Best Places to Visit in Vietnam In February

As you may wonder about the weather in Vietnam in February, let us tell you that it is an excellent choice if you want to avoid humidity and heat, whilst escaping the coldest months in the north. As spring begins, visiting Vietnam at this time of the year also gives you the chance to witness some unique cultural celebrations.

Curious about the weather in Vietnam overall? How is the climate? What are the seasons?

The temperature in Vietnam in February varies dramatically. The weather can be changeable in February, so let’s start with a rough guide by regions of Vietnam and our top 5 spots:

NORTH OF VIETNAM IN FEBRUARY

The weather will be fresh and cool, with generally less rain (but more wind) than at other times of the year. One of the most beautiful places to visit in Vietnam during February is Sapa, and this is a good time to do so because it’s one of the drier months there. Sapa experiences a lot of rain from March – November, and also enters peak tourist season from March. Although, if you’d like to see green rice fields, pick June-August. If yellow, September.

Hanoi might also be an option, after all, an average daytime temperature of 17°C (62.6°F) is still warmer than many parts of Europe and North America at this time of year, and there’s little chance of rain in comparison with later months (March-August are the months with most of the rainfall.) And there are plenty of things to do in the capital of Vietnam, see for yourself!

Halong Bay is probably best avoided this month, due to an abundance of fog and mist obscuring the world-famous views! Ninh Binh and Tam Coc will also experience overcast and light drizzle, but if you still decide to go there, cycling can keep you warm. There are many places in Vietnam you can discover on a bike, motorbike or boat. Discover ’em all!

CENTRAL OF VIETNAM IN FEBRUARY

Warmer temperatures and less rain than the far north of the country. Hoi An is our top town choice here, with average monthly temperatures of around 24°C (75.2°F), this ancient port town provides ample opportunity for both sightseeing and sunbathing. It’s also a brilliant time of year to undertake outdoor activities such as cycling and kayaking, which are great ways to explore Hoi An without worrying about the heat or risk of a downpour. If you are going to arrive via a plane, the airport is in Danang, thus you can visit the city that was once the U.S. Naval Support Port (1964-1973) as well.

SOUTH OF VIETNAM IN FEBRUARY

The south of the country is very dry at this time of year. It’s a great time of the year to see the Mekong Delta before the rainy season commences, and that’s not to mention the spectacular sand dunes of Mui Ne, which may prove too hot for some people during the summer months.

Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City) is probably one of the best cities to visit during this time, experiencing very little rainfall but a comparatively higher average temperature compared to other parts of the country.

Beaches in the south of the country might also be a good bet, and if you’re planning to be in Vietnam during Tet, you’ll be happy to hear that beaches tend to be relatively empty during this time, as Vietnamese families do not like the sun that much and prefer to welcome visitors in their homes. Phu Quoc island is a particular highlight and maintains a pleasant average temperature of 27°C (80.6°F) You can easily combine both Saigon and Phu Quoc in one visit. Want to know how to get to Phu Quoc from Saigon aka Ho Chi Minh City? You can fly or take a boat!

Tet TIPS:

If the Tet (Lunar New Year) holiday happens to fall in February, then the atmosphere leading up to the festival is electric; you’ll see brightly coloured decorations and traditional Chinese-style blessings appear in streets and at homes, a whole bunch of special treats are produced for the occasion. However, note that this is a major national holiday, so you’ll need to book your accommodation and transport for this period well in advance!

During the celebration of Tet, it should also be noted that many small restaurants and family-run businesses will be closed. Street food stalls will shut, and you may have to eat in larger restaurant chains or international hotels that sometimes increase prices in this local “holiday” period. Therefore, you should plan your trip carefully, and perhaps aim to either leave Vietnam the week before Tet begins or head to a beach resort during the actual festival itself. 3* hotels, hostels and luxury hotels (four and five-star standard) continue to operate as usual. We recommend Phu Quoc for your Tet holiday!

A final tip, the temperature in Vietnam in February is very diverse. If visiting the south, summer clothes (and a light jacket for the evenings) are advisable, whereas the best thing to pack for Sapa and the north is layers of sweaters/ jumpers and vests, due to the misty mornings and chilly nights! If you plan to go from the North of Vietnam to the South, you will need everything, from raincoat to sunglasses and sunscreen. Worry not, if you forget to pack something, it is cheap to get things here.

Summary:

Although visitors should think carefully about Tet if it falls within their trip, visiting Vietnam in February still presents some great opportunities. These opportunities include the mild weather in Hoi An and its surrounding beaches, and taking advantage of the lack of rainfall in the south of the country, including Saigon or the biggest island of Vietnam, Phu Quoc.

If you’re feeling inspired by this article, or have any questions about travelling to Vietnam, get in touch with a local team of travel experts.