Best time to visit Vietnam
The month-by-month edit — when to go, when to avoid, and the windows worth booking around.
The view
When Vietnam actually opens up
Vietnam is three climates in one country. The south (Ho Chi Minh, the Mekong, Phu Quoc) runs on December–April dry season. The centre (Hoi An, Da Nang) wants March–August. The north (Hanoi, Halong, Sapa) peaks October–April with crisp autumn the editor's pick. The hard rule: avoid the central coast September–November (typhoons), avoid Sapa in midsummer (humidity), and never plan a Hanoi trip in January if you want sun. Tet (late January or February) closes much of the country for a week.
Month by month
The Vietnam calendar
- Peak
Halong Bay clear and cool, Hoi An lantern festivals at full strength, and the central beaches at their warmest.
- Shoulder
Hanoi's autumn light at its best; Saigon dry but heat starting to climb.
- Off-season
Hoi An's old town floods most years; Hanoi grey and drizzly. Saigon stays dry and usable.
peak season
Dec · Jan · Feb · Mar · Apr
Halong Bay clear and cool, Hoi An lantern festivals at full strength, and the central beaches at their warmest.
shoulder season
May · Nov
Hanoi's autumn light at its best; Saigon dry but heat starting to climb.
off season
Jun · Jul · Aug · Sep · Oct
Hoi An's old town floods most years; Hanoi grey and drizzly. Saigon stays dry and usable.