Northern Vietnam climate
Before diving into the best time to visit North Vietnam, it’s important to understand the region’s climate. Unlike southern Vietnam, where temperatures remain warm year-round, the north experiences distinct seasons with significant variations in temperature and rainfall. These seasonal changes impact not only the weather but also travel conditions, landscapes, and activities.
Northern Vietnam dry season (November – April)
The dry season in North Vietnam spans from November to April, bringing cooler, drier conditions. During this period, temperatures can vary greatly depending on the location. In Hanoi and the lowlands, daytime temperatures are mild, ranging between 15–25°C (59–77°F), while mountainous areas like Sapa and Ha Giang can drop below 10°C (50°F) and even experience frost in the coldest months (December – February).
This is the most comfortable time for outdoor activities, with minimal rainfall and low humidity. The skies are often clear, making it an excellent season for trekking, sightseeing, and exploring Vietnam’s northern landscapes. However, from late February onwards, temperatures gradually rise, marking the transition into warmer spring weather.
Northern Vietnam rainy season (May – October)
The rainy season in North Vietnam runs from May to October, bringing higher temperatures, increased humidity, and frequent rainfall. Average temperatures in Hanoi and the lowlands reach 30–35°C (86–95°F), while mountain regions remain slightly cooler but still humid.
June, July, and August are the wettest months, often experiencing heavy downpours in the afternoon or evening. These months also see the highest humidity levels, making outdoor activities more challenging. However, the rainy season isn’t entirely bad—May and September–October are transitional months with less intense rainfall, meaning you can still enjoy relatively good weather with occasional showers.
Traveling to mountainous regions during peak rainy months requires caution, as landslides and slippery roads can affect access to remote areas. However, this season is also when Vietnam’s rice terraces are at their most spectacular, particularly in September, when the fields turn golden before the harvest.
Vietnam’s climate and regions
While understanding the best time to visit North Vietnam is important, keep in mind that the rest of Vietnam has very different weather patterns. If you’re planning a broader trip that includes central or southern Vietnam, you’ll need to consider the varying climates across regions.
Vietnam is generally divided into three climate zones:
- North Vietnam (Hanoi, Sapa, Ha Giang, Ninh Binh) – Experiences distinct seasons, with a cool, dry winter (November–April) and a hot, humid rainy season (May–October).
- Central Vietnam (Hoi An, Da Nang, Hue, Nha Trang) – Has a tropical monsoon climate, with a dry season from February to August and a rainy season from September to January. Some months bring intense storms and typhoons, which can disrupt travel. Read more about the best time to visit Central Vietnam.
- South Vietnam (Ho Chi Minh City, Mekong Delta, Phu Quoc) – Has a consistent tropical climate, with warm temperatures year-round. The dry season runs from November to April, while the rainy season (May to October) brings short but heavy showers, mostly in the afternoon. See details on the best time to visit South Vietnam.
If you plan to visit multiple regions, balancing the best weather conditions across Vietnam can be tricky. The dry season in the north may not align with the best travel months in central or southern Vietnam, so it’s worth considering how different seasons affect your itinerary.
Best time to visit North Vietnam
When is the best time to visit North Vietnam? That depends on what you’re looking for. If you want comfortable weather, some months are better than others. But if you’re after stunning landscapes, especially lush rice fields and full waterfalls, the best time might be different. Below, we break down the best months based on weather, scenery, and a mix of both to help you decide.
Best weather time in northern Vietnam
For ideal weather, you need a balance between low rainfall and comfortable temperatures. While the dry season (November–April) has the least rain, some months—especially December and January—can be quite cold, particularly in the mountains.
Best months for weather: March, April, October, and November
These months have:
- Mild temperatures (not too cold, not too hot)
- Low rainfall (great for trekking and sightseeing)
- Comfortable humidity levels
March and April (Spring): Warm but not too hot, with plenty of sunshine and minimal rain. Ideal for outdoor activities.
October and November (Autumn): Clear skies, fresh air after the rainy season, and no extreme heat or humidity.
These months are the best if you want the most comfortable travel conditions.
