WHEN TO VISIT VIETNAM
So you know that you want to travel to Southeast Asia, but you’re not sure when to go. We can help! There are two seasons that you should know about, dry season and wet season. Dry season typically lasts from November through February. Wet, or rainy, the season typically begins with a May monsoon and lasts through October. When you travel to Vietnam, it depends on how you travel. For example, if you’re on a river cruise like our new Mekong River cruise, the best sailings are often during the wet season because the high waters allow for access to places that you can’t cruise to during the dry season.
Dry Season
Again, the dry season in Vietnam runs roughly between November and February. Temperatures range from 78°F to 86°F. November and January can be the coolest months with temperatures in the high 60°s but the closer you get to April (the hottest month), the warmer, and drier, it gets. November and January tend to bring in the most tourists, so keep that in mind if you prefer to avoid crowds and possibly, higher prices. If you’re traveling around by car, the dry season is a great time to go because you won’t have to worry about inaccessible roads! It’s also the best time to visit if you’re a beach-goer looking for long, sunny days.
Wet Season
Temperatures are similar to those during the dry season (78°F to 86°F), but this season is different in that it receives much more rain. In fact, nearly 75% of the annual rainfall falls during these months. The wettest months are July through September. During these months, you can expect it to rain every day. Typically rain falls in the form of heavy showers that last for an hour or two, so don’t spend too much time worrying about all-day downpours. This season can be a great time for river cruises and getting around by boat, but if you’re relying on roads, keep in mind that many roads will be inaccessible or extremely muddy. The scenery will be green and lush though and you’ll have some of the best bird-watching opportunities!