Northern Vietnam climate
Before diving into the specifics of March’s weather, it’s useful to first understand the general climate of Northern Vietnam. Unlike the central and southern parts of the country, the north experiences noticeable seasonal changes, creating variations in temperature and humidity throughout the year.
- Dry Season: October – April
- Rainy Season: May – September
These two main seasons are accompanied by distinct temperature periods, making Northern Vietnam unique compared to the rest of the country.
- Coldest months: December – February
- Hottest months: June – August
- Mild months: March – May, September – November
Travel Tip: Vietnam’s different regions have varying weather conditions. While March brings seasonal changes to the north, the south remains hot and dry, and central Vietnam starts to see slightly warmer temperatures with little rainfall.
Weather in North Vietnam in March
March is still part of the dry season in northern Vietnam, but it marks the transition toward warmer and slightly more humid conditions. Temperatures rise compared to the previous months, with daytime averages of 18–24°C (64–75°F) in Hanoi and other lowland areas. Nights remain mild, generally between 14–17°C (57–63°F). In the mountainous regions like Sapa and Ha Giang, it is still cool, but freezing temperatures become rare.
Rainfall remains relatively low, with an average of 40–80 mm (1.6–3.1 inches), which is still much drier than the rainy season that starts in May. However, compared to January and February, there is a slightly higher chance of light drizzle or mist, especially in coastal and mountainous areas like Halong Bay and Ninh Binh. Humidity starts increasing, making the air feel damp at times, but prolonged heavy rain is still uncommon. The dry season is not over yet, but March signals the beginning of a gradual shift toward wetter conditions in the coming months.
Rice fields in Northern Vietnam in March
March is a transitional month for Northern Vietnam’s rice fields. While highland destinations like Sapa, Mu Cang Chai, and Hoang Su Phi remain barren, the lower valleys tell a different story. In Ninh Binh and Mai Chau, the secondary rice season that started in February is now showing progress—small green sprouts cover the fields, gradually growing taller as the month progresses. While not yet at their peak, these areas offer an early glimpse of the vibrant landscapes that will develop in the coming weeks.
Get to know the months and countryside areas: rice terraces in northern Vietnam
Is March a good time to visit Northern Vietnam?
March is a good month to visit Northern Vietnam, with comfortable weather and improving landscapes. The temperatures start to rise, making it more pleasant for outdoor activities like trekking, cycling, and motorbike trips. While the rice fields in the mountains are still bare, lower-altitude regions start showing fresh green fields. Rainfall remains low, and the drier conditions make it a great time for exploring places like Halong Bay and Ninh Binh. If you’re looking for a balance of good weather and gradually improving scenery, March is a solid choice.
Best places to visit in March
March is a fantastic month to explore Northern Vietnam, with mild temperatures, clear skies, and ideal conditions for outdoor activities. Below, we highlight some of the best destinations to visit this month, focusing on seasonal highlights. For a complete list of must-visit places in Northern Vietnam, check out our full travel guide: North Vietnam Travel Guide.
1. Halong Bay – Ideal Cruising Weather
March is one of the best months to visit Halong Bay, with mild temperatures, clear skies, and calm seas. This is a great time for all activities, including kayaking, cave exploration, and island hopping. If you want to extend your trip, Cat Ba Island is a great additional stop.
For more details, check out our full guide: Halong Bay in March.
2. Hanoi – Perfect Sightseeing Weather
Hanoi in March enjoys pleasant temperatures— not too hot, not too cold— making it an excellent time for walking tours, sightseeing, and exploring street food markets. Whether you’re strolling through the Old Quarter, visiting the Temple of Literature, or taking a trip to the West Lake, the weather enhances the experience.
For more details, check out our full guide: Hanoi in March.
3. Ha Giang – Warming Up with Blooming Trees
Ha Giang in March offers perfect weather for exploring, with cold temperatures easing and blooming flowers adding color to the landscape. If you’re planning a motorbike trip on the Ha Giang Loop, bring warm clothes, but enjoy the dry, clear conditions for scenic rides.
For more details, check out our full guide: Ha Giang Loop in March.
4. Ninh Binh – Early Rice Growth & Scenic Cycling
The weather in Ninh Binh is warming up, making it a great time for cycling and boat trips. While the rice fields are not at their peak yet, the young green sprouts are already visible, adding a nice contrast to the limestone karsts. The Trang An and Tam Coc boat rides remain breathtaking.
For more details, check out our full guide: Ninh Binh in March.
5. Mai Chau – Rice Fields Starting to Grow
Mai Chau is warming up, and the rice fields are beginning to show early growth. Although not as spectacular as later in the year, the fields will get greener by the end of the month. Great weather for cycling and exploring the ethnic villages.
For more details, check out our full guide: Mai Chau in March.
