Vietnam and Cambodia are a popular combo for first Southeast Asia trips, known for Ha Long Bay, Hoi An, the Mekong Delta, and Angkor Wat, as well as their large cities and several other attractions.
Bordering each other, they share similar climate patterns: a dry season (November to April) and rainy season (May to October). Weather-wise, the dry season from November to April is undoubtedly the best time with most sunny days and cool/warm weather.
Best Weather Times for Vietnam and Cambodia
For most of Vietnam and Cambodia, November to April is the best time with mostly dry and clear days. The dry season is divided into the cool season (November to February) and the hot season (March to April).
If you're sensitive to heat, you're suggested to take your trip during November–February for cool/mild temperatures.
While temperatures rise to 30+°C (86+°F) in the hot season, beach vacations and Mekong River and Halong Bay cruises are more pleasant. If you travel with us, we'll keep you refreshed and beating the heat with cold drinks from our cool box and private, air-conditioned transport for your daily private touring.
Read more ideas about planning your trip to Vietnam and Cambodia>>>
Best Times Outside the Dry Season
If your available time is outside November-to-April, you could still discover some cities of Vietnam and Cambodia with comfortable or non-rain-affected experiences.
Home to Angkor Wat, Cambodia never loses its charm even in the height of the rainy season (June to October). If possible, visit in May or late October for less rainfall.
Owing to Vietnam's elongated shape, its best times differ regionally:
- Southern Vietnam (Ho Chi Minh City, Phu Quoc Island, and the Mekong Delta): Although November to April is its best time, Mekong River cruises are still good options in the rainy season.
- Central Vietnam (Hoi An, Hue, and Danang): With its unusual short, sharp, September–December wet season, you could enjoy mostly dry weather from January through to August, which makes it ideal for summer-holiday family trips.
- Northern Vietnam (Ha Long Bay, Sapa, and Hanoi): You would have warm/mild weather from October to April. October is a good month to discover Hanoi and Sapa, with only-moderate rainfall and warm temperatures.
Check the well-selected itineraries for 2 weeks in Vietnam and Cambodia >>>
Best Times for a Family Trip to Vietnam and Cambodia
When planning a family trip to Vietnam and Cambodia, December and January are the best time for mild/warm, dry weather and atmospheric Christmas and New Year celebrations. But with those benefits come the highest crowds and costs. So, ideally, prepare for it at least 3 months in advance to secure the best deals. More ideas on Planning a Family Holiday to Southeast Asia? 20 Expert Tips for Christmas >>>
For a summer getaway, June is a better time to go. Lower rainfall and smaller crowds are rewards compared with July and August. More ideas on how to plan a multi-generational family trip to Southeast Asia or how to plan a family trip to Southeast Asia>>>
The Worst and Cheapest Times to Visit Vietnam and Cambodia
Weather-wise, the rainy season (May to October) is seen as the worst time to travel around Vietnam and Cambodia. However, you could enjoy 30–50% savings during this cheapest time.
If crowds particularly bother you, then the peak season (November to April) may actually be the worst time for you, especially around the Christmas and New Year holidays. A well-organized private tour could help to avoid many crowded situations though.
An insider's tip: Travelling just before/after the high season (in May or late October) is advisable as a compromise for lower costs, smaller crowds, and lighter rainfall.
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Vietnam & UAE FANTASTIC tour! Thank you Albee Ning!
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The Rainy Season in Vietnam and Cambodia
The rainy season arrives between May and October in most of Vietnam and Cambodia. The heaviest rainfall hits most areas between July and August, except for central Vietnam (with September–November peak rainfall).
During the rainy season, you might encounter typhoons, which appear more frequently around September and October in central and northern Vietnam. Your Halong Bay cruise might be canceled if a typhoon crosses the bay.
Be aware that the rainy season doesn't mean floods, storms, and consistent rainfall all the time. Instead, most rainfall comes as short afternoon downpours and rarely lasts the whole day. Thus, dry daytrips are still possible if you're flexible and well-prepared, and you would be rewarded with the lowest costs and crowding during this cheapest time to travel around Vietnam and Cambodia.
Find Your Best Month to Visit Vietnam and Cambodia...
January Weather in Vietnam and Cambodia
- Northern Vietnam (Hanoi, Halong Bay, Sapa): 12°C to 20°C (54°F to 68°F), dry
- Central Vietnam (Hoi An, Hue, Danang): 20°C to 24°C (68°F to 75°F), low rainfall
- Southern Vietnam (Ho Chi Minh City, Mekong Delta, Phu Quoc) and Cambodia: 26°C to 32°C (79°F to 90°F), dry
January is one of the best months to discover all the iconic attractions in Vietnam and Cambodia, with low rainfall and warm/cool temperatures.
