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The best times in the year to visit Vietnam

Feb 22, 2024 • 5 min read

Pick the right time for your visit to Vietnam with this seasonal guide © golero / Getty Images

Vietnam serves up a generous dose of Southeast Asian magic at any time of year, but some seasons are easier for travelers than others.

A lot depends on what you are looking for from your trip – if it's time on the beach on the central coast, you probably want to stick to the drier months from February to June, before the peak summer crowds arrive; if you're here to go trekking in the highlands, October to March is the optimum season.

It's important to be aware that the weather can vary widely as you travel around Vietnam. The country spans 1650km (1025 miles) from north to south, taking in tall mountains in the north and flat, tropical wetlands in the Mekong Delta . In the north, it can be positively chilly in winter; from December to February, the highlands around Sapa can see snow while the Delta basks at 25°C (77°F).

To help you plan a perfect trip, here's our guide on the best times to visit Vietnam.

July and August are the top months for beach lovers

The hot, sticky high season from July to August is the busiest time of year to visit Vietnam, coinciding with favorable beach weather on the central coast. Demand for flights soars, and prices for accommodations can increase by as much as 50% in resort areas such as Danang and Nha Trang . Book flights and hotels well in advance and expect crowds on the sand at all the popular resorts.

The rest of the country is warm and humid, and sunny days are punctuated by spectacular summer monsoon downpours and even the odd typhoon on the coast. This is a poor time of year for visiting the north, as trekking trails turn into quagmires, and Hanoi and Halong Bay are drenched by heavy showers. On the festival calendar, Trung Nguyen (Wandering Souls Day, also known as Vu Lan) in August sees huge spreads of food left out for the spirits.

December to March is the season to visit Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC)

Winter in Vietnam tends to be drier and cooler than the sticky summer, and the weather can be downright chilly in the north, particularly at higher elevations. However, this is the perfect time to explore Vietnam's characterful northern and southern capitals, with manageable temperatures and low humidity taking the sting out of exploring Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC) on foot.

If you want to see more of the country, this is also a great time to head out to the Mekong Delta and the island of Phu Quoc , with warm (not scorching) temperatures and clear skies. As April approaches, however, the mercury starts to climb to uncomfortable levels down south.

Another obstacle to easy travel is the Tet festival – officially, Tet Nguyen Dan – marking the Vietnamese lunar New Year, in late January or early February. The whole country is on the move and prices for transport and hotels shoot skywards.

In December, the biennial Flower Festival brings fragrant blooms, pageants, wine and music to Dalat , while Buon Ma Thuot's annual coffee festival in March attracts lovers of a good brew. Christmas Day – known in Vietnam as Le Giang Sinh – is a big deal for the Catholic community in Ho Chi Minh City.

Visit from April to June and September to November to avoid the crowds

The low season in Vietnam coincides with the transition from the cool, dry winter to the hot, humid summer and vice versa. From April to June and from September to November, the weather is often unsettled but rarely extreme. You may get days of glorious sunshine, but there will also be days of rain, so pack for both dry and wet weather.

These transition periods are good times to avoid crowds at the sights, save money and explore the whole country, as the weather is not notably awful anywhere. The October to November window is particularly favorable for exploring the islands and outcrops around Halong Bay (and its calmer and less commercial neighbor, Bai Tu Long Bay ), with more dry days than wet days and mild temperatures.

There are some good festivals too. Held in Hue in April, May or June, the biennial Hue Festival fills the city's historic citadel with color, music and lights, while the Nha Trang Sea Festival brings a similar party mood to Nha Trang every second June. Vietnamese Buddhists celebrate the life of the Buddha with extravagant street processions in May for Phat Dan – best experienced in Ninh Binh or Ho Chi Minh City. Pyrotechnics enthusiasts of all kinds gather in Danang in June (or sometimes July) for the explosive Danang Fireworks Festival.

