its peak in October and November.
South Vietnam
In the South you have constant temperatures that go from 25º to 35º C. Here you will find a dry season that runs from November to May, and a Wet season from May to November. The most rainfall is in June, July and August.
I recommend you plan your visit for the dry season since the rainfall can cause flooding and interrupt outdoor activities.
Best time to visit Ho Chi Minh City
Ho Chi Minh City is the most modern and vibrant city in the country. Located in the south, it is known for its cafeterias, markets and streets. I recommend you give yourself the time to explore the streets on your trip to Vietnam.
Because it is in the south of the country, you have the dry season and the wet or monsoon season. To get the most out of your trip, the best time to visit Ho Chi Minh City is during the dry season because it will allow you to explore. During the wet season, streets can get flooded and outdoor activities get interrupted by the rain.
Just beware in April because that’s when the peak of heat is. These months have an average temperature of 33º C and you have to be careful with outdoor activities at noon to avoid heatstroke.
From December to March you have the most favorable conditions. That is why the peak season is during these months. At this time, days are pleasant, temperatures are moderate and there is little rainfall.
Best time to visit Halong bay Vietnam
In the north of Vietnam you will find Halong Bay. With its emerald waters and thousands of towering limestone islands topped by rainforest, this is truly a paradise on earth. It is an ideal place for boat tours, kayaking, hiking and scuba diving.
If you want to immerse yourself in this beautiful scenery, you should know the best time to visit Halong Bay. You will find the ideal weather conditions in spring and autumn, during March, April, September and October. At this time, the temperature is mild and the sky is clear and bright.
Halong Bay in Autumn
At this time you will find the most beautiful weather. The temperature is moderate so you will avoid the heat of summer. It is a great time for cruises and kayaking because the wind is gentle and the sky is clear so you will have great visibility. The humidity is low and the temperatures range from 13 to 21º C.
Particularly in November and December you will encounter bright sunny days and higher temperatures from 18 to 28º C. There are more chances of rain but they are light and usually don’t last long.
Halong Bay in Spring
During March and April you will find pleasant weather and clear blue skies in Halong Bay. Light rain can occur some days but it doesn’t interrupt outdoor activities. There aren’t many events and festivals so the tourist volume tends to be low, this way there aren’t a lot of crowds.
In May the summer begins so the temperature rises, there are more chances of light rain. It is also the start of the low season so you can find good deals on cruises.
Visiting Vietnam is an incredible experience for every traveler, you will encounter amazing scenery, hospitality and culture. With these tips, you will also be able to travel at the best possible time.
