Vietnam Weather by Month

Vietnam is a Southeast Asian country located along the eastern coast of the Indochinese Peninsula. It is bordered by China to the north, Laos and Cambodia to the west, and the South China Sea to the east and south. Covering approximately 331,212 square kilometers, Vietnam’s geography is diverse, ranging from mountainous regions in the north to lowland plains in the south. The country’s extensive coastline stretches over 3,000 kilometers, contributing to its rich maritime culture and economic activity.

The northern part of Vietnam is dominated by the Red River Delta and the Tonkinese Alps, home to the highest peak, Fansipan. Central Vietnam is characterized by the Annamite Mountains and narrow coastal plains, while southern Vietnam encompasses the vast Mekong Delta, which is a major agricultural hub. Vietnam’s geography plays a significant role in its climate, with distinct regional variations influenced by the country’s long north-south axis and its proximity to the sea. Vietnam experiences both tropical and subtropical climates, with monsoon seasons, high humidity, and varying rainfall patterns that differ across regions.

Vietnam Weather by Month

January

General Overview

• Average temperature: 15°C to 25°C (59°F to 77°F)
• Rainfall: Dry season in the south and central regions; cooler and wetter in the north

January marks the height of the dry season in southern Vietnam, making it one of the best times to visit cities like Ho Chi Minh City and the Mekong Delta, where the weather is warm and sunny. Central Vietnam, including Da Nang and Hoi An, also enjoys pleasant, dry conditions. However, in the northern regions such as Hanoi and Sapa, the weather is cooler and can be foggy or misty, with occasional light rain. The northern highlands can experience cold snaps, with temperatures dropping below 10°C (50°F).

Regional Differences

• Northern Vietnam (Hanoi, Sapa): Cool with temperatures between 15°C to 20°C (59°F to 68°F), occasional rain and mist
• Central Vietnam (Da Nang, Hoi An): Pleasant and dry, temperatures between 18°C to 25°C (64°F to 77°F)
• Southern Vietnam (Ho Chi Minh City, Mekong Delta): Warm and sunny, with temperatures ranging from 22°C to 32°C (72°F to 90°F)

January is an excellent time for travel in southern and central Vietnam, particularly for beach vacations and exploring cultural sites. Northern Vietnam offers cool, misty weather ideal for sightseeing and trekking.

February

General Overview

• Average temperature: 16°C to 26°C (61°F to 79°F)
• Rainfall: Dry season continues in the south; slightly warmer and still cool in the north

February continues the dry season in southern and central Vietnam, with warm temperatures and sunny skies. The weather in the north starts to warm slightly, but it remains cool, particularly in the mountainous regions. Lunar New Year (Tet) celebrations often take place in February, making it a festive time to visit, although travelers should plan ahead as many businesses may close for the holiday.

Regional Differences

• Northern Vietnam: Cool and dry, with temperatures between 16°C to 21°C (61°F to 70°F)
• Central Vietnam: Warm and dry, with temperatures around 19°C to 26°C (66°F to 79°F)
• Southern Vietnam: Hot and sunny, with temperatures between 23°C to 33°C (73°F to 91°F)

February is a great month to visit all regions of Vietnam, particularly the south and central areas. The weather is perfect for outdoor activities, cultural festivals, and exploring Vietnam’s natural beauty.

March

General Overview

• Average temperature: 18°C to 28°C (64°F to 82°F)
• Rainfall: Start of the transition to the wet season in the south; warmer in the north

March marks the gradual warming of northern Vietnam, with pleasant temperatures and more sunshine. Central Vietnam remains dry and warm, while the southern regions start to see the first signs of the wet season toward the end of the month, though rain is still relatively light. The weather remains ideal for travel across much of the country, especially for beachgoers and nature enthusiasts.

Regional Differences

• Northern Vietnam: Mild with more sunshine, temperatures between 18°C to 24°C (64°F to 75°F)
• Central Vietnam: Warm and dry, temperatures around 21°C to 28°C (70°F to 82°F)
• Southern Vietnam: Hot with occasional showers, temperatures between 24°C to 34°C (75°F to 93°F)

March is a transitional month but still favorable for travel across Vietnam. The weather is comfortable for outdoor activities, hiking, and cultural sightseeing.

April

General Overview

• Average temperature: 20°C to 31°C (68°F to 88°F)
• Rainfall: Start of the pre-monsoon season in the south; warming significantly in the north

April is a warm month across Vietnam, with temperatures rising significantly in both the north and south. The northern regions experience warmer weather, while southern Vietnam enters the pre-monsoon season, with occasional afternoon showers. Central Vietnam continues to enjoy dry weather, making it an ideal time to visit beach destinations like Nha Trang or Da Nang before the onset of the wet season.

