Best Time to Travel to Vietnam: Your Ultimate Guide for 2025

Asia has skyrocketed in popularity as a travel destination in recent years, drawing explorers from around the world. From Tokyo’s neon-lit streets and Bangkok’s bustling markets to the stunning beaches of the Philippines and Myanmar’s golden pagodas, the continent offers unparalleled diversity. Vietnam, a rising star on this list, stands out for its vibrant cities, serene countryside, and stunning beaches. 

With a total surface area of 127,882 square miles and diverse weather, it's no surprise that Vietnam ranks high on many bucket lists. From backpackers to families and luxury travelers, this country has something for everyone. But knowing when to visit can make all the difference between a great trip and a perfect one. Whether you’re marveling at the terraced rice fields in Sapa, strolling through the lantern-lit streets of Hội An, or relaxing on the sandy beaches of Phu Quoc, timing is key.

To help you plan, we’ve compiled everything you need to know about Vietnam’s weather patterns, cultural events, and budgeting tips. This guide will help you uncover the best months to visit based on your preferences, ensuring your trip is as seamless as possible.

What is the best time to travel to Vietnam? (Key takeaways)

• Imagining the country’s regions as three separate destinations ensures you find the best weather for your trip.
• There’s no “best month” to visit Vietnam, but the best times overall are March to April and September to November.
• May and September offer lower travel demand and better deals.
• The riskiest period to visit Vietnam is June to October, with heavy rain and occasional typhoons in many regions.
• Booking your flights to Vietnam 2–8 months in advance will give you the best rates throughout the year (for peak travel season, book 4–10 months ahead of your trip)

Best time to travel to Vietnam, by region

North Vietnam

The northern region features striking landscapes like Ha Long Bay, Sapa’s terraced rice fields, and Hanoi's historical streets. Visitors can enjoy temperate weather from November to April, with March and April being especially ideal for spring blooms and moderate temperatures. Winters (December–January) can be chilly, especially in the mountains. Summers bring lush greenery but are also accompanied by rains.

• Main cities: Hanoi, Ha Long Bay
• Best months to visit: March to May and September to November
• Festivals: Tet (Vietnamese New Year) in late January or February, depending on the lunar calendar

South Vietnam

Known for its bustling Ho Chi Minh City and the serene Mekong Delta, the South is a tropical region with a consistent climate. The dry season from December to April offers clear skies and cooler temperatures, making it the best time for boat tours and city exploration. The rainy season (May–November) is manageable, but expect short daily downpours.

• Main cities: Ho Chi Minh City, Mekong Delta
• Best months to visit: December to April
• Festivals: Tet Trung Thu (Mid-Autumn Festival) during September, celebrated with mooncakes and lantern parades

Central Vietnam

Central Vietnam is home to Hội An’s lantern-lit streets, Hue’s imperial city, and Da Nang beaches. February to May is perfect for sunny days and dry weather, ideal for exploring ancient ruins and enjoying beach activities. Avoid the peak rainy season in October and November, as heavy rains can lead to flooding in Hội An and Hue.

• Main cities: Hội An, Hue, Da Nang
• Best months to visit: February to May
• Festivals: Monthly Hội An Lantern Festival, coinciding with the full moon

Traveling to Vietnam: Month-by-month

January

In January, travel to Hội An and explore its Old Town. Also, spend some beach days in Phu Quoc, and enjoy Tet celebrations.

Highlights:

• Relatively dry weather and mild temperatures across the country.
• Join Lunar New Year (Tet) festivities for a taste of Vietnamese culture.
• Sunny days make January ideal for Mekong Delta cruises.

February

Spend your February vacation in Vietnam resting in a rooftop pool in Ho Chi Minh City or visiting the floating markets in the Mekong Delta.

Highlights:

• Warm, dry weather, particularly in the South and Central regions.
• Celebrate the final days of Tet, Vietnam’s most significant holiday.
• Perfect for beach escapes to Con Dao or laid-back city tours in Hanoi.

March

March is perfect for discovering Vietnam’s stunning national parks and rainforests or savoring the sweet flavors of freshly harvested star fruit.

