When is the best time to visit Southern Vietnam? The South of Vietnam has only two distinct seasons: dry season and rainy season with the average temperature of 25-35 degrees Celsius year-round. It is mostly hot all the time and there is no chilly winter like the Northern area. Basically, the Southern people experience dry season between December and April in which it is sultrier and more humid from February (after Tet holiday) to April. The rainy season ranges from May to early November when this area will receive the highest rainfall in June, July, and August.
Vietnam Paradise Travel presents you a summary of suitable time to visit some particular places in Southern Vietnam.
Month | Best places to travel |
March – May | Phu Quoc, Nam Du Archipelago |
June – August | Ho Chi Minh City |
September – November | Vung Tau, Con Dao, Ho Tram, Long Hai |
December – February | Mekong Delta |
Read More
- Vietnam Weather: Best time to visit the North of Vietnam
- Vietnam Weather: Best time to visit Central Vietnam
- Essential Travel Guides for First-time Travelers to Vietnam
1. Southern Vietnam in March – May
Weather in the South of Vietnam from March – May
This time is the dry season with sultry weather. The average temperature is 35 degrees Celsius. This time is slightly hotter than the other time of the year.
Best places to visit in the South of Vietnam from March – May
- Phu Quoc Island
Kien Giang Province is an attractive destination for your beach vacation in Vietnam in March – May with a system of many stunning beaches, islands and archipelago: Phu Quoc Island, Ha Tien Beach, Pirate Island and Nam Du Archipelago. The highlight of Kien Giang is Phu Quoc Island – the Pearl Island of Vietnam. This place is well-known for scuba diving schools and superb 5-star beach resorts.
- Men Beach (Nam Du)
- U Minh Thuong National Park
For your off-the-beaten-track and adventurous experience, U Minh Thuong National Park and Nam Du Archipelago in this province are recommended for you. U Minh Thuong National Park is endowed with a diverse ecosystem of mangrove forest. On the other hand, Nam Du is a pristine archipelago with several unspoiled beaches, Men Beach (Bai Men) is the most gorgeous one.
2. Southern Vietnam in June – August
Weather in the South of Vietnam from June – August
This is the high time of rainy season in Southern Vietnam with the highest rainfall of the year. Although the rains are heavy sometimes, they are short lasting and basically, they occur in mid-afternoon. The South still has beautiful sunny mornings and pleasantly cool evenings.
Best places to visit in the South of Vietnam from June – August
- Reunification Palace
Ho Chi Minh City (formerly known as Sai Gon) is one of the must-see places for first-time travelers to Vietnam. You can visit this city any time of the year. However, during June – August, it is very cool with light breeze in the evening in Ho Chi Minh City. Thus, it is very suitable for you to hang out and explore the most dynamic city in Vietnam.
Reunification Palace, Notre Dame Cathedral, Saigon Central Post Office and Ben Thanh Market are some attractions inside the city center. You can go shopping and enjoy nightlife in District 1, the most bustling district of this city. Some unique places you can check out in Ho Chi Minh City’s outskirt are Cat Tien National Park and Cu Chi Tunnels.
3. Southern Vietnam in September – November
Weather in the South of Vietnam from September – November
It is the end of rainy season, it may rain in mid-afternoon but not as heavy as between June and August. The weather is almost cool.
Best places to visit in the South of Vietnam from September – November
- Vung Tau
Vung Tau is a beautiful beach city which is only 125 kilometers from Ho Chi Minh City. You can enjoy a perfect beach vacation in Vung Tau year-round. However, Vietnam Paradise Travel recommends that it is better to travel here between September and November since it is dry season and you can have a wonderful trip without bearing a sultry heat or unfavorable rain. Avoid national holidays such as International New Year’s Day (1st January), Tet holiday, Reunification Day (30th April), and Independence Day (2nd September) when Vung Tau can be crowded with local tourists.
- The Grand Ho Tram Strip
Also located in Ba Ria Province, Ho Tram and Long Hai Beach are atmospheric for your getaway trip. The Grand Ho Tram Strip and Ho Tram Beach Boutique Resort & Spa will delight you with friendly staff, perfect service, and modern amenities. You can play golf at these resorts as well.
- Six Senses Con Dao Resort
Con Dao is also worth visiting with pristine beaches, high-quality surfing and diving schools and Con Dao Prison which is valuable for those who are interested in discovering colonial period and Vietnam War.
4. Southern Vietnam in December – February
Weather in the South of Vietnam from December – February
This time is the beginning of dry season. The weather is almost pleasant: a little bit hot in the daytime but cool in the evening. The South may be affected by Northeast wind in Northern area, thus, the temperature may reach 18 degree Celsius in some days.
Best places to visit in the South of Vietnam from December – February
The best time to visit Mekong Delta is during the dry season when humidity is low and your trip will not be affected by the rain. Considered as the ‘water world’ of Vietnam, Mekong Delta is one of the most prosperous regions of our country which supplying a large number of agricultural products to national market. Consisting of 12 provinces and one provincial city (Can Tho City), Mekong Delta contains a lot of unique attractions that once you travel to this place, you cannot forget it.
- An orchard in Vinh Long
Ben Tre, Tien Giang, My Tho, Chau Doc, Vinh Long and Can Tho are some of the most visited provinces in this region. You can pay a visit to religious sites, flourishing orchards, stunning flower villages and especially floating markets and unique Tra Su cajuput forest and Tram Chim National Park.
Tips for traveling to Southern Vietnam
– Avoid national holidays when some tourism destinations are crowded with local tourists, especially in Vung Tau and Ho Tram.
– If you want to travel to Vung Tau, Con Dao and Phu Quoc, pay attention to the weather forecast to see whether it will rain or not.
– Contact an experienced travel agency for your perfect Ho Chi Minh City Tour and Mekong Tour.
– Bring a bottle of water, bug sprays and sun protection items (sunscreen, sunglasses, hats, etc.)
– Be careful of your belongings, especially when visiting Ho Chi Minh City. Don’t flash your jewelry, cash or expensive camera around.
– Wear appropriate clothes, it is hot in Southern Vietnam.