Best & Worst Time to Visit Ho Chi Minh City
Ho Chi Minh City has two distinct weather seasons: the dry and monsoon season.
The best time to visit Ho Chi Minh City is during the dry season, from December through April. However, each month during the dry season is slightly different, and you may prefer to visit one month over another.
The worst time to visit Ho Chi Minh City is during the monsoon season, also known as the rainy season by many, which is from May through November. Remember that some months during the monsoon season have a higher probability of rain than others.
This weather guide for Ho Chi Minh City provides a month-to-month weather breakdown, including average temperatures and insights on when to visit.
Best Time to Visit Ho Chi Minh City by Month
December — Warm & Sunny
The dry season begins in December, and visitors can expect warm and pleasant temperatures during this time. However, December is a transitional weather month, so some rain is still possible, but it’s not likely.
In December, the average temperature ranges from a high of 32°C (90°F) to an average low of 22°C (72°F).
December is an excellent time to visit. If you choose to visit during December, scheduling your trip for the second half of the month is best to increase your odds of favorable dry-season weather.
January — Warm & Dry
As the dry season is in full swing, the weather becomes more consistent in January, with plenty of sunshine throughout the day and minimal to no chances of rainfall.
Similar to December, temperatures still range from a high of 32°C (90°F) to an average low of 22°C (72°F).
With warm weather, plenty of sunshine, and a low rainfall probability, January is a great time to visit and enjoy all the attractions and activities Ho Chi Minh City offers!
Visitors should know that TET (Lunar New Year) is celebrated in January. Some stores are closed during the celebration, and some businesses stay open but charge higher prices because they are open during TET. Celebrations for the holiday tend to last around five days, affecting business hours.
February — Dry & Low Humidity
As February continues the ideal dry seasonal weather, warm/dry weather in Ho Chi Minh City is most consistent this month. February is on record for being the driest month in the city.
The average temperature ranges from a high of 33°C (91°F) to an average low of 22°C (72°F).
February is the best time to visit the city, experience its many attractions outdoors. Humidity levels are also low during February, making it a favorable month to visit!
March — Dry & Low Humidity
March is not much different from February. March is the second driest month of the year in Ho Chi Minh City and offers consistent dry and sunny weather.
Because March is the later half of the dry season, humidity levels rise slightly compared to February, and the probability of rain increases minimally in March. But it’s nothing to worry about!
Still, March offers excellent temperatures for visiting the city, ranging from a high of 34°C (93°F) to an average low of 23°C (73°F).
Evenings are much cooler than during the day in March, and most locals socialize and go out after 6:00 PM.
April — Hot & Humid
April is the hottest month on record to visit Ho Chi Minh City. During April, you can expect both hotter and rainy weather. Humidity levels also rise compared to other months in the dry season.
During April, temperatures range from a high of 35°C (95°F) to an average low of 22°C (72°F).
Remember, April is a transitional season month when the city is ending its dry season and approaching the monsoon season. This time is also described as shoulder season, and it’s a great time to find discounted hotel deals!
To keep the weather odds in your favor, visiting during the first half of the month would be best if you choose to visit in April!
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Worst Time to Visit Ho Chi Minh City by Month
May — Slightly Rainy & Humid
As the rainy season begins in Ho Chi Minh City, May arrives with a few days of rainfall and some sunshine but a significant increase in humidity and muggy conditions.
The city’s average temperature in May ranges from 35°C (95°F) to lows around 25°C (77°F).
Walking around the city in the afternoon, you will feel the humidity. In May, expect showers and the occasional thunderstorm.
However, there’s plenty to do indoors in Ho Chi Minh City, and May isn’t the worst month to visit. Other months in the rainy season offer higher chances of rain.
June — Rainy & Humid
Ho Chi Minh City begins to experience consistent rainy weather in June as the rainy season is past its beginning stage. Humidity levels also significantly rise in June, making exploring the city during the day slightly uncomfortable for most.
With the increase in rainfall in June, Ho Chi Minh City is prone to flooding in some of its streets. Lastly, the amount of sunshine during the day decreases to only 5.7 hours. Overall, June is not a favorable month to visit.
In June, average temperatures range from a high of 32°C (90°F) to lows around 25°C (77°F).
July — Still Rainy & Humid
The heavy rainfall continues in July, and humidity levels remain high throughout the city, with more cloudy weather than days full of sunshine.
July temperatures range from highs around 33°C (91°F) to lows around 24°C (75°F). Going out in the city during the evening in July is far more favorable. Similar to June, chances for possible flooding are high in July too.
If you choose to visit in July, make sure you bring an umbrella, and know that the weather may disrupt your plans on some days.
August — Less Rain & Humid
August weather in Ho Chi Minh City is usually cloudy and stormy. Although there is less rain in August, humidity levels remain relatively high.
Typically, the temperature reaches highs of around 32°C (90°F) and lows of 24°C (75°F).
However, the rain in August tends to be spermatic rainfall. When it does rain, it tends to pass by quickly.
Ho Chi Minh City offers plenty of indoor activities. If it rains quickly, head inside to one of the many cafes in the city, museums, or malls!
September — Very Rainy & Humid
September is the rainiest month in Ho Chi Minh City, and as the rainy season reaches its peak, it brings humid and wet weather.
