Vietnam in March: Travel Tips For Spring Season
The unpredictable winter weather of Vietnam becomes a thing of the past in March. Spring is in full swing and this is one of the best times to visit this beautiful country. Go snorkeling in the south, embark on a soul-searching quest in the north, or simply explore Vietnam’s rich tapestry of culture and nature. The weather all around is wonderful, a festive atmosphere pervades the air, and there are plenty of places to go and things to do in Vietnam in March.
Vietnam Weather in March
Vietnam’s weather in March is at its best with an average high of around 23°C and low of 18°C. Hanoi sees one of the best weather in the country, with the mercury hovering around 27°C during the day and at 19°C in the evening. Although March is the windiest month in Hanoi, rest assured it only serves as a breeze to add to the pleasant weather conditions.
Ho Chi Minh is warmer in March, with the temperature ranging between 25°C and 35°C. In Da Nang, the mercury fluctuates between 21°C and 27°C, while the ocean temperature sits at a lovely 23°C. Expect the northern region of Vietnam to be a bit humid during this time. For a crisp, drier air head to the country’s south.
For information, check out our seasonal breakdown on the best time to visit Vietnam.
Weather in Vietnam in March - 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 March
March is one of the best times to visit Vietnam and visitors can strike a balance between cultural tourism and nature escapes. Here are a few reasons why:
- Thay Pagoda Festival: Vietnamese celebrate the genius of Tu Dao Hanh, the inventor of traditional water puppetry, in March. You can see this special artistry in action at Thay Pagoda just outside Hanoi. It takes place in the third lunar month of the year from the fifth to the seventh day.
- Huong Pagoda Festival: One of the most significant festivals in the Vietnamese Buddhist calendar, the biggest celebrations of Huong Pagoda Festival take place from the 15th to 20th days of the second lunar month. Visitors can visit the romantic temples and soak in the magnificent scenery, decorated by blossoming apricot trees.
- Beaches at their best: Enjoy the beaches during great weather in Da Nang and Hoi An in central Vietnam.
Where to go and what to do
The world’s largest cave, Son Doong, was only discovered in 1990 and is still a fairly well-kept secret. Trekking to the cave opens in February, but the weather during this time is still cold. If you visit Vietnam in March, you will get much better conditions on the not-too-hot, not-too-cold spectrum, perfect for long jungle treks.
The Ha Giang Loop (or the Golden Loop) is also a popular destination to visit in March when the chances of rainfall are low. The morning mist in the highlands adds to the mystical feeling of these remote mountains. For a more ‘off-the-beaten-track’ experience, drive on the Ban Gioc Loop, east of Ha Giang. This takes you to the world’s fourth largest waterfall, Ban Gioc, which is best viewed during dry seasons.
Spring means it is flower time and March is no exception. Valleys in the northwestern region of the country are covered in fruit blossoms and wildflowers during this month. The Na Ka Valley is one of the best places to visit to see plum blossoms. Explore Sapa which goes through a spectacular cherry flowering season and Ha Giang is awash with peach bloom.
A swimsuit should be top of your list of what to pack when traveling to Vietnam in March, as there will always be an inviting beach or tranquil pool not too far away. An Bang beach outside the ancient city of Hoi An is a great spot to unwind and enjoy the perfect weather. You can also take a day trip to Cham Island and see the colorful underwater reefs that are part of the preservation area. The Con Dao island group, off the southeast coast, is a hidden gem. Dry weather conditions in the south make it a great time for snorkeling expeditions in Vietnam during this time of year.
Check out our articles on how many days to spend in Vietnam to make sure you see it all.
Spring is great to visit Vietnam and the substantial differences between the north and south mean you get to enjoy a vast array of experiences and climates. Remember to pack something slightly warm as mountainous regions may be cool at times. Contact our travel experts to book a customized trip to Vietnam.
Related articles:
Vietnam in February
Vietnam in April
