One of the most common experiences for any traveller visiting Vietnam is a stroll through the charming ancient town of Hoi An. However, during storm season from July to November, travellers could find themselves paddling a boat along the old street, or walking in a raincoat along the old town, with water reaching up to their knees.
At the same time, in the South, Ho Chi Minh City has also experienced tidal surges and heavy downpours, submerging many streets and disrupting daily life.
From unpredictable weather patterns to transportation disruptions, here’s what you need to know when planning your trip to Vietnam
Vietnam stretches over different climate zone
Stretching from 1600 kilometres from North to South, Vietnam lies in multiple climate zones. the North has four distinct seasons, whereas the South only has two seasons: dry and rainy. Central Vietnam can experience harsh typhoons from the East Sea between August and November
Depending on these climate patterns, certain seasons are not ideal for travelling across regions, as follows
Northern Vietnam: Hot and humid summer (from June to August)
In the North, where Hanoi, Ha Long Bay, and Sapa sit, June to August marks the hottest, most humid time of the year. Daytime temperatures can soar above 38°C, accompanied by high humidity levels that make outdoor activities extremely uncomfortable.
Afternoon downpours are common, and the risk of storms can turn your experience on Ha Long Bay cruise into a misty blur.
For clearer views and crisp air, it’s best to come during Autumn (August to October), when the sky clears and the air cools, lending Hanoi’s Old Quarter a romantic, vintage calm.
Central Vietnam: Heavy flooding (from September to November)
Hue, Da Nang, Hoi An - is breathtaking, but from September to November, it can also be brutal. Heavy rains sweep in from the East Sea, often bringing typhoons that flood riverside towns and wash over beaches.
The flood can turn the lantern-lit streets and golden houses of Hoi An into a floating city during this time, with old-town alleys knee-deep in floodwater. Locals adapt with resilience, but for travellers, it’s far from ideal. The sweet spot here is February to August, when blue skies and golden light return, and the beaches stretch wide and dry.
Southern Vietnam: Rainy season (from May to October)
In the South, including Ho Chi Minh City, the Mekong Delta, and Phu Quoc, from May to October, the monsoon rains arrive daily—short but fierce bursts that drench the streets, swell the rivers, and turn rural trails into slippery clay.
Although showers can bring a refreshing break from the tropical heat, they also make day trips unpredictable. The dry season (from November to April) is far kinder: sun-soaked, breezy, clear and cool air in the evening. It’s the perfect time for lazy café-hopping days or a scenic ferry ride around.
Vietnam’s National Holidays
Even when the skies are clear, Vietnam can be challenging to travel in during major holidays.
- Tet (Lunar New Year, late January to February): often considered the least convenient time to visit Vietnam. The country essentially shuts down: shops, restaurants, and tourist services close, while transport options become limited and heavily booked. Prices for flights and hotels rise sharply, and delays or cancellations are common as millions of locals travel home for family reunions.
- Hung King Day (Late April): While shopping malls, restaurants, and tourist attractions remain open, many locals take advantage of the long weekend to travel. Therefore, roads, train stations, and airports become crowded, and popular destinations can feel busier than usual.
- Reunification Day and Labor Day (April 30 – May 1): This is considered one of the country’s biggest holidays, when domestic travellers flock to destinations nationwide — especially popular beaches and resorts.
- Independence Day (September 2): brings nationwide celebrations with parades, flags, and public gatherings. While it’s festive for locals, it can disrupt travel as roads close and transport slows.
Is bad timing really that bad?
For travellers who crave authenticity over comfort, even the so-called “wrong” season has its charm.
Off-seasons often mean fewer crowds, making them perfect for travellers who prefer more personal space to explore Vietnam’s magnificent landscapes. The rainy season paints Vietnam in lush shades of green, washing away dust and softening the light for photographers. Tet holiday offers a rare glimpse into Vietnam’s most cherished traditions, with family rituals, red envelopes, and streets filled with apricot blossoms.
