Thailand and Vietnam will never disappoint you whenever you visit. Both countries enjoy a tropical climate with an average temperature of around 27°C (80°F). Most areas share two distinct seasons: a dry season (November to April) and a wet season (May to October).
So, the best time to visit Thailand and Vietnam is November to April when you can enjoy most sunny days with cool/warm weather.
Best Weather Times for Thailand and Vietnam
Lovely girls in Long Neck Karen Village, in ThailandIf you really want a rain-free trip to Thailand and Vietnam, November to April is undoubtedly your best time. The dry season is generally divided into two sub-seasons: the cool season (November to February) and the hot season (March to April).
For the most comfortable experience, visit Thailand and Vietnam in the cool season. It always offers the most favorable weather for outdoor fun and cultural experiences, alongside with festive atmosphere. For example, Thailand's Yi Peng Festival around November creates a romantic backdrop for a couples' trip.
Travelling in the hot season, you'll be rewarded with less-crowded experiences, particularly at the iconic landmarks. Different from group tours with fixed schedules, a flexible private tour helps to make the most of the most pleasant weather of any day, like the cooler early morning or late afternoon hours. To beat the heat, we always prepare cold drinks in our private air-conditioned vehicles.
See more ideas about hand-picked itineraries and costs for a trip to Thailand and Vietnam>>>
Best Times for a Family Trip to Thailand and Vietnam
The tropical weather makes Thailand and Vietnam perfect as warm winter getaways and excellent destinations for family trips.
Weather-wise, December is the best time to enjoy family-friendly activities, such as elephant sanctuaries, beach activities, and cultural shows. Being in the peak season, you'd better prepare for high costs and crowds. It's advisable to book your tour half a year in advance to secure higher availability of family rooms, get early-bird benefits and avoid last-minute hassles.
Summer holiday is another peak time for overseas family travel. If summer is the only time you have, then June is the best time to visit Thailand and Vietnam. Compared with July and August, June experiences less rainfall, which typically lasts for only 1–2 hours on 1 in 2 days. Additionally, you can avoid the crowds of summer holidaymakers (mostly from early July) from nearby countries, like China and Japan.
A flexible itinerary with some indoor activities would make your summer family trip more "rain-proof" as well. Our private local guides always have a plan B to cater to your needs, even on a rainy day.
For more details, you could see Multi-Generational Family Trip to Southeast Asia or check out how to plan a family trip to Southeast Asia>>>
The Worst Times to Visit Thailand and Vietnam
If you don't like the rain, the rainy season (May to October) would be the worst time for your holiday.
If you are sensitive to crowds and want a budget-friendly trip, consider avoiding the cool season (November to February), especially the Christmas / New Year holidays.
The "worst times" disadvantages are balanced by benefits. You could enjoy the lowest prices (around 30–50% off) and no crowding in the rainy season, while the cool season has the obvious benefit of the most comfortable weather and clear skies for stunning scenery.
Alternatively, travelling just before or after the high season (in May or late October) is advisable as a compromise for lower costs, smaller crowds, and lighter rainfall.
Further Reading: Itinerary options for 2 weeks in Thailand and Vietnam
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Bangkok and Chiang Mai
In Bangkok, our guide Ann and driver "Mr. Ot" (I don't know how to spell his name) were very friendly and professional. You simply can't underestimate the value of having an English speaking guide to show you around, and a driver with a comfortable, sizeable, air-conditioned van take you from place to place. Ann taught us so much about Thailand's history, food, and religion. Mr. Ot always opened our door with a smile, and had cool towels and ice-cold bottled water for us. More
, Apr 2024
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Very great experience our driver D was…
Very great experience our driver D was never late and always had waters and a cold towel for us and our tour guide Som was very informative and had amazing English I recommend them both highly for anyone else traveling More
Rylan Coache, Feb 2024
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Excellent guide in Siem Reap
Our recent time spent in Siem Reap was made even more memorable by our expert guide, Som Piseth. Som was knowledgeable, attentive, flexible and super helpful - we learnt so much about Siem Reap and Cambodia in our 3 days with him. His English was excellent and his knowledge of, and pride in, his country was outstanding. We would highly recommend Som for anyone wanting an excellent guide in Siem Reap! More
Sharon Townshend, Feb 2024
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Rainy Season in Thailand and Vietnam: The Cheapest Time
Cruising Ha Long BayIn Thailand and Vietnam, it is common to have daily rain in the wet season, but the rainy season doesn't usually imply continuous rainfall. Most showers/downpours just last for 1–2 hours in the afternoon or in the night.
