The best time to travel to Vietnam largely depends on your travel preferences, as Vietnam's weather patterns can vary significantly across the country throughout the year. Generally speaking, Vietnam has a tropical climate with high humidity and temperatures ranging from 20-35°C (68-95°F).
Here's a breakdown of the different seasons in Vietnam:
- Spring (March - May): This is a popular time to visit Vietnam, as the weather is mild and dry. However, this is also peak tourist season, so prices for accommodation and tours may be higher.
- Summer (June - August): This is Vietnam's hottest and wettest season, with temperatures ranging from 30-40°C (86-104°F) in many parts of the country. However, the summer months can also offer some great beach and outdoor activities.
- Fall (September - November): This is another popular time to visit Vietnam, as the weather is mild and dry, and the autumn foliage can be quite stunning in some parts of the country.
- Winter (December - February): This is Vietnam's coolest and driest season, with temperatures ranging from 10-20°C (50-68°F) in many parts of the country. The winter months can be a great time to visit the northern mountainous regions for trekking and outdoor activities.
It's important to note that Vietnam's weather can be unpredictable, so it's always a good idea to check the forecast and plan accordingly. To avoid mass tourist crowds, April to June and September to November is the ideal time. However, it's worth noting that Vietnam is a popular destination year-round, so even during the shoulder seasons, you may still encounter some crowds at the most popular tourist sites. The best way to avoid the mass tourist crowd is to get off the “tourist’s off-the-beaten-trail trail”. Yes, the “off-the-beaten-trail” touted by every tour company are the same off-the-beaten-trail you will embark on, the same “authentic” Vietnamese restaurants offering pumpkin pie and maple syrup on bacon, owned by a friendly Aussie bloke and his Vietnamese wife who has to pay a kickback to the tour company to take you there. It’s the same “off-the-beaten-track” that 5,000 other tourists will be on each day, contributing the huge problem that mass tourism is. Do yourself and the planet a favour and get off the tourist trap trail. It’s the only way to travel responsibly.
