Vietnam in October: Weather, Tips & Better Rates
Vietnam in October is open to travelers of all styles but as a shoulder season and occasionally rainy time of year, it is a particularly good month if you are on a budget. The rains in the north of Vietnam clear up by October, making this one of the best times to hike through the hill country in northern Vietnam as well as experience the different cultures. Keep reading to find out what a trip to Vietnam this month has in store for you.
Vietnam Weather in October
The weather in Vietnam in October starts to cool down and dry up from the steamy monsoon season, with average daily temperatures of 28℃ and 22℃ at night. It is likely a bit warmer in the south and cooler in the north. The north of the country, like the mountainous Sapa region, also sees weather turning dry and sunny.
There will likely still be a fair amount of rainfall—and high humidity— in the central and southern regions of the country, like Hoi An and Ho Chi Minh, with a monthly average of around 100mm. If you’re looking to enjoy a beach holiday in Vietnam, you should probably give October a miss as many of the popular beach resorts are in these areas. That being said, if you don’t mind a few tropical downpours and dress appropriately, you can enjoy many of Vietnam’s central and southern sights for a discounted rate, thanks to the weather.
Find out which month or season is right for you in our seasonal overview, a guide to the best time to visit Vietnam.
Weather in Vietnam in October - 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 October
There are lots of great reasons to travel to Vietnam in October, with plenty of things to see relatively crowd-free.
- Better rates: As much of the country experiences rain and high humidity, it’s not exactly bustling with tourists. You can expect to find more reasonable rates, especially when it comes to flights, accommodations and excursions.
- Fewer crowds: With the exception of Northern Vietnam, you can expect to find fewer crowds around the main sights, including in Hanoi. A sightseeing tour is perfect as you can enjoy all the sights and monuments at your own pace without having to fight a crowd.
- Cham Kate Festival: This festival is held by the Cham people in the South of Vietnam and celebrates ancestors, local gods and national heroes. From dancing and drumming to weaving competitions and more, it’s one of the best things to do in Vietnam.
- Caving in Ninh Binh: Although the caving spots in the Central Highlands will be impassable due to rain, the caves in the Northern area of Ninh Binh are prime for exploring in October.
Where to go and what to do
If you’re up for a challenge that rewards you with stunning views, the temperatures in Vietnam in October are perfect for trekking in areas like Sapa. Choose from day hikes or multi-day trek adventures and enjoy that fresh air! Be aware that some routes, such as Mount Fansipan, require local guides, so plan in advance. Not into hiking but want the views? Take a cable car to the top of Mount Fansipan (Phan Xi Păng) in Northern Vietnam for the panoramic scene.
Looking to take in the beauty of Vietnam’s landscapes? October is a spectacular time to visit the rice paddies in Ha Giang province as they’re just about to be harvested. As such, you’ll see rows and rows of golden terraces that make it one of the best places to visit in Vietnam.
October is one of the best times to visit Hanoi, as it is the transitional period between the rainy to dry seasons. This is perfect for a sightseeing tour and enjoying the monuments such as Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, Temple of Literature and Imperial Citadel of Thang Long. While walking around the city, don’t forget to try some Vietnamese street food like Pho and Bun cha. Some of the street markets sell paper crafts and jewelry, so you can pick up a souvenir as well.
There are a lot of great reasons to visit Vietnam this month, from lower rates and crowds, to peak hiking season to the beautiful colors of the harvest season. As long as you’re prepared to bring your waterproof coat and a positive attitude, you can check out much of the country safely and experience everything comfortably with the reduced temperatures.
If you’re not sure how to plan your vacation to Vietnam, consider using our customizable trip tool. All you have to do is type in a few details and sit back while our travel experts create the perfect trip for you!
Check out our tours to Vietnam in October for more ideas.
Related articles:
Vietnam in September
Vietnam in November
