Vietnam is a long, thin country — over 1,600km from north to south — which means there is no single "best" time to visit. When you should come depends entirely on where you are going. A week that is perfect for Ho Chi Minh City can be the rainiest week of the year in Hoi An. This guide breaks it down region by region so you can plan around the weather instead of being surprised by it.

The Short Version

• Ho Chi Minh City & the South: best from December to April (dry season)
• Da Nang & Hoi An (Central): best from February to August (dry, sunny, beach weather)
• Hanoi & the North: best from October to November and March to April

If you want a single window that works reasonably well across the whole country, aim for February to April.

Ho Chi Minh City & Southern Vietnam

The south has just two seasons: dry and wet.

Dry season (December–April) is the ideal time to visit Saigon. Warm, sunny days, low humidity by Vietnamese standards, and reliable conditions for street food tours, day trips to the Cu Chi Tunnels, and exploring the Mekong Delta. December and January are the most comfortable months.

Wet season (May–October) is not a reason to stay away. The rain usually comes as a heavy afternoon downpour that clears within an hour, leaving the evening fresh and cool — perfect for a night food tour. Mornings are typically dry. The city does not shut down for rain; it just shifts its rhythm, and you can too.

Da Nang & Hoi An (Central Vietnam)

Central Vietnam runs on a different calendar from both the north and the south — this is the part travellers most often get wrong.

Best time (February–August): dry, hot, and sunny, with the calm clear sea that makes Da Nang's My Khe Beach one of the best in Asia. This is peak beach and food-tour season. May to July is hottest; bring sun protection.

Avoid if you can (October–November): this is the central coast's typhoon and heavy-rain season. Hoi An's Ancient Town sits on a river and genuinely floods most years — sometimes you can row a boat down the main streets. It has its own eerie beauty, but it disrupts tours and travel. If you are coming to central Vietnam, plan around this window.

Planning to base yourself here? See our guides to things to do in Da Nang and things to do in Hoi An.

Hanoi & Northern Vietnam

The north is the only part of Vietnam with a real winter. Autumn (October–November) and spring (March–April) are the sweet spots — mild, dry, and clear. Winter (December–February) can be genuinely cold and grey, especially in the mountains around Sapa. Summer (May–September) is hot, humid, and the wettest time of year.

Travelling Around Tet (Lunar New Year)

One date overrides all the weather advice: Tet, the Lunar New Year, usually falling in late January or February. It is the most important holiday in Vietnam. The country is beautifully decorated and full of energy in the lead-up — but during the holiday itself, many local restaurants, shops, and family-run businesses close for several days as people return to their hometowns. Prices rise and transport books out. It is a fascinating time to witness, but check the exact dates and plan carefully.

So When Should You Come?

If your trip centres on Saigon and the south, aim for December to April. If it centres on Da Nang and Hoi An, aim for February to August and steer clear of October–November. Doing the classic multi-city trip? February to April gives you the best odds of good weather everywhere at once.

Whenever you arrive, we will be here. Browse our Ho Chi Minh City and Da Nang tours — they run year-round, rain or shine, with the route adjusted to the day.