Vietnam's diverse climates mean each month has a recommended region. This calendar replaces guesswork.
Monthly weather overview
Vietnam’s diverse climates mean each month has a recommended region. This calendar replaces guesswork.
January
| Region | Avg Temp | Rainfall | Recommendation |
|---|
| North (Hanoi, Sapa) | 15-22°C | Low | Cool, good for culture. Day trips from Hanoi. |
| Central (Hue, Hoi An) | 22-26°C | Low | Dry, comfortable. Best for exploring Ancient Town. |
| South (HCMC, Mekong) | 26-30°C | Low | Dry season starts. Ideal for Mekong Delta tours. |
February
| Region | Avg Temp | Rainfall | Recommendation |
|---|
| North | 14-21°C | Very low | Best time. Sapa terraces, Halong clear mornings. |
| Central | 23-27°C | Low | Peak dry season. Ba Na Hills, beaches ideal. |
| South | 25-29°C | Low | Peak. Phu Quoc beaches calm. |
March
| Region | Avg Temp | Rainfall | Recommendation |
|---|
| North | 16-24°C | Low | Warming, great Hanoi street food. |
| Central | 25-29°C | Low | Pre-hot season. Great for photo shoots. |
| South | 25-30°C | Rising | Get ready for dry season. Mekong boats reliable. |
April
| Region | Avg Temp | Rainfall | Recommendation |
|---|
| North | 18-26°C | Low | Peak, before monsoon. Halong best visibility. |
| Central | 26-30°C | Rising | Hot but good for beach. |
| South | 26-31°C | Low | Perfect Phu Quoc. |
May
| Region | Avg Temp | Rainfall | Recommendation |
|---|
| North | 20-28°C | Low | Hot beginning of summer. |
| Central | 27-32°C | Rising | Pre-monsoon. Plan indoor activities. |
| South | 27-32°C | Low | Start of dry season. |
June
| Region | Avg Temp | Rainfall | Recommendation |
|---|
| North | 22-29°C | Low | Warm, early summer. |
| Central | 27-32°C | High | Monsoon starts, daily rain. |
| South | 26-31°C | Very low | Great for Mekong Delta, pre-north rain. |
July
| Region | Avg Temp | Rainfall | Recommendation |
|---|
| North | 22-28°C | Low | Comfortable. |
| Central | 26-31°C | Very high | Avoid. Typhoon risk July-August. |
| South | 25-30°C | Low | Dry season deepening. |
August
| Region | Avg Temp | Rainfall | Recommendation |
|---|
| North | 21-27°C | Low | Clear skies possible. |
| Central | 25-30°C | High | Heavy rain, river cancellations. |
| South | 26-30°C | Low | Perfect for Phu Quoc, Mekong canals calm. |
September
| Region | Avg Temp | Rainfall | Recommendation |
|---|
| North | 20-26°C | Low | Post-monsoon colours, Sapa autumn. |
| Central | 24-28°C | Decreasing | Clear skies returning, Halong misty mornings still beautiful. |
| South | 26-30°C | Very low | Peak dry season. |
October
| Region | Avg Temp | Rainfall | Recommendation |
|---|
| North | 18-24°C | Very low | Best time for photography across Vietnam. |
| Central | 24-27°C | Very low | Post-monsoon greens, fewer crowds. |
| South | 25-29°C | Low | Luxury season starts. |
November
| Region | Avg Temp | Rainfall | Recommendation |
|---|
| North | 16-22°C | Low | Autumn colours peak. |
| Central | 23-26°C | Low | Clear, comfortable. |
| South | 24-28°C | Low | Start of peak, Phu Quoc calm waters. |
December
| Region | Avg Temp | Rainfall | Recommendation |
|---|
| North | 14-20°C | Low | Cool, festive for Tet. |
| Central | 22-25°C | Low | Best weather. Ba Na Hills clear. |
| South | 24-28°C | Low | Begin dry season, great for Mekong. |
Key takeaways
- Best overall trip: February-April or September-November
- North Vietnam: September-November and March-May (avoid July monsoon peak)
- Central Vietnam: February-April (pre-monsoon) or September-November (post-monsoon)
- South Vietnam: December-April (peak dry season)
Frequently asked questions
When is the coldest in Northern Vietnam?
January and February are coldest (12-18°C in Hanoi, 5-10°C in Sapa). Layers needed.
Is July hotter in Central or South Vietnam?
Central (Hue, Hoi An) sees 30-35°C with high humidity. South (HCMC, Phu Quoc) is 28-32°C but more breeze off the sea. South is slightly more comfortable.
