Weather in Vietnam in August

August is a bit of a tricky month to navigate your way around Vietnam, as the weather in August in Vietnam is fairly different across the country. Due to its north-south elongation, the north, central and southern parts experience different weather and seasons across the year.

But don’t worry, planning a trip to Vietnam in August shouldn’t be a problem with our guide on the weather in August in Vietnam.

Vietnam experiences different seasons in different parts of the country, throughout the year.

weather in North Vietnam in August

(Sapa, Ninh Binh, Hanoi, Halong Bay, Cat Ba)

The weather in North Vietnam in August is rainy, but don’t let that deter you. August is one of the two monsoon months in the mountainous regions, and treks are not recommended as it gets fairly slippery. However, the rice terraces start to turn from green to gold in the month of August.

It doesn’t rain very much, the sun shines between showers so the weather is not gloomy. It is in fact ideal for beautiful scenery and photography. Besides, the mountains have much more to offer than treks; gorgeous homestays and an insight into the lives of the various tribes that inhabit these regions.

Unfortunately, August is not a good time to visit Halong Bay, as it receives the brunt of the monsoon. The weather gets extremely gloomy, cruise cancellations are frequent due to tropical storms and typhoons. Surrounding cities like Hanoi aren’t subject to the force of the storms.

However, heavy downpours interspersed with high temperatures can make travellers quite uncomfortable. Ninh Binh on the contrary also boasts golden rice terraces, though we’d recommend visiting in September.

North Vietnam experiences rainy season in the month of August and the lush green rice terraces start turning golden, offering the most picture perfect views.

weather in Central Vietnam in August

(Da Nang, Hoi An, Hue, Nha Trang)

August is a good month to visit central Vietnam if you’re looking for dry, sunny weather. This is especially if a beach holiday is on your list. Dan Nang, Hoi An or Nha Trang are the best destinations to kick back on a beach in August.

The end of August begins to usher in the rains and overcast weather. So visit to Phong Nha or Bach Ma national park earlier in the month to avoid slippery footing. The cities closer to the south of Vietnam (Da Lat, some of the central highlands) will be wetter than the other areas.

Central Vietnam is an ideal destination for all the beach bums, having mostly a dry and sunny weather in the month of August.

weather in South Vietnam in August

(Phu Quoc, Mekong Delta, Ho Chi Minh City)

South Vietnam is towards the end of the strongest monsoonal months in August. Even then, it showers for a maximum of an hour every day. The showers aren’t severe, and shouldn’t impact your travel plans too much if you’re okay with the rain. The temperature stays at around 29°C (84°F). The showers help to keep the heat down, though the humidity is normally high all year round.

Con Dao on Phu Quoc island is a great spot for wildlife lovers to spot green turtle hatchlings as they make their way to the ocean. From mid-August, the eggs laid by the mother green turtles start to come to the surface. It is a great scene to behold, and Phu Quoc enjoys a visa exemption, so you may want to add it to your list ASAP.

It’s a good time to visit South Vietnam in August as this region receives only a few mild showers that tend to settle the heat down.

Festivals in August

Trung Nguyen, or the Day of the Wandering Souls, is the second biggest festival in Vietnam. Although a Buddhist celebration, all Vietnamese celebrate and take part in this festival. This is partially due to their varied religious beliefs, and also due to their respect for ancestors. On Wandering Souls Day, the souls of sinners sent to hell have a chance to return to their mortal homes to seek absolution.

The day before the celebration, families travel to temples to make offerings of flowers and food. These are for souls without relatives or people to make offerings for them. Additionally, alters are set up in each home with food offerings for the ancestral spirits. It is celebrated on the 15th day of the lunar month (September 2nd for 2020, August 22nd for 2021). Though it is absent of a celebratory atmosphere, it is a good insight into the customs and culture of the family-centered Vietnamese people.

Families travel to the temples to make offerings of flowers and food for those souls who may return, the day before the celebration.

In short, you may not be able to trek on the north’s mountain sides or enjoy a cruise at Halong Bay. However, opting for a homestay to take in the rice fields may be just as rewarding an experience.

The weather in August in Vietnam may not be consistent but early August works just fine for central Vietnam, and later August for the south. The rainy season may seem complicated, but hopefully you now know enough to plan your trip well. Click here to learn more about how to get around Vietnam, or click on Plan My Trip to let us help you out!