The Ultimate Guide to Visit Vietnam in September

Choosing the best time to visit Vietnam is very confusing, and many people ask us “Is September a good time to visit Vietnam?” and “How is the weather in Vietnam in September?”. Through this article, we provide full detailed information on September weather, tourist flow and travel cost. Actually, September falls in autumn so the weather in all regions is generally quite pleasant. The northern terrace rice fields are vividly yellow at its harvesting season and the smooth sandy beaches are less crowded, which are the main draws in September. The month is shoulder travel season, you also can expect super saved hotel deals. Read on as we will show you the best places to visit in this month.

Things to know when you visit Vietnam in September

1. Vietnam Weather in September

1.1. Northern Vietnam

The Northern Delta of Vietnam in September has a daily average temperature of 82°F (28°C). Toward the end of month, the temperature is cooler than the beginning, and the rainfall becomes less frequent. In Hanoi, you can expect the breeze and golden rays of the sun, which is a bit chilly in the morning.

The temperature in the northern mountainous region in September fluctuates between 77°F (25°C) during the day. It is cold at night and near morning about 62°F (17°C). This month has less rain than August, and rains often happen at night. Thanks to the ideal weather conditions of the autumn, late September is a particularly fantastic time to visit endless northern golden rice fields.

Cloud hunting season in Sapa

1.2. Central Vietnam

Central Vietnam stretches from Quang Binh, Hue, Danang, Hoi An to Nha Trang, Dalat, Mui Ne with many other beautiful destinations lying among these points. The regional average temperature in September ranges from 75°F (24°C) to 90°F (32°C), dropping a little in late September. The Central of Vietnam in September may experience increasing rain and minor storms toward the end of this month. You had better see the weather forecast before departure to prepare for the alternative plan. The most promising destination will be Mui Ne, where the rain is significantly less than other places of the region.

1.3. Southern Vietnam

Southern Vietnam in September sees a similar picture like August. The temperature is consistently under 88°F (31°C), but the rain can make you feel better. The showers happen very quickly, when the sun is bright again even before you take out your umbrella. You can still expect plenty of dry and bright daylight hours in Ho Chi Minh city and Mekong Delta. Because the Mekong delta is covered with a maze of river, this flooding season surprisingly makes it a beautiful time to discover and suitable for boat trips.

Travel tip: Travel to Vietnam in September, you should wear some thin layer clothes. And in case the temperature drops at night, you can take a long dress. Because of rainfall, take with you rain gear, especially if you want to visit the central part.

Tra Su Cajuput forest

2. Travel costs and tourist crowd in September

September is the low travel season, when student summer holidays end, they and their families return to everyday life. Beaches and resorts will see fewer people. Thus, you can enjoy more tranquillity at the tourist attractions, with no longer queuing. Whether you are a nature lover, city life seeker, or even a relaxation-bound traveller, visiting Vietnam in September opens countless options for you.

The exceptions are Vietnam Independence Day and Mid-autumn Festival. Popular attractions in major cities like Hanoi, Danang, Ho Chi Minh, especially the historical sites may be more crowded than usual. If the holidays fall on weekends, the city dwellers can take side trips to beaches or return to their birth hometown.

As a result, flights and hotels give out many promotions. You can visit Vietnam with good deals if reservations are well made in advance.

Electric car in Hanoi

3. Places to visit in Vietnam in September

In September, the North welcomes you with cool autumn breeze, while the Central will have rain at times but retains its tranquillity, and the South is idyllic with a fresh atmosphere. Depending on your travel preferences, you can choose the places to visit. We suggest a few ideal destinations for you.

3.1. Mu Cang Chai

During this month, the rice in Mu Cang Chai turns from yellow-green to golden colour which is the signal of harvesting time. The dreamy photogenic rice terraces will be splendid to behold, especially for photographers. Scattered on the belly of the hill are minority villages, where you can get many glimpses of Hmong people’s rural life. You can plan a trekking trip at La Pan Tan's golden mountain, conquer the Khau Pha pass, or visit Lim Mong village.  Definitely, this is one of the most stunning postcard landscapes you shouldn’t miss. 