In Thailand and Vietnam, the highest rainfall arrives from August to October, especially in Thailand, and you might also encounter some typhoons in Vietnam. These typhoons or storms can potentially lead to flight cancellations as well as disrupting cruises or island-hopping tours. Travelling with us, your AH travel expert and local guide would contact you in the event of inclement weather and be on standby to adjust your itinerary or provide help as needed.
Thanks to the region's diverse geography, you still can find some dry getaways during the rainy season (up to August/September), such as Hoi An in Vietnam and Koh Samui in Thailand (which have their wet seasons a month or two later). Almost all of Vietnam and Thailand has a rainy October except for Chiang Mai and Hanoi (northern Thailand/Vietnam).
Thus, with a well-organized travel plan and a flexible schedule, the rainy season remains travel-worthy, alongside the cheapest prices.
You could find more inspiration for planning your dream trip in How to Plan a First Trip to Southeast Asia>>>
Find Your Best Month to Visit Thailand and Vietnam
January Weather and Travel in Thailand and Vietnam
- Northern Vietnam (Hanoi, Ha Long Bay, Sapa): 12°C to 20°C (54°F to 68°F), dry
- Central Vietnam (Hoi An, Hue, Danang): 20°C to 24°C (68°F to 75°F), low rainfall
- Thailand and Southern Vietnam (Ho Chi Minh City, Mekong Delta, Phu Quoc): 26°C to 32°C (79°F to 90°F), dry
January is one of the best times to visit both countries without being bothered by heat or rainfall.
You could fully indulge in tropical beach fun in Phuket, seek outdoor adventure in hidden Chiang Rai, and celebrate New Year with your family in picturesque Ha Long Bay...
In one in three years Chinese New Year in Thailand and Vietnam's New Year (Tet festival) falls in January, when you can immerse yourself in the delightful local celebrations.
During this holiday season, you can expect high costs and larger crowds in both countries. Early booking (at least 6 months before) would keep you away from last-minute hassles and price rises.
The neighboring Cambodia also shares the best weather, so you could consider planning a trip to Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam.
February Weather and Travel in Thailand and Vietnam
- Northern Vietnam (Hanoi, Ha Long Bay, Sapa): 13°C to 21°C (55°F to 70°F), dry
- Central Vietnam (Hoi An, Hue, Danang): 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F), dry
- Thailand and Southern Vietnam (Ho Chi Minh City, Mekong Delta, Phu Quoc): 26°C to 33°C (79°F to 91°F), very dry
Similar to January, the dry and pleasant weather continues in February. You'll have the best weather wherever you go.
If you're a beach lover, then February is an ideal time to go, no matter whether you want bustling Phuket or tranquil Phu Quoc Island.
Without as much heat, Chiang Mai in Thailand is a wonderful warm destination. You could walk and bathe elephants in a sanctuary, celebrate Chiang Mai Flower Festival with locals, and hike around the hill tribe villages.
Read more about planning a couple's trip to Southeast Asia>>>
March Weather and Travel in Thailand and Vietnam
- Northern Vietnam (Hanoi, Ha Long Bay, Sapa): 16°C to 23°C (61°F to 73°F), dry
- Central Vietnam (Hoi An, Hue, Danang): 21°C to 27°C (70°F to 81°F), dry
- Thailand and Southern Vietnam (Ho Chi Minh City, Mekong Delta, Phu Quoc): 27°C to 34°C (81°F to 93°F), dry
March is a good month to visit both Thailand and Vietnam. With few rainy days, you can still expect a lot of sunshine and blue skies throughout the day.