Best scenery time in northern Vietnam
While the dry season has better weather, it also means drier landscapes. During these months, nature looks less vibrant, waterfalls like Ban Gioc shrink, and there’s little to no rice growing in the terraced fields. If you want to experience lush landscapes, green rice fields, and powerful waterfalls, you need to travel during the rainy season—but choose the right months.
Best months for scenery: May, August, and September
These months have:
- Lush green landscapes after fresh rain
- Rice fields in different growth stages
- Waterfalls at their fullest
May: The first rice season starts in lower areas like Ninh Binh, Mai Chau, and Pu Luong, while Sapa enters its “mirror season”, when the terraces are filled with water, creating breathtaking reflections.
August & September: The peak season for stunning rice fields. Sapa, Mu Cang Chai, and Ha Giang are all golden as the rice nears harvest, and Ban Gioc Waterfall is at its most powerful.
If scenic landscapes are your priority, these are the best months to visit.
Months with the best combination of weather and scenery
Most travelers want a balance between good weather and stunning scenery. It’s never perfectly aligned, but some months come close.
1. September – A mix of both
- Still part of the rainy season, but rainfall is much lower than in previous months.
- Temperatures start cooling down, making it more comfortable.
- Rice fields are at their peak beauty across North Vietnam.
- Waterfalls are full, and the landscape is at its most vibrant.
2. Early October – Slightly better weather, still good scenery
- Drier than September, making travel conditions easier.
- Jungles are still green, and waterfalls remain strong.
- Rice fields are still visible in some areas. Sapa is often harvested by now, but Mu Cang Chai and Hoang Su Phi still have golden terraces in early October.
3. Late April – Early May – A hidden gem for scenery and weather
- Transitioning out of the dry season, so temperatures are pleasant.
- Nature starts turning green, and waterfalls regain strength.
- Rice fields in areas like Ninh Binh, Mai Chau, and Pu Luong begin their first growing season, while Sapa enters its beautiful mirror season.
These months offer the best compromise—not too rainy, not too hot, and with beautiful landscapes.
Seasons of Northern Vietnam explained
While Northern Vietnam is often described in terms of the dry season and rainy season, it also experiences four distinct seasons—spring, summer, autumn, and winter. These seasonal changes bring noticeable differences in temperature, humidity, and scenery, making each period unique for travelers. Understanding these seasons will help you decide when the best time to visit North Vietnam is based on your preferences.
Spring (March – April)
Spring in Northern Vietnam lasts from March to April, bringing mild temperatures, blooming flowers, and comfortable travel conditions. This season is one of the best times to visit North Vietnam, as the weather is warm but not too hot, with temperatures ranging from 18–28°C (64–82°F). Rainfall is still low, but humidity starts to rise slightly as the region transitions into the rainy season.
Spring is an excellent time for trekking, visiting cultural sites, and exploring the countryside, as nature begins to turn green again. In some regions, such as Ninh Binh, Mai Chau, and Pu Luong, the first rice season of the year starts in late April, making the landscapes more scenic.
Summer (May – August)
Summer in Northern Vietnam spans from May to August, bringing hot and humid weather with frequent rainfall. Temperatures range between 28–35°C (82–95°F), with high humidity levels making it feel even hotter. Rain showers are common, especially in the afternoons, but they are usually short-lived.
Despite the heat, summer has its own beauty—this is when the landscapes are at their greenest, and waterfalls like Ban Gioc are full of water. May is a great time to visit if you want to see rice fields growing in the lowlands, while August marks the beginning of the golden rice season in the mountains.
However, be aware that heavy rain, especially in July and August, can lead to muddy trekking paths, occasional landslides, and travel disruptions in mountainous regions like Sapa and Ha Giang.
Autumn (September – November)
Autumn is one of the best times to visit North Vietnam, lasting from September to November. Temperatures become cooler and more comfortable, ranging from 20–30°C (68–86°F), while rainfall decreases compared to the peak summer months. Humidity levels drop, making travel conditions ideal.
