Weather and Climate in Vietnam
Due to its distinct terrain, Vietnam experiences a variety of weather conditions, including both tropical and temperate zones. There is never a terrible time to visit Vietnam because there is always a region of the country with sunny skies, even though March to May delivers the finest weather nationwide. The important regions and destinations of Vietnam's climate are described below so you can plan your vacation accordingly.
Northern Vietnam
Weather in Halong Bay
December - March: cool to cold, misty, cloudy
April - June: warm to hot, clear skies, sunny
June - August: stormy, hot, humid
September - November: mix of sun and clouds, warm to cool
Try to visit Halong Bay between April and June or September and November if you're going to be there. You'll be more likely to have a clear sky and comfortable temps. In other seasons, rain or dense fog is frequent, and tropical storms occasionally result in cruise cancellations. On the other hand, if you're on the boat at this time, you can see Halong Bay from a more mystical angle, with its renowned karsts covered in mist. Be cautious to pack warm clothes because January temperatures can be extremely low.
Weather in Hanoi
December - March: cool to cold, misty, cloudy
April - June: warm to hot, clear skies, sunny
June - August: hot, humid, rainy
September - November: cool, clear skies, sunny
The ideal months to visit Hanoi are often April through June or September through December. Beginning in April, the days are frequently warm, perhaps exceeding 30 degrees under clear skies. Cooler temperatures of about 25 degrees and a sunny sky from September through November are ideal for touring the capital.
Expect 40-degree humidity highs and soaring temperatures in Hanoi in June when the rainy season is in full swing (June to August). While December is cool, foggy, and atmospheric, temperatures drop to a startlingly low 10 degrees from late December through March. You should bundle up.
Weather in Sapa
December - March: chilly, misty, cloudy
April - June: warm, clear skies, sunny
June - August: stormy, warm, humid
September - November: cool, clear skies, dry
The weather is significantly cooler in Vietnam's northern regions, including Sapa, from late December to early March. Be ready because Sapa occasionally receives snowfall in January. Hotels nearby have heated blankets, and you may warm yourself by soaking in a herbal bath at a nearby spa.
In late April, when flowers are in blossom and the skies are clear, Sapa is almost ideal. Its stunning tiered rice terraces, which turn golden shortly before harvest, make early October a delightful time of year.
Central Vietnam
Weather in Huế
September-February: cool to cold, rainy, cloudy
March-August: warm to hot, sunny, clear skies
Hue, where Vietnam's final ruling dynasty once resided, experiences a late rainy season from September to February that is marked by storms and chilly, rainy days. Infrequent flooding may occur between September and November. Early in the year, the temperature drops below 15 degrees, and January frequently experiences a light mist. The rest of the year is dry, and July's highs of 35 degrees make it the ideal month for going to the beach.
Weather in Hội An
September - January: rainy, cool, cloudy
February - August: warm to hot, sunny, clear skies
Although Hoi An is one of the country's most picturesque locations, starting in September, tropical storms severely damage Central Vietnam. When the fields, gardens, and streets are covered in vibrant blossoms and tranquil greenery in March, it's a great time to visit Hi An. The town can get hot from May to August, so you'll want to go to the beach to cool off. Hoi An experiences a lot of rain in the final months of the year, from September to November, and occasionally even minor floods. In January, when they are at their lowest, the temperatures start to rise in preparation for the Vietnamese New Year.
Weather in Nha Trang
September to December: cool, rainy, cloudy
January - August: hot, sunny, clear skies
Nha Trang experiences the most sunlight days per year—more than 300—than any other city in the nation. Although some monsoons occur between September and December, Nha Trang generally has Vietnam's shortest rainy season. The city is comfortable most of the year, with refreshing sea breezes, but from July through August, you should prepare for lots of heat and hot days.
Weather in Da Lat
April - October: rainy, warm to hot, cloudy
November - May: cool to cold, dry, clear skies
This picturesque mountain city, which is located in the middle highlands, is renowned for its pleasant temperature. Da Lat has consistently clean, clear air. It's a terrific place to escape the heat of the city because the mountains consistently offer moderate temperatures and a refreshing breeze. The rainy season in Da Lat lasts from April until October. Lows of 20 degrees in January and highs of 30 degrees in July are typical temperature ranges.
Southern Vietnam
Weather in HCMC & the Mekong Delta
May to November: sporadic rainfall, hot, humid
December to April: clear skies, hot, sunny
Ho Chi Minh City and Southern Vietnam experience constant year-round temperatures. Although there are some delightful fresh days early in the year and some scorching days in the middle of the year, HCMC is either hot and dry or hot and rainy. Typically, there is sunshine and a 30-degree temperature. The rainy season, which lasts from May to November, brings a consistent afternoon downpour that typically lasts a few hours.
Weather in Phú Quốc
July - September: stormy, hot, humid
October - June: clear skies, hot, sunny
The beaches on the island of Phu Quoc are some of the nicest in Vietnam, and the year-round warm weather is guaranteed. However, the wet season, which runs from July to September, might be better avoided. Some storms occur throughout these months, making ferrying risky and the beaches unfavorable. While it's hot and dry the rest of the year, Phu Quoc is a wonderful tropical getaway in December and January.