Weather in Vietnam in October

The weather in Vietnam in October is fairly interesting; the tapering country experiences distinct weather across the north, central and south, and accordingly will affect your travel plans. For those of you looking to cover all of Vietnam, you must be prepared to face the rains, notably in central Vietnam.

A 15-day stay in either the north or the south is ideal in this month, as the weather is dry in both regions. Read through our guide on the weather in Vietnam in October to get a good idea of where to go and what to avoid, and follow it up by a click on Plan Your Trip to get an idea about planning the rest of your trip.

North and South Vietnam experience dry weather in October, making it perfect for a holiday.

weather in North Vietnam in October

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

The rains taper to a close in the month of October in northern Vietnam, and temperatures drop as the month progresses, nearing the winter. Bright sunshine, dry weather and cool temperatures make this an ideal time for trekking in Sapa and its surrounding regions.

Early October is a great time to catch the golden rice fields before they get harvested. The region of Mu Cang Chai offers scenic views particularly cherished by photographers. Additionally, clear skies and gradually cooling weather make it a perfect time to visit Halong Bay. Overall, a great time to visit the north.

October is a great time to visit North Vietnam as the temperatures slowly drop and bright, mostly dry weather can be witnessed.

weather in Central Vietnam in October

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

Conversely, the weather in Central Vietnam is at its worst, with rains and storms putting a damper on travel plans. Hoi An is especially tricky as it can flood. Beach visits are a definite no-go with the rough winds and strong currents. Hue in comparison has less rain and cooler temperatures.

The lack of tourists in both destinations still make it a possible stop for those who can’t help but visit. We recommend going in with a Plan B in case the rains turn to flooding. Worried about what a good backup could be? Click on ‘Plan Your Trip’ and explore your options.

What we will definitely not recommend is trekking in Phong Nha, as heavy rains make some of the caves inaccessible. Additionally, Nha Trang also receives heavy rains and is not recommended. The heavy rains in Da Lat and the central highlands start to wean in the latter half of the month. Additionally climatic conditions start to improve, making it wise to head to the southern parts of Vietnam.

It is not advisable to visit Central Vietnam during this month as it receives heavy rainfall and storms.

weather in Southern Vietnam in October

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

The rains are on the decline in south Vietnam, especially towards the end of the month. This is a great time to visit the floating markets of the Mekong Delta. You can witness the same by heading to Can Tho. Temperatures stay at a steady 28°C (82.4°F) and the sunny coast will beckon to the beach bums.

October is a great time to visit South Vietnam as the rains taper to a close and it’s bright and sunny on the beaches.

Festivals in October

The Mid-Autumn Festival that usually happens in September will happen on October 1st in 2020. Celebrated for more than 400 years, it originally marked the end of the rice harvest in the Red River Delta. The holiday gave parents the chance to spend time with their children as they were otherwise busy during the harvest, leading to the fest being synonymous with Children’s Day today.

Families make and share special rice cakes called mooncakes; they are sticky, with different fillings like lotus seeds, nuts, pieces of sausages, or egg yolk. The festival is celebrated across the country, and street puppet shows, dances and live music can be enjoyed in regions not marred by the rains.

The Mid-Autumn festival is celebrated across the country. Families make and share delicious mooncakes made of rice and also celebrate on the streets with live music and dancing.

In conclusion, cross-country travellers may be faced with disappointment if the rains in central Vietnam get too heavy. Nevertheless, exploring either the north or south, or even both regions is a definite possibility, as weather conditions mean you can trek among golden fields in the north, and also visit the beaches and the Mekong Delta in the south.

While the month is generally absent of festivals, 2020 sees the celebration of the Mid-Autumn festival on the first of October, and is a great chance to take part and witness the festivities first-hand. Feeling overwhelmed navigating weather in October in Vietnam? We can help! Click on Plan Your Trip to get some assistance in planning the trip of a lifetime.