VietnamBest Time to Visit

Vietnam is a great place to visit, and the best time depends on what you're into. If cultural festivals pique your interest, visit Vietnam during the spring months from January to April. Festivals like the Perfume Pagoda Festival in Hanoi take place during April and May. The Vietnamese Lunar New Year is celebrated at the end of January or early February. Hanoi can get extremely humid between February and April—pack sunscreen and light, breathable outfits to beat the heat.

If you'd rather skip the festivals, autumn from August to September is an ideal time for a visit to the larger cities. The weather is splendid, with the scent of blooming milk flowers and lush green rice fields filling the air. You can savour a steaming bowl of delicious noodles in the lively atmosphere of the floating market in Can Tho.

For those seeking adventure, the months from February to May are perfect for trekking in the northern mountains or enjoying the beaches. During this time, the weather is refreshingly crisp and less humid, with clear blue skies and a cool breeze. Sapa can be chilly, but it’s a great time to enjoy the beach without the summer crowds.

Central Vietnam can experience floods late in the year, so be sure to check the current conditions before planning your trip. March is a great time to visit here, with bougainvillea adorning the streets and opportunities to rent a bike and explore the roads.

Whether you're seeking cultural immersion, natural beauty, or urban adventures, Vietnam offers something unique for every traveller throughout the year.

When is the ideal time to visit Vietnam?

The months from January to April offer the best weather overall. The heavy rains of Central Vietnam have ended, and the rest of the country remains relatively cool. You may encounter light snow in the Sapa highlands, but overall, this is by far the most hospitable time to be in Vietnam.

When is Vietnam’s peak tourist season?

Vietnam’s busiest tourist season is far from its most appealing. Each July and August, visitors from across Asia and beyond descend on the country’s long coastline for an affordable, culture-rich beach holiday. While it certainly delivers that, Vietnam is better seen and more affordable outside of this period.

Which is the most affordable time to visit Vietnam?

Shoulder seasons like May to June and September to October tend to see the lowest prices for tourists in Vietnam. These months can be a little rainy, but they won’t land you in the middle of the wet season either, so they’re worth considering if you want to stretch the budget even further and largely avoid other tourists.

How long should I plan to visit Vietnam?

You can see the highlights of Vietnam in as little as eight days, but it’s better to give yourself up to two weeks and take your time exploring Vietnam’s history, its natural beauty, its exciting modern-day cities, and the relaxed pace of rural Vietnam.