The temperature starts rising in Thailand and Vietnam, but it's not yet unbearably hot. If you want cooler weather, you could visit northern Thailand, and northern and central Vietnam, where the temperature averages around 25°C (77°F).
April Weather and Travel in Thailand and Vietnam: Last Dry Month, Very Hot
- Northern Vietnam (Hanoi, Ha Long Bay, Sapa): 22°C to 27°C (72°F to 81°F), moderate rainfall
- Central Vietnam (Hoi An, Hue, Danang): 23°C to 29°C (73°F to 84°F), low rainfall
- Thailand and Southern Vietnam (Ho Chi Minh City, Mekong Delta, Phu Quoc): 28°C to 34°C (82°F to 93°F), low rainfall
In April, the temperature will increase to around 30°C (86°F) on average. With a few afternoon showers or short-lived cloudbursts towards the end of the month, dry weather is near-guaranteed.
To travel in cooler weather, you could have leisurely time in Ha Long Bay, hike the terraced hillsides of Sapa, and explore the jungles in Chiang Mai.
Beach holidays are not to be missed during your Thailand and Vietnam trip. Koh Samui and Koh Pha Ngan are better alternatives, as Phuket's rainfall increases to moderate levels.
Travelling in April, an immersive cultural experience that's recommended is the big water fight and other lively celebrations during Songkran Festival in Thailand. Chiang Mai and Bangkok are the best places to celebrate it.
May Weather and Travel in Thailand and Vietnam
- Northern Vietnam (Hanoi, Ha Long Bay, Sapa): 23°C to 31°C (73°F to 88°F), moderate rainfall
- Central Vietnam (Hoi An, Hue, Danang): 25°C to 32°C (77°F to 90°F), low rainfall
- Thailand and Southern Vietnam (Ho Chi Minh City, Mekong Delta, Phu Quoc): 27°C to 34°C (81°F to 93°F), high rainfall
You'll have the hottest weather, averaging 32°C (90°F), in May. Meanwhile, the rainy season comes in, with moderate rainfall in most areas of Thailand and Vietnam. You still can find some dry getaways in central Vietnam and on the Koh Samui coast of Thailand.
Since the highest rainfall hasn't yet arrived in May, you can still enjoy plenty of dry hours and experience the distinct advantages it brings, such as significant cost savings and lower crowds.
June Weather and Travel in Thailand and Vietnam
- Average temperature range in Thailand and Vietnam: 26°C to 34°C (79°F to 93°F); moderate-to-high rainfall in all but low-rainfall central Vietnam (Hoi An, Hue, Danang)
Most of Thailand and Vietnam shares the same pattern in June: hot weather and more frequent rainfall (mainly short bursts). Central Vietnam is the exception. In Thailand, all but high-rainfall Phuket sees moderate rainfall.
Mountain areas are the cool places to go to escape from the summer heat, such as Sapa and Da Lat in Vietnam and Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai in Thailand. They are also perfect for outdoorsy stuff, especially for families with teenagers.
A private tour with a flexible tour pace is beneficial to avoid the burning sun and adapt your itinerary to accommodate rainy hours by seeing indoor shows or doing cooking classes. Contact us to tailor-make your trip!
July Weather and Travel in Thailand and Vietnam
- Average temperature range in Thailand and Vietnam: 26°C to 35°C (79°F to 95°F); high rainfall in all but low-rainfall central Vietnam
July mirrors June weather-wise, but the crowds tend to increase due to the summer holidays. Compared with peak season, the crowds are still negligible.
Summer spells beach time. Instead of rainy Phuket, you can enjoy grand firework shows during your beach relaxation in Da Nang or go to Koh Samui for snorkeling, scuba diving, or swimming.
