Best time to visit Vietnam - Trip.com

Are you planning to visit Vietnam but wondering which is the best time to go? Vietnam, with its beach experience, attracts worldwide travelers every year. Here, Trip.com provides you with conditions of different times and helps you choose the best time to visit Vietnam!💕

Best Time to Visit Vietnam: March to April

* This temperature chart is for reference only. Please check the local forecast before you go.

✅ Plan your Spring holiday for best time to visit Vietnam NOW:

Autumn and Spring are the seasons to visit North Vietnam (Hanoi, Ha Long Bay, Sapa)

Ha Long Bay @Trip.com

Best weather & Low Crowds (Autumn &Spring)

Autumn (September to November)

The weather is cool and dry, with temperatures between 20°C to 28°C (68°F to 82°F). Hanoi is bathed in golden sunlight, perfect for sightseeing, and the terraced rice fields in Sapa turn vibrant shades of green and yellow in late September and October. These months offer clear skies and pleasant weather, ideal for trekking and cruises.

Spring (March to April)

The weather is mild, with average temperatures ranging between 18°C to 25°C (64°F to 77°F). Hanoi experiences cooler temperatures, making it ideal for city exploration. The landscapes around Ha Long Bay are especially lush and green after the winter rains.

Avoid Crowds (January to February)

If you don't like the crowds and worry about increasing cost for special events, please avoid Tet Festival (Vietnamese Lunar New Year), which is from Janurary to February. And this period is not ideal for travel as temperatures can dip, especially in the north.

✅ If you want to plan visit North Vietnam, click to explore hotels in Hanoi!

February is the month to visit Central Vietnam (Da Nang, Hoi An, Hue)

Hoi An Old Town @Trip.com

Best weather (February to April)

The dry season in Central Vietnam runs from February to August, while February to April are considered as the best months for a visit. The temperatures range from 20°C to 30°C (68°F to 86°F), offering a perfect balance of warmth without the extreme heat of summer. And these months see minimal rainfall, making them ideal for exploring Da Nang's beaches, Hoi An’s ancient town, and Hue’s imperial history.

Best for Low Crowd (September to November)

Although there is a risk of rain during September to November, visiting Central Vietnam in this season can offer a quieter experience, especially in historical sites like Hue and ancient Hoi An. The rain can disrupt beach days but is great for exploring the region’s temples and museums.

Avoid Crowd (March to August)

• Hoi An Lantern Festival (various months): The full moon brings about a magical experience in Hoi An, as the streets are lit with colorful lanterns. The Lantern Festival is held monthly, but the most picturesque celebrations occur from March to August when the weather is pleasant.
• Hue Festival (April): Held every two years, this festival celebrates Hue's imperial past. It's a major cultural event with music, parades, and performances that attract both local and international visitor

✅ If you want to plan visit Central Vietnam, here to find hotels in Hoi An!

December to April are good to Visit South Vietnam (Ho Chi Minh City, Mekong Delta, Phu Quoc)

Phu Quoc National Park @Trip.com

Best for weather (December to April)

December to April is the peak dry season in South Vietnam. The weather is hot and sunny with temperatures averaging 25°C to 35°C (77°F to 95°F). Humidity is lower, making it ideal for outdoor activities like river cruises in the Mekong Delta and beach visits in Phu Quoc. Ho Chi Minh City’s bustling streets are also easier to navigate without the constant downpours typical of the rainy season.

Best for Low Crowd (May to November)

While the wet season in the south runs from May to November, the rain tends to be short and heavy, so it won't ruin a trip. This is the least crowded time to visit Ho Chi Minh City and the Mekong Delta. If you prefer a quieter experience and don't mind the rain, this is a good period to explore local markets and cultural sites without the usual throngs of tourists.

✅ If you want to plan visit South Vietnam, here to know hotels in Ho Chi Minh City!

Better to Know before visiting Vietnam

Time in Vietnam

• New York (UTC-5): Vietnam is 12 hours ahead
• London (UTC+0): Vietnam is 7 hours ahead
• Tokyo (UTC+9): Vietnam is 2 hours behind
• Dubai (UTC+4): Vietnam is 3 hours ahead

Tips for first-time visitors

• 1. Network of phones: Get seamless connection of internet is essential. ESIM is a convenient choice with eliminating the need for a physical SIM card. Stay connected easily with a Trip.com eSIM, which offers reliable 4G data throughout Vietnam.
• 2. Language: The official language is Vietnamese, and while English is spoken in major cities, learning a few basic phrases can be helpful. Key phrases include "Xin chào" (hello) and "Cảm ơn" (thank you).
• 4. Currency & Payments: Vietnam uses the Vietnamese Dong (VND). Cash is preferred in smaller towns, but credit cards are accepted in most urban areas. ATMs are widely available in cities.