Vietnam Weather by Season (2026) & What to Pack

Janet2

2026-02-05

Vietnam 2026 Seasonal Guide + Packing Checklist

Planning a trip to Vietnam but not sure what to wear or what to pack?
This 2026 Vietnam weather guide and packing checklist will save you from last-minute stress.

Vietnam stretches over 1,600 km from north to south, which means the climate varies dramatically between regions. A poor seasonal choice could leave you shivering in Hanoi or stuck in a sudden tropical downpour in Ho Chi Minh City.

In this guide, we break down Vietnam's seasonal weather patterns for 2026 and provide practical packing tips for each region — so you can travel prepared, confident, and comfortable.

Why Is Vietnam's Weather So Different by Region?

Vietnam's long, narrow shape spans from the subtropics to the tropics, creating three distinct climate zones:

Northern Vietnam (Hanoi, Ha Long Bay, Sapa): Four seasons with cool winters and hot, humid summers.
Central Vietnam (Da Nang, Hoi An, Hue): Strongly influenced by monsoons and typhoons, with heavy rain in autumn.
Southern Vietnam (Ho Chi Minh City, Mui Ne, Phu Quoc): A classic tropical climate with year-round warmth and clear dry and rainy seasons.

This means that in January, you might need a jacket in Hanoi, while wearing shorts and a T-shirt in Ho Chi Minh City.

Rainy Seasons by Region

Northern Vietnam:
Rainy season from April to October, peaking in June–August.
November to March is cooler and drier, with occasional mist and drizzle.

Central Vietnam:
Heaviest rain from September to November due to autumn fronts and typhoons.
January to August is generally hot and dry.

Southern Vietnam:
Rainy season from May to October; dry season from November to April.
Afternoon thunderstorms are common during the rainy months.

Vietnam Weather Data by City (2025)

The table below summarizes monthly average temperatures and rainfall for Hanoi (North), Da Nang (Central), and Ho Chi Minh City (South) in 2025.

**Vietnam Major Cities — Monthly Averages (°C / mm)**
Month	Hanoi Avg Temp (°C)	Hanoi Rainfall (mm)	Da Nang Avg Temp (°C)	Da Nang Rainfall (mm)	HCMC Avg Temp (°C)	HCMC Rainfall (mm)
Jan	16	18	21	92	26	13
Feb	17	26	22	32	27	12
Mar	20	44	24	30	28	20
Apr	24	90	27	33	29	50
May	28	189	29	82	29	220
Jun	29	240	30	86	28	310
Jul	29	288	30	90	28	290
Aug	29	318	30	113	28	270
Sep	27	265	28	350	28	320
Oct	24	131	26	650	28	260
Nov	21	43	24	432	27	116
Dec	17	23	22	215	26	48
Note: These figures are long-term monthly averages for travel planning. Actual weather may vary due to El Niño / La Niña, tropical cyclones, and cold fronts. Always check official forecasts before departure.

Key Takeaways

Hanoi (North): Cool and dry from January–March; hot and rainy from June–August.
Da Nang (Central): Rainfall spikes in October–November; typhoon risk is highest.
Ho Chi Minh City (South): Rainy season from May–October with frequent afternoon showers.

Regional Climate Overview & Travel Tips

Northern Vietnam (Hanoi · Ha Long Bay · Sapa)

Climate Overview

Winter (Nov–Mar)：
Cool air from the north brings daytime temperatures of 16–20°C in Hanoi, with mist, drizzle, and low clouds. Mountain areas like Sapa can drop even lower and occasionally see frost.

Summer (May–Sep)：
Hot and humid with frequent afternoon thunderstorms; rainfall peaks in July–August.

Travel Tips

Best time to visit：
Late spring (April–May) and early autumn (September–October) for comfortable temperatures and good visibility.

Watch out：
Rough seas in winter may affect Ha Long Bay cruises; typhoons and heavy rain in summer and autumn.

Central Vietnam (Da Nang · Hoi An · Hue · Nha Trang)

Climate Overview

January–August：
Mostly hot and sunny; ideal for beach vacations.

September–November：
Peak rainy season with prolonged downpours and unstable sea conditions due to typhoons.

Travel Tips

Best beach season: March–August.
Rainy-season strategy: Shift beach plans south to Phu Quoc or focus on indoor attractions.

Southern Vietnam (Ho Chi Minh City · Mui Ne · Da Lat · Phu Quoc)

Climate Overview

Dry season (Nov–Apr): Stable sunshine and lower humidity; perfect for city walks and Mekong Delta tours.
Rainy season (May–Oct): Daily afternoon thunderstorms; heavier rainfall in September–October.