6. Pu Luong – Trekking & Emerging Rice Fields
Similar to Mai Chau, Pu Luong in March sees early rice growth. Although not fully developed yet, the terraced fields start turning green, creating a pleasant landscape for trekking and exploring traditional villages. A great alternative to Sapa, where no rice grows at this time.
7. Cao Bang – Cool Weather & Scenic Views
March is a great month to visit Cao Bang, with comfortable weather for exploring the mountains and ethnic villages. Ban Gioc Waterfall, however, is starting to shrink as the dry season progresses, but the surrounding landscapes remain stunning.
For more details, check out our full guide: Ban Gioc Waterfall in March.
8. Sapa – Trekking with Blossom Views
March in Sapa is warmer than previous months, making it a great time for trekking. While there are still no rice fields, peach and plum blossoms begin to bloom, adding color to the landscape. The Fansipan Mountain cable car ride and Tram Ton Pass offer spectacular views.
For more details, check out our full guide: Sapa in March.
Events and holidays in March
March in Northern Vietnam is a time of spiritual and ancestral traditions, with major Buddhist festivals and family-oriented ceremonies. While some events are large and well-known, others are private family gatherings with little impact on travelers. Below are two of the most notable celebrations this month.
Holiday of the Dead (Thanh Minh)
When: Late March or early April (lunar calendar)
Where: Nationwide, mostly observed in cemeteries and family homes
Thanh Minh, or the Holiday of the Dead, is a day for Vietnamese families to clean and maintain ancestral graves. It is not a large public festival, but rather a private family tradition. While travelers won’t see major public celebrations, those visiting rural areas may notice families gathering at cemeteries with offerings and incense. This holiday does not affect travel plans, as businesses remain open, but it is a meaningful time for Vietnamese people to honor their ancestors.
Perfume Pagoda Festival
When: From the 6th day of the 1st lunar month to the end of the 3rd lunar month (mostly February, March, April)
Where: Perfume Pagoda, near Hanoi
The Perfume Pagoda Festival is one of Vietnam’s largest Buddhist pilgrimages, attracting thousands of visitors during these months. The Perfume Pagoda, located about 60 km from Hanoi, is a spiritual site set in a scenic limestone mountain area. Visitors can take a day trip from Hanoi, including a boat ride on the Yen River and a trek or cable car ride to Huong Tich Cave, the main temple.
While March is still part of the festival season, the busiest crowds tend to be earlier in the festival (February). By March, the atmosphere is still lively, but it is less chaotic, making it a more enjoyable experience for travelers who want to explore the spiritual side of Vietnam without extreme crowds.
For more details, check out our full guide: Guide to Perfume Pagoda Festival.
Travel tips for March in North Vietnam
March is one of the best months for traveling in North Vietnam, with warmer temperatures, blooming landscapes, and relatively dry conditions. However, occasional mist and light rain can still occur. Here’s what to keep in mind for your trip.
- What to bring – Pack light layers, as temperatures are milder, but mornings and evenings can still be cool. A waterproof jacket or a compact umbrella is useful for occasional drizzles. If you’re trekking, bring moisture-wicking clothing and comfortable hiking shoes, as trails may still be damp in some areas.
- Accommodation – March is the start of the spring travel season, so popular destinations like Hanoi, Sapa, and Ha Long Bay can be busier. While not as crowded as during Tet, booking in advance ensures better prices and availability, especially for boutique hotels and eco-lodges.
- Homestays – This is a great month for staying in a homestay, as the weather is more comfortable than in the winter months. Nights can still be chilly in the mountains, but conditions are generally pleasant. Be prepared for basic facilities, as traditional ethnic homestays do not have modern heating.
- Outdoor activities – Trekking conditions are excellent in Sapa, Ha Giang, and Pu Luong, with cool but not freezing temperatures. Rice fields are not at their peak green color yet, but the landscapes are still stunning. Ha Long Bay and Ninh Binh are enjoyable, though misty mornings are still common.
FAQ about traveling in March
How warm is North Vietnam in March?
March is noticeably warmer than January and February, with temperatures in Hanoi ranging from 17–25°C (63–77°F). In the mountains (Sapa, Ha Giang), it’s still cool, with temperatures between 10–20°C (50–68°F), but much more comfortable for trekking than in winter months.
Is March a busy travel month in North Vietnam?
March is a popular month, especially among international travelers, but it is less crowded than Tet in February. Hanoi, Ha Long Bay, and trekking areas like Sapa and Ha Giang start to see more tourists, so booking accommodations in advance is recommended.
What should I wear in North Vietnam in March?
March is a transitional month, so layering is key. Bring a light jacket for mornings and evenings, but during the day, a long-sleeve shirt or sweater is often enough. If trekking, wear moisture-wicking clothing, as it can get warm during the day.