Travelling in January, you're suggested to prepare at least 6 months in advance, particularly for New Year holidays. For family trips, early booking is better to avoid skyrocketing prices and to ensure booking family rooms.
Vietnam's New Year (Tet festival) occurs in late January or early February (Jan. 25 in 2024), limiting sightseeing, shopping, and dining access. Big cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh remain visit-worthy, but the Mekong Delta closes for Tet's initial four days. Contact us for expert tips inside a customized private tour.
February Weather in Vietnam and Cambodia
- Northern Vietnam (Hanoi, Halong Bay, Sapa): 13°C to 21°C (55°F to 70°F), dry
- Central Vietnam (Hoi An, Hue, Danang): 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F), dry
- Southern Vietnam (Ho Chi Minh City, Mekong Delta, Phu Quoc) and Cambodia: 26°C to 33°C (79°F to 91°F), very dry
Throughout Vietnam and Cambodia, the best weather continues in February with drier and warmer weather than in January. Your trip shouldn't be affected by the weather, no matter whether you visit the iconic highlights or somewhere off-the-beaten-path.
Similar to January, you should expect larger crowds and costs in February. Early booking, ideally 6 months in advance, is the key to securing your best deals.
Read more about planning a couple's trip to Southeast Asia>>>
March Weather in Vietnam and Cambodia
- Northern Vietnam (Hanoi, Halong Bay, Sapa): 16°C to 23°C (61°F to 73°F), dry
- Central Vietnam (Hoi An, Hue, Danang): 21°C to 27°C (70°F to 81°F), dry
- Southern Vietnam (Ho Chi Minh City, Mekong Delta, Phu Quoc) and Cambodia: 27°C to 34°C (81°F to 93°F), dry
The weather remains dry in March, and temperatures increase. If you're looking for cooler weather, northern and central Vietnam are ideal places to go. Meanwhile, the hot-season weather makes southern Vietnam and Cambodia less crowded.
As March is still the high season, high costs prevail, and long queues are the daily routine. So, a private tour is recommended to help navigate the quieter routes, avoiding crowds, and to make your trip time-smart for a comfortable experience.
April Weather in Vietnam and Cambodia
- Northern Vietnam (Hanoi, Halong Bay, Sapa): 22°C to 27°C (72°F to 81°F), moderate rainfall
- Central Vietnam (Hoi An, Hue, Danang): 23°C to 29°C (73°F to 84°F), low rainfall
- Southern Vietnam (Ho Chi Minh City, Mekong Delta, Phu Quoc) and Cambodia: 28°C to 34°C (82°F to 93°F), low rainfall
Except for in northern Vietnam, where there is a bit more rain than in other areas of Vietnam and Cambodia, April temperatures usually get as hot as 30°C (86°F) or so. But crowds tend to be smaller.
In April, northern Vietnam is a comfortably warm paradise for outdoor adventures, such as hiking in Sapa, biking in Ninh Binh, and kayaking/cruising in Halong Bay.
For a romantic milestone trip, our well-selected small-boat Mekong cruise allows more private time for you, as it has only 12 rooms in total. For life-long memories, you deserve a special sunset balloon ride or helicopter tour over Angkor Wat.
May Weather in Vietnam and Cambodia
- Northern Vietnam (Hanoi, Halong Bay, Sapa): 23°C to 31°C (73°F to 88°F), moderate rainfall
- Central Vietnam (Hoi An, Hue, Danang): 25°C to 32°C (77°F to 90°F), low rainfall
- Southern Vietnam (Ho Chi Minh City, Mekong Delta, Phu Quoc) and Cambodia: 27°C to 34°C (81°F to 93°F), high rainfall
May is a transitional month from dry to wet season in most of Vietnam and Cambodia. Throughout both countries, the daily high temperature averages above 31°C (88°F). Outdoor activities are better scheduled in the early morning and late afternoon for cooler weather.
For drier experiences, you should expect less rainfall in early May than in late May. Central Vietnam is a dry option as well, where the scenery along the DMZ (Hue south via Hai Van Pass to Phan Thiet) never disappoints.
Learn how to travel from Vietnam to Cambodia>>>
June Weather in Vietnam and Cambodia
- Average temperature range in Cambodia and Vietnam: 26°C to 34°C (79°F to 93°F);
- high rainfall in all but low-rainfall central Vietnam (Hoi An, Hue, Danang)
In June, most of Vietnam and Cambodia begin its hot and humid rainy season. You might encounter short intense downpours. However, central Vietnam is still in the "rain shadow".
