Vietnam - weather & travel conditions in October

Weather

October weather makes it one of very good months to travel in Vietnam.

The North of the country enjoys full mode of autumn with blue sky, honey sunlight and mild temperature dominate the whole month. All places are expected to be clear since the rainfall and humidity decrease remarkably. The average temperature during this time stays at 24 – 27oC.

The Centre of Vietnam sees the rainfall increases and storms might affect the area during this month whilst temperature becomes much milder.

In Hue, Quang Tri ( around former DMZ) and the area of Phong Nha Ke Bang National park the temperature drops down to an average of 24oC whilst south of the Hai Van Pass including Da Nang, Hoi an Quy Nhon and Nha Trang the temperature stays at around 27 – 30oC.

The Central Highlands including Da Lat is getting out of the rainy season and weather is more favorable towards the end of the month.

The South of Vietnam including Mui Ne, Vung Tau, Ho Chi Minh City, Mekong Delta and Phu Quoc sees the rainfall declining especially towards the end of the month as the region moves towards its dry season. The average temperature stays at around 29 - 30°C.

Events

Hanoi's Liberation Day (October 10)

This celebration is organized to commemorate the event in 1954 when the Vietnamese People’s Army marched into the capital, which had been occupied by the French colonialists, after its victory over the French troop in Dien Bien Phu and the Geneva Accord was signed to see the retreat of French troop and colonialists from Vietnam.

During this day Hanoi streets normally decorated with flowers, flags and banners and there are some performances at public places to commemorate the event.

Vietnamese Women's Day (October 20)

Apart from the International Women Day on March 8 Vietnamese women have another day for them on this day though not as popular. During this day man become more gallant (not sure :)) and women, especially in cities, will receive gifts and stuffs from their husbands, lovers. Streets normally become busy in the evening with couples and entertainment places normally full.

Halloween (October 31)

This is a new practice comes from the West in just recent few years and normally just happen in cities and amongst the young.  Anyway, it is quite popular in the tourist sites and this time restaurants, bars discotheques and so on normally organize something for tourists to join in.

How to do and what to expect if travel to Vietnam in October

October is said to be a very good month to travel in Vietnam and a big itinerary can be easily made with places along the entire length of the country.

It does not a matter whether you are a professional or amateur photographer, this time ensures good photos you will have during your travel. Hanoi changes its color and becomes most charming during this time whilst Ha Long Bay and Cat Ba Island offer stunning cruises with great view. The same good conditions are available at other places like Ninh Binh, Mai Chau and Cuc Phuong. This time of the year, Sapa, Ha Giang and other far north mountainous areas are in the harvesting season offering the best sightseeing time of the year. It is really a great chance for photos hunter and nature lovers.

Hue, Hoi An and other place in the centre can be added into the itinerary without hesitation though beaches will be not a high priority. The area is also prone to stormy weather which might affect your itinerary a bit.

All places in the South are good to visit and if you are a beach lover then Mui Ne, Phu Quoc or Con Dao are good choices.