The Most Complete Travel Guide to Vietnam in February (2024)

For many travellers, the first months of the year is the best time to travel to new lands. Certainly, an oriental country like Vietnam is a destination on the list. Hence, the answer “How is Vietnam in February?” is the first thing you seek before planning a trip to Vietnam.

Traveling to Vietnam during this time of year, you can experience culture and nature at its goodness. On top of that, in February, plus the mild weather and beautiful landscape blooming at the beginning of Spring, the entire country will immerse in the joyful atmosphere of the upcoming Tet Lunar New Year 2024 - the biggest holiday of the Vietnamese people. So let's see the sharing of Izitour to collect all information. 

Table of content

1. All information about climate, weather and temperature of Vietnam in February

1.1. Northern Vietnam

Spring has already arrived in northern Vietnam in February, and it is hotter than January. However, there are still cold days, normally the air is humid and drizzly. The average temperature in the plateau is around 18 degrees.

This season in northern Vietnam is the green season conducive to budding buds. Many flowers such as peach blossom, bauhinia variegata flowers… are blossoming brilliantly.

Ban's flowers in Hanoi

1.2. Northern mountain of Vietnam

In the mountainous area in Northern Vietnam, the weather is still cold and foggy with lots of clouds. The temperature varies according to the geological altitude, about 9 degrees in countries like Sapa, Ha Giang and about 14 degrees in regions like Moc Chau.

However, the blooming peach flowers are fabulous and poetic. The scenery is ideal for photography.

Peach blossoms in the clouds

1.3. Central Vietnam 

The weather in central Vietnam in February is more sunny than in the north, but the temperature is still cool around 21 degrees. Sometimes when the northerly winds come, you can still feel the chill.

Compared to the previous month, rainfall in February in central Vietnam is significantly reduced.

Hue Citadel

1.4. Southern Vietnam

In southern Vietnam, the climate is warm all year round. Even though in February, the southern region still has quite high temperatures. The weather is often sunny with little rain.

You can safely swim in the sea and participate in outdoor beach activities.

2. Travel costs to Vietnam and tourist flow in February

The Lunar New Year—Tet, the biggest festival of the year—falls between late January and mid-February (varying from year to year). In 2024, it will happen from 9th - 15th February. Tet typically lasts for a whole week, with many Vietnamese returning to their hometowns, moving between ancestral homes and relatives before the main days of Tet, so this is one of the busiest times for travel for both Vietnamese and foreigners. During 6-7 days of Tet celebrations really happening, several tourist places close, plus all government offices, as do many shops and markets, and public transportation options will be reduced significantly.

During the first month of the lunar year calendar, Vietnamese people have a nice custom of making the first trip of spring as a wish for a happy new year. Furthermore, the fact that so many particular cultural and religious festivals are organised, which increase the travel of domestic tourists.

February is also the high season of tourism in Vietnam with many travellers from all over the world. This can affect travel costs, especially if you choose 4-star and 5-star hotels. For 2-3 star or homestay choices, the price of the trip doesn't vary much. In addition, given the large flow of domestic and international tourists, hotels can be full from very early, so you are recommended to book in advance to receive the best services at a good price.

Beyond that, the increase in the flow of tourists represents the increase in the need to travel by air. Travellers should also be aware of changes in the price of flights.

>> Tips: You should make reservations of accommodation and flights well in advance to avoid being overcharged. Some destinations can be overcrowded during the days of Tet Holiday, booking in advance also helps you to ensure about itinerary.

3. What to do in Vietnam in February

With the above information, let's see the best places to put on our bucket list when going to Vietnam in February.

3.1. Places to visit in Vietnam in February

Hanoi

Despite the drizzly climate, February is the month of flowers and religious festivals in pagodas and temples such as Tran Quoc Pagoda, Quan Thanh Temple, Phu Tay Ho, Temple of Literature. Being a capital city with a long history, Hanoi is also a must-see destination in Vietnam with its cultural & historical richness.

>> Excursions to Hanoi and vicinity

A temple in Hanoi

Ninh Binh

In February, the scenery in Ninh Binh is more fantastic, the mountains and rivers are lush green, painting an alluring picture of nature. Arrive in Ninh Binh, do not forget to add Trang An, Bai Dinh pagoda, Tam Coc, Bich Dong pagoda to your travel checklist. If you want to see the beauty of Ninh Binh a bit off the beaten track, also consider Van Long Nature Reserve and surrounding peaceful countryside villages.

Sapa

Sapa and many other northern mountainous provinces in February are famous for apricot, plum and ban flowers. Taking your time to visit ethnic markets in spring is a beautiful experience with flute music and colourful ethnic dances by girls in traditional beautiful dresses.

>> Private Sapa tours by train, bus and car

Traditional dances

Hue & Hoi An

With the cool and sunny climate, certainly the central part of Vietnam is a must-visited place once you travel to Vietnam. Although this season is not the ideal time for swimming because the sea is still a little bit cold, it is a very good time to go sightseeing, cycling through rural villages and discover the impressive architecture.

