| Region | Rainy season | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| North | May to September | heat, storms, typhoons possible from June to November |
| Centre | September to December | peak in October-November, floods in Hoi An and Hue |
| South | May to October | afternoon showers, mornings often dry |
What you gain by travelling in the rainy season
Accommodation prices drop, there are fewer crowds and the landscapes are green: the northern rice terraces are greenest in summer, then golden in September-October. In the South, mornings are often clear.
The risks
In the Centre, floods can close streets in Hoi An and disrupt flights and trains. In the North, typhoons mainly affect Ha Long Bay, where cruises are cancelled when an alert is issued. Everything is explained in typhoons and floods in Vietnam.
Practical tips
- Keep slack in your itinerary, especially before an international flight.
- Choose cancellable or refundable bookings.
- Pack a light poncho rather than an umbrella.
- Read the terms of your travel insurance for Vietnam: announced weather events are not always covered.
So when should you go?
To avoid rain across the whole country, aim for March-April: see when to go to Vietnam and the month-by-month pages, for example Vietnam in October.
FAQ
When is the rainy season in Vietnam? May to September in the North, September to December in the Centre, May to October in the South.
Does it rain all day? In the South rarely: mostly afternoon showers. In the Centre in autumn, continuous rain is possible.
Can I visit Hanoi in the rainy season? Yes, with heat and storms in summer; autumn is more pleasant.
The Hanoi Authority editorial team, 29 October 2026.
