Vietnam Weather Guide
Vietnam's climate varies dramatically from north to south and coast to highlands. Understanding the weather patterns for each region is essential for planning the perfect trip.
Climate Overview
Vietnam spans over 1,650 km from north to south, crossing multiple climate zones. The country has a tropical monsoon climate, but conditions vary significantly:
- The north has four distinct seasons, with cold winters (yes, you may need a jacket in Hanoi)
- The central coast has its own monsoon pattern, with the wettest weather from September to December
- The south is tropical year-round, with a simple wet/dry season split
There is no single "best time" to visit all of Vietnam. The key is matching your itinerary to regional weather patterns, or accepting that some rain is part of the experience.
Best Time to Visit by Region
Northern Vietnam
Hanoi, Sapa, Ha Long Bay, Ninh Binh
The north experiences four seasons. Spring (March-April) brings pleasant warmth and blooming flowers. Autumn (October-November) offers clear skies and cool temperatures -- perfect weather for Ha Long Bay and trekking in Sapa.
Avoid: Summers (June-August) are sweltering and rainy. Winters (December-February) can drop to 10 C in Hanoi and near freezing in Sapa.
Central Vietnam
Hue, Da Nang, Hoi An, Nha Trang
Central Vietnam has its own weather pattern distinct from north and south. February to May is ideal: warm, sunny, and dry with beach-perfect conditions. June to August is hot but mostly dry.
Avoid: September to December is monsoon season with heavy rainfall and occasional typhoons. October-November sees the worst flooding -- Hoi An's old town regularly floods during this period.
Southern Vietnam
Ho Chi Minh City, Mekong Delta, Phu Quoc, Mui Ne
The south is hot and tropical all year, with temperatures rarely dropping below 25 C. The dry season (November-April) is the most comfortable time to visit, with sunny days and low humidity.
Wet season: May to October brings daily afternoon downpours lasting 1-2 hours, but mornings are often sunny. The rain is heavy but predictable, and travel is still very doable. Phu Quoc island is best November-March.
Monthly Weather Summary
| Month | North (Hanoi) | Central (Da Nang) | South (HCMC) | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp C | Rain | Temp C | Rain | Temp C | Rain | |
| Jan | 14-20 | 🌥️ Low | 20-25 | ☀️ Low | 26-32 | ☀️ Low |
| Feb | 15-21 | 🌥️ Low | 21-27 | ☀️ Low | 27-33 | ☀️ Low |
| Mar | 18-24 | 🌤️ Low | 23-30 | ☀️ Low | 28-34 | ☀️ Low |
| Apr | 22-28 | 🌤️ Med | 25-33 | ☀️ Low | 29-35 | 🌤️ Med |
| May | 26-32 | 🌧️ High | 27-35 | 🌤️ Med | 28-34 | 🌧️ High |
| Jun | 28-34 | 🌧️ High | 28-36 | ☀️ Med | 27-33 | 🌧️ High |
| Jul | 28-34 | 🌧️ High | 28-36 | ☀️ Low | 27-32 | 🌧️ High |
| Aug | 27-33 | 🌧️ High | 27-35 | 🌤️ Med | 27-32 | 🌧️ High |
| Sep | 25-31 | 🌧️ High | 25-32 | 🌧️ High | 27-32 | 🌧️ High |
| Oct | 22-28 | 🌤️ Med | 23-29 | ⛈️ V.High | 27-32 | 🌧️ High |
| Nov | 18-24 | 🌥️ Low | 22-27 | ⛈️ V.High | 27-32 | 🌤️ Med |
| Dec | 14-20 | 🌥️ Low | 20-25 | 🌧️ High | 26-31 | ☀️ Low |
Typhoon Season
Vietnam's typhoon season runs from June to November, with the highest risk in September and October. Typhoons primarily affect the central and northern coasts. Southern Vietnam is rarely hit by typhoons.
What to Expect
- Central Vietnam (Da Nang, Hoi An, Hue) is most vulnerable from September to November
- Northern coast and Ha Long Bay can be affected from July to September
- Typhoons bring heavy rain, flooding, and flight/boat cancellations
- The Vietnamese government issues warnings 48-72 hours in advance
If You Are Traveling During Typhoon Season
- Monitor weather forecasts daily (use Windy.com or the Vietnam Meteorological Center)
- Have flexible travel insurance that covers weather disruptions
- Avoid booking Ha Long Bay cruises or island trips during peak typhoon months
- Keep some indoor activities (museums, cooking classes, spas) on your backup plan
- Most typhoons pass within 1-2 days, so short delays are manageable
What to Pack by Season
Dry Season (Nov-Apr)
- +Light, breathable clothing (cotton or moisture-wicking fabrics)
- +Light jacket or sweater for air-conditioned venues and northern evenings
- +Warm layers if visiting Sapa or northern highlands (temperatures can reach 5 C)
- +Comfortable walking shoes
- +Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat
- +Light scarf for temple visits (shoulders and knees should be covered)
Wet Season (May-Oct)
- +Everything from dry season, plus:
- +A compact, packable rain jacket (not just an umbrella -- motorbike taxis!)
- +Waterproof bag or dry bag for electronics
- +Quick-dry clothing and sandals that handle getting wet
- +Waterproof phone case (especially for boat trips)
- +Insect repellent (mosquitoes increase during rainy season)
Local tip: You can buy cheap rain ponchos (ao mua) at any convenience store in Vietnam for about 10,000-30,000 VND ($0.40-1.20). Locals use them while riding motorbikes, and they work great. No need to pack a bulky rain jacket.
Destination-Specific Weather Tips
Ha Long Bay
Best visited October-December and March-April. Summer cruises are hot and hazy. Winter (January-February) can be foggy with limited visibility, though fewer crowds. Cruise cancellations are possible during typhoon season and rough seas.
Sapa
Rice terraces are greenest in September-October (just before harvest) and freshly planted in May-June. Winter brings cold fog and occasional frost but atmospheric trekking. March-May offers clear days and comfortable temperatures for hiking.
Hoi An
February-May is peak beach season. The old town floods regularly in October-November. The Lantern Festival (full moon each month) is magical year-round. Summer is hot (35 C+) but dry.
Phu Quoc Island
Best from November to March with calm seas and blue skies. The wet season (June-September) brings rough seas and some resorts close. April-May is the transition period with warm weather and smaller crowds.