Take China Group Tours in 2025 to enjoy a 30% discount compared to a private tour. Same Experience & Lowest Price!
North Vietnam Weather and Climate Overview
North Vietnam is characterized by a typical tropical monsoon climate, featuring distinct dry, wet, and rainy seasons. The best time to visit is from March to April (spring) and September to November (Autumn), ideal for exploring and visiting popular destinations such as Hanoi, Ha Long Bay, and Ninh Binh. The temperatures are generally comfortable, ranging from mild to cool, allowing visitors to indulge in the rich cultural heritage and breathtaking coastal karst landscapes.
The rainy season spans from May to October, with hot and humid weather and increased rainfall. Due to the topography, temperatures in the northern region can be lower in winter and higher in summer. The average annual temperature ranges from 13°C to 34°C (55.4°F to 93.2°F). The peak tourist season occurs from November to March.
Warm and dry Spring: March, April
Hot and wet Summer: May-August
Pleasant and clear Autumn: September-November
Chilly and dry Winter: December-February
Best Time to Visit North Vietnam: Mar-Apr
What makes March to April (spring) the best time to visit North Vietnam? The temperature ranging from 18-28°C (64°F to 82°F) provides pleasant weather for travelers to embark on adventures in North Vietnam. Moreover, the lower rainfall ensures clear skies and enhances North Vietnam's breathtaking scenery.
Additionally, this period marks the region's natural beauty peak, with blooming flowers adding color and charm to the surroundings.
This means you can stroll through Old Quarter of Hanoi and around Hoan Kiem Lake, maximizing your time to admire the stunning limestone karsts, emerald waters, and picturesque landscapes of Halong Bay. Engaging in various water activities such as cruising, kayaking, and swimming is also possible.
You can also explore attractions in Ninh Binh such as the ancient capital of Hoa Lu, the Bai Dinh Pagoda, and the Trang An Landscape Complex. With clear skies, you'll have a clear view of the awe-inspiring valleys, mountains, and cascading rice terraces in Sapa, bringing you joy and delight.
Furthermore, visiting North Vietnam in March and April provides an opportunity to witness local festivals and celebrations that take place during this time. You can immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of events like Tet Nguyen Dan (Vietnamese New Year), enjoying lively street parades, colorful decorations, and traditional cuisine.
Highlights of North Vietnam from Mar to Apr
- Explore Hanoi in the vibrant streets, bustling markets, and historical charm of Vietnam's capital city.
- Cruise Halong Bay through the emerald waters, surrounded by majestic limestone karsts.
- Trek in Sapa through terraced rice fields, and picturesque mountains.
- Visiting the limestone caves, waterways, and ancient temples of Ninh Binh
- Delight in Vietnamese cuisine: pho, banh mi, and regional specialties await!
- Immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of traditional festivals, where music, dance, and colorful costumes.
Temperature & What to Wear
| Month | Min (℃/℉) | Max (℃/℉) | Rainfall (mm/inches) |
|---|---|---|---|
| March | 18/64.4 | 26/78.8 | 40/1.6 |
| April | 20/68 | 28/82 | 70/2.8 |
In North Vietnam from March to April, wear layered clothing for the transitional weather. Pack lightweight pants or jeans, breathable tops, and comfortable walking shoes. Bring a light jacket or cardigan for cooler temperatures. Don't forget sun protection and modest attire for temples. Consider rain gear and check the weather forecast.
Best Time to Travel North Vietnam: Sept-Nov
Autumn, September to November is widely regarded as the best time to visit North Vietnam. During these months, North Vietnam offers favorable weather conditions and numerous experiences for travelers to enjoy.
September marks the transition from summer to autumn in North Vietnam. Temperatures range from 15°C to 25°C (59°F to 77°F), providing comfortable and pleasant days. One of the highlights of visiting North Vietnam during this time is the reduced rainfall, making popular destinations such as Hanoi, Halong Bay, Ninh Binh, and Sapa even more enjoyable for outdoor activities and adventures.
