Climate and region of Ho Chi Minh City
Before looking at the weather in October in Ho Chi Minh City, it’s helpful to understand the region’s overall climate. The city, located in southern Vietnam, has a tropical monsoon climate, meaning high temperatures year-round with a clear split between the dry and rainy seasons.
- Dry Season: December to April
- Rainy Season: May to November
Travel tip: How October weather differs across Vietnam
South Vietnam in October is nearing the end of the rainy season, with occasional heavy showers still expected. Meanwhile, central Vietnam enters its peak rainy season, often experiencing storms and even typhoons. In northern Vietnam, autumn brings cooler and drier conditions, offering a completely different climate from the south.
Weather in Ho Chi Minh City in October
October is the final phase of the rainy season in Ho Chi Minh City, with gradually decreasing rainfall and slightly cooler temperatures. Daytime highs average 31°C (88°F), while nighttime temperatures hover around 24°C (75°F). Rainfall is still significant, with about 240 mm (9.4 inches) for the month, but downpours become less frequent toward the end of October. Most rain showers occur in the afternoons or evenings, leaving mornings relatively dry.
While humidity remains high, October marks the transition toward the dry season, making it more comfortable than the peak rainy months. The Mekong Delta and Phu Quoc still experience wet conditions, but rain gradually eases across the region. If you’re planning to visit, the second half of the month generally offers better weather than the beginning.
You can also read our full overview of weather throughout the year in Ho Chi Minh City, in our guide what to expect in Ho Chi Minh City per month.
Is Ho Chi Minh City worth visiting in October?
October is not the best month to visit Ho Chi Minh City, as it is still part of the rainy season, though rainfall gradually starts to decrease as the month progresses. Humidity remains high, and afternoon showers are still common, but they are often shorter and less intense than in previous months. Mornings tend to be drier, making it possible to explore before the rain arrives.
Despite the lingering rain, Ho Chi Minh City remains a great destination, as its urban setting means activities are less affected compared to beach or countryside locations. Markets, museums, and indoor attractions offer plenty of options, and even during the rainy season, the city maintains its lively atmosphere. If you don’t mind occasional showers, the second half of the month is a more comfortable time to visit.
Did you know?
October brings great weather to northern Vietnam, as the dry season begins and the intense summer heat fades. The rice harvest season is nearly over, but you might still catch golden fields in Mu Cang Chai and Hoang Su Phi in the early part of the month. The cooler but still warm temperatures make it one of the most comfortable months to explore Hanoi, Halong Bay, and the northern mountains.
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 October
October does not have major public holidays, but travelers may still notice several cultural and international events happening throughout the city. Some festivals, like the Mid-Autumn Festival or the Can Gio Whale Festival, follow the lunar calendar and may fall in October instead of September, depending on the year.
Even though there are fewer national celebrations, many local establishments and Ho Chi Minh City’s large expat communities continue to host events, cultural activities, and themed gatherings, keeping the city lively throughout the month.
Mid-Autumn Festival
If the Mid-Autumn Festival falls in October, it will be celebrated just as vibrantly as in September. This means lion dances, mooncakes, and colorful lantern displays across the city, especially around Lantern Street in District 5.
For more details on where to see lion dance performances, lantern decorations, and the best places to experience the festival, check out our full guide: Mid-Autumn Festival in Ho Chi Minh City.
Whale Festival
The Can Gio Whale Festival also continues in October, depending on the lunar calendar. The festival is deeply rooted in Vietnam’s fishing culture, where fishermen pay tribute to the Whale God, believing it brings protection and good fortune.
While the festival mainly takes place in Can Gio, outside the city center, it remains a unique cultural event that travelers can experience. The festival includes boat parades, offerings at the Temple of Water General, and community celebrations among local fishermen.
Vietnamese Women’s Day
Vietnamese Women’s Day, celebrated on October 20, is a day dedicated to honoring the contributions of women in Vietnamese society. While it is not a public holiday, travelers will notice flowers, gifts, and special promotions in shops, cafés, and restaurants. Many businesses offer discounts or special menus to celebrate the occasion, and flower stalls pop up along sidewalks.
Halloween
While Halloween is not a traditional Vietnamese holiday, it has become increasingly popular in Ho Chi Minh City, particularly in areas with a strong expat and international presence. Travelers will notice bars, clubs, and restaurants hosting Halloween-themed parties, and many people—especially young locals and expats—dress up in costumes for the night.