>> Hue, Hoi An City tour and private small group packages

Cycling in the rural village of Hoi An

Ho Chi Minh & Mekong Delta

The whole country celebrates Tet - Lunar New Year, but for your best experience, you can’t beat Hanoi, Hue, especially Ho Chi Minh City. At the Lunar New Year’s eve, fireworks will fly across these big city’s skies, launching a full week of festive activities. Choose a cafe with a nice view to enjoy this moment.

Fireworks in Ho Chi Minh City

Southern Vietnam’s weather is most pleasant before summer comes. One place you can not miss is the mighty Mekong Delta, with a system of canals and rivers interwoven with vast rice fields. In February, it is too hot and humid, allowing various outdoor activities in this vibrant trading center of the South.

Tra Su Cajuput Forest

The top-drawn attractions in the Mekong Delta include bustling floating markets in Can Tho and Tra Su cajuput forest in An Giang. The biggest floating market is Cai Rang, in which locals gather from 5am and trade all produce on boats. However, during Tet, local people often stop trading in the floating market for about two weeks. Tra Su cajuput forest is best visited in the early morning and late afternoon. The local markets are covered with all the vivid colours of flowers, fruits and vegetables. For these appeals, the Mekong Delta in February is at its best.

3.2. Sea in Vietnam in February

Phu Quoc Island

Certainly the beaches of Phu Quoc Island are among the best choices if you want to have a beach holiday in Vietnam in February. The favourable climate, the emerald and transparent water are the ideal conditions for a seaside stay. In Phu Quoc, top activities are participating in night squid fishing, taking a cable car to Hon Thom Island, visiting the southern part of the island: pepper garden, fish sauce factory, Phu Quoc prison, admiring the sunset at Dinh Cau or just a stroll to the night market.

Bai Sao beach

Con Dao Island

Con Dao Island is said to have the most pristine beaches in the South of Vietnam. The wild and unique beauty attracts many travellers: fresh air, wide coastline and diverse ecosystems are suitable for families with children.

Sea turtles in Con Dao

Nha Trang

The climate in Nha Trang in February is very mild. The blue sea, white sand and the shining sun will surprise you as this place can conquer the most demanding guests. Since Nha Trang city is touristic, we can choose other beaches nearby like in Ninh Van bay, islands like Hon Tre or areas like Cam Ranh.

Ninh Van Bay

4. Vietnam holidays & festivals in February 2024

Tet, Vietnamese Lunar New Year (07/02 - 14/02/2024). This six-day, nationwide celebration usually falls between late January and mid-February, drawing Vietnamese back to their ancestral homes for non-stop festivities.

Perfume Pagoda festival (15/2/2024). When coming to Huong Pagoda, people visit the temples to worship; scenic boat rides on the river with limestone mountains; and go to historic temples with hundreds of stone steps to pray for a peaceful, prosperous and lucky new year.

Yen Tu festival (19/02/2024). Every year, the Yen Tu Festival is held from the 10th day of the first lunar month. The opening ceremony was held with many activities such as the ceremony of offering incense to Buddha; performing arts reenact historical, cultural, and spiritual stories, Dragon Dragon dance, traditional martial arts, etc. The festival will last for 3 months.

Lim Festival in Bac Ninh

It takes place from February 21 to 23, 2024 (January 12 to 14 in the lunar calendar) in Bac Ninh province, the country is considered as the cultural cradle of the northern plains of Vietnam. In this festival, there are many festival activities and in every corner near the Lim pagoda, people can hear the music of Quan ho Bac Ninh, which is recognized by UNESCO as an intangible world heritage of humanity.

Other interesting parties:

Muong ethnic group’s ritual practices in Mai Chau, Moc Chau.

Traditional fish-praying festival in Thai Duong Ha village in Hue.

>> Tips: The Lunar New Year often comes in late January or early February. During this national holiday, most government offices, restaurants and shops will be closed in 3-6 days. It’s best to avoid this period of time, unless you have a local tour operator to take care of.

5. Recommended itineraries for travelling to Vietnam in February

If you only have 10 days in Vietnam and want a trip where you can immerse yourself in local life and culture, a combined North and Central itinerary is a good idea for you.
>> See detailed itinerary and estimated cost: The Heritage Journey from Hanoi to Hue | Classic package holiday - 10 Days  

What will you visit in Vietnam in 15 days? Why not also add the northern part of Vietnam? The cultural and natural beauty of Hanoi, Ninh Binh and Ha Long Bay/ Bai Tu Long/ Lan Ha are the must-see.
>> See detailed itinerary and estimated cost: From Hanoi to Saigon: Essential Vietnam Discovery & Phu Quoc Beach Break | Classic Tour - 15 Days

Map for 15-day trip to Vietnam in February

If a beach holiday is an essential step for you, then you can consider adding a few more leisure days in Phu Quoc, Nha Trang or Con Dao beaches.
>> See more beach activities and estimated cost: Beach Holidays in Vietnam

Wishing for a true off the beaten track travel route, why not take an adventure to the Tay Nguyen Plateau between the Kontum, Buon Me Thuot, Pleiku.
>> See more Buon Ma Thuot and estimated cost: Buon Ma Thuot Tours

With all the information above, we hope you have some ideas about the weather in all regions, where exactly you can go, what you can visit and the best beaches in Vietnam in February.

Comment below if you have any more questions or send us an message to Whatsapp +84 382 536 266.