Vietnam in September: Weather, Crowds and Rates
If you want to hike a beautiful hill country, take in lush rice terraces and enjoy vibrant festivals, then you might want to travel to Vietnam in September. Traveling in this month also means that you can benefit from more affordable rates and fewer tourists.
Enjoy the end of summer and the beginning of fall in a spectacular fashion while soaking up warming temperatures and taking in awe-inspiring vistas. Have your fill of mouthwatering Vietnamese food along the way.
Vietnam Weather in September
If you are planning a holiday in September, you can expect to find average temperatures in Vietnam of 31℃, which can potentially rise to 35℃ in Hanoi. This can feel sticky and humid, especially if you are in central or southern regions that experience a higher level of rain as this month marks the start of the monsoon season.
The beginning of the wet season also means that the country-wide average rainfall reaches up to 160mm, but this depends on where you are visiting. As a rule of thumb, the north is much drier than the south. Admittedly, September is not the best time for a dry, sunshine-filled beach holiday, as rains shift into the central region, creating less than ideal sunbathing conditions.
For a seasonal overview, check out our travel guide on the best time to visit Vietnam.
Weather in Vietnam in September - 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 September
Although it is the start of a low season in Vietnam in September, there are plenty of things to do in Vietnam during this time of year.
- Better rates: Since September is part of a low season in the country, you can expect to find some deals, especially if your travel dates fall later in the month. This is because tourists are less likely to visit the country as rainfall increases.
- Lesser crowds: Due to the less than ideal weather, especially around the popular beaches in Central Vietnam, there are fewer crowds in the south and central regions of Vietnam. If you have a decent waterproof coat, you might have beautiful sites and temples all to yourself.
- Vietnam National Day: Celebrated on September 2, this is a huge event in the Vietnamese calendar, marking the day when Vietnam declared its independence from France. The result is a huge party that can be experienced pretty much anywhere in the country.
- Hanoi’s ‘milk flower’ season: The month of September sees this beautiful and fragrant flower bloom all around Hanoi, its fragrant scent spreading all over the city, a delight for visitors as they explore the city.
Where to go and what to do
If you want to experience Vietnamese culture and be part of traditional events, time your trip towards the end of September. This way, you can experience Tet Trung Thu, or the Mid-Autumn Festival. This festival is celebrated on the fifteenth day of the eighth month of the lunar calendar. Witness lion dances, parades, music, dances and more during the event. And do not forget to dive into some delicious mooncakes while you are there!
Wondering where to go in Vietnam for some adventure? September marks the beginning of the hiking season in Vietnam as hikers head to places like Sapa, Mau Son and Mu Cang Chai. This region also tends to be a bit cooler, offering relief to those who find the humidity levels of central and southern parts of the country too much to bear.
Check out the last surviving imperial city of Bach Ma and learn more about the area. September is when azaleas are in full bloom in the area, creating a striking red carpet that will leave you speechless.
If you want to get your adrenaline pumping, check out the Do Son Buffalo Fighting Festival in the Do Son district of Haiphong. As the name suggests, this buffalo fighting festival is all about village pride. Each buffalo represents a village and is trained for months. Please note that this is not an event for the faint-hearted despite the fact that there is a lot of revelry and culture on display here.
Although September marks the start of the low season, there are a lot of events and festivals taking place throughout Vietnam during this month, making it one of the best periods to discover the country. From cultural events and beautiful hikes to affordable accommodation and fantastic excursions, visiting in September is a no-brainer, especially if you are not afraid of a rain shower or two.
It can sometimes be difficult to organize a jam-packed itinerary for Vietnam in September that includes everything that you want to experience. If you need a hand, why not check out our customizable trips in Vietnam? This helps you to reach out to our local travel experts in the country who can prepare a personalized itinerary just for yourself.
Have a look at our tours to Vietnam in September.
