When is the Best Time to Go?

Tropical, hot all year. Typical temperatures: 22–34 °C, can exceed 36 °C in April–May.
Ideal: November to March.
Transition: April and May (very hot, some early rains possible).
Avoid: June to October (heavy rains).
Note: If sensitive to heat, prioritize November to March.

NORTH
Ideal: November to mid-February. Dry, clear skies and pleasant weather.
Transition: Late February (start of burning season, occasional haze). May with extreme heat after the burning ends.
Avoid: March–April due to burning season and poor air quality. July–October due to heavy rains and high humidity.

SOUTHWEST (ANDAMAN)
Ideal: November to March. Dry and comfortable.
Transition: April and May. Hot months; rains may start in late May.
Avoid: June to October due to monsoon rains and unstable weather.

SOUTHEAST (GULF)
Ideal: January to September. Mostly sunny and pleasant.
Transition: October and December. Strong rains can occur, especially in October.
Avoid: November due to heavy rains and cloudy days.

BANGKOK
Ideal: November to April. Dry and warm.
Avoid: May to October due to frequent rains and humid heat.

NORTH (Hanoi, Sapa, Halong)
Dry, with cool to cold winters, warm and humid summers. Sapa is 7–10 °C colder than Hanoi.
Ideal: Hanoi/Halong: November, March, April (13–26 °C). Sapa: November, March, April (6–19 °C).
Transition: December–January: Hanoi/Halong: cool to cold, cloudy (15–22 °C); Sapa: cold, lows 3–6 °C, highs 10–19 °C, possible fog. May: hot (30–33 °C), high humidity, occasional rain. September: occasional rains, decreasing temperature.
Avoid: July–August: intense rains, heat, and humidity. March–April: burning in the mountains (Sapa, Lao Cai), air less pure.
Note: If sensitive to smoke, prioritize November or post-rainy season (October–November).

CENTRAL (Hue, Hoi An)
Ideal: February to May (20–33 °C).
Transition: May, September (hot or rainy).
Avoid: October to January (heavy rains), June to August (extreme heat).

SOUTH (Saigon, Delta, Beaches)
Ideal: December to May (22–34 °C).
Transition: November (some rains possible).
Avoid: June to November (prolonged rains).

PENINSULAR WEST
Ideal: December to March. Stable, mild and humid.
Avoid: May to September (heavier rains).
Note: May to September: most intense rains.

PENINSULAR EAST
Ideal: April to September. Clear weather, sea is calm, ideal for the islands.
Avoid: November to February (monsoon, intense rains, many islands close to tourism).
Note: November–February: strong monsoon, many resorts closed.

BORNEO (East Malaysia)
Ideal: March to October.
Avoid: December to January (heaviest and most persistent rains).
Note: Year-round equatorial climate; heaviest rains in Dec–Jan.

Equatorial, warm and humid year-round (24–32 °C).
Ideal: February to April, June to September.
Avoid: November to January (monsoon, more intense rains).
Note: During Lunar New Year (Jan/Feb), many shops close and the city’s vibe changes.

NORTH
Ideal: October to March (8–25 °C).
Transition: April and September (can be hot or with isolated rains).
Avoid: June to September (monsoon, intense heat).
Note: April and May can be very hot.

SOUTH
Ideal: November to March (20–32 °C).
Transition: April–May (hotter).
Avoid: June to September (monsoons).
Note: We avoid big festivals and heavy rain periods.

Tropical, clear wet and dry seasons (24–31 °C).
Ideal: April to October (September preferred).
Transition: November, March (some rain possible, but usually nice weather).
Avoid: December to February (heavy rains).
Note: September is ideal for fewer tourists and optimal weather.

Tropical, warm all year, typhoon season June–November.
Ideal: December to May (24–34 °C).
Transition: November (possible rain, still favorable).
Avoid: June to November (typhoons and heavy rain).
Note: The north is greener from April. High demand and prices December–February and Holy Week; after Holy Week, fewer tourists and better prices.

Temperate, four marked seasons.
Ideal:
• Sakura/Bloom: late March to early April (varies by region) (5–20 °C).
• May (10–25 °C).
Transition:
• April (bloom in the north, intermediate temperatures).
• Summer (June to September): hot and humid (25–35 °C), not strictly to be avoided.
Avoid: June to mid-July (tsuyu rains).
Note: In winter (December–February) cold, snow in alpine areas (–2 to 10 °C). Sakura: unique scenery, high prices and demand. May: pleasant weather, fewer tourists.

Four marked seasons, temperate to cold climate.
Ideal: April to June and September to October (10–26 °C), with mild weather, clear skies and festivals.
Transition: March (end of winter, still cool), November (late autumn, can be cold).
Avoid: July and August: heat, high humidity, monsoon rains. December to February: severe cold, possible snowfall (–5 °C to 7 °C).
Note: Spring and autumn are ideal for exploring cities, temples and national parks. Summer is humid and rainy; winter is very cold with less cultural activity.