Best time to visit in

Vietnam

Weather & Temperature

Generally the driest, most comfortable stretch. North (Hanoi/Sapa): cool to mild 15–22°C, can dip to 10–12°C Dec–Feb with occasional mist. Central (Hue–Hoi An–Da Nang): rainy and storm-prone Oct–Nov, then drying from Dec with 20–28°C. South (Ho Chi Minh City/Phu Quoc/Mekong): dry, warm 25–33°C; humidity moderate (60–75%) and low rainfall except brief coastal showers in Dec.

What to Expect

Clearer skies, pleasant city exploring and good visibility for bays and karst scenery. It’s the busiest period around Christmas/New Year and especially Tet (Lunar New Year), so expect higher prices and limited availability if you book late. Northern mountains can feel wintry; central coast may still see late-season storms in Oct–Nov.

Key Events & Festivals

• Tet Nguyen Dan (Lunar New Year)
• Perfume Pagoda Festival
• Lim Festival (Bac Ninh)
• Dalat Flower Festival (biennial, late Dec)
• Buon Ma Thuot Coffee Festival (biennial, Mar)
• Hoi An Lantern Festival (monthly, full moon)

Recommended Activities

• City walking tours and cyclo rides in Hanoi and Hue
• Ha Long Bay cruising and kayaking
• Cave adventures in Phong Nha (best from Jan onward)
• Beach time on Phu Quoc/Con Dao
• Trekking light routes around Sapa and Ninh Binh viewpoints
• Food tours and coffee tastings in Ho Chi Minh City

Travel Tips

• Book flights, trains and hotels well ahead if traveling near Tet; many businesses close for several days.
• Pack layers and a light jacket for the North; bring a compact rain shell if visiting Central Vietnam in Oct–Nov.
• Apply for the Vietnam e‑visa in advance and carry printed copies of approvals.
• For open‑jaw trips from India, consider flying into Hanoi and out of Ho Chi Minh City (or vice versa) to reduce backtracking.
• Card acceptance is growing but cash (VND) is still king in markets; use bank ATMs for fair rates.