The short answer
- Month
- January
- Verdict
- Good
- North (Hanoi, Ha Long Bay)
- Cool and often grey, highs around 20°C
- Centre (Hue, Hoi An)
- Drying out, some showers
- South (Saigon, Mekong)
- Dry, sunny, around 32°C
January is peak dry season in the south, with blue skies over Ho Chi Minh City, the Mekong Delta and Phu Quoc. Central Vietnam is drying out after the autumn rains.
The north is at its coolest: Hanoi is pleasant for walking but often overcast, and Sapa can be close to freezing at night.
Where to go in January
- The south: Perfect weather for Saigon, the Cu Chi tunnels and the Mekong Delta.
- Phu Quoc: Calm seas and sunshine.
- Hanoi and Ha Long Bay: Cool and atmospheric; bring a warm layer for the cruise.
What to avoid in January
- Sapa, unless you are happy with cold and fog.
- Swimming on the central coast, where the sea is still rough.
Festivals and events in January
- Pre Tet buzz: In 2027 Tet falls in early February, so late January is full of flower markets and decorations.
Weather in January
Average highs, lows and rainfall, with January highlighted. Compare it with the months either side if your dates are flexible.
Average daily high / low and monthly rainfall
| Month | HanoiHa Long is similar | Sapamountains, 1,500 m | Hue | Hoi AnDa Nang is similar | Ho Chi Minh CityMekong is similar | Phu Quoc |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 20° / 14°18 mm | 12° / 5°60 mm | 24° / 18°160 mm | 25° / 19°95 mm | 32° / 22°14 mm | 30° / 23°30 mm |
| Feb | 21° / 15°26 mm | 14° / 7°70 mm | 25° / 19°60 mm | 26° / 20°30 mm | 33° / 23°4 mm | 31° / 24°20 mm |
| Mar | 23° / 18°44 mm | 18° / 10°110 mm | 28° / 21°50 mm | 28° / 22°20 mm | 34° / 24°12 mm | 32° / 25°60 mm |
| Apr | 28° / 22°90 mm | 21° / 13°190 mm | 31° / 23°50 mm | 31° / 24°25 mm | 35° / 25°42 mm | 33° / 26°100 mm |
| May | 32° / 25°188 mm | 23° / 16°270 mm | 33° / 25°90 mm | 33° / 25°60 mm | 34° / 25°220 mm | 32° / 26°250 mm |
| Jun | 33° / 27°240 mm | 24° / 17°350 mm | 34° / 25°90 mm | 34° / 26°80 mm | 33° / 25°330 mm | 31° / 26°350 mm |
| Jul | 33° / 27°288 mm | 24° / 18°420 mm | 34° / 25°70 mm | 34° / 26°85 mm | 32° / 25°315 mm | 30° / 25°400 mm |
| Aug | 32° / 27°318 mm | 24° / 17°450 mm | 34° / 25°140 mm | 34° / 26°105 mm | 32° / 24°270 mm | 30° / 25°450 mm |
| Sep | 31° / 26°265 mm | 22° / 16°300 mm | 31° / 24°430 mm | 32° / 24°350 mm | 32° / 24°330 mm | 30° / 25°350 mm |
| Oct | 29° / 23°130 mm | 20° / 13°170 mm | 29° / 23°800 mm | 30° / 23°610 mm | 31° / 24°270 mm | 30° / 24°250 mm |
| Nov | 26° / 19°43 mm | 17° / 10°80 mm | 26° / 21°590 mm | 27° / 22°370 mm | 31° / 23°110 mm | 30° / 24°130 mm |
| Dec | 22° / 15°23 mm | 13° / 6°50 mm | 24° / 19°300 mm | 25° / 20°200 mm | 31° / 22°50 mm | 30° / 23°50 mm |
Rounded long term averages. Blue shading marks the wetter months. Individual years can be hotter, colder or wetter.
A 12 day trip for January
Our suggestion for January: Hanoi and Ha Long Bay, then Hoi An, Ho Chi Minh City and the Mekong Delta. Every trip can be made private and changed to suit your dates.
Tip: Pack for two seasons: a jacket for Hanoi and summer clothes for the south.
Want a January trip made for you?
A local specialist will send a free itinerary and price for 12 days, built around your dates.
Other months
Thinking about December or February? See Vietnam in December and Vietnam in February, or compare every season in our guide to the best time to visit Vietnam.
Rather have a trip to Vietnam made just for you?
Answer a few quick questions and a local specialist will send you a free, no-obligation itinerary and price.
Frequently asked questions
Is January a good time to visit Vietnam?
Yes for the south and centre. The north is cool and often grey, but still fine for Hanoi and Ha Long Bay.
Sources we checked
Vietnam month by month
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