Finding the best time to visit Vietnam is a matter of preference and depends on your idea of the perfect temperature, what you plan to do during your Vietnam trip, and what times of year you’re available to travel. Here’s the lowdown on finding the best time to visit Vietnam and getting exactly what you want from your trip.

Winter in Vietnam

The months from December to February can be some of the best times to visit Vietnam. With this season being mostly dry – and the temperatures averaging 17-22°C – this offers just the right conditions to enjoy the country without being too hot or busy. As Rough Guides rightly points out, Southern Vietnam has fairly balanced temperatures throughout the year, while the north sees more distinctive seasonal variations.

So this is the ideal time of year to enjoy the cooler climate of Northern Vietnam and bump into fewer visitors at the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Halong Bay, before heading to the South of the country for more temperate adventures.

Spring in Vietnam

Visiting Vietnam between March and May is attractive to many visitors who enjoy being there before the humidity of the summer. Around this time of year, the temperature climbs to an average of 20-24°C. While northern Vietnam enjoys many warm days and clear skies during the spring season, the south sees even warmer days with less chance of rain compared to the summer. For many people, this is the best time of year to visit Vietnam, also because Vietnamese children are still in school, so there are less local families vacationing too.

Summer in Vietnam

This season in Vietnam is one of the busiest, with the temperatures between June and August reaching their annual height of around 30°C. This is the best time of year to visit Vietnam for those who like it hot and humid, with plenty of vibrant locals filling the streets. This is also the time of year when it’s most likely to rain, although this is usually in the form of short, intense afternoon downpours.

This is a typically Vietnamese event in itself and is all part of the fun. Some of the more central and higher spots in Vietnam are popular during the summer for the less scorching heat there or the lower chance of rain. Head to Hoi An, Hue and Da Lat if this sounds more like your style.

Autumn in Vietnam

Another time of year in Vietnam that has its merits, September to November sees temperatures of 22-28°C and significantly less chance of rain as the season progresses. This is also a time of year when the humidity s, with clear skies and a pleasant breeze. Northern Vietnam is especially mild and dry during autumn, making walking trails in Sapa – with the colorful fields reaching their harvest – and urban exploration in Hanoi perfect.

Each season of the year offers a reason to be the best time to visit Vietnam. As such a large country, you can find the climate and activities you like at almost any time of year. Take your pick and enjoy the journey.