Vietnam in January: Weather, Tips & Beach Breaks
A trip to Vietnam in January offers perfect conditions for any kind of holiday. With dry, warm conditions at popular beach resorts in the south, cool and comfortable hiking conditions in the north and huge festivals taking place in cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh, there are tons of things to do in Vietnam this month.
This period is also busy with travelers coming for holidays and for Tet, or the Lunar New Year, which means both prices and crowds are at a high level. Expect to pay a premium for accommodation, transport and activities.
Vietnam Weather in January
Although average temperatures in Vietnam in January seem to be low for a beach holiday at 19℃, Vietnam is a big place with a wide variety of climate conditions. As an example, temperatures can shoot as high as 30℃ in Hanoi. The north of Vietnam, home to destinations like the Ha Long Bay and Sapa, does tend to get a lot colder, whereas the south of the country, famous for its beaches, experiences more tropical temperatures.
Although Central Vietnam does see some rainfall, January is one of the driest months in Vietnam with only 10mm of rain, making it an excellent time to explore cultural hotspots, relax on the beach or get active in the hill country.
If you are not sure when is the best time to visit Vietnam, check out our seasonal overview.
Weather in Vietnam in January - Rainfall and Temperatures
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg Daily (°C) | 19 | 19 | 23 | 26 | 31 | 32 | 32 | 32 | 31 | 28 | 24 | 21 |
| Avg Nightly (°C) | 15 | 15 | 18 | 21 | 24 | 25 | 26 | 26 | 25 | 22 | 19 | 15 |
| Avg Daily (°F) | 66.2 | 66.2 | 73.4 | 78.8 | 87.8 | 89.6 | 89.6 | 89.6 | 87.8 | 82.4 | 75.2 | 69.8 |
| Avg Nightly (°F) | 59 | 59 | 64.4 | 69.8 | 75.2 | 77 | 78.8 | 78.8 | 77 | 71.6 | 66.2 | 59 |
| Avg Rainfall (mm) | 10 | 30 | 50 | 100 | 150 | 190 | 210 | 200 | 160 | 100 | 60 | 30 |
Why Visit Vietnam in January
There are plenty of amazing reasons to travel to Vietnam in January. Want to find out more? Let us dive in.
- Great weather: We have already mentioned that the weather in January is ideal for just about anything. With it being dry and humidity levels being low, it is comfortable to walk around, explore highlights and kick back on the beach.
- Fewer crowds in the north: Although you can expect central and southern regions of the country to get crowded, there are much fewer travelers in the north. If you are looking to hike in Sapa, this is a great time to do it thanks to lower temperatures and fewer crowds.
- Beach breaks: Pleasant weather conditions and low humidity levels in central and southern parts of the country make this month the perfect time for a beach holiday. Why not check out the beautiful Phu Quoc Island for pristine sands and gorgeous resorts?
- Da Lat Flower Festival: If you are into horticulture, head to the Lâm Đồng Province and be part of the Da Lat Flower Festival which is held every other year. This event takes place in between rainy and dry seasons, the perfect time to appreciate flowers, greenery and topiary on offer.
Where to go and what to do
If you want to relax in a gorgeous tropical oasis, away from crowds, take a boat to Phu Quoc Island. Switch between beautiful beaches and lush rainforests before treating yourself to a relaxing massage. Phu Quoc is the perfect remedy to the hubbub of Hanoi and a destination that comes alive in the sunny and dry conditions of January in Vietnam.
Looking for some adventurous things to do in Vietnam? January is a great time to get your snorkeling and scuba diving certification as the waters off the country’s coast are clear and calmer during this time. This is due to the lack of monsoon winds and rain that can kick up sand during other times of the year. If you are just starting out, why not rent a snorkel and give it a go? Discover the underwater world and learn more about the creatures that reside beneath the water surface! If you are wondering where to go snorkeling in Vietnam, experienced snorkelers should head to Hon Mun Marine Park while beginners should check out Moray Beach.
The Vietnamese New Year falls in late January. This occasion is celebrated with a six-day party. Watch lion dances being performed on the streets and see beautiful fireworks light up the night sky. New year celebrations are also a great time to try out some traditional Vietnamese food such as banh chung, a sticky rice treat served with meat and beans. Wherever you find yourself in Vietnam in January, you are bound to have an amazing, culturally-enriching time. Check out our 6-day tours to Vietnam.
It is difficult to find a better time than January to visit Vietnam, given more reasonable, less-stifling temperatures and humidity levels across much of the country. Plus, this is the month of festivities, a time when foreigners can dive into the longstanding traditions of the country.
Given the large number of things to experience, you might find it difficult to put together your dream Vietnam holiday. Save yourself the stress by using our customizable trip tool. It is super easy to use — just add in your dates, party size and requirements and our travel experts will do the rest.
Check out our tours to Vietnam in January for more information.
Related articles:
Vietnam in December
Vietnam in February
