Winter in Vietnam

Updated: November 16, 2024 Tommy Ngo Vietnam Seasons and Climate 0 comment.

Winter in Vietnam is from late October to February, the period shows a different cold season.

Weather in winter in Vietnam

While Hanoi and North Vietnam endure a long humid winter sometimes dropping to below 10°C, the Central and South of Vietnam is warm and dry in winter in Vietnam.

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Vietnam offers a sensory overload of sights and sounds that everyone should visit at least once. However, tourists looking to travel to Vietnam during winter should be wise in choosing its proper destinations as the temperature varies from north to south.

Winter in Hanoi

While the central and south of Vietnam get the most of sunlight, which offers tourists the perfect Vietnam beach vacation with mild temperatures ranging from 23 -26 degrees Celsius, the north region is surrounded with high humid coldness.

In winter, Hanoi and nearby areas (Halong Bay, Ninh Binh, Mai Chau etc.) may drop to below 10°C and it is even more severe in mountainous areas like Sapa, Ha Giang, Mau Son etc., when the temperature may drop below 0°C.

Regardless of the cold winter, tourism is considered to be at high season as many foreign travelers travel to North Vietnam during this time.

Must-see places in Winter in Vietnam

Sapa

Terraced rice fields in Sapa

Sapa is beautiful all year round but winter provides a special charm that visitors will not want to miss. The fog creates an aura of mystery that also lends credence to Sapa’s reputation as Heaven’s Resort. Many people, especially photography lovers, visit the town in winter as the temperature can dip below the freezing point, which gives Sapa amazing look with snow. If you love the peace and tranquility, Sapa valley is a must-see place on your tour to Vietnam.

Mai Chau

Lac Village – Mai Chau

Mai Chau in winter can be quite cold since the valley gets a lot of humidity and fog. The region is home to different ethnic minorities and provides a culturally rich experience to any tourist. You can spend your time biking and trekking or taking in the sights of farmers tending to their paddy fields. Make your way to Chieu Cave as well, which boasts stunning stalactites that are breathtaking in their beauty.

Tam Dao

Tam Dao

Tam Dao is a stunning sight to visit. Majestic mountains loom through clouds and invite visitors to marvel at their beauty. One of the highlights of this area could be Tam Dao National Park. It has a unique climatic condition due to the tall mountainous range divides the region into two parts, which contributes to rich biodiversity. The park has eight types of forests and more than 800 species of animals.

Festivals in Winter in Vietnam

Christmas Eve

Though not a big proportion of Vietnamese people are Christians, Christmas in Vietnam is still widely celebrated in many big cities. The streets in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh city are often packed with people on the night of 24^th December when everyone gets excited to enjoy Christmas decorations and lights of Catholic Cathedrals or simply takes pictures at marvelous decorative scenes of big hotels and department stores. Santa Claus services to give presents to children become popular today.

Tet

Tet Holiday in Vietnam

Tet is the Vietnamese Lunar New Year and falls on January or February, the same time the Chinese New Year is observed. This national holiday of Vietnam officially lasts for three days but many people stretch it to a week or even 10 days. There is a noticeable buzz before Tet as people are busy to shop, clean their homes and prepare special food for the celebration. Ancestor worship, giving lucky money to children and old people are some featured culture of Vietnam during traditional Tet Holiday. If you are planning to travel in Vietnam during Tet Holiday, you probably need to book air/ train tickets and accommodations well in advance.

Vietnam Tet Holiday in 2023: From 21st January to 24th January.
In 2024, Tet Holiday is from 9th February to 12th February.
In 2025, Tet Holiday is from 28th January to 31st January.

Hoi An Lantern Festival

Hoi An Lantern Festival – Winter in Vietnam

Hoi An Lantern Festival is celebrated on the 14^th day of each month. It takes place in the former port city of Hoi An with the majority of celebrations centered in the Ancient Area. Beautifully crafted paper lanterns bring amazing scene for the eyes. You can also attend lantern-making classes, listen to musicians playing traditional instruments and join a game or two for Chinese chess.

Perfume Pagoda Festival

The Perfume Pagoda (Chua Huong) in Hanoi draws a lot of local Pilgrims and tourists from different parts of the country to attend the festival. Travelers journey by boat to Huong Mountain, then disembark and continue by foot to Huong Tich cave. The festival falls on the end of winters in mid- February to early March.

Traveling to Vietnam during the winter season is a completely new experience. Head to different parts of the region and you will be presented with views and festivals that are a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Its natural beauty is unmatched with mouth-watering cuisine and outstanding temples. Then why do you hesitate to come to Vietnam this winter season to soak in everything it has to offer?

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