Travelers spare the whole year for a dream Vietnam trip, so it’s important to ask the big question, "When is the best time to go to Vietnam?" The following share will provide tips on the best time to visit Vietnam in terms of weather. Consequently, it also helps you avoid the worst time to visit Vietnam.
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1. The general climate of Vietnam
Vietnam's climate is characterized as a tropical humid climate. However, with a length of 1,750km from the northernmost point to the southernmost point and a coastline of 3,350km, the climate of Vietnam varies greatly from North to South. Generally based on geography, Vietnam is divided into three regions: North, Central and South. This division influences your decision of what you expect to visit and when you should leave for Vietnam.
Climate of Vietnam
The northern part of Vietnam features the mountainous ranges near the China—Laos border, Halong Bay, and the Red River Delta surrounding Ninh Binh province. There are four distinct seasons in northern Vietnam. Summer is the hottest season, with an average daily maximum of 38-39 degrees Celcius. In the Winter, the temperature in the highest northern mountains may drop very low, freezing with snow and ice.
The central part of Vietnam stretches from Thanh Hoa province to Binh Thuan, encompassing an incredible landscape diversity. In this area, Hai Van Pass divides the climate of Vietnam into a tropical humid zone in the northern part and a tropical zone from Hai Van to the south.
The southern part of Vietnam includes the Mekong Delta area and Binh Phuoc, Tay Ninh, where the temperature is around 28-35 degrees all year round.
Endowed with this climatic diversity among the regions, Vietnam is truly a city of diverse experiences. It is difficult to answer the question "When is the best time to go to Vietnam?". However, an idea of Vietnam's weather in each period will give you the sense to plan your trip.
2. When is the best time to go to Vietnam?
2.1. February- March - April
- The North: During these months, it's spring in the north with foggy days, sometimes there are also drizzles. There is even a thick layer of fog in the mountainous area. However, travelers can avoid monsoons and storms.
- The Centre: The drizzle is not so dense and does not affect your cultural and natural discoveries. Sometimes, the weather is fine without rain, and travelers can enjoy the beach leisurely at the end of April.
- The South: It is quite dry and not too hot, which is excellent for your journey.
Quick notes:
- Most Vietnamese traditional festivals take place during the first period of the year. The biggest event is Tet Nguyen Dan (Lunar New Year festival) which is normally celebrated in the period January - February. Travelers would experience the festive atmosphere in daily local life everywhere in Vietnam. However, some museums and activities are temporarily closed during Lunar New Year.
- The best pleasant climate covers the southern beaches like Nha Trang, Mui Ne and Phu Quoc island.
Vietnamese prepare for Tet
>> See photos from the 2021 Photo Contest: Amazing Vietnam in the Spring
2.2. May - June - July
- The North: The heat increases significantly in Northern Vietnam, and the monsoon has not arrived yet, so you would love to take a journey to explore the region.
- The Center: The climate is suitable for relaxing holidays and seaside stays in Hoi An, Da Nang and Nha Trang.
- The South: The wet rainy season begins. Rain may come suddenly which cools down the atmosphere at the temperature to 37-38 degrees Celsius. Luckily, the rain does not last all day long, just only for an hour.
Quick notes:
- If you are doubtful about the time to visit the mountainous area, this is the most suitable time. Because there is water season on the rice fields then local peasants build dams and embankments. They direct water into the rice fields, in order to prepare for plowing, sowing and transplanting. Amazing rice terraces of Sa Pa, Mu Cang Chai and Hoang Su Phi are unmissable for photographers hunting for the wild beauty of the vast flooded fields glistening in the sun. The sublime nature and the encounters with the colorful ethnic groups in the villages perched on the side of the mountains will satisfy your curiosity about our richly ethnic culture.
- In Ninh Binh, the fields on the rivers are covered in yellow. Don't miss out on an excursion to Tam Coc.
- Many Vietnamese families flock to the central beaches for summer vacations so international travelers should book the hotel services in advance to get the best choices.
Danang Beach in summer
2.3. August - September - October
- The North: The tropical monsoon dominates the North of Vietnam. If there is no rain, it will be a perfect day to go out, especially if you are in the mountainous area in August and September to see the yellowed rice terrace fields. In September and October, there are almost no monsoons, and the climate is favorable in the north, especially in the Red River delta area and northwestern areas such as Mai Chau—Pu Luong.
- The Center: The weather is good in August and September for beach activities and for visiting Vietnam's natural wonders. In October, there are some monsoons.
- The South: The climate is quite the same as the period of May - June - July.
Quick notes: The Halong Bay trip might be affected by monsoons so you should have a back-up plan in case the Halong Bay trip is delayed.
Pu Luong Rice Terrace
>> Everything You Need to Know About Pu Luong
2.4. November - December - January
- The North: It is the beginning of winter, and the climate is dry & less rainy. In the northeast mountainous (Cao Bang, Ha Giang,...), the valleys of blooming buckwheat flowers, and Ba Be national park are some must-see places. The temperature is lower during this period. Sometimes, temperatures in the mountains, such as Tam Dao and Hoang Lien Son, hit quite low to freezing.
- The Center: There is less rain from Hai Van Pass to the South than in the northern part.
- The South: The rainy season eventually passes to make way for the mild climate.
Quick note: From the end of December in the north, it is colder and hazy with occasional biting cold.
Ha Giang's buckwheat flowers
Where to go and when to go to Vietnam actually depends on your personal travel plan. Vietnam always has something to offer you in each season. With the above information about “When is the best time to go to vietnam”, IZITOUR hopes to be helpful for you when planning a Vietnam trip. If you have any questions, kindly leave a comment below to get direct support from our travel expert.
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