September is a highlight month for scenery, as the rice fields in Sapa, Mu Cang Chai, and Ha Giang turn golden just before the harvest. Waterfalls remain impressive, and the surrounding landscapes are lush and green. By October and November, the skies become clearer, and the weather is perfect for trekking, sightseeing, and motorbike trips through the mountains.
If you’re looking for comfortable weather with stunning landscapes, early autumn is one of the best times to visit.
Winter (December – February)
Winter in Northern Vietnam lasts from December to February, bringing cool to cold temperatures, especially in the mountains. In Hanoi and the lowlands, temperatures range from 10–20°C (50–68°F), but in higher-altitude areas like Sapa and Ha Giang, it can drop close to 0°C (32°F). Occasionally, places like Sapa and Mount Fansipan even experience frost or snowfall.
The winter months are part of the dry season, meaning little rainfall and clear skies. This makes it a good time for sightseeing in cities like Hanoi and Ninh Binh, but trekking in mountainous areas can be quite cold. The landscapes are also less vibrant, with dry grass and fewer green fields, as this is the time between rice seasons.
For travelers who enjoy cooler weather and fewer crowds, winter can be a great time to visit, but be prepared for chilly temperatures in the mountains.
Rice fields & harvest times in North Vietnam
For some travelers, seeing the famous rice terraces of Northern Vietnam is one of the biggest highlights. However, the stunning photos of lush green or golden fields you may have seen online are not visible year-round. If this is your main reason for visiting, the best time to visit North Vietnam is during the final stages of the rice growing season, when the fields are at their most impressive.
Northern Vietnam has two main rice growing seasons, but not all areas follow the same cycle. The famous terraced fields of Sapa and Mu Cang Chai only have one harvest per year, while lower-altitude areas like Ninh Binh, Pu Luong, and Mai Chau have two. Below, we explain when and where to see the best rice fields.
If seeing rice fields in North Vietnam is a priority for you, we recommend reading the full guide: rice fields in North Vietnam. This includes a month-by-month breakdown of where rice is grown, what to expect, the best destinations, and tips on how to explore them.
Spring harvest (May – early June)
- Areas: Ninh Binh, Pu Luong, Mai Chau
- Start of planting: February
- Harvest time: May – early June
In lower-altitude regions like Ninh Binh, Pu Luong, and Mai Chau, rice is planted twice a year. The first cycle begins in February, but the fields don’t look impressive at this stage. By March and April, the rice plants grow taller, and the fields become greener, offering a beautiful landscape even before the harvest.
By May, the fields reach their peak beauty, turning into stunning golden terraces as the rice ripens. Harvesting takes place in late May and early June, so visiting in the weeks before the harvest ensures you see the most picturesque landscapes.
Best time to visit: Late April to May for the green-to-golden transition.
Autumn harvest (September – early October)
- Areas: All of northern Vietnam (Sapa, Mu Cang Chai, Ninh Binh, Mai Chau, Pu Luong)
- Start of planting: May
- Harvest time: September – early October
This is the most famous rice harvest season in North Vietnam, as it includes the iconic terraced fields of Sapa and Mu Cang Chai. Unlike lower regions, these highland areas only have one rice harvest per year, making this period even more special.
Rice planting begins in May, and by July and August, the terraces start turning greener and more picturesque. By September, the fields transition into shades of gold, creating the postcard-perfect views North Vietnam is known for. Harvesting takes place from mid-September to early October, so visiting just before the harvest gives you the most spectacular scenery.
Best time to visit: Early to mid-September for the best golden fields.
Events & holidays in North Vietnam
An event, festival, or public holiday can significantly impact travel in Northern Vietnam—both positively and negatively. Some offer unique cultural experiences, such as traditional festivals, parades, and local celebrations, while others may bring challenges like crowded tourist spots, higher demand for transport, and business closures. This means that holidays and festivals can play a big role in deciding the best time to visit North Vietnam.
Below is an overview of key events throughout the year and what they mean for travelers.
