Climate and region of Mekong Delta
The Mekong Delta, located in southern Vietnam, is a vast network of rivers, canals, and lush countryside, known for its floating markets, traditional villages, and tropical fruit orchards. This region includes major destinations such as Can Tho, My Tho, Ben Tre, Vinh Long, Chau Doc, and Ca Mau.
The Mekong Delta has a tropical monsoon climate, meaning it experiences two distinct seasons:
- Dry season: December – April
- Rainy season: May – November
The dry season is characterized by warm temperatures, low humidity, and little to no rainfall, making it the most popular time to visit. The rainy season brings frequent showers, but they are usually short and followed by sunshine.
Travel Tip: If you’re visiting the Mekong Delta as part of a longer Vietnam trip, be aware that the seasons differ across regions. In January, the Mekong Delta is in the dry season, while central Vietnam is in the cooler and slightly rainy period, and northern Vietnam is experiencing its winter season with cooler temperatures, especially in the mountains.
Weather in Mekong Delta in January
January is one of the driest and most pleasant months in the Mekong Delta. Expect warm, comfortable temperatures ranging from 22°C (72°F) at night to 31°C (88°F) during the day. Humidity is lower compared to other months, making it more comfortable for outdoor activities.
Rainfall is minimal, with only 5–10 rainy days in the entire month and a total average precipitation of 10–20 mm (0.4–0.8 inches). The skies are mostly clear, and sunshine is abundant, with 7–9 hours of daylight per day.
This period is the peak of the dry season, meaning rivers and canals have stable water levels, and boat trips can be enjoyed without disruption. The risk of flooding or heavy downpours is extremely low.
Is Mekong Delta worth visiting in January?
Yes, January is an excellent time to visit the Mekong Delta. The dry, sunny, and warm weather makes it perfect for exploring the region’s unique landscapes, cruising through floating markets, and enjoying rural life without worrying about rain.
With comfortable temperatures and low humidity, outdoor activities such as cycling through fruit orchards, visiting traditional villages, and exploring nature reserves are much more enjoyable compared to the hotter months later in the dry season. Additionally, the Tet holiday (Vietnamese New Year) often falls in late January or early February, bringing a festive atmosphere to local markets and temples.
Since this is a peak travel month, booking accommodations and tours in advance is recommended to secure the best options.
Travel tips & best things to do in January
January is one of the best months to visit the Mekong Delta, offering pleasant temperatures, clear skies, and low humidity—ideal for outdoor activities and cultural experiences. With the dry season in full swing, travelers can enjoy the region’s famous floating markets, lush countryside, and peaceful river landscapes without worrying about rain. Here’s what makes January special and what you should experience during this month.
Explore the Floating Markets in Ideal Conditions
January’s cool mornings and sunny days make it the perfect time for a boat trip through the Mekong Delta’s famous floating markets, such as Cai Rang (Can Tho), Phong Dien (Can Tho), and Long Xuyen (An Giang). Since early mornings are the best time to visit these markets, the comfortable temperatures make it much more enjoyable to cruise through the bustling waterways, watching vendors sell fresh produce, breakfast dishes, and local goods from their boats.
Travel tip:
- Start your boat trip as early as possible (around 5:30–6:00 AM) to catch the markets at their liveliest and enjoy cooler temperatures before the midday heat.
- Pack a light jacket for the early morning chill, as temperatures can be cooler before sunrise.
Birdwatching in the Prime Season
January is the peak season for birdwatching in the Mekong Delta’s wildlife reserves, with thousands of migratory birds present in areas like:
- Tram Chim National Park (Dong Thap Province) – A top spot to see the rare Sarus Crane, which arrives during the dry season.
- Gao Giong Bird Sanctuary (Dong Thap Province) – A less crowded but equally rewarding place to observe storks, herons, and egrets in their natural wetland habitat.
Since water levels are still high but stable, boat trips into these bird sanctuaries are smooth and accessible, allowing travelers to get closer to nature without disruption.
Travel Tip:
- Visit bird sanctuaries in the early morning or late afternoon when birds are most active and lighting conditions are best for photography.
- Bring binoculars and a camera with a zoom lens for a better birdwatching experience.
Cycling through the countryside
With cooler temperatures and dry roads, January is a fantastic month for cycling through the Mekong Delta’s lush landscapes. Rural areas such as Ben Tre, Vinh Long, and An Binh Island are excellent places to explore by bike, as you can ride past coconut plantations, rice paddies, and local villages.
Travel Tip:
- Rent a bicycle in Ben Tre or Can Tho and follow small countryside paths to experience local life up close.
- Pack sunscreen and a hat, as midday temperatures can still get warm despite the cooler mornings.
Mekong Delta & Phu Quoc – A Perfect Combination
While the Mekong Delta itself isn’t a major beach destination, January is one of the best months to combine a visit with Phu Quoc Island. The island, technically part of the Mekong Delta region, enjoys warm temperatures and dry, sunny weather in January, making it a perfect beach escape after exploring the river landscapes.
How to get there:
- Take a direct flight from Can Tho to Phu Quoc (only 1 hour).
- Travel by ferry from Rach Gia or Ha Tien, though the sea is sometimes a little rough in early January.
Experience the flower fields for Tet preparations
As Tet (Vietnamese Lunar New Year) approaches in late January or early February, flower villages in the Mekong Delta burst into color, as farmers prepare to supply blossoms for the biggest festival of the year. Two of the best places to see this:
- Sa Dec Flower Village (Dong Thap Province) – One of Vietnam’s largest flower-growing areas, where marigolds, chrysanthemums, and apricot blossoms are in full bloom.
- My Tho Flower Gardens – Another great place to see local farmers preparing flowers for the Tet holiday markets.
Travel Tip:
- If visiting in late January, you’ll see lively Tet markets across the Mekong Delta selling flowers, festive decorations, and holiday foods.
Travel tips for January in the Mekong Delta
- Book accommodation and tours in advance – January is high season, so popular floating market tours and eco-lodges can fill up quickly.
- Pack light layers – Early mornings can be cool, but the afternoons are warm and sunny.
- Try seasonal fruits – January is a great time to taste coconut, tangerines, and pomelo, which are at their peak harvest in the Mekong Delta.