Mu Cang Chai rice terraces

3.2. Ninh Binh

For majestic limestone landscapes in Vietnam, Halong Bay is always the first choice. However, in rainy and late typhoon season like September, Ninh Ninh is the perfect karst alternative. This idyllic destination offers you an ideal combo of biking, hiking and boating to see the amazingly magnificent scenery of golden rice paddies from different angles. What could be more exciting than taking a sampan through caves in Trang An complex? You may like cycling along rural paths in Tam Coc or staying overnight at a homestay in Van Long nature reserve area and learn embroidery under structure of local handicraftman.

Take part in an embroidery course in Van Long

3.3. Sapa

Sapa in September has very little rainfall and away from hot air. Like Mu Cang Chai, Sapa is also a paradise for hiking from moderate to challenging. Hiking in Sapa, you can follow the routes featuring amazing terraced fields, mountain villages and ethnic minority culture to discover the green rice terraces turning yellow. The yellow of ripe rice fields shall make you feel overwhelmingly beautiful. It is best to spend a night at a homestay to get away from the hustle and bustle, and a chance to interact with friendly local people and experience the slow-paced life. You can spend 2–3 nights for leisure and hikes exploring the area.

Golden season in Sapa

>> See more: Sapa travel guide for the first time travellers

3.4. Hanoi

The weather of Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam, in September is neither too cold nor too hot, which is a really iconic presentation of northern autumn. Many city streets like Phan Dinh Phung, Tran Phu, Hoang  Dieu are elegantly gilded with yellow leaves and light sunshine. You will feel the passionate smell, creating pleasant comfort, because of the milk flowers blooming. Taking a leisurely stroll around Hoan Kiem lake, then Hanoi Old Quarter will be a perfect choice, whereas you can taste authentic local cusines. 

If your trip is on September 2nd (Vietnam National Independence Day), you will see the city celebrating this occasion with a large parade in Ba Dinh square, and many great performances taking place in a few days. 

Parade in Ba Dinh square

3.5. Lan Ha Bay

This is the off-peak season in Lan Ha Bay and Halong Bay for both local and international tourists so you can easily find some deals when booking Lan Ha Bay cruises. Fewer tourists also means that you get better services and fully enjoy the breathtaking view of the bay. The cool breeze and comfortable weather is suitable for swimming and kayaking. Participating in activities like visiting local villages, island’s caves is also interesting.

A pristine beach on Lan Ha Bay's small islands

3.6. Danang

Da Nang is a beautiful coastal city with stunning beaches and breathtaking scenery. Visit Danang in September, you can expect many rainy days and strong winds. The rainfall level starts increasing from September to October, thus the weather is much cooler. You had better check the weather forecast to plan your trip. There will be fewer tourists, therefore, hotels and restaurants give better services. If you want to travel on a budget, this is an ideal time, when you can still sunbathe, swim in the cool water, enjoy the cool breeze and lie on the white sand. Best beaches to enjoy are romantic Non Nuoc Beach, My Khe Beach, Son Tra Peninsula.

Danang beach

3.7. Hoi An

Unlike Ho Chi Minh City, Hoi An, a UNESCO-listed World Heritage Site, is small and provincial in feel. It provides a fascinating glimpse into what port life was in 18th century Vietnam. A Hoi An tour in September will be less affected by downpour in the afternoon. You had better plan a flexible itinerary to escape the rains, such as visit historical sites, go to a local market, have a cup of Vietnamese coffee or join in a cooking class. Stroll in the old town, you can buy many colourful souvenirs, and don't miss a quick tailor-made ao dai. 

Lanterns in Hoi An

3.8. Mui Ne

Mui Ne weather in September is quite favourable for tourism. At this time, the weather is somewhat cooler compared to the summer months. Sand dunes reduce their heat so activities are more pleasant. However, sometimes tourists may encounter the scattered minor rains, which may change your schedule a bit. While few tourists choose to stay in the centre, many tourists prefer resorts with swimming pools and private beaches.

