Traveling To Vietnam In Summer: Advantages And Disadvantages

Summer. School holidays. The search for sun and sand. The first good news is that in Vietnam, you will find plenty of it—with our 3,260 kilometers of coastline, the options are vast. In addition to the paradisiacal beaches in the center, the rice fields of northern Vietnam display beautiful green colors. A green maintained by frequent rains. Because yes, summer is also the monsoon season! The question then arises: is it a good idea to travel to Vietnam in the summer?

Is it a good idea to travel to Vietnam in the summer?

Let’s get straight to the point. To your surprise, spending your summer vacation in Vietnam has its advantages. The first, and not least, is the opportunity to enrich the minds of our beloved little ones in unfamiliar lands. But that's not all.

Taking a vacation in Vietnam in summer means relaxation. Summer is the best time to fully enjoy the beach destinations of central Vietnam. The central region is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. The water is at 28 degrees Celsius, the temperatures are around 30 degrees, the combination is perfect.

However, while central Vietnam enjoys good weather, in the south and north, summer means showers! Yes, it’s true that some showers can dampen the joy of a Mekong River escape. But note that these showers are intense but brief. It’s very rare for it to rain all day long. These episodes often end with bright sunshine and a clear sky. They also have the power to scatter the crowds and offer you more private visits and encounters. Finally, while the beaches in the center are beautiful, the rice fields in northern Vietnam are just as stunning, displaying their most vibrant greens. Our mountains are also the perfect place to find cool air against temperatures that can reach up to 40 degrees.

Disadvantages of traveling to Vietnam in the summer:

• Entering the peak of domestic tourist season: heavy crowds and rising prices.
• Airfare prices during peak season.
• The rainy season in the south and north of the country.
• Outdoor activities that can be disrupted by a downpour.
• High temperatures, up to 40 degrees.

Advantages of traveling to Vietnam in the summer:

• The sunniest and clearest time of the year in Vietnam.
• Fulfilling parental duties during school holidays.
• The best time to enjoy Vietnam’s coastline and its paradisiacal beaches.
• One of the best times to admire the lush rice fields of northern Vietnam.
• The best time to visit central Vietnam (Hoi An, Hue, Da Nang…).
• Witness the grand return of the Da Nang Fireworks Festival (June 2023).
• Participate in Vietnam’s second most important cultural festival - Lê Vu Lan (August 30, 2023).
• A fantastic season for exotic fruits.

The weather in Vietnam in summer

Although summer is typically considered from June to August, in Vietnam, high temperatures last from May to October. With a tropical climate, we "enjoy" beautiful and humid days for much of the year. Here are three key points to consider in order to help with your decision:

• In the summer, central Vietnam experiences dry season (April to August), while northern and southern Vietnam are in the rainy season (from April to August).
• It’s hot, very hot – with temperatures ranging between 30°C and 40°C.
• The rainy season doesn’t mean it rains c onstantly. The rain comes in brief but intense showers, often interrupted by moments of strong sunshine.

Vietnam in June

Let the monsoon season begin! At the start of June, temperatures begin to rise with an average of 30°C (can reach up to 40°C) across the whole of Vietnam. In central and northern Vietnam, this increase in temperature is accompanied by clear skies. It is still a great time to fully enjoy the northern mountains – especially for hiking enthusiasts – and sites not to miss, such as Ha Long Bay and Ninh Binh, among others. June is also a perfect month to explore central Vietnam and its paradisiacal beaches: Hoi An, Da Nang, Nha Trang, Cham Island, and more. In southern Vietnam, however, it's a completely different atmosphere. The rainy season begins in full force in the south and gradually spreads to the north as the days go by.

Vietnam in July

Just like in June, central Vietnam shows its best side. Sunshine and warmth will accompany you during your beach outings. As for northern Vietnam, the rain, heat, and humidity make excursions less pleasant. Let’s be honest, the air in the north feels heavy during this time. In the south, the weather alternates between bright sunshine and heavy downpours – which, at least, offer some refreshing relief!

Vietnam in August

In August, central Vietnam experiences the hottest and driest days of the year. It is also the last month before the next dry season to enjoy the beaches. In September, central Vietnam is also affected by the rainy season.

In the south and north, temperatures remain very high, and the rains continue to be abundant until the end of the month. However, note that in the north, the rain will become increasingly rare, allowing the country’s most beautiful landscapes to emerge after the rainfall.

Vietnamese festivals in summer

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The international fireworks festival of Da Nang (June 2023)

The grand return! Organized for the first time in 2008, this special festival takes place every two years. Good news: it will be held in 2023. You can attend every Saturday evening starting from June 3 (opening ceremony) for five consecutive weeks. This edition aims to celebrate the revival of global tourism after COVID-19, with the participation of Australia, Canada, Finland, France, Italy, Poland, and the United Kingdom. Every Saturday, the pyrotechnic teams from these countries and Vietnam will compete along the Han River in a fiery concert for the enjoyment of spectators.

• For more information, here is un article détaillé du journal Nhân Dân.

The Têt Doan Ngo (Thursday, June 22, 2023)

Deeply rooted in Vietnamese culture, this Tết is an occasion for us to wish for good luck for the upcoming harvests, as our crops are often targeted by insects during the summer. To celebrate, we prepare specific specialties that we place on the altar for our ancestors: the famous Bánh Tro (sweet sticky rice cake), lychees, fermented sticky rice, and more. Let yourself be tempted by a Bánh Tro!

• For more information, here is our article dédié au Têt Doan Gno

The Vu Lan festival (Wednesday, August 30, 2023)

The Vu Lan Festival is the most important cultural celebration in Vietnam after the Lunar New Year. According to our beliefs, our ancestors may come to visit us on this day. It allows us to show our deep gratitude to our parents and ancestors. To honor them, we place offerings on the altar dedicated to them. If you have the opportunity to share this celebration with a local family, do not hesitate for a second. You can also participate in the celebrations at pagodas across the country. Finally, if you are in Hoi An, you will see the river illuminated by lanterns lit for the occasion.

Where to visit in Vietnam during the summer?

Just like its twin article—Vietnam in September—we won’t list individual places, but instead consider your entire itinerary. Based on our on-the-ground experience, we recommend the following:

(1) If you have the choice, prefer August: lower tourist crowds, less rainfall in the south, and the opportunity to experience the Vu Lan Festival on August 30, 2023.

(2) Focus on central destinations: the Central Highlands of Vietnam, the relaxing town of Hoi An, the beautiful beaches of Da Nang, the impressive Phong Nha Ke Bang Park, etc.

(3) In the north, cool off in the beautiful lush mountains where temperatures are more pleasant: prefer sites like Sa Pa or less touristy counterparts such as Ha Giang or Mai Chau.

(4) Enjoy a cruise in the Lan Ha and Halong Bays, where you can take a dip in the region's beautiful wild beaches. The sunsets and sunrises are exceptional at this time of year.

(5) Bring lightweight waterproof clothing, sunscreen, a hat, and walking shoes (not Gore-Tex, as they take forever to dry!).

Our teams are here to assist you in developing and maintaining an itinerary tailored to your preferences and our local knowledge: contact@vietnaminsolite.com