Written by Charlotte Lock
Posted, 30th July 2025
Vietnam is one of Southeast Asia’s top destinations for backpackers – and with a fascinating culture, beautiful landscapes and delicious street food, it’s no surprise.
But when is the best time to visit Vietnam? That’s a question many people ask before planning their trip – and for good reason. Vietnam’s unique geography spans different climates, meaning the best time to visit can vary depending on where you’re heading.
We’ve explored Vietnam from top to bottom and experienced its seasons firsthand, so we’re here to help you figure out the best time to go – whether you’re dreaming of cruising Ha Long Bay, exploring ancient towns, or relaxing on tropical beaches.
So let’s dive into the best time to visit Vietnam!
📣 Quick answer: Vietnam is an incredible place to visit any time of year, it just depends on your route and travel style. March to October is a great time to explore the whole country, with warm weather and mostly dry conditions in many regions. Planning to stick to the south? December to April brings tropical sunshine and ideal exploring conditions. If you’re heading north between November and February, expect cooler temperatures, especially in the mountains, but it can still be a great time to visit if you’re happy to pack a jumper and embrace a different side of Vietnam.
Best Time To Visit Vietnam
“When is the best time to visit Vietnam?” – It’s one of the most common questions people ask when planning a trip here, and the answer isn’t as straightforward as many other destinations…
Vietnam is a long, diverse country with multiple climates, which means there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. But the good news? Vietnam is always worth visiting; you just need to bear in mind that each season brings some pros and cons.
Of course, some months are better suited to certain travel styles or regions, and it can be hard to sum up the “best” time, especially as the word “best” is so subjective.
However, here’s a quick breakdown of what you can expect throughout the year:
- Nov to Feb: A great time to visit both north and south Vietnam. Expect cool, dry weather in Hanoi and Halong Bay, and warm sunshine in Ho Chi Minh, Mui Ne, and Nha Trang. It’s ideal for cultural sightseeing up north and lazy beach days down south. Just pack for mixed climates if covering the full country.
- Mar to Apr: Often considered the best time to visit Vietnam. The weather is warm and dry across the country, with perfect conditions in Hue, Hoi An, Hanoi, and the beaches of Mui Ne and Nha Trang. It’s a popular time to travel, so booking early is a good idea.
- May to Oct: Great for visiting central hotspots like Hoi An, Hue, and Nha Trang, which enjoy sunny beach weather. The north and south, including Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh, see higher humidity and the chance of short tropical showers. Mornings are usually clear, and it’s a quieter time to visit with fewer crowds and more affordable prices.
As you can see, there are advantages and disadvantages to every season, but Vietnam is packed with culture, food, and natural beauty to enjoy, which are guaranteed to make up for some patchy spots in the weather.
There’s truly no bad time to visit Vietnam – that’s why we run our group tours all year round, just different experiences to be had!
Best Time To Visit Ho Chi Minh City
No trip to Vietnam is complete without experiencing the lively atmosphere of Ho Chi Minh City. With bustling markets that sell pretty much everything, endless historic landmarks, busy rooftop bars and incredible street food, there’s no shortage of things to see and do.
In the dry months, December to April, the sunshine makes it ideal for rooftop drinks, walking tours, and exploring the city’s chaotic charm.
During the rainy season, from May to November, short afternoon downpours can help to freshen up the streets and offer a bit of respite from the heat. The odd rain shower is the perfect excuse to slow down, duck into a cosy café, and enjoy the city at a different pace.
If you’re visiting around late January or early February, definitely consider extending your trip to be in Ho Chi Minh City for Tet celebrations (Vietnamese Lunar New Year) – they have such an incredible atmosphere!
That being said, make sure to plan a good few extra days in Ho Chi Minh City as the country pretty much comes to a standstill with very few buses and trains running.
While a lot of businesses also close for the holiday, most Vietnamese cities and beach towns are full of life, and you’ll see colourful decorations, firecrackers, and local festivals.
Top Tip: Make sure to book accommodation well in advance if visiting around Tet as places book out quickly.
Best Time To Visit Hanoi
Hanoi is one of those cities that really pulls you in with its lively streets, delicious food stalls, and peaceful green spaces and lakes all wrapped into one. From sipping on a creamy egg coffee in the Old Quarter to day-trip cruising along Ha Long Bay, there’s something for everyone in Hanoi.
When it comes to the best time to visit, it really depends on what kind of vibe you want.
The cooler months of December, January and February bring fresh, crisp air and clear skies, making it perfect for exploring without breaking a sweat. It can get pretty chilly, especially if you’re heading up to the mountains, so pack a jumper just in case.
The warmer months between May and September are a bit wetter and more humid, which means some afternoon rain showers, but they bring out the best of the city’s greenery. And thankfully, Hanoi doesn’t flood like Hoi An is famous for.
No matter when you visit, Hanoi has a charm that sticks with you and activities for all kinds of travellers.
Best Time To Visit Ha Long Bay
Ha Long Bay is breathtaking year-round, but it’s at its best from March to April and October to early December. These months bring clear skies, mild temperatures, and calm seas – making it much less likely for cruises through the limestone stacks to be cancelled.
If you visit in late April, you might catch Reunification Day (April 30th) and Labour Day (May 1st), which are two major public holidays in Vietnam celebrated during the Ha Long Carnival. If you’re planning on visiting during these events, then prepare for more crowds, but the atmosphere is incredible, as is the weather!