In the pre-winter season, aim to be in Hanoi on September 2, as Vietnam National Day brings energetic rallies and fireworks to Ba Dinh Square and boat races to Hoan Kiem Lake . Tasty festival foods appear everywhere for Trung Thu, the Mid-Autumn Festival, in September or October, while dragon boats race on the waterways of the Mekong Delta for the Khmer Ok Om Bok Festival in October or November.

Visiting Vietnam during the typhoon season

Technically, the typhoon season in the Northwest Pacific runs from May to November, but in Vietnam, the biggest risk of storms is from August to September. The country sees four to six typhoons in an average year, marked by heavy rain and strong winds. Occasional severe storms lead to flooding and disruption to transport, particularly by air and sea.

The areas most affected by typhoons are the southern coast and the far north coast (including Halong Bay). The weather tends to be most severe near the shore – inland, you may just get heavy rain and the odd power cut. This is a time to be cautious but not paranoid – monitor weather reports and prioritize land-based activities over boat trips, beaches, and diving.

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No matter what time of year you travel to Laos , you’ll find that each season paints the country in a different colour. And with attractions year-round, there’s no wrong time to go, as such. However, Laos has two main distinct weather patterns: hot and wet (May–October), and cooler and dry (November– April). With that in mind, generally speaking, the best time to visit Laos is November–January. Not only will you get the best of the weather – you’ll also be able to make the most of the activities on offer.

Weather in Laos

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Fascinating and rewarding, Laos is a charming and traditional destination that is very much off the beaten track. With plenty of activities to appeal to everyone, from elephants and temples to jungle and waterfalls, it’s just the place for a great family adventure.

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Laos has a tropical climate and its seasons are straightforward: it’s hot and wet from May–October (with August being the wettest and most humid), and dry and cooler from November–April. Within that broad picture, there are regional differences, which can generally be summed up as: the further south you go, the hotter it is. For example, in January, in the middle of the dry season, average maximum temperatures in Pakse and areas in the south are 29°C, which drops to 27°C in Vientiane , and a relatively cool 24°C in Luang Prabang .

Streets of Luang Prabang © Shutterstock

Also, the climate in some northeastern areas – notably Phongsali and Hua Phan (Sam Neua) – can be surprisingly temperamental, even in the hot season. You could have one scorcher of a day, followed by a cold, wet day – which can make you wonder if you're still in southeast Asia.

The monsoon season in Laos falls between May and October, with the north of the country getting more rainfall than the south. This doesn’t mean it rains all day – rather that there are short downpours that usually last no longer than a few hours. However, although the rain doesn't necessarily last for long, the wet weather can make travel difficult, particularly in rural areas. Also, during the monsoon, humidity tends to be high. So, if you’re wondering when is the best time to visit Laos to avoid a daily dousing, plan your trip for the dry season, from November – April.

December is arguably the best month to travel to Laos for all-round favourable weather. The dry and pleasant conditions are ideal for both sightseeing, and all kinds of outdoor activities, such as hiking, cycling, exploring caves and river travel.

To better prepare for your upcoming trip to Laos also read the Laos travel tips we've collected.

Ziplining across waterfalls on the Bolaven Plateau © LERDSAK THONGSAWATWONG/Shutterstock

Visiting Laos from December–February

This is the best time to visit Laos for a bit of everything: sightseeing, river travel and exploring the countryside.

November to January are the most pleasant months to travel in lowland Laos, when daytime temperatures are agreeably warm, evenings are slightly chilly and the countryside is green and lush after the rains. However, at higher elevations temperatures are significantly cooler, sometimes dropping to freezing point. Vientiane and Luang Prabang witness temperatures averaging around 27°C and 22°C, respectively, in December, while southern regions, such as Pakse, see them climb to around 30°C.