The average temperature in September ranges from 32°C (90°F) and lows of 24°C (75°F).
Visitors to the city in September can expect frequent rainfall and occasional thunderstorms. If you visit then, you’ll want to pack your umbrella and know what you’re in for weather-wise.
September is considered the worst month of the year to visit due to the combination of frequent rainfall and still high humidity levels.
October — Less Rain & Humid
As the rainy season continues in the city, October brings relief from September’s heavy rainfall. While October isn’t the last month of the rainy season, it is when the rainy weather begins to taper off in the city.
The average temperature in October ranges from 32°C (90°F) and lows of 23°C (73°F).
Despite still being the rainy season, October is one of the better months to visit Ho Chi Minh City. While humidity levels remain stagnant, the chances of less rainfall make for more sunshine.
November — Minimal Rain & Warm
November is the last month of the rainy season in Ho Chi Minh City and is considered a seasonal transition month as it slowly welcomes the dry season for December.
Humidity levels significantly drop in November, allowing warm days without the uncomfortable muggy environment and rainfall being less likely but possible.
The average temperature in October ranges from 31°C (88°F) and lows of 22°C (71°F).
November is a great time to visit the city, but to increase your odds of favorable weather, visit during the second half of the month before the start of the dry season.
High Season in Ho Chi Minh City
From December through April, Ho Chi Minh City experiences its peak travel season. With the favorable weather of warm days, low humidity, and nights that offer a nice breeze, tourists come to explore Vietnam’s largest city.
During all five months of the dry season, expect crowds of tourists venturing out to explore Ho Chi Minh City. Famous city attractions and day tours from the city are also expected to be busier.
For those who prefer smaller crowds, visit during the second half of December or the first half of April. Both shoulder season months offer favorable weather but with far fewer tourists in the city.
Off Season in Ho Chi Minh City
The off-season in Ho Chi Minh City is from May through November, and visiting during this time can be risky, but as mentioned before, some months are better than others.
Frequent rainfall, occasional thunderstorms, high humidity levels some months, and minor flooding in the city streets make for an unforgivable visit during the off-season.
Tourist crowds are pretty low during this time as many tourists avoid the rainy season in the city. Many favor Europe and other places with ideal weather climates.
Flights, hotels, and even some tours in the city are discounted during the off-season as agencies are enticing travelers to visit during the off season.
Despite rainfall for some months, there are still plenty of indoor activities in the city, such as day markets, museums, charming cafes, and excellent restaurants to try in Ho Chi Minh City.
Where to Stay in Ho Chi Minh City
Below, I’ve shared the best and safest areas to stay in Ho Chi Minh City for your first visit based on your traveler type. Also included are the best hotels in each area by budget!
Ben Thanh is the most central area in Ho Chi Minh City. Staying here means you’ll have quick access to other areas and be in the center of the city’s hustle and bustle. It’s the best area in Ho Chi Minh City for first time visitors looking to experience a lot of the city!
- Orchids Saigon Hotel / A top-ranked 4 Star hotel located on a quiet street, near many attractions, shopping, restaurants, and parks.
- Nicecy Boutique Hotel / Cozy mid-priced 3-star hotel located in the Ben Thanh area near many attractions. Steps away from plenty of restaurants, markets, and shops.
Pham Ngu Lao is regarded as backpacker central. Around it, you’ll find plenty of hostels, affordable places to eat, and Bui Vien Walking Street, the city’s nightlife district.
If you’re curious about where to stay in Ho Chi Minh City for backpackers or nightlife, this area is the place to be.
- Saigon Chill Hostel / This awesome hostel is very clean, is centrally located, and has a cafe below.
- Mobylette Saigon Hostel / A charmingly decorated hostel, top-ranked amongst travelers and centrally located.
Da Kao is a vibrant area with many parks, river views, a zoo, and markets. Despite being centrally located, it has more of a neighborhood touch than Ben Thanh. Da Kao is perfect for families visiting Ho Chi Minh City who’d prefer to be centrally located!
Sofitel Saigon Plaza / Luxrious 5 Star hotel offering many amenities, on a quieter street but still centerally located, near many attractions, shopping and restaurants.
Wink Hotel Saigon / Ultra modern hotel in the center of the Da Kao area offering many amenities for visitors.
Thao Dien is regarded as the expat area in the city. It’s a laidback area with diverse food options and bars, and the whole area offers charming river views. Thao Dien is the best area for families to stay in Ho Chi Minh City.
Aurora Western Village / Top-ranked hotel/serviced apartments in the center of the Thao Dien area. Those looking for a more cozy, homey stay.
Sen Boutique House / A lovely mid-ranged boutique hotel offering spacious/modern rooms by the river.
When not to visit Ho Chi Minh City?
The monsoon season runs from May through November. The city experiences rainfall, occasional thunderstorms, and minor flooding during this time.
What is the best month to go to Ho Chi Minh City?
February is the driest month in Ho Chi Minh City and is during the peak dry season, making it the best month to visit the city.
What is the rainiest month in Ho Chi Minh City?
September is the rainiest month, averaging a total of 327mm of rainfall throughout the month.
What is the main tourist season in Vietnam?
The peak tourist season in Vietnam is January through March.
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