Regional Differences

• Northern Vietnam: Warm and dry, with temperatures between 20°C to 28°C (68°F to 82°F)
• Central Vietnam: Hot and dry, with temperatures ranging from 23°C to 31°C (73°F to 88°F)
• Southern Vietnam: Hot with increasing rainfall, temperatures between 25°C to 35°C (77°F to 95°F)

April is a good month for travel in northern and central Vietnam, but southern regions may start to experience wetter conditions.

May

General Overview

• Average temperature: 23°C to 33°C (73°F to 91°F)
• Rainfall: Rainy season begins in the south, and the north continues to warm

May marks the official start of the rainy season in southern Vietnam, with regular afternoon showers that can be heavy but usually short-lived. Central Vietnam remains warm and dry, though rain begins to increase by the end of the month. Northern Vietnam becomes quite hot, particularly in cities like Hanoi, where temperatures can climb into the 30s°C (90s°F).

Regional Differences

• Northern Vietnam: Hot and dry, temperatures between 23°C to 32°C (73°F to 90°F)
• Central Vietnam: Warm with occasional rain, temperatures around 24°C to 33°C (75°F to 91°F)
• Southern Vietnam: Hot and rainy, with temperatures between 26°C to 35°C (79°F to 95°F)

May is a transitional month for travel in Vietnam, with increasing rain in the south and rising temperatures in the north. It is still a good time to visit central Vietnam before the wet season fully sets in.

June

General Overview

• Average temperature: 24°C to 34°C (75°F to 93°F)
• Rainfall: Monsoon rains intensify in the south and start in the north

June brings heavy monsoon rains to southern Vietnam, particularly in Ho Chi Minh City and the Mekong Delta, making travel and outdoor activities more challenging. Central Vietnam starts to experience more frequent rain, though it is still possible to enjoy sunny days. Northern Vietnam becomes very hot and humid, with occasional thunderstorms in the afternoons.

Regional Differences

• Northern Vietnam: Hot and humid, with temperatures between 25°C to 34°C (77°F to 93°F)
• Central Vietnam: Warm with increasing rain, temperatures around 25°C to 34°C (77°F to 93°F)
• Southern Vietnam: Hot and wet, with temperatures between 26°C to 34°C (79°F to 93°F)

June is not the best time to visit southern Vietnam due to the heavy rains, but central and northern regions are still manageable, although hot and humid.

July

General Overview

• Average temperature: 25°C to 35°C (77°F to 95°F)
• Rainfall: Peak of the rainy season in the south and heavy rain in the north

July is part of the peak rainy season in southern Vietnam, with frequent downpours, high humidity, and occasional flooding in low-lying areas. Northern Vietnam remains hot and humid, with thunderstorms occurring regularly. Central Vietnam also begins to experience more frequent and heavier rain, though there are still sunny days for beach activities.

Regional Differences

• Northern Vietnam: Very hot and humid, with temperatures between 26°C to 35°C (79°F to 95°F)
• Central Vietnam: Hot and rainy, with temperatures around 26°C to 35°C (79°F to 95°F)
• Southern Vietnam: Wet with heavy rains, temperatures between 26°C to 34°C (79°F to 93°F)

July is a challenging month for travel in Vietnam, with heavy rain in both the north and south. However, central Vietnam may still offer a mix of sun and rain, making it a potential option for beach vacations.

August

General Overview

• Average temperature: 25°C to 34°C (77°F to 93°F)
• Rainfall: Monsoon continues in the south, and heavy rain persists in the north

August sees the continuation of the wet season across most of Vietnam, with southern regions still experiencing frequent and heavy rain. Northern Vietnam remains hot and humid, with regular thunderstorms. Central Vietnam receives a mix of rain and sunshine, with the potential for storms later in the month. Humidity levels are high throughout the country.

Regional Differences

• Northern Vietnam: Hot and wet, with temperatures between 25°C to 34°C (77°F to 93°F)
• Central Vietnam: Warm and rainy, with temperatures around 26°C to 34°C (79°F to 93°F)
• Southern Vietnam: Wet with temperatures between 26°C to 34°C (79°F to 93°F)

August is not the most favorable time for travel due to the monsoon rains, but central Vietnam may still offer better conditions than the north and south.