Water levels from the previous months’ rainfall are high, which is perfect for trips along the Mekong River. For those seeking bigger water-based thrills, there are opportunities galore for whitewater rafting and kayaking adventures, on northern rivers, such as the Nam Ou and the Nam Xuang. The best bases for kayaking tours are Vientiane, Vang Vieng, Luang Prabang and Luang Namtha . Also, the scenic waterfalls of the southern highlands are not to be missed.

River cruise on the Mekong © Tetyana Dotsenko/Shutterstock

Dry conditions on land are also ideal – for exploring mystical Buddhist shrines and mysterious caves, visits to elephant camps, coffee plantations and indigenous markets. It’s also the best time to go to Laos for active outdoor pursuits, such as rock climbing, adventurous hikes and cycling tours. For organised day trips and multi-day treks to hill tribes in the far north of Laos, book an excursion from towns such as Luang Namtha, Muang Sing , Luang Prabang or Vang Vieng.

If you’ve reached sightseeing saturation point and had your fill of high energy adventure, why not island hop the picturesque Si Phan Don (Four Thousand Islands) archipelago? Just a few of the islands are geared for tourists, such as Don Daeng and Don Det, but they offer the perfect laid-back getaway and slower pace of life.

For culture, don't miss the excellent Luang Prabang Film Festival in December, which showcases films from Southeast Asia at outdoor locations in the city.

Be aware that the dry season inevitably attracts greater visitor numbers, so well-known attractions are at their busiest.

Elephant bathing on the Bolaven Plateau© Herbert Boeck/Shutterstock

Visiting Laos from March–May

Laos experiences quite a transition from the beginning to the end of spring. Temperatures rise rapidly, reaching a peak in April, when the lowlands are baking hot and humid, and the highlands are, for the most part, equally hot, if a bit less muggy – though there are places, such as Paksong on the Bolaven Plateau , that have a temperate climate year-round. Temperatures typically hover around 36°C in Luang Prabang, a roasting 38°C in Vientiane, and a notch higher in Pakse.

Water levels in rivers are at an all-year low by April, disrupting river travel. But May sees the start of the rainy season and Laos becomes both hot and humid. Trekking can be difficult as trails become slippery, but excursions to cultural sites are still on the agenda – if you’re willing to brave the heat.

Sunset on the Mekong river © i viewfinder/Shutterstock

Due to slash-and-burn agriculture, much of the north, including Luang Prabang, becomes shrouded in smoke from March until the beginning of the monsoon, which can be quite uncomfortable to deal with at times.

But it’s not all about the weather. Spring is perhaps the best time to travel to Laos for its festivals, as two big ones kick off at this time. Laos New Year falls in the middle of April and is big news on the events calendar. Locals wash Buddha statues and water fights typically ensue – the water seen as good luck, and has the added benefit of cooling off the recipient in hot weather. Bun Bang Fai (Rocket Festival) follows in May, which sees homemade rockets launched into the sky, with the intention of persuading the spirits to bring the rains.

Visiting Laos from June–August

Laos is hot, wet and humid during the summer months, literally dampening tourism. The rain affects the condition of Laos’s network of unpaved roads, some of which become impassable and the monsoon hinders certain activities, especially those outdoors. That said, rivers which may be too low to navigate towards the end of the dry season become important transport routes again, after rain raises water levels. Also, the parched landscape bounces back to life: rice fields turn a shade of emerald and tumbling waterfalls are surrounded by vibrant greenery.

Tad Kamud waterfalls in full flow at the Bolaven Plateau © Ana Flasker/Shutterstock

It’s also worth noting that, although most of Laos sees rain In June, it doesn’t usually last long, and the rain tends to bring the heat down a notch – meaning you can still pack in some sightseeing.

By July, the rains reach a steady tempo and the temperature hovers around 32°C in the south – again, cooler in the north. For relief from the sweltering heat from the Mekong Valley, head for the coffee bean producing Bolaven Plateau.

