• 609 views
  • ~ mins read

In October, Vietnam starts to wave goodbye to the monsoon season and welcomes autumn. Northern Vietnam has already embraced the drier weather, making it the perfect time to hike the lush landscapes of Mai Chau Valley and the Pu Luong Nature Reserve or climb to the top of Vietnam’s highest point, Fansipan Peak. In Central and South Vietnam experience the Full Moon Lantern Festival in Hoi An and explore the Marble Mountains near Da Nang as the rainy season slowly fades Use the rain in Southern Vietnam to your advantage and marvel at the raw beauty of the hidden waterfalls of Da Lat in the south. The varied weather on a Vietnam trip in October allows you to experience a variety of incredible adventures in this fascinating country.

Great service
  • Harry Davies
  • From Canada
5 - Excellent
“Great service, I had an amazing time in Vietnam and Bali. Will go with this tour oper...” Read More
View Incredible Tours in Vietnam

Vietnam Weather in October

Terraced rice field landscape of Mu Cang Chai, Yenbai, Northern Vietnam.
Northern Vietnam has perfectly dry weather to go on hikes in the beautifully terraced rice fields.

In certain regions, October in Vietnam marks the transition from the rainy season to cooler, drier weather. While rain persists in the central and southern areas, temperatures vary nationwide. Northern Vietnam sees decreasing rainfall and cooler temperatures with temperatures ranging from 22°C (71.6°F) to 29°C (84.2°F) in Hanoi and Ha Long Bay. Central Vietnam experiences a shift from the rainy season to the dry season with temperatures from 23°C (73.4°F) to 28°C (82.4°F) in Hue and Da Nang. Despite the rainy season, temperatures in Southern Vietnam remain warm, ranging from 24°C (75.2°F) to 31°C (87.8°F) in Ho Chi Minh City and Phan Thiet. Heavy rainfall persists, with occasional localized flooding in low-lying areas.

Find out which month or season is right for you in our seasonal overview, a guide to the best time to visit Vietnam.

Weather in Vietnam in October - Rainfall and Temperatures

SepOctNov
Avg Daily (°C)323027
Avg Nightly (°C)242219
Avg Daily (°F)908681
Avg Nightly (°F)767267
Avg Rainfall (mm)734620

Why Visit Vietnam in October

Women dancing in the Cham Kate Festival, an annual festival in Vietnam.
If you want an insight into Vietnamese culture, you should head to the South of Vietnam in October where the Cham people celebrate the Kate Festival.
View of the nature from inside a cave in Ninh Binh in Vietnam
The Ninh Binh province is the one place where you can go caving in Vietnam in October.

October offers a perfect blend of favorable weather, cultural experiences, and outdoor adventures. Here’s why a trip to Vietnam in October promises an unforgettable adventure:

  • Cultural festivals: October is a month filled with vibrant cultural festivals and celebrations in Vietnam. From the Mid-Autumn Festival in Hanoi to the Full Moon Lantern Festival in Hoi An and the Ok Om Bok Festival in the Mekong Delta, this is a wonderful time to experience rich traditions and festivities in Vietnamese culture.
  • Outdoor activities: With better weather conditions, October offers many opportunities for outdoor activities such as trekking, biking, kayaking, and snorkeling. Whether exploring the mountains of Sapa, cycling through the countryside of Hue, or diving in the waters of Nha Trang, you’ll find plenty of adventures to enjoy.
  • Historical exploration: From the ancient temples of Hue to the colonial architecture of Hanoi and the underground tunnels of Cu Chi, history buffs will find plenty of fascinating places to visit in Vietnam in October.
  • Culinary delights: With abundant rainfall, October brings a bounty of fresh produce to Southern Vietnam's markets, offering visitors the opportunity to sample delicious local fruits, seafood, and street food specialties in cities like Ho Chi Minh City and Can Tho, making it a paradise for food lovers.

Where to go and what to do

A view of Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum you can see while on a trip to Hanoi.
As the rain subsides, Hanoi becomes an amazing sightseeing destination with a number of monuments in the city.

From cultural festivals to off-the-beaten-track adventures, Vietnam in October has something for everyone!
Take advantage of the sunny skies and cooler weather in North Vietnam and head outdoors. Hire a motorbike for a journey along the scenic Ha Giang Loop, passing through remote villages, terraced rice fields, and breathtaking mountain landscapes. Discover the geological wonders of the Dong Van Karst Plateau Geopark, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Ha Giang Province. Explore ancient limestone formations, hidden caves, and fossilized remains, and learn about the region's rich geological history and cultural heritage. If you want to escape the crowds, go trekking through the untouched wilderness of Pu Luong Nature Reserve in Thanh Hoa Province, and explore the reserve's dense forests, cascading waterfalls, and traditional Thai ethnic villages.

In Central Vietnam, delve into Vietnam's rich cultural history with a visit to the ancient ruins and mysterious Hindu temples of the My Son Sanctuary near Hoi An. One of the best places to visit in Vietnam in October, Hoi An's UNESCO-listed ancient town is a must-visit destination. Stroll along its atmospheric streets adorned with colorful lanterns, explore centuries-old architecture, and discover hidden gems in the quaint shops and cafés. Don’t miss the monthly Hoi An Lantern Festival which transforms the UNESCO World Heritage Site into an awe-inspiring display of paper lanterns. If you’re looking for some quiet, head into the countryside for a hiking adventure in Bach Ma National Park or discover the hidden beaches along Quy Nhon's picturesque coastline in Binh Dinh Province.

Don’t let Southern Vietnam’s rainy days stop you from exploring! Grab an umbrella and explore the floating markets of Phong Dien on the Mekong Delta. Witness local traders selling fresh produce and goods from their boats, and sample Vietnam’s best cuisine. Visit the ghostly ruins of Binh Thuan as you wander through deserted streets, abandoned French colonial buildings, overgrown gardens, and forgotten landmarks. Venture off the beaten path to trek through the sandy landscapes of the dunes of Phan Rang and enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.

NEED HELP PLANNING YOUR OCTOBER TRIP TO VIETNAM?

With milder weather and sunny skies, October in Vietnam is an ideal time for enjoying outdoor adventures, cultural immersion, and natural beauty. From the lush landscapes of the north to the beautiful beaches of the central coast and the vibrant culture of the south, Vietnam in October is a must if you’re looking for a one-of-a-kind experience.

Let us help you plan your customized tour of Vietnam. Fill out our form, and we can create a tailored itinerary to make your dream trip a reality!

Related articles:
Vietnam in September
Vietnam in November

Published by Supriya Rayamajhi, updated on May 2, 2024

Related Articles

Plan a trip to VietnamWe offer different tour types. You can also chat with a local travel specialist if you want a customized tour to Vietnam.
  • Jacqueline Nguyen
    Jacqueline NguyenTravel Expert in Cambodia & Vietnam
  • Tran Thu Ha
    Tran Thu HaTravel Expert in Cambodia & Vietnam
  • Hien Do
    Hien DoTravel Expert in Vietnam & Cambodia
Our travel experts are recommended by:
  • BBC
  • Independent
  • Lonely Planet
0 COMMENTSWe welcome your questions or comments to this article. Our travel experts will respond within 48 hours.