Highlights:

• Comfortable temperatures in the North, with the Central and South regions warming up.
• Visit Cuc Phuong National Park for scenic hikes.
• Savor star fruit and rambutan during their peak season.

April

In April, enjoy Vietnam’s cultural heritage by attending Hue Festival celebrations or exploring temples like Tran Quoc Pagoda in Hanoi.

Highlights:

• A transitional month, offering warm but comfortable weather throughout most regions.
• Enjoy fewer crowds at cultural hotspots like Hanoi’s Tran Quoc Pagoda.
• Discover Hue’s ancient traditions and lively festival atmosphere.

May

During May, you can immerse yourself in Vietnam’s history and culture by visiting pottery villages, historical landmarks, and vibrant markets.

Highlights:

• Rainfall begins in the North, but Central Vietnam stays sunny and dry.
• Wander through Hanoi’s Old Quarter and the colorful markets of Hội An.
• Visit Bat Trang Pottery Village to learn about traditional crafts.

June

June is an ideal month to spend mornings cycling along sunny beaches in Da Nang or Nha Trang, and afternoons exploring museums like the War Remnants Museum in Ho Chi Minh City.

Highlights:

• Hot and sunny in the Central region; brief afternoon showers in the South.
• Visit Da Nang’s beaches or Con Dao National Park for a mix of relaxation and wildlife conservation.
• Explore Ho Chi Minh City museums during the midday heat.

July

July is the month to visit Vietnam’s many UNESCO sites. The weather also lends itself to diving adventures and coastal road trips.

Highlights:

• Warm, dry weather, particularly in the South and Central regions.
• Celebrate the final days of Tet, Vietnam’s most significant holiday.
• Perfect for beach escapes to Con Dao or laid-back city tours in Hanoi.

August

If you’re spending August in Vietnam, you shouldn’t miss the green turtle hatching season. This time is also great for lounging in Da Nang.

Highlights:

• Central regions see scattered rain, but sunny beach days still abound.
• Learn to cook Vietnamese dishes in Hội An.
• Witness green turtle hatchlings at Con Dao.

September

In September, there’s perfect autumn weather to enjoy the Mid-Autumn Festival, Hanoi lakes, and valley treks in Mu Cang Chai.

Highlights:

• Northern regions start cooling down, perfect for outdoor exploration.
• Central areas face heavy rain, but southern beaches begin recovering.
• Enjoy the vibrant Mid-Autumn Festival with lantern parades and mooncakes.

Want the best flight deals to Vietnam? Download the Going App to receive them on your phone!

October

October gives you an ideal opportunity to see Vietnam covered in foliage. Don’t skip the Keo Pagoda Festival and Moc Chau tea fields.

Highlights:

• Cooler temperatures across the north, but Central Vietnam remains wet.
• Visit Keo Pagoda in Thai Binh for its unique architecture.
• Explore Moc Chau’s vibrant green tea plantations.

November

This month is ideal for cruises along Halong Bay, mountain hikes, and beach days at Mui Ne.

Highlights:

• Dry and sunny weather makes November ideal for exploring northern mountains.
• Visit Mui Ne’s beaches as typhoon season ends.
• Take a cruise along Halong Bay’s emerald waters.

December

During December, you can enjoy Tai Chi on Halong Bay, island hopping, and holiday festivities.

Highlights:

• Southern Vietnam enjoys perfect weather for outdoor activities.
• Join Christmas and New Year’s celebrations in cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City.
• Avoid crowds by venturing to the Mekong Delta or remote islands.

Best time to visit Vietnam, based on weather

Vietnam has over 2,000 miles of coastline and three distinct weather systems. This means that, at any given time, you can experience vastly different climates across the country. For instance, while the mountainous North may see snowfall, the southern beaches bask in sunshine and 89°F (32°C) temperatures. To plan your visit, you must understand these regional differences and tailor your itinerary accordingly. 

If you treat Vietnam as three distinct regions, you can enjoy the best weather in each area. Whether you're drawn to the cooler highlands or the tropical warmth of the South, Vietnam's weather ensures that there’s never a “wrong” time to visit.

