An all-year guide to the best time to visit Ho Chi Minh City

Ho Chi Minh City’s mix of 24/7 street life, rich history, and incredible food makes it exciting no matter when you visit. The best time to visit Ho Chi Minh City depends on your travel style and whether you prefer the cooler, dry months or the quieter rainy season. This month-by-month guide to Ho Chi Minh City covers the best times to explore its neighborhoods, eat, and party, from wandering through Ben Thanh Market to catching the Tet Lunar New Year festivities. Whatever the season, here’s what to do in Ho Chi Minh City each month for the perfect trip.

Choosing the best time to go to Ho Chi Minh City

Best time for outdoor lovers

For outdoor enthusiasts, December to February is the best time to visit Ho Chi Minh City. The cooler, dry season is perfect for exploring parks or taking river cruises without worrying about scorching heat or torrential rain.

Best time for people on a budget

Consider visiting during the rainy season from June to August. While there are frequent showers, you’ll find cheaper accommodation, fewer crowds, and plenty of indoor activities like museums and local markets.

Best time for sightseeing

March to May is ideal for sightseeing. The weather is warm but not too humid yet, making it great for visiting historical and cultural sights like temples and pagodas.

Ho Chi Minh City throughout the seasons

Spring in Ho Chi Minh City

March to May
Spring in Ho Chi Minh City sees warmer days, rising humidity, and a lively atmosphere to match. It’s a great time to explore the city’s streets and cultural landmarks. Events like the Hung Kings Festival give the season an injection of culture.

Summer in Ho Chi Minh City

June to August
Summer in Ho Chi Minh City is the arrival of the rainy season, with regular afternoon showers, but the city carries on with the River Festival at the start of June. It’s the best time to visit museums and enjoy hot Vietnamese delicacies.

Fall in Ho Chi Minh City

September to November
As the rains ease, fall in Ho Chi Minh City brings cooler temperatures. It’s a fantastic time to browse local markets and make the most of mid-autumn celebrations. Evenings are pleasant for outdoor dining.

Winter in Ho Chi Minh City

December to February
Winter in Ho Chi Minh City is dry and comfortably warm, making it the ideal season for outdoor activities. Tet, the Lunar New Year, takes center stage, and the city is filled with parades, fireworks, and colorful decorations.

January in Ho Chi Minh City

January is one of the best times to explore Ho Chi Minh City as the weather is cool and dry, making it perfect for wandering the streets. Tet (Lunar New Year) usually falls in late January or early February, and the city goes all out with decorations, flower markets, and street festivals. Visit Nguyen Hue Flower Street to catch the stunning floral displays or enjoy the lively Tet markets for local snacks. If you’re into history, this is also a great time to visit the War Remnants Museum and venture out to the Cu Chi Tunnels.

Weather

Average temperature 79 F (26 C), sunny skies and low humidity.

February in Ho Chi Minh City

The Lunar New Year celebrations are in full swing in February in Ho Chi Minh City, so there’s plenty of food and fireworks. The streets come to life with dragon dances and performances, and temples are filled with locals giving offerings for luck in the new year. Spend time in Cholon, Ho Chi Minh City’s Chinatown, for a more traditional experience, or check out Bui Vien Street for a livelier nighttime atmosphere. It’s still the dry season, making it a great time to enjoy rooftop bars.

Weather

Average temperature of 81 F (27 C), warm with blue skies and the occasional breeze.

March in Ho Chi Minh City

The city starts heating up in March, but there’s still time to visit before the rainy season begins. It’s the start of the annual Ao Dai Festival, a colorful celebration of Vietnam’s traditional dress. Expect parades and fashion shows throughout the city, especially in District 1. Take advantage of the weather to explore old Saigon’s many street food spots, like the famous Banh Mi Huynh Hoa or com tam (broken rice) joints. Don’t forget to stop by Ben Thanh Market to shop and try local cuisine.

Weather

Average temperature of 84 F (29 C), sunny with rising temperatures.

April in Ho Chi Minh City

Vietnam’s Liberation Day falls in April, marking the end of the Vietnam War. Parades take over the city — go to the Independence Palace to get a glimpse into this historic day, or head to the War Remnants Museum for more profound insight. The weather’s still manageable, so you can take a river cruise on the Saigon River or a day trip to the Mekong Delta, where you’ll cruise through waterways and see how life flows in Vietnam’s “rice bowl.” The Ho Chi Minh City Food Festival pops up in April, so come ready to eat.

Weather

Average temperature of 86 F (30 C), getting hotter but still bearable.

May in Ho Chi Minh City

May officially starts the rainy season, but showers usually come in the late afternoon, giving you plenty of time to explore in the mornings. The city’s museums and art galleries, like the Ho Chi Minh City Museum, are a great escape from the rain. This is also the best time to try fruits like mangosteen, rambutan, and durian, all in season. Make sure to visit a local market for the freshest picks. After the rain, rooftop bars like the one at Landmark 81 are perfect for watching the city light up.

Weather

Average temperature of 86 F (30 C). Expect short, heavy rains in the afternoons.

June in Ho Chi Minh City

If you’re wondering what to do in Ho Chi Minh City, June has plenty to keep you cool. Discover the city's café culture with coffee shops in Districts 1, 3, and 5, including the popular Café Apartments. Try a Vietnamese iced coffee or a fruit smoothie made from seasonal fruits. It’s also an excellent time to visit indoor shopping attractions like the Vincom Center. If you can, escape to Vung Tau Beach, just a two-hour drive away, for a weekend trip from the city.

