Best time to visit Vietnam

January in Vietnam

Generally dry weather Chilly in mountainous far north Many restaurants and shops close for Tet

Vietnam in January is generally dry in the north and south (although central Vietnam is still at the tail-end of its rainy season). It’s much cooler in the north around Hanoi and Halong Bay than it is further south. In the mountainous far north it can get decidedly chilly in the mornings and evenings, with temperatures as low as 5°C. Tet Nguyen Dan, the Lunar New Year, often falls in January. Hotels fill up for this major celebration, while many restaurants and shops draw their shutters.

February in Vietnam

Beach resorts popular Warm, dry conditions in most areas Superb trekking and cycling weather

February is a popular month for travel to Vietnam, with warm, dry and sunny weather across much of the country. Vietnam in February is superb for cycling and trekking – sunscreen is essential, as is a warm jacket for evenings. Coastal destinations such as Hoi An and Danang are busy with sunseekers on the beaches. Tet Nguyen Dan (Lunar New Year) can fall in February, meaning hotels book up and many shops and restaurants close for this country-wide celebration.

March in Vietnam

Start of peak season South Vietnam heating up Trekking and cycling in north and central Vietnam

The warm, dry weather of Vietnam in March sees the onset of peak season, although it starts to get uncomfortably hot in the south by the end of the month. Beach resorts are very busy, while March is also considered the best month to cruise around the magnificent limestone islands of Halong Bay under clear, rain-free skies. Trekking and cycling in northern and central Vietnam are fantastic at this time of year.

April in Vietnam

Beach resorts busy Great for family holidays Spring flowers in mountains

Weather-wise, Vietnam in April is idyllic. Trekking in the mountainous north, where spring flowers can still be seen, or cycling in the countryside are the best ways to escape the crowds. Sun worshippers can get their kicks on the coast, although in the south the mercury is creeping up even in the shade. You do get the odd shower as monsoon approaches, but April is a good time to go to Vietnam with the family.

April is great for a Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City adventure

May in Vietnam

Peak season drops off Uncomfortably hot in the south Expect occasional afternoon showers

With temperatures in south Vietnam climbing to 40°C at times, you want to be further north, in the mountains, Hanoi or the central coast, in May. Ho Chi Minh City is hot and humid as monsoon season approaches, with short afternoon showers likely. You’ll also get the odd burst of rain in northern Vietnam, but the temperatures are much more manageable. Hiking and cycling are still very pleasant in Vietnam in May and you can often snag a bargain with peak season winding down.

June in Vietnam

Vietnam monsoon season starts in the south Rain and storms rule out trekking in the north Look to cities and central Vietnam beaches

If you’re after a low season bargain, Vietnam in June could be a winner. The steamy south is experiencing short, sharp showers that rarely affect travel too much and can lead to sporadic flooding in some parts of the Mekong Delta. Trekking in northern Vietnam is inadvisable, with heavy rainfall bogging up the trails and the occasional storm in the mountains. In central Vietnam, however, the coast is warm and usually dry – head for Hoi An and Da Nang and bring your beach towel. Vietnam’s culture is influenced by its past links with China. The lunar calendar is used for most festivals.