The best time to visit Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Ho Chi Minh City is one of Vietnam’s most vibrant and culturally rich destinations. Although it is characterized by a tropical climate with two main seasons – dry and wet – the city is less susceptible to severe weather conditions than other parts of the country, and potential storms rarely disrupt travel plans.

You can immerse yourself in the city’s heritage, visit landmarks and enjoy street food regardless of the season. However, timing plays a crucial role in making the most of your trip and ensuring that you can enjoy the top activities on your itinerary. Here’s what you should consider when deciding the best time to visit Ho Chi Minh City.

December to April is the best time for perfect weather and day trips

Weather in Ho Chi Minh City: December to April is often considered the best time to visit Ho Chi Minh City because it is prime dry season. During these months, the city experiences lower humidity, temperatures averaging around 28°C (82°F) and minimal rainfall – all in all pleasant conditions to explore the sights and enjoy the bustling neighborhoods on foot or by motorbike without worrying about sudden downpours and extreme midday heat.

This is also the best time for a day trip to the nearby Mekong Delta or Cu Chi Tunnels. The Mekong Delta’s rice fields are often in full growth. This picturesque green landscape is best enjoyed on scenic boat rides and enthralls photographers. The area surrounding Cu Chi, which requires walking through some jungle terrain, is much easier to navigate when the ground is dry and firm. Meanwhile, the cooler weather makes it more comfortable to crawl through the narrow underground passageways. 

Celebrate Tet in January and February

Ho Chi Minh City comes alive during the celebration of Tet, the Vietnamese Lunar New Year, considered the most important festival in the country. The preparations for Tet start from the last lunar month, which often falls between late January and mid-February.

Every restaurant and coffee shop goes full out to come up with innovative decorative concepts. The facades transform with traditional symbols, like apricot blossoms, firecrackers, red envelopes and the zodiac animal of the year. Delicious seasonal drinks are added to menus to boost festive spirits, and coffee shops function as cultural hubs during this time.

But truly all public places around the city become even more picturesque. Parks, tourist spots and pedestrian-only areas like Tao Dan Park, Bach Dang Wharf and Nguyen Hue Walking Street are the main venues for the city’s events. Flowers are in full bloom, everyone dons their finest clothes and wears their happiest faces, and no one rushes anywhere. Most museums are closed during the first three days of Tet, but the War Remnants Museum and the Reunification Palace – two highlights of the city – stay open throughout.

Expect busy traffic before New Year’s Eve when locals head out of town, a slight increase in service prices and limited opening hours. Bookings are recommended to ensure decent accommodations at the best rates during this time. 

April and September are the best times to visit historic sites

April holds deep significance in Vietnam, particularly in Ho Chi Minh City, with Reunification Day commemorated on April 30. September is another important month in Vietnam’s history, as the country celebrates National Day on September 2. These dates are marked with parades, exhibitions and special events around important historic sites.

There may be a more solemn atmosphere at Ho Chi Minh City's landmarks during this time, offering you a deeper understanding of local history. Key attractions to visit in April and September are the Reunification Palace, War Remnants Museum, Ho Chi Minh City Museum and French-era buildings like the Opera House and Central Post Office. 

May to November is the best time for budget travelers

Weather in Ho Chi Minh City: May to November is the rainy season in Ho Chi Minh City. A drop in the number of tourists leads to significant discounts on accommodations, flights and tours. Street vendors and market sellers may be more open to negotiation, giving budget-conscious travelers a chance to arrange a better deal on souvenirs and experiences like a guided market visit.

While the wet season brings frequent rains, they are usually short-lived, often occurring in the late afternoon or early evening. The downpours provide a refreshing break from the heat and bring a clean atmosphere, and visitors can typically continue their plans without major disruptions. You can always take advantage of this weather to explore indoor attractions like museums and art galleries, relax at a spa or duck into a cozy cafe and watch the city from behind the curtain of rain.

August and September are the best times to explore Cholon and religious sites

During August and September, the Cholon area (mainly centered around District 5) and its main attractions – Thien Hau Pagoda and Binh Tay Market – and Buddhist temples across the city become particularly atmospheric with a series of rituals.

Many long-standing practices are performed for the Hungry Ghost Festival on the 14th and 15th days of the seventh lunar month, including preparing food offerings, burning joss paper and making paper-mache items such as clothes, houses and other material goods for the visiting ghosts. The Mid-Autumn Festival takes place the following month. A must-do when visiting Ho Chi Minh City during this time is to wander Luong Nhu Hoc Street, which transforms into Lantern Street, with an exciting display of traditional lanterns, lion dances and street performances.