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The 2025 storm season in Vietnam has included numerous extreme weather events, so planning your trip at the right time of year does matter. The tricky part is that Vietnam doesn’t have just one season – the weather in the north can be completely different from central or southern Vietnam on the same day. So is April a good time to visit Vietnam?
I travelled in Vietnam from mid-April to early May, from the north down to the south. Here’s what April was like for us – to help you understand what you can expect if you’re planning your own trip.
What mid-April was like in northern Vietnam
We spent most of our time in the north: Hanoi, the lowlands and valleys around Ninh Binh and Pu Luong, the mountains near Sapa, the Ha Giang Loop, and then Bai Tu Long Bay.
Warm and humid in Hanoi and the lowlands
Hanoi and Ninh Binh region were warm, humid and very green. It was great weather for sightseeing and boat rides, but many complained about the heat when climbing the Mua Cave stairs. We had a small storm at the end of the day in Pu Luong, but it didn’t last long. The rice fields were lush green and looked wonderful.
Cooler in the mountains and Halong Bay – and a bit of rain
As soon as you head higher in altitude, you’ll get cooler temperatures. In Sapa, we had showers during the night, so muddy paths when hiking, but with the sun shining, it wasn’t cold – just bring proper shoes. The Ha Giang Loop was a real mix: sunny, rainy, foggy, and cooler again at the top of the mountain passes. I was happy to have a jacket.
Even with that variety, this felt like a great season to explore the north, even if the rice terraces weren’t impressive yet. The mountains were lush and we could do everything we had planned. We had picked April for our motorbike tour in Ha Giang because there’s less risk of rain than in May, and we were happy with that choice.
In Halong Bay (or actually Bai Tu Long Bai), we had cloudy weather during the day, a bit cooler in the evening and rain on our way back to the continent.
What late April was like in central Vietnam
Hoi An and Hue were the hottest parts of the trip. We live in Brisbane so we’re used to the humid heat, so it didn’t bother us too much, but we met travellers who struggled with the temperature and tired quickly during the day.
If you visit central Vietnam in April and have more time than us, I’d recommend planning outdoor sightseeing early in the morning or late in the afternoon, and keeping the middle of the day for activities away from the sun, such as transfers or workshops (we learnt how to make Vietname coffee or build our own souvenir lantern, for example). Evenings were warm and enjoyable for wandering the lantern-lit streets or trying local food.
What early May was like in southern Vietnam
By the time you reach Ho Chi Minh City and the Mekong Delta, we could feel the wet season approaching and locals kept saying it was getting hotter. It was humid but still manageable for city sightseeing and day trips. We didn’t experience the dramatic storms the south can get later in the year.
Public holidays and atmosphere
We were in Vietnam during a busy period: Liberation Day (30 April) and International Labour Day (1 May) are national holidays, and locals take advantage of them to travel.
Our local travel agent booked everything in advance, so we didn’t face any specific issues with availability or transport. But it definitely felt busy with many Vietnamese tourists around and locals joining events on the street. We got to see a few festivals and concerts. I actually loved that there were red flags everywhere, streets looked festive, and I found it added to the cultural experience rather than taking away from it.
What to pack for April in Vietnam
If you’re wondering what to bring, I shared all my packing tips here.
Mosquitoes in Vietnam in April
Mosquitoes aren’t just annoying – they can transmit diseases like dengue or Zika virus, so it’s worth taking a few precautions when travelling in Vietnam.
In April, we were surprised by how few mosquitoes we saw. Most of our accommodations outside cities had mosquito nets, but we rarely felt we needed them (we still used them as a precaution, of course). We saw a few in Sapa, but it wasn’t a big issue. A bit of repellent on our feet and wearing long sleeves and pants in the evening was enough. Maybe we were lucky, but we never had mosquitoes interrupting dinner or sleep.
I’d still recommend packing repellent and light layers just in case, especially if you’re spending time in rural or mountainous areas.
So… is April a good time to visit Vietnam?
For us, yes. I’d happily travel to Vietnam again at that time of year. April gave us a beautiful mix of green mountains, warm weather, and that festive holiday atmosphere. It’s a great time for northern Vietnam in particular, before the heavy rain season kicks in. Central and southern Vietnam were hotter and more humid, but still enjoyable.
If you’re planning a trip in April, you might like to read more about our itinerary.
Have you visited Vietnam in April? Share your experience in the comments below!
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