3.9. Quy Nhon

Nature bestows Quy Nhon not only with beautiful, clear and pristine beaches, but the city also has many cultural and historical tourist attractions, impressive architecture and amusement parks. Quy Nhon in September experiences the change from the dry season to the rainy season in Quy Nhon. This is considered the most suitable time to travel to Quy Nhon because the weather in Quy Nhon at this time is sunny, the sky is clear and the sea is calm, and there is usually a cool breeze. It is ideal for participating in various outdoor activities and exploring several Quy Nhon’s islands.

Ky Co Island

3.9. Mekong Delta

The Mekong Delta in September has a unique natural beauty that is hard to find anywhere else. Because there is plenty of rain, the water level in rivers and fields rises thrivingly, creating the annual water rising season, which occurs from September to November. You may consider a visit to An Giang province. The coconut trees mingle well with the peaceful rural villages, drawing an idyllic picture. By boat and sampan, you can explore the simple life, and sample the fresh tropical fruits from orchards. It is also perfect for those who love to take part in activities like visiting a floating market, spreading fishing nets with instruction from locals.

Fishing in An Giang

4. Vietnamese holidays & festivals in September 2024 (updated by year)

Vietnam Independence Day (02/09/2024)

On this day in 1945, President Ho Chi Minh had read the Declaration of Independence in Ba Dinh Square in Hanoi, marking the country's freedom from colonialism. Since then, every year, across the country, and especially in Ba Dinh square of Hanoi, there are big parades and special events to celebrate this national day.

Mid-autumn Festival (17/9/2024)

Vietnam's Mid-Autumn Festival is held on August 15th of the lunar calendar (always a full moon day) making the monthly Full Moon Lantern Festival celebrations the largest of the year. To prepare for the festival, families buy mooncakes, pomelos and other treats. On the night of the festival, Vietnamese children will carry lit lanterns in parades and wear costumes for lion dances. Joining in celebrating activities with local people would be an unforgettable moment for you. In Hanoi, Hang Ma street is the most visited place while in Ho Chi Minh city, people flock to Nguyen Hue walking streets and Cho Lon area.

Lion dances

Buffalo fight festival (11/09/2024)

On August 9th of the lunar month, Do Son, Hai Phong will host a buffalo fight festival. On the day, people organize for two buffaloes to fight each other till one is down, and the last one standing becomes the winner. The festival has remained for the last 1000 years, attracting hundreds of people from all over the country.

Buffalos fight

5. Great Itineraries to Vietnam in September

>> Hanoi - Sapa - Ninh Binh - Halong Bay | Authentic Experience - 07 Days: This itinerary is made for those who want the most authentic experience of North Vietnam. Learn a lot of country history and diverse cultures of many ethnic groups, while you can admire the breathtaking views of the terraced rice fields of Sapa, and also travel to Ninh Binh and Halong Bay. This is a specifically selected travel route which tends to be less touristy.

>> Hoi An & Hue Travel and leisure | Authentic experience - 07 Days: Famous ancient town of Hoi An is the highlight of this program. You will visit the My Son Holy land of the Cham pa Kingdom and then the ancient capital of Vietnam: Hue. This tour combines culture, history and local cuisine with some relaxing days on the white sandy beaches of Hoi An.

>> Premier Discovery the North and South | Vietnam Classic Tour - 09 Days. If you want to have a glimpse of the most popular destinations in the North & South of Vietnam, this itinerary is very suitable. Start from Hanoi - the capital of Vietnam to the heart of the Red River Delta - Ninh Binh. Relax and admire the alluring landscape of Halong Bay on an overnight cruise. Discover the dynamic Ho Chi Minh City and take a special excursion to the Cu Chi Tunnels and Mekong Delta.

In general, Vietnam in September is a good time for travelling and tourism all over the country. The summer is over and the weather is gradually changing into an autumn vibe. If you want to travel to Vietnam in September on a customised private tour, don’t hesitate to send a request to us from now by clicking here!