Vietnam Weather in January: Temperature & Things to Do

Vietnam is a long and narrow country that stretches from the high mountains and ethnic minorities of the north to the tropical beaches and islands of the south, with more than 3000 km of coastline in between. Because of its diverse geography and topography, Vietnam has a varied climate that changes from region to region and from month to month.

January is one of the best months to visit Vietnam, as it is generally mild, dry, and sunny across most of the country. January is also a festive month in Vietnam, as it marks the end of the lunar year and the beginning of the Tet holiday, which is the most important celebration in Vietnamese culture.

However, Vietnam is not a one-size-fits-all destination, and the weather in January can vary significantly from north to south. In this article, I will give you an overview of the weather conditions, average temperatures, rainfall, and best places to visit in each region of Vietnam in January, so you can plan your trip accordingly.

Weather in Northern Vietnam

The north of Vietnam is the coldest and driest region in January, with average temperatures ranging from 10°C to 20°C (50°F to 68°F). The humidity is low, and the rainfall is minimal, averaging only 20mm for the whole month. However, the north can also experience some foggy and misty days, especially in the coastal and mountainous areas, which can affect the visibility and the scenery.

Weather in Hanoi Vietnam in January

If you are wondering when is the best time to visit Hanoi, come to the capital during the spring weather in January to experience more of the beauty of this land.

January is the start of the spring season in Hanoi – it is also the coldest time of the year with temperatures ranging from 10-16 degrees Celsius.

When you visit Hanoi in January, in addition to experiencing the Lunar New Year festivities, you can also enjoy the refreshing coldness and indulge in hot dishes like bún, phở, grilled food, etc. This will surely be an unforgettable experience in your adventurous journey with your loved ones. Hanoi is also a great base for day trips to nearby attractions, such as the Perfume Pagoda, the Hoa Lu Ancient Capital, and the Duong Lam Ancient Village.

Weather in Ha Long Bay, Vietnam in January

One of the most iconic and stunning natural wonders of Vietnam, Halong Bay is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that features thousands of limestone islands and islets rising from the emerald waters of the Gulf of Tonkin.

You can take a cruise or a kayak tour to admire the scenery, visit the caves and fishing villages, and watch the sunrise and sunset over the bay. Halong Bay can be foggy and chilly in January, but it is also less crowded and more peaceful than other months.

Weather in Sapa, Vietnam in January

If you love hiking and nature, Sapa is a must-visit destination in the north of Vietnam. Sapa is a mountain town that offers spectacular views of the Hoang Lien Son range, the highest in Vietnam, and the terraced rice fields that cover the slopes.

You can trek to the villages of the ethnic minorities, such as the Hmong, the Dao, and the Giay, and learn about their culture and traditions. Sapa can be very cold in January, with temperatures dropping below zero at night, and sometimes snowing, so make sure you pack warm clothes and a sleeping bag.

Weather in Ninh Binh, Vietnam in January

Another scenic and cultural gem in the north of Vietnam, Ninh Binh is often called the Halong Bay on land, as it features similar limestone formations, but on land rather than on water.

You can wander through the ancient temples and pagodas that dot the landscape, adding a touch of history to your adventure. Don’t miss out on the Trang An Landscape Complex, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It’s the perfect harmony of nature and culture. Ninh Binh has so much to offer, and I guarantee you’ll love every moment of it!

Weather in the Central region, Vietnam in January

The central region of Vietnam includes Hue, an imperial city from the past, Da Nang, a coastal city, Hoi An, an ancient town, Nha Trang, a beach resort, and Dalat, a highland city. In January, the weather in central Vietnam is warm and dry, with an average temperature of 23°C and a low rainfall of about 50 mm. The days are sunny and pleasant, but the nights can be cool, particularly in the highlands. The humidity is moderate, which keeps the air fresh and clean.

Weather in Da Nang

The third-largest city in Vietnam and the gateway to the central coast, Da Nang is a modern and dynamic place that is considered one of the best city to visit in Vietnam in January. In this month, the weather in Da Nang is cool and dry, with temperatures ranging between 19.6°C and 22.7°C on average.

Da Nang is blessed with a beautiful coastline, where you can relax on the sandy beaches, such as My Khe, Non Nuoc, and Bac My An, and visit the attractions, such as the Marble Mountains, the Son Tra Peninsula, and the Ba Na Hills.

Weather in Hoi An

One of the most charming and romantic towns in Vietnam, Hoi An is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that preserves the architecture and atmosphere of a 17th-century trading port. The maximum temperature in January usually reaches 22.9°C, and the minimum temperature drops to around 20.0°C, accompanied by moderate rainfall.

You can stroll along the lantern-lit streets, admire the wooden houses, the bridges, and the temples, and shop for souvenirs, such as silk, ceramics, and lanterns. Hoi An is also a culinary paradise, where you can taste the local specialties, such as cao lau (noodle dish with pork and herbs), banh mi (Vietnamese sandwich), and banh xeo (crispy pancake with shrimp and bean sprouts).

Weather in Nha Trang

The most popular beach resort in Vietnam, Nha Trang is a paradise for sun-seekers and water-lovers, who can enjoy the long and wide beach, the turquoise sea, and the coral reefs.

The weather in Nha Trang this month is absolutely stunning! There’s hardly any rain, and the average temperature falls between 21.4°C and 24.8°C. It’s the perfect time to enjoy outdoor activities.

Weather in the Southern region, Vietnam in January

The south of Vietnam is the hottest and wettest region in January, with average temperatures ranging from 26°C to 32°C (79°F to 90°F). The rainfall is high, averaging 150mm for the month, and the humidity is also high, making the weather feel muggy and sticky. However, the rain usually comes in short and heavy bursts, and does not last for long, so you can still enjoy the outdoor activities and attractions.

Some of the best places to visit in the south of Vietnam in January are:

Ho Chi Minh City

The average temperature ranges from 21°C to 32°C. During the spring, you will enjoy a fresh and pleasant atmosphere. There is only about 26mm of rainfall with 77% humidity, so there are only about 2 days of rain. Moreover, the spring rain is gentle, creating a softer and fresher atmosphere.

January is considered one of the best months to travel to Saigon, to admire the vibrant spring colors flooding the city named after Uncle Ho.

Phu Quoc

In January, Phu Quoc experiences a dry season with rare rainfall. The weather in this month is always warm, cool, and pleasant with temperatures hovering between 25-28°C and humidity levels remaining low. This period is highly suitable for exploration and entertainment activities on the sea, such as picnics, coral reef diving, boat rowing, swimming, etc.

Based on my travel experience in Phu Quoc, January is also a great time for the elderly and young children due to the fresh and comfortable climate.

In conclusion, this article helped you answer questions about the Vietnam weather in January as well as suggested ideal destinations when traveling during this month. You don’t need to worry too much about which month is the most beautiful in Vietnam because at each moment, each location in Vietnam has a different and always attractive beauty that entices tourists with many diverse activities and extremely rich cuisine.