September

General Overview

• Average temperature: 24°C to 33°C (75°F to 91°F)
• Rainfall: Rainy season begins to taper off in the north; heavy rain continues in the south

September marks the beginning of the end of the rainy season in northern Vietnam, though it is still quite wet. Southern Vietnam remains in the grips of the monsoon, with frequent rains and high humidity. Central Vietnam also continues to experience wet weather, though some sunny days may appear toward the end of the month.

Regional Differences

• Northern Vietnam: Warm with decreasing rain, temperatures between 24°C to 32°C (75°F to 90°F)
• Central Vietnam: Warm and wet, with temperatures around 25°C to 33°C (77°F to 91°F)
• Southern Vietnam: Hot and rainy, with temperatures between 25°C to 33°C (77°F to 91°F)

September offers slightly better conditions for travel in northern Vietnam, as the rains begin to subside. The central and southern regions remain challenging due to ongoing monsoon conditions.

October

General Overview

• Average temperature: 22°C to 31°C (72°F to 88°F)
• Rainfall: End of the rainy season in the north; heavy rain in central regions

October marks the official end of the rainy season in northern Vietnam, making it a great time to visit Hanoi, Ha Long Bay, and other northern destinations. However, central Vietnam experiences the peak of its rainy season, with frequent storms and occasional flooding. Southern Vietnam begins to transition out of the rainy season, though showers still occur.

Regional Differences

• Northern Vietnam: Cooler and dry, with temperatures between 22°C to 29°C (72°F to 84°F)
• Central Vietnam: Hot and very wet, with temperatures around 24°C to 31°C (75°F to 88°F)
• Southern Vietnam: Warm with decreasing rain, temperatures between 24°C to 31°C (75°F to 88°F)

October is an ideal time to explore northern Vietnam as the dry season begins, but central Vietnam remains difficult to visit due to heavy rains.

November

General Overview

• Average temperature: 18°C to 30°C (64°F to 86°F)
• Rainfall: Dry season begins in the north and south; rain continues in central regions

November is a favorable month for travel in northern and southern Vietnam, as both regions experience dry, pleasant weather. Northern Vietnam enjoys cool temperatures, while southern Vietnam becomes sunny and warm. However, central Vietnam still experiences frequent rain and storms, particularly in areas like Hoi An and Hue.

Regional Differences

• Northern Vietnam: Cool and dry, with temperatures between 18°C to 25°C (64°F to 77°F)
• Central Vietnam: Warm and wet, with temperatures around 22°C to 30°C (72°F to 86°F)
• Southern Vietnam: Warm and dry, with temperatures between 23°C to 31°C (73°F to 88°F)

November is an excellent time to visit northern and southern Vietnam, but central Vietnam remains wet, making travel in that region more challenging.

December

General Overview

• Average temperature: 16°C to 28°C (61°F to 82°F)
• Rainfall: Dry season throughout most of Vietnam; cooler in the north

December marks the start of winter in northern Vietnam, with cooler temperatures and dry conditions. Central Vietnam begins to transition out of the rainy season, though occasional showers may still occur. Southern Vietnam enjoys warm, sunny weather, making it an ideal destination for beach vacations and exploring the Mekong Delta.

Regional Differences

• Northern Vietnam: Cool and dry, with temperatures between 16°C to 22°C (61°F to 72°F)
• Central Vietnam: Warm with occasional rain, temperatures around 20°C to 28°C (68°F to 82°F)
• Southern Vietnam: Hot and sunny, with temperatures between 23°C to 31°C (73°F to 88°F)

December is one of the best months for travel across Vietnam, with dry weather and comfortable temperatures in most regions, making it ideal for beach holidays, cultural exploration, and outdoor activities.

Summary of Vietnam’s Climate by Region

Northern Vietnam (Hanoi, Sapa, Ha Long Bay)

• Best months: October to April (cool and dry)
• Wettest months: June to August (hot and rainy)

Central Vietnam (Hue, Da Nang, Hoi An)

• Best months: February to May (dry and warm)
• Wettest months: October to November (heavy rain and storms)

Southern Vietnam (Ho Chi Minh City, Mekong Delta)

• Best months: December to March (dry and sunny)
• Wettest months: May to October (rainy season with afternoon showers)

Vietnam’s climate varies significantly between its three main regions. The best time to visit depends on the activities and regions of interest, with the winter and spring months offering the most favorable conditions for travel throughout the country. The rainy season (May to October) can present challenges, particularly in southern and central Vietnam, but it also brings lush landscapes and vibrant cultural experiences.