Weather

Average temperature of 86 F (30 C), rainy, but with plenty of dry intervals.

July in Ho Chi Minh City

July is a wet and humid time in the city, but don’t let that stop you from experiencing the local culture. Visit the Notre-Dame Cathedral of Saigon, and be sure to see one of the city’s iconic water puppet shows — an ideal indoor activity for escaping the rain. Get cozy with a steaming bowl of pho (a Vietnamese soup made with rice noodles) or bun thit nuong (pork on a bed of vermicelli noodles) from a local spot. The rains often clear by evening, making it the perfect time to stroll around Nguyen Hue walking street.

Weather

Average temperature of 84 F (29 C), heavy afternoon rain storms are common.

August in Ho Chi Minh City

August is still rainy, and there will be fewer tourists. Embrace the local rhythm and visit some of the city’s inviting pagodas, like Jade Emperor Pagoda or Vinh Nghiem Pagoda. August is the best month to indulge in Vietnamese hotpot (lau), a favorite rainy-day comfort food. In August, the Summer Fruit Festival at Suoi Tien Theme Park is one of the best summer activities in Ho Chi Minh City. Celebrate Vietnam’s peak tropical fruit season by indulging in mangosteen, rambutan, and the divisive durian fruit. Watch fun fruit-themed activities like carving contests.

Weather

Average temperature of 84 F (29 C), frequent rain, but cooler evenings.

September in Ho Chi Minh City

In September, there are more breaks in the rainfall and cooler evenings. Vietnam’s National Day is on September 2, with fireworks displays and city-wide celebrations. Go to one of the city’s sprawling parks, like Tao Dan or Le Van Tam, where locals hang out and practice tai chi or fly kites. It’s also a good time to check out indoor food courts like Ben Thanh Street Food Market for a taste of local street eats, minus the rain.

Weather

Average temperature of 81 F (27 C), with more manageable rain and cooler days.

October in Ho Chi Minh City

October is great for those who enjoy a quieter experience. It’s the start of the Mid-Autumn Festival, so expect colorful lanterns, mooncakes, and traditional lion dances. Pitch up in Chinatown for the best displays or to catch a festival performance. If you’re into architecture and history, explore some of Ho Chi Minh City’s cultural spots, like the neo-classical Saigon Central Post Office.

Weather

Average temperature of 79 F (26°C), with less rain and cooler nights.

November in Ho Chi Minh City

November weather is ideal — cooler, drier, and perfect for exploring. Explore the city by motorbike or head to Ho Chi Minh’s lively night markets like Ben Nghe Street Food Market. It’s also a great month to visit some of the city’s rooftop bars like Banana Mama — drinks with a view are a must-do. November also kicks off the cultural season with concerts, art shows, and more, especially in District 1’s Opera House.

Weather

Average temperature of 79 F (26 C), dry with soothing breezes.

December in Ho Chi Minh City

December in Ho Chi Minh City isn’t anything close to snowy, but it is undoubtedly festive. The streets light up with Christmas decorations, especially around Notre-Dame Cathedral, Saigon Central Post Office, and the Instagram-ready pink Tan Dinh Church. The cooler, drier weather makes it a prime time to explore the city on foot or cruise along the Saigon River. This is also the month for end-of-year festivals, local concerts and shows, and New Year’s Eve parties. Whether you’re looking to sip cocktails at a rooftop bar or enjoy local street food, December offers plenty to do.

Weather

Average temperature of 77 F (25 C), dry, with cool evenings.

Best time to visit Ho Chi Minh City: FAQs

What’s the best month to go to Ho Chi Minh City?

The best month to go to Ho Chi Minh City is January when the weather is dry and not too hot. This month also coincides with the Tet Lunar New Year celebrations, so it’s a wonderful time to visit with kids. With clear skies, the weather also makes it ideal for strolling through the rainbow of flower displays at Tao Dan Park, visiting the Vinh Nghiem Pagoda, and having a fun day out at Suoi Tien Theme Park.

When should I avoid Ho Chi Minh City?

It’s best to avoid September, the peak of the rainy season, when heavy downpours and possible flooding can make travel and sightseeing tricky. The weather may disrupt outdoor activities around the city, like visiting the Cu Chi Tunnels or the Mekong Delta. Streets can get slippery, and the rain can limit your ability to explore popular landmarks such as the Ben Thanh Market. While the city remains abuzz, September isn’t ideal for travelers who want to experience the best of what Ho Chi Minh City offers.

What is the hottest month in Ho Chi Minh City?

April is the hottest month in Ho Chi Minh City, with average temperatures around 87°F (31°C). It’s also one of the most humid months, so expect warm, sticky days — perfect for cooling off with fresh coconut water or a river cruise.

How many days do you need in Ho Chi Minh City?

A three to four-day trip is ideal. Two days give you time to explore major sights like the War Remnants Museum, Ben Thanh Market, Notre Dame Cathedral, and shrines in Ho Chi Minh City. To round out your experience, add an extra day for a Cu Chi Tunnels or Mekong Delta day trip.

Where is the best place to go in Vietnam for the first time?

Ho Chi Minh City is a great first stop, offering a mix of history, street food, and vibrant city life. Other must-visit places include Hanoi for its old-world charm, Ha Long Bay for its stunning limestone islands and Hoi An for its lantern-lit streets and beaches.