For those interested in experiencing Halloween in Ho Chi Minh City, the best places to visit are the bars and clubs in District 1 and Thao Dien (District 2), where costume parties, themed events, and Halloween decorations take over the nightlife scene.
Best things to do in Ho Chi Minh City in October
October is still part of the rainy season, but rainfall gradually decreases as the month progresses. While the weather remains humid, mornings and early afternoons are usually dry, making it a good time to explore historical landmarks, such as the War Remnants Museum, Independence Palace, and Notre Dame Cathedral. With the end of the rainy season approaching, markets like Binh Tay and Ben Thanh are lively as locals prepare for the upcoming dry months.
Street food tours and motorbike tours remain great ways to explore the city, as long as you’re prepared for occasional showers. The Cu Chi Tunnels and Tay Ninh Holy See are still accessible for day trips, and the Mekong Delta starts to see more stable weather, making boat tours a better experience toward the end of the month. With Halloween gaining popularity in Ho Chi Minh City, visitors can also experience themed events, particularly in bars, clubs, and expat-heavy areas.
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 October
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 October 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 October
October is still part of the rainy season in the Mekong Delta, but the rainfall gradually starts to decrease toward the end of the month. This is an interesting time to visit, as the region is in the middle of its “water rising season,” meaning the rivers and canals are at their highest levels, and flooded forests such as Tra Su Forest in An Giang are at their most scenic.
Despite the rain, the Mekong Delta remains one of the best places to visit in southern Vietnam during the rainy season, as most activities—such as floating markets, boat trips, and orchard visits—continue as usual. Rain showers are typically short and heavy, leaving plenty of time for exploration. By late October, conditions start improving, making it a great time to visit before the peak tourist season begins.
Phu Quoc in October
October is still not an ideal time to visit Phu Quoc, as it remains deep in the rainy season. Expect frequent downpours, rough seas, and strong winds, making it difficult to enjoy beach activities. While there may be occasional dry periods, they are unpredictable, and many tours—such as snorkeling and boat trips to smaller islands—are often canceled due to poor conditions.
For those looking for a beach destination, central Vietnam (Da Nang, Hoi An, and Nha Trang) remains the better option this time of year, as it is still in its dry season. If visiting Phu Quoc in October, be prepared for wet weather and limited outdoor activities.
Mui Ne in October
October is a transition month for Mui Ne, as the rainy season slowly comes to an end. While showers still occur, especially in the afternoons, the frequency of rain decreases toward the end of the month.
Mui Ne is not the best destination for a dedicated beach holiday in October, but it can still be a worthwhile stop for travelers heading north or south. The sand dunes, fishing villages, and coastal scenery remain enjoyable, and if visiting toward the end of the month, there’s a better chance of drier and sunnier weather.
Dalat in October
Dalat in October is a mix of rain and sunshine, as it slowly transitions from the rainy season to the dry season. Temperatures remain cool (16-24°C / 61-75°F), making it a comfortable destination compared to the heat and humidity of Ho Chi Minh City.
October is a great time for nature lovers, as the countryside is lush and green after months of rain, and waterfalls like Datanla and Elephant Falls are still at strong flow levels. While occasional rain showers occur, Dalat remains a great alternative to beach destinations, with plenty of indoor and outdoor activities to enjoy.
Travel tips for October in Ho Chi Minh City
These travel tips will help you prepare for visiting Ho Chi Minh City in October, ensuring a smooth and comfortable experience.
What to pack
Pack light, quick-drying clothing, a small umbrella or rain jacket, and waterproof footwear for wet streets. Since humidity can make clothes feel damp, packing extra changes of clothes may be useful.
Accommodations
October is still low season for international tourism, meaning you’ll find plenty of hotel availability at lower prices. There’s no need to book far in advance, except for specific boutique hotels or highly rated accommodations that remain in demand year-round.
Getting around Ho Chi Minh City
Rain showers are less frequent but still occur, usually in the afternoons. Grab cars are the most reliable option, especially if you want to avoid getting caught in a sudden downpour. Walking is manageable, but carrying a small umbrella or rain jacket is still a good idea. The humidity remains high, so indoor breaks in air-conditioned spaces help make sightseeing more comfortable.
Health and safety
Air Pollution – As rainfall decreases toward the end of the month, pollution levels may start increasing slightly. It’s still much better than the dry season months, but those sensitive to air quality may want to monitor pollution levels.
Heat – While not as extreme as previous months, humidity remains high. Drink plenty of water, wear light clothing, and avoid long walks in the early afternoon heat.
