Climate and region of Ho Chi Minh City
Before discussing the weather in September in Ho Chi Minh City, it’s important to understand the broader climate. The city lies in southern Vietnam, which has a tropical monsoon climate, bringing warm temperatures all year and a clear division between the dry and rainy seasons.
- Dry Season: December to April
- Rainy Season: May to November
Travel tip: How September weather differs across Vietnam
South Vietnam in September is still in the rainy season, meaning regular showers and humid conditions. However, central Vietnam just starts seeing its first signs of the rainy season, particularly in cities like Hue and Hoi An. In contrast, northern Vietnam slowly transitions from the hot summer months to a more comfortable autumn climate, showing how different the weather can be across the country.
Weather in Ho Chi Minh City in September
September remains part of the rainy season in Ho Chi Minh City, with high humidity, frequent rain showers, and warm temperatures. Daytime highs average 31°C (88°F), while nights stay around 25°C (77°F). Rainfall is still high, with about 250 mm (9.8 inches) throughout the month, though showers tend to be shorter and less intense compared to previous months. Most rain falls in the late afternoon or evening, leaving dry periods earlier in the day.
As the rainy season starts to ease, September still sees plenty of wet weather, but it’s slightly more manageable than peak rainy months. Travel to the Mekong Delta and coastal areas can still be affected by rain, but with proper planning, exploring the city remains possible.
If you are looking for less rainy weather, read our guide to best time to visit Ho Chi Minh City.
Is Ho Chi Minh City worth visiting in September?
September is not the most favorable month to visit Ho Chi Minh City, as it is still part of the rainy season, though the worst of the heavy rains usually start to ease toward the end of the month. Showers remain frequent, typically occurring in the late afternoon or evening, but the earlier parts of the day often stay dry. Humidity is still high, and the weather remains warm, making sightseeing a bit more tiring.
That said, Ho Chi Minh City is a year-round destination, and its many indoor attractions mean that rain won’t completely disrupt your plans. Unlike beach destinations, where bad weather can limit activities, the city’s museums, markets, and food scene ensure that there is still plenty to experience. If you don’t mind occasional rain showers, September can still be an interesting time to visit.
Did you know?
September is one of the most beautiful times to visit northern Vietnam, as the rice terraces in Sapa, Pu Luong, Mu Cang Chai, and Ninh Binh turn golden for the harvest season. If you’re planning a broader Vietnam trip, this is the best month to witness breathtaking landscapes in the north.
Are you still in doubt if it is worth visiting? Read our guide about Ho Chi Minh City in the rainy season with tips, what to expect, and things to do.
Special events & festivals in September
September is a lively month in Ho Chi Minh City, with one of the most important national holidays, Vietnam National Day, taking place on September 2. Additionally, the Mid-Autumn Festival, a beloved cultural celebration, often falls in September, though it follows the lunar calendar, meaning its exact date varies each year.
Since these events bring public celebrations, decorations, and gatherings, it is a great time for visitors to experience local culture. However, keep in mind that Vietnam National Day is a public holiday, meaning government offices and some businesses may be closed, and travel activity may increase.
Besides these national celebrations, many local establishments and the city’s large expat communities organize smaller cultural and social events, ensuring there is always something happening in Ho Chi Minh City.
Vietnam National Day
Vietnam National Day is celebrated on September 2, marking the day when Vietnam declared independence from France in 1945. This is a major public holiday, and travelers will notice Vietnamese flags displayed everywhere, from private homes to government buildings. In the evenings, fireworks are sometimes held, though not every year.
For travelers, Ho Chi Minh City remains lively, but many locals use the day off to travel, leading to increased domestic tourism in places like Dalat and further destinations like Da Nang. While most tourist attractions remain open, some businesses may close for the holiday, and transport options can be busier than usual.
Mid-Autumn Festival
The Mid-Autumn Festival, also known as the Moon Festival, is one of the most popular celebrations for children in Vietnam. The exact date follows the lunar calendar, meaning it can fall in either September or October. It is a time for families to gather, eat mooncakes, and enjoy lantern displays and lion dance performances.
The most vibrant place to experience the Mid-Autumn Festival in Ho Chi Minh City is Lantern Street (Luong Nhu Hoc Street) in District 5, where shops sell beautiful paper lanterns. Throughout the city, travelers will also notice lion dance performances, and traditional mooncakes being sold everywhere.
For a full guide on where to see lion dances, lantern displays, and how to experience the festival, read our article: Mid-Autumn Festival in Ho Chi Minh City.
Whale Festival
The Can Gio Whale Festival is a lesser-known but unique cultural event that takes place in Can Gio, a coastal district of Ho Chi Minh City. This festival, which also follows the lunar calendar, coincides with the Mid-Autumn Festival.
