The weather in Vietnam is dominated by two seasons - the southwest monsoon from April to September and the northeast monsoon from October to late March or early April. It will not rain too much during the monsoon seasons, and the southwest monsoon is warm and wet and the northeast monsoon cool and not so wet. The easiest way to get a better understanding about the climate in Vietnam is to divide the whole country into three areas - the north, the center and the south.

Northern Vietnam has two distinct seasons around the year: cool and cold season from November to March and warm, hot and wet season from April to October. But heavy mists can run for days during the time between December and January. The wettest months of the year in Hanoi are July and August, the driest are December and January.

Central Vietnam is a transitional part of north and south, so the climate is also between north and south. It is usually dry from May to October and wet from December to February. Between July and November, typhoon may be occur.

Southern Vietnam has a tropical climate with hot, humid conditions. The wet season is from May to November, especially between July and August. While the dry season is from April to December. The end of February to May tends to be the hottest period.

Best time to visit Vietnam

Hanoi

Summer in Hanoi is hot and humid from May to September, with the average temperatures up to 32°C (90°F). During summer days, visitors in Hanoi often encounter short downpours in the afternoon. Winter in Hanoi runs from December to February, with the average temperature of 17°C (62°F). During winter, visitors will see a foggy and cloudy Hanoi regularly with little rain. The best time to visit Hanoi is during the spring from March to April and autumn from October to November, as these days are not hot with average temperature around 21°C with less rain and more sunshine.

Sapa

Due to its geographic location in the mountains of northern Vietnam, Sapa has a very seasonal climate. The temperatures in summer can be up to 29°C (84°F) and in winter can be down to freezing. But it will be the wettest time in summer. During March to April and August to December in Sapa, the weather condition is good for visitors to see the natural beauty clearly and have a nice travel time. Umbrellas must be taken for it will rain sometimes.

Halong Bay

Anyone who has a basic understanding about Halong bay knows that Halong bay is often covered in mist. But that is the most attractive part of Halong Bay. As for the best time to visit Halong Bay is March to May or September to October. These two period, tourists can expect warm temperatures and clear skies. During summer, it usually rains afternoon, which may disturb your plan. But Halong Bay in rain is amazingly beautiful.

Hoi An

Hoi An has two distinct seasons - the dry season from February to July and the wet season from February to July. But it is warm the whole year with an average of 29°C (84°F), which is very suitable for tourists to have a visit to Hoi An all year round. February to May has more pleasant temperatures and the least rainfall, which is the best to visit Hoi An.

Hue

Situated in the center of Vietnam, Hue has a dry season from January to August and wet season from September to December. During wet season, there will be downpours in October and November. And during dry season, the average temperatures will be high in the middle of summer with showers in the afternoon. So the best time to visit Hue is in March or April.

Ho Chi Minh City

Saigon is located closer to the equator, allowing it has a pleasant climate all year round. The dry season runs from December to April, while wet season from May to November. It will be more cimfortable for visitors to visit Saigon during the dry season to avoid the high humidity and rains.