Highlights of North Vietnam from Sept to Nov
Hanoi: Exploring Hanoi's historical landmarks such as the Temple of Literature, Hoan Kiem Lake, and the Old Quarter is a must-do during your visit. You can also witness the enchanting beauty of Hanoi's parks and lakes as autumn leaves paint the city in vivid colors. During this period, Hanoi comes alive with cultural celebrations and festivals. The Mid-Autumn Festival features vibrant lantern displays, traditional dances, and mooncake tasting.
Halong Bay: Joining a classic cruise allows you to explore hidden caves and grottoes and kayak around the limestone formations. It is also an excellent time for swimming and sunbathing on the pristine beaches of Halong Bay, as the water remains warm and refreshing. You can also indulge in fresh seafood delicacies, as this is the fishing season.
Ninh Binh: This time of year showcases the natural beauty of the region in all its glory. Visitors can explore the famous Trang An landscape complex, take a boat ride through stunning caves and emerald waters, and discover the ancient capital of Hoa Lu. Hiking and cycling through the scenic countryside are popular activities during this season.
Sapa: Witness the autumn beauty of Sapa's terraced rice fields as the leaves turn golden. You can witness the stunning colors that adorn the mountains and valleys of the region. It's a great opportunity to embark on hiking adventures, immerse yourself in local culture, and experience the unique traditions of ethnic minority communities.
Temperature and What to Wear
| Month | Min (℃/℉) | Max (℃/℉) | Rainfall (mm/inches) |
|---|---|---|---|
| September | 18/64.4 | 25/77 | 215/8.5 |
| October | 14/57.2 | 25/77 | 40/1.6 |
| November | 11/51.8 | 24/75.2 | 7/0.3 |
T-shirts and shorts are classic attire, but the key is to pack comfortable and breathable clothing. Don't forget to bring sun protection such as a hat, sunscreen, and sunglasses. If you have plans for hiking, comfortable walking shoes suitable for exploring hilly terrains are a must. While rainfall decreases, occasional showers are still possible, so it's advisable to carry an umbrella or raincoat.
Is Winter and Summer the Worst Time to Visit North Vietnam?
Travel to North Vietnam in Winter from Dec to Feb
Winter of North Vietnam, spanning from December to February, brings cooler temperatures to North Vietnam. However, it remains a great time to visit Hanoi and Ha Long Bay. In mountainous regions like Sapa and Ninh Binh, temperatures can drop to freezing levels. Therefore, winter in North Vietnam is more suitable for exploration and cultural immersion.
December: 8°C (46.4°F) to 19°C (66.2°F)
January: 7°C (44.6°F) to 19°C (66.2°F)
February: 9°C (48.2°F) to 20°C (68°F)
Highlights and Activities:
Ha Long Bay: Regardless of the season, the stunning limestone karsts and emerald waters of Ha Long Bay are a must-visit. In winter, the misty ambiance adds a touch of mystery, creating a truly enchanting experience. Popular activities include boat cruises, kayaking, and visiting floating fishing villages.
Hanoi: The capital city of Vietnam is vibrant with history, culture, and delicious food. Winter in Hanoi is relatively mild, allowing you to explore the charming Old Quarter, visit historical sites like the Temple of Literature, and savor mouthwatering street food. Don't miss the festive atmosphere during the Lunar New Year (Tet) celebrations, usually occurring in late January or early February.
What to Pack:
To stay comfortable during your winter trip to North Vietnam, pack the following essentials:
- Warm jackets or coats
- Sweaters or woolens
- Long-sleeved shirts and pants
- Scarves, hats, and gloves for colder areas
- Comfortable walking shoes or boots
- Rain gear, as occasional showers may still occur
Visit North Vietnam in Summer (May-Aug)
Summer in North Vietnam is the hottest and most humid time of the year. Average temperatures range from around 25°C to 35°C (77°F to 95°F), with occasional higher temperatures in some areas. Additionally, the summer months experience increased rainfall, which may impact your travel plans.
However, this period is considered the low season for traveling to North Vietnam, which means you're likely to encounter fewer crowds and enjoy discounted prices from hotels and attractions. Despite the weather, you can still have a great time exploring North Vietnam during these months.