Get more ideas about planning your summer trip to Southeast Asia>>>
August Weather and Travel in Thailand and Vietnam
- Average temperature range in Thailand and Vietnam: 26°C to 34°C (79°F to 93°F); high rainfall in all but central Vietnam and around Ko Samui, where it's only moderate
Peak rainfall is approaching most areas of Thailand and Vietnam, but most weather systems come and go quickly.
You might encounter some potential intense storms or typhoons, which would affect cruises in Ha Long Bay and island-hopping tours. Having a plan B in place is essential to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience.
During this summer month, you could head to drier Central Vietnam (around Hoi An) or enjoy the abundant cultural experiences in Bangkok and Chiang Mai, such as a ladyboy show, a Muay Thai show, or a Thai cooking class.
In contrast to peak travel season, August presents an opportunity for more-affordable and less-crowded travel.
September Weather and Travel in Thailand and Vietnam
- Average temperature in Thailand and Vietnam: 24°C to 31°C (75°F to 88°F); high rainfall throughout
Overall, September is the wettest month to visit Thailand and Vietnam. But the rainfall in northern Vietnam will come to a tail-end in late September.
In northern Vietnam, Sapa welcomes its best time: warm weather averaging 23°C (73°F), less rainfall and breathtaking golden rice terraces. Hiking is the perfect way to discover its beauty.
October Weather and Travel in Thailand and Vietnam
- Northern and central Vietnam: 22°C to 28°C (72°F to 82°F); low rainfall in the north; extremely high rainfall in the central region
- Thailand and southern Vietnam: 25°C to 31°C (77°F to 88°F); high rainfall to low late in the month; vice-versa around Ko Samui
October marks a turning point in both temperature and rainfall patterns in Thailand and Vietnam: hot to warm and wet to drier. So late October is an ideal choice if you want to explore both countries with more-comfortable weather.
Travelling in October, you could enjoy outdoor adventures in northern Thailand (Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai) and northern Vietnam (Hanoi, Sapa, and Ha Long Bay), where rainfall is only moderate and decreasing through the month.
November Weather and Travel in Thailand and Vietnam
- Northern Vietnam (Hanoi, Ha Long Bay, Sapa): 17°C to 24°C (63°F to 75°F); low rainfall
- Central Vietnam (Hoi An, Hue, Danang): 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F), very high rainfall
- Thailand and Southern Vietnam (Ho Chi Minh City, Mekong Delta, Phu Quoc): 24°C to 30°C (75°F to 86°F); moderate rainfall
The dry-season best travel time returns in Thailand and Vietnam, particularly their northern regions.
If you're celebrating a romantic milestone, Yi Peng Festival in Chiang Mai would create lifetime memories for you and your partner. Our well-selected private Ha Long Bay cruise (just for you and your partner) would allow you more quality private time.
Central Vietnam and Koh Samui experience very heavy rain, so for a leisurely beach time, you're suggested to choose drier Phuket and Phu Quoc or start your beach vacation in late November.
December Weather and Travel in Thailand and Vietnam
- Northern Vietnam (Hanoi, Ha Long Bay, Sapa): 14°C to 21°C (57°F to 70°F); dry
- Central Vietnam (Hoi An, Hue, Danang): 19°C to 24°C (66°F to 75°F); high rainfall
- Thailand and Southern Vietnam (Ho Chi Minh City, Mekong Delta, Phu Quoc): 23°C to 29°C (73°F to 84°F); low rainfall except for high-rainfall Ko Samui
If you experience chilly days in your country in December, Thailand and Vietnam could be a warm escape for you, with an average temperature of around 25°C (77°F). Rainfall fades away towards January in all areas, so you could celebrate Christmas with your family on typically rain-free days.
A family trip to a warm tropical paradise could add an exotic touch to your family reunion during Christmas and New Year holidays. However, these holidays bring Thailand and Vietnam into their peak travel seasons with the highest prices. Their character-filled boutique hotels, particularly, are easily fully booked. So, make sure you book a December tour at least 6 months in advance. Inviting a wider family is also helpful for saving costs in December.
Popular Thailand and Vietnam Tours
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