August sees rainfall reach a crescendo in August, with showers at their heaviest and lasting longer, and humidity high. Wet and muddy walking trails make hiking difficult, if not impossible, while roads can be slippery and hazardous – with flooding a possibility. Remote areas and caves can be off limits, as well as other popular attractions, such as the Kouang Si waterfalls . Tubing in Vang Vieng also becomes dangerous.

Pack an umbrella and light moisture-wicking apparel for when the weather gets too clammy.

Visiting Laos from September–November

Whilst it rains consistently for most of September, the end of the month brings bright, sunny weather again, with landscapes at their most picturesque.

Lush landscapes of Laos © Kjetil Taksdal/Shutterstock

By October, there’s only the odd smattering of rain now and then and temperatures are knocking around 30°C. As outdoor activities are back on the cards this is the best time to travel to Laos to enjoy its many delights before the throngs return during peak tourist season. It’s also prime time to bag a shoulder season bargain.

The river takes centre stage for October festivals. Boun Awk Phansa, the end of Buddhist Lent, brings the magical spectacle of Lai Heau Fai, (festival of lights), with Luang Prabang the setting for particularly lively celebrations. The town is aglow with lanterns and locals send enormous candlelit paper boats down the Mekong.

The biggest boat racing festival on the calendar also takes place at this time of year. Vientiane, on the Mekong river, is the prime spot, but river towns across Laos hold their own races and accompanying celebrations.

November is no longer wet but rivers are still full from the recent rainfall – time to mosey along the country’s waterways. Adventures outdoors, such as trekking, tubing and swimming are really picking up, and comfortable temperatures make sightseeing and temple-hopping – and exploring in general, highly enjoyable.

Laos festivals are an explosion of colour, where parades, games, music and dancing are all accompanied by copious amounts of lào-láo (a fiery rice alcohol). If you happen to be in a town or village that is gearing up for a festival, consider staying in the area for a bit longer to enjoy the festivities. In rural areas especially, a festival can transform an entire village into a wild, week-long party.

Lai Heau Fai (the festival of lights) © Suriya99/Shutterstock

Because the Lao calendar is dictated by both solar and lunar rhythms, the dates of festivals change from year to year and, even just a few days prior to a parade or boat race, there is sometimes confusion over exactly when it will take place. For the local people this is not really a problem, as the days leading up to and immediately following large festivals are equally packed with celebrations. Read our lowdown on Laos’s annual events to help you plan the best time to visit Laos.

Major festivals

The Makkha Busa Buddist Holy Day (February). Observed under a full moon in February, this commemorates a legendary sermon given by the Buddha after 1250 of his disciples spontaneously congregated around the Enlightened One.

Lao New Year (April). Celebrated all over Laos in mid-April, notably in Luang Prabang, where the town’s namesake Buddha image is ritually bathed.

Bun Bang Fai (rocket festival); (May). Crude projectiles are made from stout bamboo poles stuffed with gunpowder and fired skywards. It’s hoped the thunderous noise will encourage the spirits to make it rain after months of dry weather.

Lai Heau Fai (festival of of lights); (full moon in October). A festival of light. The celebrations are especially lively in Luang Prabang. In the days leading up to the festival residents build large floats and festoon them with lights.

Boun Souang Heua (boat racing festival); (October). There are other boat festivals during the year, but this is the biggest. The Mekong river at Vientiane is the main location, but other river towns hold their own races.

That Luang Festival (November). In the days leading up to the full moon, the great That Luang stupa in Vientiane comes to resemble the centrepiece of a fairground, with street vendors setting up booths in the open spaces around it. The week-long That Luang Festival then kicks off with a mass alms-giving to hundreds of monks.

Bun Pha Wet Festival (December–January). Bun Pha Wet, which commemorates the Jataka tale of the Buddha’s second-to-last incarnation as Pha Wet, or Prince Vessantara, takes place at local monasteries on various dates throughout December or January. In larger towns, expect live bands and dancing.

Header image: Buddhist monk in Luang Prabang © gg-foto/Shutterstock

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written by Rough Guides Editors

updated 13.05.2024

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