| Region | January weather | Verdict |
|---|---|---|
| Hanoi and Ninh Binh | about 10 to 20 °C, dry, grey sky | fine for the city, bring a jacket |
| Ha Long Bay | cool, frequent mist | possible, visibility sometimes reduced |
| Sapa and Ha Giang | nights near 0 °C, frost possible | for well-equipped hikers |
| Hue, Da Nang, Hoi An | about 18 to 27 °C, a few showers | acceptable, cool beach weather |
| Ho Chi Minh City, Phu Quoc | about 25 to 33 °C, dry season | the best weather in the country |
The north: Hanoi, Ha Long Bay, Ninh Binh
January is cool and grey. Hanoi is best on foot: see Hanoi in 3 days and Hoan Kiem Lake. For the bay, mist can spoil the view; choose free cancellation (see the day cruise) or Ninh Binh in a day. Nights in Sapa are very cold: see the Sapa trek and check the heating in your lodging.
The centre and the south
In the centre, January is a transition period: the rains ease but it can still rain. In the south it is the dry season: Ho Chi Minh City and Phu Quoc are pleasant; Phu Quoc is very busy in high season.
Before Tet
Tet preparations liven up the markets at the end of the month; many Vietnamese travel, transport fills up and prices rise. For closures and dates, see Tet in Hanoi and Vietnam in February.
Itinerary from Hanoi (about 2 weeks)
- Days 1 to 3: Hanoi.
- Day 4: Ninh Binh.
- Days 5 to 6: Ha Long or Lan Ha Bay, with Hanoi as a fallback.
- Days 7 to 10: Hoi An and Da Nang by air, accepting variable weather.
- Days 11 to 14: the south, Ho Chi Minh City or Phu Quoc. To choose, read Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City.
For December, see Vietnam in December; for the whole year, when to visit Hanoi.
FAQ
Is January a good time to go to Vietnam? Yes for the south and for Hanoi with a jacket; more mixed for Ha Long Bay and Sapa.
Is Hanoi cold in January? About 10 to 20 °C, with a grey sky.
Should you book before Tet? Yes, flights and trains early if you travel in late January or early February.