The ideal time to travel to Vietnam: A summary

Planning a trip to Vietnam can feel overwhelming. Here's a sample itinerary to help you visualize how to plan an affordable and enriching vacation. This example shows that any savvy traveler (with a little help from Going) can take advantage of flight deals and plan a memorable journey.

Trip information:

Origin: Los Angeles (LAX)
Destination: Ho Chi Minh City (SGN)
Going deal sent/booked: May 2024
Date of Travel: August–November 2024

Accommodation:

• Budget accommodations: $20–$40 per night
• Mid-range hotels: $50–$80 per night
• Luxury stays: $150+ per night

Excursions and activities:

• Mekong Delta Tour: $30–$60
• Cu Chi Tunnels: $25–$50
• Saigon Night Walking Tour: $20–$40
• Mui Ne Sand Dunes Adventure: $35–$70
• Ben Thanh Market Visit: Free entry, food/shopping extras $5–$20
• Saigon Opera House Tickets: $15–$40

Estimated costs for a 10-day trip:

• Roundtrip flights: $726 (Going deal) / $1,400 (Regular price)
• Accommodation: $200–$800 (depending on preferences)
• Food (local dining): $100–$200
• Excursions: $150–$300
• Grand total: $1,176–$2,026

Travel and budgeting tips

Seasonal price fluctuations

Traveling to Vietnam can be more affordable during off-peak seasons, like May and September, when airfare and accommodation prices drop. The Lunar New Year celebrations and the summer holidays see higher demand and inflated costs, so you should keep that in mind if you plan on visiting during those dates. To avoid straining your budget, plan your trip around seasonal price trends.

Ideal booking window

Planning ahead is crucial for securing the best travel deals to Vietnam. We suggest booking your flights 2 to 8 months prior. However, if you plan on traveling during peak seasons, it’s best to extend that window to 4–10 months before your trip. Booking within the “Goldilocks Window” helps ensure you snag the best rates before prices rise closer to departure.

Track airfare prices for special deals

Learning how to set Google Flights alerts can help you find a cheap flight to Vietnam. And if you’re looking to save big on flights, Going’s airfare alerts are a game-changer. Our members receive real-time alerts on price drops for destinations worldwide, helping members save up to $550 on international flights. Here are examples of recent deals that we've sent to our members: 

• Phoenix to Ho Chi Minh City for $583 roundtrip
• Seattle to Da Nang for $761 roundtrip
• Chicago to Hanoi for $892 roundtrip

Start planning your Vietnam vacation with Going’s travel membership trial today!

Packing essentials

Packing smart is essential, and your choices will depend on your travel style. For a luxury vacation, focus on versatile outfits that can work for both excursions and upscale settings. If you’re going camping or on a road trip in Vietnam, don’t forget your rain gear, mosquito repellent, and sturdy footwear for outdoor adventures. 

No matter the style of your vacation, packing several layers of clothing is key to adapting to Vietnam's varying climates.

Embrace the local culture

Visiting Vietnam gives you the opportunity to broaden your cultural horizons. Enjoy the vibrant flavors of street food, participate in cultural events like Tet or the Mid-Autumn Festival, and engage with locals for a unique and enriching experience.

Is there a worst time to visit Vietnam?

While Vietnam offers year-round travel opportunities, certain periods may present challenges depending on the region you plan to visit. Due to the weather challenges across all regions, the riskiest time to travel to Vietnam would be between June and October.

• In North Vietnam, heavy rains occur from June to August, making outdoor activities and travel plans difficult. Trekking in areas like Sapa might be hindered by slippery trails and reduced visibility due to fog and rain.
• In Central Vietnam, October is notorious for flooding caused by heavy rainfall and typhoons. This can disrupt visits to popular destinations like Hội An and Hue, where flooding can inundate streets and historical sites.
• In South Vietnam, the monsoon season runs from May to November, characterized by short but intense downpours. These rains can be managed with careful planning but may still cause delays in activities.

Book the best flight deals to Vietnam with Going

Traveling to Vietnam can be a transformative experience, blending breathtaking scenery, rich history, and warm hospitality. By carefully selecting when to visit and staying flexible with your plans, you can ensure a stress-free journey. And if you're looking to save on flights, Going’s expert airfare alerts are here to help. Start planning your dream visit to Vietnam today with confidence and ease.