Tết (Vietnamese Lunar New Year) – Late January or Early February
Tết is Vietnam’s most important holiday, marking the start of the Lunar New Year with family reunions, traditional rituals, and festive decorations. For travelers, many businesses close for several days, transport can be fully booked, and cities like Hanoi may feel quieter, but it’s a unique time to witness local traditions and festive markets before the holiday.
Tây Sơn Festival (Bắc Ninh) – 5th–7th Day of the Lunar New Year
A festival celebrating Emperor Quang Trung’s victory over Chinese invaders, featuring martial arts performances and reenactments. It’s a fascinating cultural event, but mostly attended by locals, with little impact on general travel.
Gióng Festival at Soc Temple (Hanoi) – 6th–8th Day of the Lunar New Year
A spiritual festival in Hanoi’s Soc Son district, honoring the legendary warrior Saint Gióng with processions, folk games, and traditional performances. Travelers interested in local culture can experience a lively traditional festival outside of the city center.
Perfume Pagoda Festival (Hanoi) – 6th Day of the Lunar New Year to Late March
Vietnam’s longest-running religious festival, where thousands of pilgrims visit the Perfume Pagoda, traveling by boat through scenic waterways. Expect large crowds, but it’s a great time to witness Vietnam’s Buddhist traditions in a stunning natural setting.
Yen Tu Festival (Quang Ninh) – 10th Day of the Lunar New Year to Late March
A Buddhist pilgrimage to Yen Tu Mountain, where King Tran Nhan Tong founded Vietnamese Zen Buddhism. While it’s an important event for locals, visitors can enjoy the peaceful mountain scenery and cultural atmosphere.
Chùa Thầy Festival (Hanoi) – 5th–7th Day of the Lunar New Year
A traditional festival at Thầy Pagoda, celebrating the life of a famous monk, featuring water puppetry and spiritual rituals. It’s a nice cultural stop for travelers visiting Hanoi’s countryside.
Lim Festival (Bac Ninh) – 13th Day of the 1st Lunar Month
A celebration of Quan Ho folk singing, with locals performing traditional love songs in elaborate costumes. It’s a good opportunity for visitors to experience Vietnam’s UNESCO-recognized folk music.
Hung Kings’ Festival (Phu Tho) – 10th Day of the 3rd Lunar Month
A national holiday honoring the legendary founders of Vietnam, with ceremonies held at the Hung Kings’ Temple in Phu Tho. It can be a busy time for travel, but it offers a deep insight into Vietnamese national pride and traditions.
Reunification Day (Public Holiday) – April 30
A national holiday commemorating the end of the Vietnam War in 1975. It’s a busy domestic travel period, with some businesses closed and fireworks in major cities like Hanoi.
International Workers’ Day (Public Holiday) – May 1
Celebrated alongside Reunification Day, this holiday creates a long weekend, leading to crowded tourist spots and fully booked transport. Advance planning is recommended if traveling at this time.
Buddha’s Birthday (Vesak Festival) – May (Lunar Calendar, Date Varies)
A Buddhist celebration with ceremonies, lantern processions, and prayers at pagodas. Travelers can visit temples like Tran Quoc Pagoda in Hanoi to experience a peaceful, spiritual atmosphere.
Vu Lan Festival (Ghost Festival) – 15th Day of the 7th Lunar Month (July – August)
A Buddhist festival where locals pay respect to ancestors, offering food and incense at temples. It’s a family-oriented holiday, so there’s little impact on travel, but visiting pagodas can be an interesting cultural experience.
National Day (Public Holiday) – September 2
Vietnam’s Independence Day, with parades, flags, and fireworks in major cities like Hanoi. Expect crowds and celebrations, but also some government offices and businesses closing for the day.
Mid-Autumn Festival (Tết Trung Thu) – 15th Day of the 8th Lunar Month (September – October)
A festival mainly for children, featuring lantern parades, lion dances, and mooncakes. Hanoi’s Old Quarter comes alive with festive decorations, making it a great time for cultural photography and street food.
Hanoi Liberation Day – October 10
Celebrates the day Hanoi was liberated from French rule in 1954, with official ceremonies and exhibitions. It’s not a major festival for tourists, but history enthusiasts may find it interesting.
