Vietnam stretches over 1,600 kilometres from the Chinese border to the Mekong Delta, so "when's the best time to visit Vietnam?" is really three questions at once.
The short answer
If you're doing the classic north-to-south route — Hanoi, Ha Long Bay, Hoi An and Ho Chi Minh City — the sweet spots are February to April and October to November, when the whole country is broadly in a good mood. December to January is peak and busy; summer brings heat and rain to the north.
North Vietnam (Hanoi, Ha Long Bay, Sapa)
The north has four seasons. October to April is the best window — cool and dry from November to February, warm and lovely through spring. June to September is hot, humid and wet, with the risk of typhoons affecting Ha Long Bay cruises. If the bay cruise is your centrepiece, aim for the dry months.
Central Vietnam (Hoi An, Hue, Da Nang)
The centre flips the script: its best weather is February to August, when the coast is dry and the beach days are reliable. October and November bring heavy rain and occasional flooding to Hoi An — beautiful in photos, less fun when the streets are underwater.
South Vietnam (Ho Chi Minh City, Mekong Delta)
The south is tropical and warm all year, with a wet season from May to November and a dry season December to April. Rain here tends to be a dramatic afternoon downpour rather than all-day drizzle, so it's the most forgiving region.
Month by month
- November – January — dry and mild in the north, busy and peak-priced; Hoi An can be wet.
- February – April — our pick for the full route: north and south dry, Hoi An before the autumn rains.
- May – August — hot; the centre and south are fine, the north is wet; good for beach-plus-city trips.
- September – October — a good shoulder: cooler north, before the central rains peak.
So when should you go?
Doing the full north-to-south route? February to April is our pick — you'll catch the north and south in their dry seasons and Hoi An before the autumn rains. Our Hanoi to Hoi An package is timed around exactly this window. If you can only travel in school holidays, July and August work better in the centre and south than they do in the north.
Quick questions, answered
When is typhoon season in Vietnam?
Roughly June to November, mostly affecting the north and centre. If you're cruising Ha Long Bay, the dry winter months are the safer, calmer bet.
Can I visit Vietnam in the summer?
Yes — the centre and south stay workable, and it's the school-holiday window. Just expect heat and the chance of afternoon rain in the north.
When should I book?
For the February-to-April peak and the December/January holidays, book six months ahead. Call 020 7946 0958 and we'll line your dates up with the right route.