Due to the heat and rainfall, you'd probably have the attractions mostly to yourselves, which is a particularly nice change at the iconic ones, and you'd enjoy big discounts. For families with school children, June is a better time to take a summer holiday if you can, before the local summer holiday arrives in wetter July and August.
See the itinerary ideas about 2 weeks in Southeast Asia for family trips>>>
July Weather in Vietnam and Cambodia
- Average temperature range in Cambodia and Vietnam: 26°C to 35°C (79°F to 95°F);
- high rainfall in all but low-rainfall central Vietnam
In July, rainfall becomes more frequent and heavier. Keeping your itinerary flexible is necessary to make the best of the weather. As we're experienced in dealing with such conditions, we always prepare a plan B for you when travelling with us.
Your trip would be less affected if you spent time in central Vietnam (Hoi An, Hue, Danang), and the Mekong River cruise is a good option all year round. But book your trip at least 3 months in advance, since local (and other nations') summer holidays start in July.
August Weather in Vietnam and Cambodia
Halong Bay- Average temperature range in Cambodia and Vietnam: 26°C to 34°C (79°F to 93°F);
- high rainfall in all but central Vietnam, where it's only moderate
The heaviest rain arrives in August in northern and southern Vietnam, and Cambodia. Central Vietnam is the best option then, with various cultural experiences in Hoi An and abundant beach activities in Danang.
In Cambodia, you'll have green and lush scenery at the height of the wet season, and you'll never need to fight for the best photo spots at Angkor Wat.
Road travel can sometimes be impacted by flooding in August. As locals, our private drivers and guides always get the latest news and deal with it professionally, helping you have the best tour possible in such circumstances. Start planning your trip with our professional consultant>>>
September Weather in Vietnam and Cambodia
- Average temperature in Cambodia and Vietnam: 24°C to 31°C (75°F to 88°F); high rainfall throughout
In September, rainfall and temperature continue high in northern and southern Vietnam, while central Vietnam's rainy season begins. Cambodia suffers its rainiest month. Travelling in September definitely requires more flexibility.
Typhoons or heavy rains are likely to affect coastal trips to Phu Quoc, Da Nang, and Nha Trang this month. If you are a beach lover, you're suggested to visit drier Koh Samui in Thailand, or Bali in Indonesia instead.
October Weather in Vietnam and Cambodia
- Northern and central Vietnam: 22°C to 28°C (72°F to 82°F); low rainfall in the north; extremely high rainfall in the central region
- Cambodia and southern Vietnam: 25°C to 31°C (77°F to 88°F); high rainfall to low late in the month
October is the tail end of the rainy season in most of Vietnam and Cambodia. The temperature cools towards comfortable levels too. So, October is a good month to visit Vietnam and Cambodia, especially towards November.
The only exception is central Vietnam (Hoi An, Hue, Danang), which is suffers its extreme peak of the rainy season (September to November). You are likely to have persistent stormy days there, so be flexible and take advantage of indoor activities, like cooking classes, lantern-making classes, and making ao dai (Vietnamese national costumes).
November Weather in Vietnam and Cambodia
Angkor Wat, Cambodia- Northern Vietnam (Hanoi, Halong Bay, Sapa): 17°C to 24°C (63°F to 75°F); low rainfall
- Central Vietnam (Hoi An, Hue, Danang): 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F), very high rainfall
- Southern Vietnam (Ho Chi Minh City, Mekong Delta, Phu Quoc) and Cambodia: 24°C to 30°C (75°F to 86°F); moderate rainfall
The best months to visit Vietnam and Cambodia begin again in November. The rainy season in central Vietnam continues torrentially, though.
You'll have more sunny days and cooler weather, which is great news, no matter whether you want a romantic sunset tour over Angkor Wat or to enjoy your family time on the beaches.
With the inevitable increase in crowds coming, you could enjoy a quieter time in early November.
December Weather in Vietnam and Cambodia
- Northern Vietnam (Hanoi, Halong Bay, Sapa): 14°C to 21°C (57°F to 70°F); dry
- Central Vietnam (Hoi An, Hue, Danang): 19°C to 24°C (66°F to 75°F); high rainfall
- Southern Vietnam (Ho Chi Minh City, Mekong Delta, Phu Quoc) and Cambodia: 23°C to 29°C (73°F to 84°F); low rainfall
As one of the best months, most of Vietnam and Cambodia is warm/mild in December. If you're looking to escape the cold in your hometown, Vietnam and Cambodia are good options in December. Even central Vietnam's rains finally slacken off in late December, as the whole region enters the dry season.
Being the peak season, making reservations 6 months in advance is the way to get better prices and ensure availability, especially around Christmas.
For more weather details in Southeast Asia, check in Southeast Asia Weather in December>>>
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