Best time to visit · Ho Chi Minh City · Vietnam
The best time to visit Ho Chi Minh City
Weather, crowds, prices and events for every month, so you can pick the trip that suits you.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Quick answer
The best time to visit Ho Chi Minh City is December to March, the heart of the dry season, when skies are clear and humidity is lower. April is very hot, and from May to November afternoon downpours are frequent but usually short, so travel is still practical with flexible plans.
Key facts
- Best months
- December–March
- Shoulder season
- April and November
- Warmest month
- April (avg high 35°C (95°F))
- Coldest month
- September (avg high 31°C (88°F))
- Rainiest month
- July (~22 rainy days)
- Lowest hotel prices
- May–October
Seasons
Ho Chi Minh City is hot all year, with a dry season from December to April and a rainy season from May to November, when short, heavy afternoon downpours are common. April is the hottest month.
December–March
Dry season
Sunny, slightly less humid and the most comfortable time for sightseeing and Mekong trips; Tết brings closures.
April–early May
Hot season
The hottest weeks of the year, with temperatures in the mid-30s and building humidity before the rains.
May–October
Rainy season
Short, heavy afternoon storms and occasional flooding, but lower prices and lush countryside.
November
Late rains
Rain eases through the month as the dry season starts; a pleasant time with fewer crowds.
Month by month
Long-term averages (rounded). Crowds and prices are relative, 1 (lowest) to 5 (highest). Daylight is sunrise to sunset on the 15th.
| Month | High | Low | Rainy days | Daylight | Crowds | Prices |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 32°C | 22°C | 2 | 11.6 h | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| February | 33°C | 23°C | 1 | 11.8 h | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| March | 34°C | 25°C | 2 | 12 h | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| April | 35°C | 26°C | 5 | 12.4 h | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| May | 34°C | 26°C | 16 | 12.6 h | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| June | 32°C | 25°C | 20 | 12.8 h | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| July | 32°C | 25°C | 22 | 12.7 h | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| August | 32°C | 25°C | 21 | 12.5 h | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| September | 31°C | 25°C | 21 | 12.2 h | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| October | 31°C | 25°C | 19 | 11.9 h | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| November | 31°C | 24°C | 11 | 11.6 h | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| December | 31°C | 23°C | 5 | 11.5 h | 4/5 | 4/5 |
Yearly events
Recurring dates shift from year to year; confirm with the organiser before you book.
| Month | Events |
|---|---|
| January | Tết (Lunar New Year) — Nguyễn Huệ Flower Street displays, then many businesses close for several days (late January or February) |
| April | Reunification Day and Labour Day holidays — busy domestic travel (30 April and 1 May) |
| September | National Day (2 September); Mid-Autumn Festival — lanterns on Lương Nhữ Học street in Chợ Lớn (September or early October) |
| December | Christmas Eve crowds around the cathedral and along Đồng Khởi (24 December) |
Cheapest and quietest times
Hotel prices are usually lowest in May–October, and the sights are quietest in May–June and August–October.
What to pack
| Season | Pack |
|---|---|
| Dry season | Light, breathable clothes, a sun hat and high-factor sunscreen; A compact umbrella and waterproof shoes — rain is frequent; Comfortable walking shoes |
| Hot season | Light, breathable clothes, a sun hat and high-factor sunscreen; A compact umbrella and waterproof shoes — rain is frequent; Comfortable walking shoes |
| Rainy season | Light, breathable clothes, a sun hat and high-factor sunscreen; A compact umbrella and waterproof shoes — rain is frequent; Comfortable walking shoes |
| Late rains | Light, breathable clothes, a sun hat and high-factor sunscreen; Comfortable walking shoes |
Questions travellers ask
+What is the best month to visit Ho Chi Minh City?
The best time to visit Ho Chi Minh City is December to March, the heart of the dry season, when skies are clear and humidity is lower. April is very hot, and from May to November afternoon downpours are frequent but usually short, so travel is still practical with flexible plans.
+When are hotel prices lowest in Ho Chi Minh City?
Usually in May–October. The rainy season begins, with short, intense afternoon storms that cool the air briefly.
+What is the rainiest month in Ho Chi Minh City?
July, with about 22 days of rain on average.
+How hot does Ho Chi Minh City get?
The warmest month, April, averages highs of 35°C (95°F) and lows of 26°C (79°F).