Fishermen in Can Gio worship whales as sacred guardians of the sea, believing that they protect sailors from storms. During this festival, locals clean and decorate their homes, offer prayers at the Temple of Water General, and hold a procession of boats with colorful decorations. While the festival is not widely celebrated in the city center, those interested in Vietnam’s coastal traditions may find it worth a visit.
Best things to do in Ho Chi Minh City in September
September is still part of the rainy season, though showers gradually become less frequent toward the end of the month. Sightseeing remains enjoyable with proper planning—mornings and early afternoons are usually dry, making it a great time to visit landmarks, temples, and museums before the daily rain arrives.
Exploring local life in Chinatown’s Binh Tay Market, taking a food tour, or visiting hidden alleyway cafés in District 1 and District 3 are great ways to experience the city. Motorbike tours are still possible, though a rain poncho is a must. Day trips to the Cu Chi Tunnels and Tay Ninh Holy See remain accessible, and by the end of September, the Mekong Delta begins transitioning out of the rainy season, making boat trips more reliable again.
For a complete list of sights, activities, and travel tips, read our Ho Chi Minh City travel guide.
Destinations around Ho Chi Minh City to visit in September
Ho Chi Minh City is often just a starting point for exploring southern Vietnam, as many travelers continue to beach destinations, the Mekong Delta, or the Central Highlands. Understanding what September offers in these destinations can help determine whether Ho Chi Minh City is worth visiting this month. Below are the four most popular places to visit from the city.
Mekong Delta weather in September
September is still part of the rainy season in the Mekong Delta, but it is also one of the most beautiful and unique times to visit. With high water levels, boat trips can navigate deeper into the canals and flooded forests, creating a different experience than in the dry season.
The floating markets remain lively, and the harvest season brings an abundance of fresh tropical fruits. This month also marks the start of the water rising season, where some villages become temporarily submerged, and locals adapt their daily life to the rising waters. While rain showers are common, they are usually short and heavy, meaning there is still plenty of time to explore.
Phu Quoc in September
September is one of the rainiest months in Phu Quoc, making it not an ideal time for a beach holiday. Expect frequent downpours, rough seas, and high humidity, which can disrupt outdoor activities like snorkeling and boat trips. While there are occasional dry periods, they are unpredictable, making this one of the least reliable months to visit.
For those looking for a beach vacation, it’s better to visit central Vietnam this time of year, as destinations like Da Nang, Hoi An, and Nha Trang are in their dry season and offer far better conditions. If traveling to Phu Quoc in September, be prepared for limited outdoor activities and wet weather.
Mui Ne in September
September remains part of the rainy season in Mui Ne, meaning increased humidity and more frequent showers. However, Mui Ne generally receives less rainfall than Phu Quoc, and mornings are often dry and pleasant.
While it’s not the best month for a dedicated beach trip, Mui Ne can still be a decent short stop when traveling between Ho Chi Minh City and central Vietnam. The sand dunes, fishing villages, and coastal scenery remain enjoyable, but for those seeking better beach weather, heading north to Nha Trang or Da Nang is recommended.
Dalat in September
Dalat continues to be a great alternative to beach destinations in September, with its cool mountain climate (16-24°C / 61-75°F) providing a refreshing escape from the humid lowlands. However, September is still a rainy month, with frequent afternoon showers.
This month is particularly beautiful for nature lovers, as the surrounding forests, lakes, and rice terraces in the nearby countryside reach peak greenery. While rain can affect outdoor activities, waterfalls like Datanla and Pongour are at their most spectacular, making September a great time for canyoning and waterfall trekking. Dalat remains a worthwhile destination, even in the rainy season, due to its unique landscape and variety of indoor and outdoor activities.
Travel tips for September in Ho Chi Minh City
These travel tips will help you prepare for visiting Ho Chi Minh City in September, ensuring you are ready for the seasonal conditions.
What to pack
Pack light, breathable clothing, a small umbrella or a lightweight rain jacket, and waterproof footwear for wet streets.
Accommodations
September is low season for both international and domestic tourism, so you’ll find plenty of accommodation options at lower prices. If you’re looking for good hotel deals, this is a great time to visit. There is no need to book far in advance unless you have very specific preferences.
Getting around Ho Chi Minh City
The rain starts easing towards the end of the month, but showers are still frequent. Grab cars remain the most practical mode of transport. Walking is possible in dry periods, but hot and humid conditions mean it’s best to take frequent indoor breaks. Carrying a small umbrella or rain jacket is still recommended.
Health and safety
Air Pollution – The rainy season continues to help reduce pollution, making September one of the better months for air quality.
Heat – Humidity levels remain high, so stay hydrated, dress in light clothing, and avoid long outdoor activities during the hottest hours.
