What is the best time of year to visit Vietnam and how should I plan around typhoon season?

Vietnam is long, so the best time depends on the region. Roughly: the north is best in autumn (September to November) and spring (March to April), the center (Da Nang, Hoi An, Hue) is driest from February to August, and the south (Ho Chi Minh City, Mekong, Phu Quoc) is driest from November to April.

Typhoon season mostly runs from about June to November, and the central coast has its heaviest rain and floods in October and November. If you travel then, check the forecast, book flexible flights and hotels, and buy travel insurance that covers weather delays.

Build slack into your plan, such as not tying a long-haul flight to the same day as a domestic one. Follow your airline's and the national weather service's updates.

The north gets cold in December to February, and Phu Quoc turns wet in the middle of the year. See our Vietnam travel guide to plan a route, and apply for your Vietnam e-visa when dates are set.