Vietnam stretches about 1,650 km from north to south, and its weather changes a lot along the way. There's no single best month for the whole country, but there are good combinations.
The north: Hanoi, Ha Long Bay, Sapa and Ha Giang
- Best: March to May and September to November, with mild temperatures and clearer skies.
- Winter, December to February: cool and often grey. The mountains can be cold.
- Summer, June to August: hot and humid, with heavy rain. Storms can close Ha Long Bay at short notice.
Sapa's rice terraces are golden around September before the harvest, and the Ha Giang Loop is best from October to April.
The centre: Hue, Hoi An and Da Nang
- Best: February to August, which is generally dry. June to August is hot.
- Rainy and typhoon season: about September to December. Hoi An's old town can flood in October and November.
See Hoi An and Da Nang and Hue and Phong Nha.
The south: Ho Chi Minh City, the Mekong and Phu Quoc
- Dry season: December to April.
- Wet season: May to November, with short, heavy afternoon downpours.
Phu Quoc is best from November to April, when the sea is calm.
Best months for a full north-to-south trip
March and April are usually the best compromise, with pleasant weather in the north, dry weather in the centre and sunshine in the south. Late January and February can also work well, though the north is cooler.
Tet, the Lunar New Year
Tet, usually in late January or February, is Vietnam's biggest holiday. It's a colourful time to visit, but transport is busy and some shops and restaurants close for several days.
Plan your trip
Our 7-day Vietnam Highlights trip covers the north, centre and south with two domestic flights. Canadians need a visa for Vietnam, and the e-visa can be issued for up to 90 days.
Travel rules and opening times change. Check travel.gc.ca for the latest entry requirements before you book flights.