Best Time to Visit Vietnam

High Season: June •  July • August

The high season in Vietnam revolves mainly around the beach. The weather can change between the north, central, and southern regions in summer, with the rainy season in the central and south, while in the northern highlands you will experience cool mountain air.

Shoulder Season: January • February • March • December

Winter in Vietnam tends to offer milder humidity in the central and southern regions, while the northern highlands can see snow. The different landscapes, topography, and climate make winter a great time to explore Vietnam’s natural diversity, as well as uncover seasonal festivals during more reliable weather patterns.

Low Season: April • May • October • November

When considering the best time to visit Vietnam, the low season from April to May and October to November offers consistent weather. There is rain in the north, central, and southern areas, but stretches of gorgeous days filled with golden sunshine also occur. The main difference between low- and shoulder-season travel is that the former offers more surprises.

Best Months: November • December • January • February • March

During the best time to travel to Vietnam for sightseeing, you can quickly discover that there is no wrong time to visit, but November to March can give you the best weather across the entire country.

These months will provide the best opportunity for visiting as much of Vietnam as possible, as the country experiences different weather systems between its north, central, and southern regions. Sightseeing between November and March will help you to explore the beauty of the landscapes and culture during the best weather across each region.

Best Months: December • January • February

Vietnam is often overlooked as a beach destination, but with 2,000 miles of coastline, it possesses tropical beauty and pristine white sands best experienced between December and February.

Whether lounging on the beach, looking for the perfect lobster dinner, or enjoying a sunset view, Vietnam’s beaches can give you an immersive experience that reveals the country’s inherent natural splendor. The weather between December and February will provide you with the most opportune conditions.

Best Months: March • April • May • June • July • August • September

The pristine waters of Vietnam provide the perfect escape for scuba diving or snorkeling along the coastline from March to September.

The diversity of Vietnam’s weather patterns opens a variety of possibilities for visiting shores along the northern, central, and southern coasts, with each destination revealing its own charms and spectacular marine life.

From tropical coral to vibrant fish, lobsters to mystical caves, Vietnam’s submarine wonderland is at its best from March to September.

Best Months: November • December • January • February • March

Vietnam is one of the world’s best food destinations, with a culinary history blending imperialism, colonial recipes, and revolution, and the best time to experience the top Vietnamese dishes is between November and March.

The cuisine reveals the history, culture, and topography of a specific region that can shift dramatically between north, central, and south Vietnam. By visiting during the overlapping dry season, you can experience the authentic flavors, essential spirit, and enticing recipes that reflect the country and its personalities.

Learn more: Vietnam Food Tours & Vacations

Best Months: September • October • November

The mountains, rice paddies, and scenic beaches offer the ultimate hiking routes across Vietnam and lead to incredible discoveries from September to November.

The diverse terrain and vibrant cultural villages across the country can immerse you in a remarkable escape from the megacities, with day hikes or longer trekking routes accessible for travelers of all fitness levels.

Whether looking for mountain passes or jungle trails, September to November can give you the best hiking opportunities.

Best Months: December • January • February • March • April

The marvels of the wildlife in Vietnam add to the indelible beauty across the country, while offering another surprise for travelers, especially from December to April. As the weather shifts in north, central, and south Vietnam, the wildlife provides a vibrant view of regional history and the natural world.

From viewing the rare Delacour’s langur to searching for a serpent eagle, tracking Asian elephants to birdwatching for views of blue-naped pitta, December to April in Vietnam unveil untouched natural wonder.

Best Months: November • December • January • February • March

The diversity of Vietnam makes it an alluring destination for a family trip, with layered culture, breathtaking landscapes, and mouthwatering cuisine some of the best experiences to enjoy as a family from November to March.

As the weather patterns shift across the three main regions of the country, you can explore its entirety, from Sapa to Hanoi, Hue to Ho Chi Minh City, the pristine white-sand beaches to the winding banks of the Mekong River.

Best Months: November • December • January • February • March

With stunning beaches, enticing flavors, and romantic imperial cities, Vietnam is the perfect destination for a couple’s getaway, especially between November and March.

The diverse weather patterns between the north, central, and southern regions can create juxtaposing wet and dry seasons, but by visiting the most romantic places when the typical comfortable weather overlaps, you can embrace the beauty and heritage, whether basking on the desert seaside dunes at Mui Ne or plunging into the Valley of Love at Dalat.

Learn more: Vietnam Honeymoon Packages

Best Months: January • February • March

Every season in Vietnam reveals a new perspective of the country, but visiting during the dry season months from January to March can give you a more wholesome experience across the country.

No matter when you visit Vietnam, you will find the sun and the comforts of the dry season as the climate shifts between regions. However, January, February, and March can provide access to some of the country’s best destinations and activities.

Activities: Hiking • Scuba • Snorkeling • Food Tours • Beach

Best Months: August • September • October

The weather patterns and climate of Vietnam can be as complex as its history, but visiting between August and October offers a general wet season across the country in which you can embrace the culture and scenery from a new perspective.

Even during the wet season, the sun will generally make an appearance, whether after the rains or in a dryer corner of Vietnam separated by the shifting landscapes. Visiting between August and October can open your eyes to new ideas and activities as you explore the diversity.

Activities: Temples • Shopping • Food Tour • Famous Markets

Vietnam is an unparalleled getaway any time of the year, unveiling, as it does, an array of color, culture, and captivating history, with an endless number of things to do. Whether sailing through the karsts of Halong Bay or enjoying a food tour of Hoi An, knowing the type of experiences you want will guide your best time to visit.

Find more ideas with our Vietnam tours and vacations or explore new information that can help you start planning your trip with our Vietnam travel guide.