Vietnam Travel Information

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When to Go to Vietnam

To get the most out of your next adventure it makes sense to consider some of the very local factors that combine to make up what you feel is the best time to travel to a destination. Many of these factors are very personal - some people prefer to travel when the weather is not too hot, or sites too crowded - others prefer to travel when a traditional local event is taking place. Taking into account the dates of public holidays can also make sense as these may have an impact on opening times of attractions, shops and restaurants, or might affect public transport or other services. Conversely public holidays can be a time of great local festivities and celebrations providing a feast of local expressionism and culture.

Climate

Vietnam has a varied climate depending where one is in the country, differing greatly from north to south, lowland to highland. November to April in the north is the cool (read ‘cold’ in the mountains of Sapa) and dry season (max 18°C, min 12°C in January), changing to hot and rainy from May to October (maximum 34°C, minimum 25°C in July).

The central coast north of Nha Trang is similar with the winter monsoon bringing cool, wet weather between December and February. The south has a typically hot and humid tropical climate all year round, with February to May being the hottest time – temperatures reach 40°C and fall back to 25°C at night.

The southern rainy season arrives in May and lasts till November, cooling things a little – maximum 32°C, minimum 22°C approximately. Inland there are the central highlands which have a similar climate to the south, but it is cooler and temperatures can fall to freezing in winter.

Seasonality

The best time to visit Vietnam is between September and April, but note that during Tet (mid-January to mid-February depending upon lunar calendar) travel can be more difficult as everyone is returning home and services are booked up in advance.

National Holidays

Date	Description
02 Sep 09	National Day
01 Jan 10	New Year's Day
07 Feb 10	Têt, Lunar New Year (until the 9th)
23 Apr 10	Gio to Hung Vuong Day
30 Apr 10	Liberation of Saigon
01 May 10	May Day
02 Sep 10	National Day