Vietnam - weather & travel conditions in January

Vietnam is a year-round destination that offers something for everyone, from stunning natural landscapes to vibrant cultural heritage. However, the best time to visit Vietnam depends on your preferences and itinerary, as the country has diverse climates and seasons across its regions. Generally, the north is cooler and drier from November to April, while the south is warmer and wetter from May to October. The central coast has a distinct rainy season from September to December, but also boasts some of the most beautiful beaches and historical sites in Vietnam.

Vietnam Weather in January

What is the weather like in Vietnam in January? No doubt January is among the best time for visiting Vietnam. January offers favorable weather conditions with dry and cool climate throughout the length of the country, Due to differences in latitude, there is a variation in temperature from the North down to the South, but in general, January is great time to travel around Vietnam.

Northen Vietnam Weather in January

North of Vietnam weather during January is in the full mode of subtropical winter with temperatures remains quite low, around 10 to 15 degrees Celsius (50-59 degrees Fahrenheit). The atmospheric condition in general is dry and almost no rain. Hanoi weather during January is pretty ideal with temperature goes between 12 to 16°C (54 to 61°F) and temperature during daytime is normally 2 or 3°C higher than nighttime so, jumper or light jacket are needed.

On some rare occasions, due to the effect of winter monsoon wind, the temperature can drop down to around 8°C (46°F). In this case, a cold proof winter jacket will come in handy.

The same climate features also dominate other destinations in the Red River Delta such as Ninh Binh, Cuc Phuong and so on. Halong Bay and Cat Ba Islands' weather in January in general is not very different from those mentioned above, however, due to the proximity to the ocean, it can be a little bit windy sometimes hence you may feel a little colder.

A winter day in Hanoi

In the low mountainous areas such as Pu Luong, Mai Chau, Moc Chau and Mu Cang Chai, temperatures usually 2 or 3 degree lower than in the lowland while in the high mountainous areas such as Sapa, Ha Giang, Cao Bang and so on, the temperature can be 4 degree lower and, during prime of occasional monsoon, there might chances temperature drops down to zero and frost or snow can be seen sometimes on top of mountains. Shoes, boots and warm clothes are needed if you traveling these areas during this time.

Sapa landscapes during the Janurary

Central Vietnam Weather in January

Weather in Centre of Vietnam during January is quite good as the rainy season has now comes to its end. From Quang Binh and the Phong Nha Ke Bang National Park to Hue, the temperature ranges around 18-20°C (65-70°F) and climate condition is quite dry. Further a bit south on the other side of Hai Van Pass, weather of Da Nang in January becomes more favorable with brighter sky however, swimming is still not the best time to do. Hoi An weather is about the same with the temperature from 20 to 22°C (68-72°F), dry and cool enough, very good to explore around and do activities such as cycling, kayaking and boating. Beaches in the south central coast of Vietnam including Quy Nhon, Phu Yen, Nha Trang and Mui Ne now get back to their favorable conditions and glory days with blue sky and honey sunlight.

The Central Highlands area including Kon Tum, Pleiku, Buon Me Thuot and Da Lat enjoys the cool and dry climate with average temperature is about 18°C (65°F) and little cold night weather is expected.

Enjoyable weather in Hoi An

Southern Vietnam Weather in January

Weather in the South of Vietnam in January is very good for traveling around. Saigon – Ho Chi Minh City offers good weather during this time with dry condition and moderate temperature that is at an average of 30°C (86°F). During the night time, temperature may goes down to 20-22°C (72°F). Mekong Delta including destinations of My Tho, Ben Tre, Vinh Long, Can Tho and so on share the same climate condition but even better due to its open and country airier atmosphere,

Beaches of Mui Ne, Vung Tau and Phu Quoc offer the best conditions of the year with blue skies, warm sunlight and low humidity. The average temperature here this time is around 29°C.

Sun, Sea and Sand in Mui Ne

Average Temperature & Precipitation in Vietnam in January

January average Temperature and Precipitation in various locations in Vietnam

In Hanoi, the daily average temperature in January is around 16.4ºC, varies from 14 to 20ºC. The average rainfall is 18mm (0.7inches) and the average rainy days are about 10.

Ho Chi Minh city is in the dry season, with the temperature varies from 21 to 31.6ºC and the average is 26ºC. The average rainy days are about 3 with the precipitation is about 13.8mm (0.54 inches)

Vietnam Events in January

New Year Celebration

Although it is not as festive as the Lunar New Year - the traditional biggest holiday in Vietnam - it is worth seeing how Solar New Year is celebrated here. Most public services ad offices are closed on New Year Day but restaurants and hotels remain running and even more so on these occasions.

How to do and what to expect if travel to Vietnam in January?

January is among high season months for travelers to explore Vietnam.

Your itinerary can include main highlights like Hanoi, Halong Bay, Hue, Hoi An, Nha Trang, Da Lat and all places in the South. Trekking in Sapa, Ha Giang and so on is good though the view sometimes not so clear due to foggy weather. Central Highland is no doubt a good discovery.

During January, since the weather is a bit cold in the North of Vietnam, water activities such as swimming, diving and kayaking are not recommended. Instead, you can do these stuffs in the south central coast and the South Vietnam. The cool and little cold weather in the North prove very suitable for active adventures such as cycling, hiking and so on so, do not hesitate to tailor for you an ultimate experience.

If you are in Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City or any city of Vietnam during Christmas and New Year days then the atmosphere is not much less excited than anywhere else in the World. Though it is not as festive as the Lunar New Year but this time people tend to gather around city centers to enjoy the atmosphere together instead of leaving for home reunion so it is quite crowded and colorful.

Closer to the end of January, you will be able to see busier and happier Vietnamese people than any other time of the year. Everywhere, from the countryside to cities, people are rushing to finish up their work, shopping and preparing for the Tet. It is great to walk along busy streets with full of decorations, votive offerings, flowers and fruits along with lots of foods of all kinds waiting to be traded. Colorful, exciting and interesting are words to say about this time in Vietnam.

Read more: Vietnam in February | March | April | May | June | July | August | September | October | November | December

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