Be sure to plan your sightseeing activities for the morning when the chances of rain are lower. North Vietnam also offers beach destinations, with popular options including the nearby coastal towns of Hoi An and the beach resorts of the beautiful Cat Ba Island in Halong Bay.
May: 23°C (73.4°F) to 32°C (89.6°F)
June: 25°C (77°F) to 34°C (93.2°F)
July: 26°C (78.8°F) to 34°C (93.2°F)
August: 26°C (78.8°F) to 33°C (91.4°F)
When visiting North Vietnam in the summer, it's important to pack lightweight and comfortable clothing, as well as sunscreen and rain gear. Insect repellent is also essential for outdoor activities.
Best Time to Visit North Vietnam for a Festival Experience
North Vietnam offers a rich festival experience, from the grand celebration of Tet (Lunar New Year) to the joyous Mid-Autumn Festival. Festival enthusiasts will be thrilled to explore North Vietnam during these festive times, which typically occur from February to April.
| Festival | Recommended Time to Visit |
|---|---|
| Tet Nguyen Dan | Late January to mid-February (following the lunar calendar) |
| Perfume Pagoda Festival | February to March (6th to 18th day of lunar calendar's second month) |
| Lim Festival | First lunar month (specifically, the 13th day) |
| Long Tong Festival | February to March (after the Lunar New Year) |
| Mid-Autumn Festival | September to early October (15th day of eighth lunar month) |
Tet Nguyen Dan (Lunar New Year): This is Vietnam's most important traditional festival, celebrated during the Lunar New Year period (usually in February or March). The entire country immerses in a festive atmosphere with family gatherings, ancestral worship, flower appreciation, and fireworks. Hanoi is one of the most vibrant places to celebrate Tet.
Hoi Cho Xuan (Spring Festival Fair): This is Vietnam's largest spring parade and celebration, usually held in February or March. The parade features floats, performance groups, traditional dances, and music, attracting a large number of tourists and locals. The city center of Hanoi is the main location for the parade.
Long Tong Festival: Also known as the Rice Planting Festival or Gao Tao Festival, it is celebrated by ethnic minority communities in the mountainous regions of North Vietnam. The festival takes place after the Lunar New Year, usually in February or March, and involves rituals and ceremonies to pray for a bountiful harvest and prosperity.
Mid-Autumn Festival: This is a joyful festival, especially for children, celebrated on the 15th day of the eighth lunar month, which usually falls in September or early October. Activities include lantern parades, lion and dragon dances, mooncake eating, and various cultural performances.
Travel with Asia Odyssey Travel (AOT) to Explore Vietnam
Travel to Vietnam with Asia Odyssey Travel (AOT) and immerse yourself in the captivating beauty and rich culture of Vietnam. As a trusted travel partner with over a decade of experience in the region, AOT offers a wide range of customizable Vietnam tour packages to cater to the preferences of every traveler. Whether you're seeking a family adventure, a romantic getaway, or a deep dive into Vietnam's history and cuisine, AOT has the expertise to create the perfect itinerary for you.
Useful Vietnam Travel Guide & Vietnam Travel Tips:
Best Time to Visit North Vietnam, How to Plan a Trip to Vietnam
Hanoi to Halong Bay Transportation, Vietnam Food,
Most Beautiful Places in Vietnam, Vietnam Itinerary
Vietnam Itinerary 7 Days, Vietnam Itinerary 10 Days
Ho Chi Minh City Attractions, Hanoi Attractions, Vietnam Attractions
Tour Packages:
Hanoi Tours, Halong Bay Tours, Hoi An Tours
Ho Chi Minh City Tours, Mekong Delta Tours
Northern Vietnam Tour, Southern Vietnam Tour, Central Vietnam Tour
Embark on an extraordinary adventure with Asia Odyssey Travel and explore the beauty, culture, and warm hospitality of Vietnam. Contact us today to start planning your dream vacation.
If you have any questions about this article, please contact us by submitting the following form and we'll immediately get back to you.
Data in submission...