In October, the weather is quite pleasant, marking the end of the rainy season, and the bay is quieter. It’s a great time to unwind in a more peaceful setting before the high season kicks in.
Best Time To Visit Vietnam Beaches
Vietnam’s beaches are incredible, and the best time depends on where you go in the country.
In Central Vietnam (Da Nang, Hoi An, Nha Trang), the peak beach season is May to August, when the sun is blazing and the sea is calm.
In South Vietnam, beach hotspots like Phu Quoc and Mui Ne are best visited from December to April, during the dry season.
For fewer crowds and better prices, September and early May are great shoulder season options – and the beaches are still beautiful.
Cheapest Time To Visit Vietnam
The most budget-friendly time to visit Vietnam is during the low season, from May to October. You’ll find cheaper flights, great hotel deals, and more flexibility with tours and transport.
While it’s also the rainy season across much of the country, showers usually come in quick bursts, leaving plenty of time to explore.
If you’re travelling on a budget but still want cultural experiences, consider visiting during National Day (September 2).
It’s a public holiday with parades, flags lining the streets, and a festive atmosphere – especially in big cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. Accommodation prices might rise for a day or two, but the energy is worth it.
Also, if you’re into food, this time of year is perfect. The wet season encourages a boom in fresh produce and seafood, and local markets are overflowing with colour, flavour, and amazing (and very cheap!) meals.
Backpacking and Group Tours in Vietnam
The best time to visit Vietnam for both backpacking and joining a group tour is during the dry season from November to April. These months bring warm temperatures, clear skies, and less humidity, making them ideal for spending a lot of time outside exploring.
If you’re backpacking solo, this is when Vietnam comes alive with other travellers. Hostels, street food tours, and sleeper trains are full of people on the same journey, making it easy to meet new friends along the way.
For those joining a group tour like with us at Feel Free Travel, the dry season means smoother travel days and more reliable weather for key highlights like overnight cruises through Ha Long Bay, paddle boating in Ninh Binh, and riding the Hai Van Pass.
That being said, in the dry season, make sure you still bring warm jumpers as it can get pretty chilly in the north, sometimes even colder than at home in the UK.
The rainy season can still be a great time to visit if you don’t mind the occasional downpour, and it’s often cheaper. But for the best mix of good weather, outdoor adventures, and buzzing backpacker vibes, the dry months are the clear winner.
Best Time To Visit Vietnam and Thailand
Lots of travellers like to combine Thailand and Vietnam into one trip, and being just a quick hop across the border, it’s a no-brainer if you have some extra time to spare!
These two Southeast Asian gems are just a short flight apart, and together they offer a perfect mix of street food, temples, beaches, and epic cultural experiences.
The best time to visit both countries is generally during the dry season, which runs from November to May. During these months, the weather is warm and sunny across most regions, making it ideal for island hopping in Thailand and outdoor adventures in Vietnam like the Ha Giang Loop.
It’s also a popular time for group tours and backpacking, with plenty of other travellers on the road and a lively social vibe.
That said, both countries can be visited all year round. Even in the rainy season, downpours tend to come in short bursts and are often followed by some glorious sun.
Best Time To Visit Vietnam and Cambodia
Vietnam and Cambodia make an amazing duo for travellers looking to explore Southeast Asia’s culture, history, and landscapes, and the two countries are very easy to travel between, whether by land or a short flight.
The best time to visit both Vietnam and Cambodia is from November to April, during the dry season. This is when you’ll get warm days and less humidity. It’s also the ideal time for group tours, with plenty of like-minded people on the move and lots of outdoor experiences running without weather disruptions.
That said, tours still run all year round and visiting in the quieter, greener months can be just as fun. The rainy season brings fewer crowds but makes the lush scenery ten times better, especially around Cambodia’s temples and Vietnam’s countryside. Just be ready to dodge the showers!
FAQs
Below are some commonly asked questions related to the best time to visit Vietnam along with our expert answers.
March and April are two of the best months for visiting Vietnam with warm, dry weather across the country. This time of year is ideal for sightseeing, trekking and plenty of beach days!
Vietnam’s rainy season generally runs from May to October, with some slight differences due to the country’s geography. Short, heavy showers are especially common in North and Central Vietnam during the wet season.
The cheapest time to visit Vietnam is during the low season from May to September, when flight and accommodation prices drop and tourist crowds are a lot more sparse.
August is hot and humid in Vietnam, with regular showers, but travelling around the country is still doable. If you’re happy to dodge the rain showers in a bid to save some money, then August can be a good choice for many backpackers.
Conclusion
So, there you have it, a complete guide on the best time to visit Vietnam.
If you’re set on exploring Vietnam’s great outdoors and have an itinerary that is very dependent on sunny, and warm weather, then March and April are definitely the best months for your travels.
But remember, while the dry season definitely has its advantages, there is no “bad” time to visit Vietnam and actually, the rainy season has some clear pros, such as lower crowds and cheaper accommodation.
No matter when you head to Vietnam, you are certain to have an amazing experience, with memories to last a lifetime.
So make sure to join us on one of our Vietnam tours at any point in the year. We promise you, you won’t regret it!
Whether you’re looking to travel solo or bring a friend along for the ride, our group tours in South East Asia & Australia are the perfect balance of culture, adventure, chill time & nightlife. You’ll arrive as strangers and leave as the best of friends.
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