The short answer
- Highest risk: centre
- October and November
- Ha Long Bay storm months
- July to September
- Lowest risk
- January to May
- Key tip
- Leave buffer days
Most of Vietnam's rain falls in short tropical downpours that rarely spoil a trip. The exception is the storm and flood season, which hits different regions at different times.
Hoi An and Hue, in central Vietnam, are the places most affected: heavy autumn rains swell the rivers and flood low lying streets in most years. Knowing the pattern lets you plan around it rather than cancel.
Risk by month and region
| Month | Hue, Hoi An, Da Nang | Ha Long Bay and the north | Ho Chi Minh City and the south |
|---|---|---|---|
| January to May | Low | Low | Low |
| June | Low | Moderate | Low |
| July | Low | Moderate to high | Low |
| August | Low to moderate | Moderate to high | Low |
| September | Moderate | Moderate | Low |
| October | High | Low to moderate | Low |
| November | Very high | Low | Low |
| December | Moderate, easing | Low | Low |
A general guide based on long term patterns. Individual years vary; always check forecasts before you travel.
Average daily high / low and monthly rainfall
| Month | Hue | Hoi AnDa Nang is similar | HanoiHa Long is similar |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 24° / 18°160 mm | 25° / 19°95 mm | 20° / 14°18 mm |
| Feb | 25° / 19°60 mm | 26° / 20°30 mm | 21° / 15°26 mm |
| Mar | 28° / 21°50 mm | 28° / 22°20 mm | 23° / 18°44 mm |
| Apr | 31° / 23°50 mm | 31° / 24°25 mm | 28° / 22°90 mm |
| May | 33° / 25°90 mm | 33° / 25°60 mm | 32° / 25°188 mm |
| Jun | 34° / 25°90 mm | 34° / 26°80 mm | 33° / 27°240 mm |
| Jul | 34° / 25°70 mm | 34° / 26°85 mm | 33° / 27°288 mm |
| Aug | 34° / 25°140 mm | 34° / 26°105 mm | 32° / 27°318 mm |
| Sep | 31° / 24°430 mm | 32° / 24°350 mm | 31° / 26°265 mm |
| Oct | 29° / 23°800 mm | 30° / 23°610 mm | 29° / 23°130 mm |
| Nov | 26° / 21°590 mm | 27° / 22°370 mm | 26° / 19°43 mm |
| Dec | 24° / 19°300 mm | 25° / 20°200 mm | 22° / 15°23 mm |
Rounded long term averages. Blue shading marks the wetter months. Individual years can be hotter, colder or wetter.
What floods mean in central Vietnam
- Hoi An: Riverside streets of the old town can flood to knee or waist height in a bad year. Water usually rises and falls within a day or two, and higher streets stay dry.
- Hue: The citadel is fairly well protected, but low lying districts flood and roads, including the Hai Van Pass, can close.
- Da Nang: Usually less affected, with the region's best transport links.
- Transport: Trains and roads between Hue and Da Nang can be delayed or closed for a day or more.
Ha Long Bay in storm season
When a storm approaches the Gulf of Tonkin, the authorities suspend all cruises, usually for a day or two. This is most likely from July to September. Good cruise operators refund or rebook; check the policy before you pay. See our Ha Long Bay cruise guide.
How to plan around it
- Leave two or three buffer days in central Vietnam from September to December.
- Book refundable or date changeable hotels and cruises.
- In Hoi An, choose a hotel away from the river or on an upper floor.
- Make changes early when a storm is forecast, rather than waiting until the last moment.
- Check that your travel insurance covers weather disruption.
- Never walk or ride through moving flood water.
- Or simply reverse your route: spend October and November in the north and south, which are dry then.
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Frequently asked questions
When is typhoon season in Vietnam?
Storms can affect the north from about July to September and central Vietnam from September to November. The far south is rarely hit.
Should I avoid Hoi An in November?
November is the highest risk month for flooding in Hoi An. If your dates are fixed, keep plans flexible and leave buffer days; otherwise visit between February and August.
Sources we checked
Vietnam month by month
More Vietnam guides
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