Quick answer
February to April is the best time to visit Vietnam on a north-to-south trip, with mild weather in Hanoi and Ha Long Bay, dry days in Hoi An and sunshine in Ho Chi Minh City. October to November suits the north, and December to April suits the south. Avoid Tet week (around 6 February 2027) and the central coast's flood season, September to December.
Month-by-month at a glance
- Jan19°Good
- Feb20°Good
- Mar23°Best
- Apr28°Best
- May32°Good
- Jun33°Fair
- Jul33°Fair
- Aug32°Fair
- Sep31°Fair
- Oct29°Good
- Nov26°Good
- Dec22°Good
Vietnam weather, crowds and what to expect
| Month | High / Low | Rain | Crowds | What to expect |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| JanuaryGood | 19° / 14° | 20 mm | medium | Cool and grey in Hanoi, near freezing in Sapa. Dry and sunny in the south. |
| FebruaryGood | 20° / 15° | 25 mm | high | Tet on 6 Feb 2027: closures and sold-out transport for a week either side. |
| MarchBest | 23° / 18° | 45 mm | medium | Mild drizzle in Hanoi, warm and dry in Hoi An and Saigon. Strong all-round month. |
| AprilBest | 28° / 21° | 90 mm | medium | Warm everywhere, calm seas in Ha Long Bay. Busy around 30 April–1 May holidays. |
| MayGood | 32° / 24° | 190 mm | medium | Hot and humid in the north; central beaches at their best. |
| JuneFair | 33° / 26° | 240 mm | high | Domestic summer holidays. Hanoi steamy with storms; Da Nang dry and busy. |
| JulyFair | 33° / 26° | 290 mm | high | Wet north and south; the central coast is still the best bet. |
| AugustFair | 32° / 26° | 320 mm | medium | Wettest month in Hanoi. Ha Long cruises can be cancelled by storms. |
| SeptemberFair | 31° / 24° | 260 mm | low | Typhoon risk in the north and centre. Sapa terraces turn golden for harvest. |
| OctoberGood | 29° / 22° | 130 mm | low | North clears and cools. Central coast flood season begins. |
| NovemberGood | 26° / 18° | 45 mm | medium | Lovely in Hanoi and Ha Long. Heaviest rain and floods in Hue and Hoi An. |
| DecemberGood | 22° / 15° | 20 mm | medium | Cool north, dry south. Pack a jacket for Hanoi and Sapa evenings. |
Long-term monthly averages. Individual years vary — check a forecast in the week before you travel.
Festivals and events in Vietnam
6 February 2027 (public holiday about 4–10 Feb)
Tet (Lunar New Year)
Flower markets and family celebrations. Many shops and restaurants close for days, and trains, buses and flights sell out.
Monthly, on the 14th day of each lunar month
Hoi An Lantern Full Moon
The old town dims electric lights; lanterns and river candles take over. Atmospheric but crowded.
30 April–1 May
Reunification Day and Labour Day
A long domestic holiday. Ha Long Bay, Da Nang and Phu Quoc fill up and prices rise.
15th day of the eighth lunar month (September or early October)
Mid-Autumn Festival
Lanterns, lion dances and mooncakes, especially around Hang Ma street in Hanoi's Old Quarter.
When is the best time to visit Vietnam from India?
For a classic north-to-south trip covering Hanoi, Ha Long Bay, Hoi An and Ho Chi Minh City, aim for February to April. It is the one window when all three regions are in decent shape at the same time: spring in the north, dry season in the centre and the end of the dry season in the south. March and April are the safest picks. Early February can be excellent, but steer clear of the week around Tet, which falls on 6 February 2027.
Why does the weather vary so much?
Vietnam stretches about 1,650 km from north to south, and each region has its own monsoon. The climate table on this page shows Hanoi averages.
| Region | Best months | Rain or storm season |
|---|---|---|
| North: Hanoi, Ha Long, Ninh Binh, Sapa | October–April | May–September |
| Centre: Hue, Hoi An, Da Nang | February–August | September–December |
| South: Ho Chi Minh City, Mekong, Phu Quoc | December–April | May–October |
Is Hanoi cold in winter?
Colder than most Indian travellers expect. From December to February Hanoi hovers around 14–20°C, often with grey skies and drizzle, and Sapa can drop close to freezing at night. Pack a warm layer. The trade-off is pleasant walking weather and misty, moody views on Ha Long Bay.
What about the monsoon months?
June to August suits a central-coast trip to Da Nang and Hoi An, which are dry and hot then, while the north and south get heavy afternoon storms. September to November brings typhoon risk in the north and flooding in Hue and Hoi An; Ha Long cruises are sometimes cancelled when storms approach, so choose an operator with a clear refund policy.
On most trips we plan for Indian families, the October–November and March–April windows deliver the best weather for the money. December can also work if you add the south and Phu Quoc.
Plan next with things to do in Vietnam, our 8-day Vietnam itinerary and the Vietnam trip cost estimate. Indian passport holders need an e-visa; see the Vietnam visa guide.
Frequently asked questions
Is Vietnam good to visit in December?
Should I avoid travelling to Vietnam during Tet?
When is typhoon season in Vietnam?
What is the best month for Ha Long Bay?
How we checked this page
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Written and fact-checked by the Elitech Travels editorial desk in New Delhi, drawing on our consultants' day-to-day booking work and the official sources below. Rules, fares and fees change — always confirm anything critical with the issuing authority before you travel. Our editorial policy.
