When people think of the rainy season, they often imagine days of heavy rain and inconvenience. However, in Vietnam, the situation is not as severe. Most regions experience short bursts of rain, rather than prolonged downpours.
It is no problem to travel in Vietnam during the rainy season, but it requires extra planning and precautions. Continue to read and get insider tips to help you have a fantastic time by visiting great places and picking exciting experiences that can't be ruined by the rain.
The Best Time to Visit Vietnam & Rainy Season
Owing to its long north-south extent, the rainy season varies between the three regions of Vietnam.
The monsoon occurs from May to September in northern Vietnam, May to October in southern Vietnam, and September to December in the center.
To travel throughout Vietnam, the best time is from November to April, when most places of Vietnam offer pleasant temperatures and sunny days, promising the best experiences. The best times vary according to the three regions of Vietnam. See more details on our page the best times to visit Vietnam.
If you're planning your family's summer vacation in Vietnam, you may experience occasional rain in northern and southern Vietnam, but sunny skies and warm waters in central Vietnam. Summer is a good time for a family trip to Vietnam. Our 15-Day Vietnam Family Holiday Tour is a wonderful mix of cultural experience, natural scenery, and relaxation that can satisfy both children and adults.
If you plan to visit Vietnam during the Christmas holiday, expect more crowds and higher prices. You'd better book your trip 3-6 months in advance. For any planning inspiration, check out Planning Your First Family Trip to 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
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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
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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
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Visiting Vietnam during Rainy Season
The summer monsoon brings an average annual rainfall of 1,500 to 2,000 mm (60 to 79 inches) in Vietnam. But the rainfall is not persistent, mainly coming in short downpours of one or two hours. You can enjoy most of a day without much inconvenience.
Traveling in the rainy season is price-wise and unlikely to be affected by crowding or over-booking.
You might save from US$200–400 on a 1–2-week-long tour. Free hotel upgrades might be possible too!
When bustling temples and beaches calm down in the rainy season, you are free to wander around, admire the scenery, and take pictures at your own pace with fewer travelers competing for space.
Rainy Season In VietnamTravel Tips for Rainy Season Travel:
- Buy insurance. Bad weather often leads to flight changes/cancellations. Make sure your travel insurance covers flight cancellations, being stranded, and provides comprehensive medical cover.
- Make a reasonable travel itinerary. Don't cram too many things in one day, and be flexible to make adjustments.
- Make bookings with friendly cancellation policies. Travelling with Asia Highlights, you enjoy a 100% refund of any payments made to Asia Highlights prior to 3 weeks before departure (detail⇒).
- Combine with other surrounding Southeast Asian countries for a drier experience.
North Vietnam's Rainy Season: Mid-May to Mid-September
It is hot and humid from mid-May to mid-September in northern Vietnam, with the highest rainfall in July and August.
During the rainy season, there are usually showers in the afternoon or evening. If possible, it is recommended that you arrange outdoor activities for the morning. For the rest of the day (when it rains), you can maximize your time with indoor activities: have a cup of Vietnamese coffee and write postcards in a bar; visit some indoor places like museums, galleries, and exhibition halls; or enjoy a relaxing spa.
Although the far north's mountain areas (around Sapa) share the same rainy season as the north, the seasons of spring/summer/autumn are more distinct. It's drier and heat is seldom a problem. Summer (June to August) is notably cooler, averaging 20°C (68°F).
To escape from the heat in the rainy season, Sapa is one of the best places. The pleasant temperatures, unique minority culture, and stunning rice-terraced scenery are appealing in favorable hiking temperatures.
Travel Tips for N. Vietnam's Wet Season
If you travel to Halong Bay, your cruise is likely to be canceled in July and August due to bad weather, like unexpected typhoons. Our travel consultants will always have a backup plan. For example, you can visit Ninh Binh (called Halong Bay on Land — similar scenery but inland).
Central Vietnam's Rainy Season: September to December
Since the high mountains in the western part of this region prevent the southwest monsoon from bringing rain to the area. While the north and south are in their rainy seasons, especially from May to early September, central Vietnam receives less rainfall than the rest of the country.
However, from September to December, rainfall in this region soars to torrential levels because of the northeast monsoon. During this period, Hoi An and some nearby towns might be flooded. A flexible schedule will help a lot.
What to do when it's raining:
Indoor activities are perfect to escape the rainfall. Hoi An is highly suggested during the rainy season for its wonderful historic sites and indoor activities.
- Get your own ao dai (traditional Vietnamese formal clothing). Tailoring a suit or dress is usually expensive. But you can get an ao dai tailor-made at a reasonable price within 2–3 days in Vietnam.
- Take a cooking class. Southeast Asian cuisines are quite popular for their healthy recipes. Learn some with a local chef and bring the authentic flavor of Vietnam home.
South Vietnam's Rainy Season: May to October
The south's hot and humid summer is from May to October; June and July are the highest point of the rainy season.
The southwest monsoon brings abundant rain and it rains almost every day. However, this rain is different from that in the north, especially the persistent light rain and drizzle in Hanoi. Rain in the south is heavy, but not long-lasting.
Travel Tips for S. Vietnam's Rainy Season
- The Mekong Delta in the rainy season is hot and humid, so pack some light quick-drying clothes. You'd better take rain gear in case of heavy showers.
- Floating markets are still held and they are less influenced by the afternoon downpours.
Although the weather might not be so comfortable at times, you can enjoy a less-crowded Mekong Delta, and the yummy fruits of summer like durians, mangos, and dragon fruits.
Monthly Weather and Travel Information for Vietnam
Learn about the weather in Vietnam for 12 months and find out the best places to visit each month.
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