Ha Giang Buckwheat Flower Festival – Mid-November
A regional festival celebrating the blooming of buckwheat flowers in Ha Giang, with cultural performances and photography opportunities. It’s a perfect time for travelers to explore Ha Giang’s stunning landscapes.
Christmas (December 24–25)
Christmas is not an official holiday, but cities like Hanoi decorate with Christmas lights, markets, and festive displays. Travelers can find Western-style celebrations, church services, and themed events in major cities.
New Year’s Eve (December 31)
New Year’s Eve is celebrated with fireworks and parties in Hanoi. While it’s not as big as Tết, it’s still a lively time to experience Hanoi’s nightlife.
North Vietnam 12 month weather overview
The best time to visit North Vietnam is highly personal. Some travelers prefer the cooler, dry season for its comfortable conditions, while others seek the most vibrant scenery, even if it means a higher chance of occasional rain. Others may be limited to traveling at specific times of the year due to work and need to find the best possible option for their available months.
To help you decide, here’s a month-by-month overview of North Vietnam’s weather, including links to detailed guides for each month.
January
Okay time to visit
January is part of the dry season, meaning there is very little rain, making it a good time for sightseeing and trekking. However, it can be cold, especially in the mountains, with misty days in places like Sapa and Ha Giang. There are no rice fields during this time, as it’s between harvests.
February
Okay time to visit
The weather in February is dry with minimal rain, but it remains chilly, especially in the mountains. The landscapes are still somewhat dull, as there are no rice fields yet, but planting season may start in places like Pu Luong, Ninh Binh, and Mai Chau.
March
Good time to visit
March marks the start of warmer and more comfortable weather, with low rainfall and mild temperatures. The landscapes begin to look greener, and small rice plants become visible in Pu Luong, Ninh Binh, and Mai Chau (but not yet in Sapa).
April
Very good time to visit
April offers pleasant weather with little rain. Nature is vibrant and green, and rice fields in Pu Luong, Ninh Binh, and Mai Chau look very beautiful as they grow taller. However, Sapa still has no rice fields at this time.
May
Good time to visit
May is the start of the transition into the rainy season, but rain is still manageable. The landscapes look stunning as Pu Luong, Ninh Binh, and Mai Chau reach their rice harvest season. Meanwhile, Sapa enters its “mirror season,” with terraces filled with water—a unique sight.
June
Okay time to visit
June sees more rain and hotter temperatures, but nature is lush and green. There may still be some late rice harvests in early June in Pu Luong, Ninh Binh, and Mai Chau. In Sapa, the mirror season continues early in the month, while young rice sprouts appear later.
July
Okay time to visit
July is hot, humid, and rainy, making it one of the more challenging months for travel. However, small rice plants are growing throughout Northern Vietnam, and by the end of the month, the fields start looking greener and more impressive.
August
Good time to visit
August is still part of the rainy season, but it offers beautiful rice fields, especially later in the month. In Sapa, some areas may already start harvesting by late August, while other places still have lush green terraces.
September
Very good time to visit
September is one of the best months for stunning scenery. Although it’s still part of the rainy season, rainfall decreases compared to earlier months. The rice fields are at their most spectacular, with Sapa being one of the first areas to start harvesting, followed by Mu Cang Chai and Ha Giang later in the month.
October
Very good time to visit
October offers great weather and is one of the most comfortable months for travel. Most rice fields have already been harvested in Sapa, but in early October, you can still see golden terraces in Mu Cang Chai, Hoang Su Phi, and sometimes Pu Luong. By mid to late October, most places have finished harvesting.
November
Good time to visit
November is part of the dry season with comfortable temperatures and almost no rain. However, there are no rice fields left, as the harvest is already over. Despite that, it’s a great time for sightseeing and trekking.
December
Okay time to visit
December is part of the dry season, with minimal rain, but temperatures drop, especially in the mountains. There are no rice fields, and landscapes can look dry. However, clear skies and cool weather make it a good time for exploring cities and cultural sites.