Travel Tips

City sightseeing: Best during the dry season.
Photography bonus: Post-rain skies often bring dramatic clouds and clearer air.

Vietnam 2026 Packing Checklist

Vietnam Travel Essentials (All Regions)

Documents & backups：Passport, visa (if required), travel insurance, international driving permit (for motorbike rentals), cloud & paper copies
Sun Protection & Hydration Essentials：Sunscreen, lip balm, sunglasses, sun hat, collapsible water bottle
Mosquito & Medical Supplies：Insect repellent, stomach medicine, painkillers, band-Aids
Electronics & Storage：Universal power adapter (Vietnam uses 220V), power bank, waterproof pouch
Payments & Connectivity：Dual-SIM phone or eSIM, small amount of cash, VISA / MasterCard

Seasonal Packing Tips

Spring (February–April)

North: Warming up; cooler mornings and evenings

Central: Less rain; great for Da Nang and Hoi An

South: End of dry season; strong sunlight

What to Pack：
- Light long-sleeve tops
- Thin jacket
- Sunscreen
- Sunglasses
- Light scarf (for temperature swings)

Summer (May–August)

North: High heat + afternoon thunderstorms
Central: Peak beach season; very strong UV
South: Rainy season begins; short but heavy showers
What to Pack:
- Quick-dry clothing
- Sandals
- Lightweight rain jacket
- Foldable umbrella
- Insect repellent

Autumn (September–November)

North: Cooling down; best time for Ha Long Bay

Central: Rainy season peak; frequent typhoons

South: Rainfall gradually decreases

What to Pack:
- Waterproof backpack cover
- Short sleeves + light jacket
- Dry bags for electronics

Winter (December–January)

North: Average 12–17°C; Sapa can drop into single digits
Central: Around 22°C; ideal for cultural sightseeing
South: 26–28°C; best island season
What to Pack：
- North: Down jacket or warm sweater
- Central: Light long sleeves
- South: T-shirts, shorts, swimwear

Special Situations & Destination-Specific Tips

Highlands & Rice Terraces (Sapa)
- Cold mornings in winter
- Slippery trails after rain → prioritize non-slip shoes
Ha Long Bay Cruises
- Lower visibility and rougher seas in winter
- Watch for typhoons in summer and early autumn
Islands (Phu Quoc)
- Heavy rain during the rainy season
- Most stable weather: November–April
Central Heritage Cities (Hue)
- Prolonged autumn rainfall
- Attractions are close together → rain gear is essential

Quick Packing Checklist

Documents & Money
□ Passport / visa (if required) □ Travel insurance □ Credit cards + small cash □ eSIM / data SIM

Clothing & Accessories
□ Quick-dry tops ×3–5 □ Breathable pants ×1–2 □ Light jacket (air-conditioning + sun)
□ Waterproof jacket (rainy season or northern winter) □ Sandals / sneakers □ Swimwear
□ Hat / sunglasses □ Lightweight raincoat + compact umbrella □ Insect repellent □ Sunscreen

Electronics & Storage
□ Multi-port charger + universal adapter (220V) □ Power bank □ Waterproof pouch
□ Silica gel packs (rainy season or northern winter) □ Camera waterproof bag + lens cloth

Health & First Aid
□ Personal medications □ Allergy medicine □ Painkillers
□ Band-Aids □ Electrolyte powder (for hot days)

Optional Add-Ons
□ Trekking poles (Sapa) □ Water shoes (rainy-season cities / waterfalls) □ Snorkeling mask (Nha Trang / Phu Quoc)

Final Thoughts: Get Ready for Vietnam

Understanding the weather means understanding your trip.

From misty mountain towns in northern winter, to rain-washed alleys in central Vietnam, to sun-drenched southern islands—this 2026 Vietnam weather guide and packing checklist helps you prepare with confidence.

Before you go, review the checklist, pack what you truly need, and leave space for surprises and adventures.

Vietnam's sunshine, rain, breeze, and breathtaking landscapes are waiting for you.
Pack smart—and enjoy a smooth, unforgettable journey.

Need Assistance?

If you have any questions or need support, please contact us through the following channels:

Taiwan Customer Service

LINE: Add @Lanytrip (don't forget the @)
Provides real-time support in Chinese / English to help ensure a smooth start to your trip.

Vietnam Customer Service

WhatsApp: +84333708807
After entering Vietnam, customer service mainly communicates via WhatsApp.
We recommend downloading and registering WhatsApp before departure for easier communication.

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