Vietnam Weather in May & Best Places to Visit
May is a fantastic time to visit Vietnam! As spring transitions into summer, the weather is generally warm and pleasant without being too hot or humid. Plus, there’s less rain compared to the peak monsoon season, making it a great time for exploring.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about Vietnam’s weather in May, the best places to visit, and the most exciting things to do during this time. If you’re planning a trip, don’t miss the chance to experience Vietnam at its best in May!
1. Vietnam’s Weather in May
May is a great time to visit Vietnam, but it’s good to know that the weather varies quite a bit across the country’s three main regions. To make sure you’re fully prepared, we recommend checking out our detailed guide on Vietnam’s climate in May, which breaks down what to expect in each region before you start packing your bags!
Northern Vietnam in May
( Hanoi, Halong Bay, Ninh Binh, Mai Chau, Pu Luong, Sapa, Ha Giang, Cao Bang, and Ba Be… )
In May, Northern Vietnam is simply amazing. Though it can still be a little misty and rainy, the generally dry and bright weather makes it far more pleasant than March and April.
Temperatures throughout the day fall between 30°C and 33°C; evenings are somewhat cooler at about 25°C to 27°C. This is a perfect moment to enjoy outdoor sports free from rain concerns.
The lower temperatures in Sapa or other alpine regions provide ideal walking conditions across the verdant rice terraces. And if you’re organizing a cruise in Halong Bay, you should expect lots of sunlight, just ideal for tanning from the boat’s deck!
See more : Northern Vietnam is a must-visit destination
Central Vietnam in May
(Phong Nha National Park, Hue, Hoi An, Da Nang…)
May is a great season to visit Central Vietnam, particularly if your fantasy is of immaculate beaches and glistening clean waves! Perfect for sunbathing, swimming, and island hopping, the pleasant weather ranges on average from 28°C to 34°C.
Still another wonderful advantage of visiting in May? For tourists, this is rather a quiet period. You will steer clear of the foreign surge of March and April as well as the throngs of domestic visitors arriving in June and July. This allows you to savor the amazing beaches and little cities free from the regular traffic!
Southern Vietnam in May
(Nha Trang, Quy Nhon, Central Highlands, Mui Ne, Ho Chi Minh City, Mekong Delta, Con Dao, Phu Quoc)
In Southern Vietnam, May marks the beginning of the rainy season, so rainfall rises progressively over the month. Although the temperatures remain warm—between 28°C and 36°C— midday showers somewhat assist to chill things down. Usually brief but strong, these downpours make it wise to pack a light umbrella or raincoat before leaving.
Having said that, the monsoon does not influence every South Eastern coastline! Con Dao, Nha Trang, Quy Nhon, and Mui Ne are ideal diving and swimming locations since they still enjoy excellent May weather.
Phu Quoc, on the other hand, is best avoided this time of year since the climate there is more erratic with stronger seas and more rain.
2. Where to Go in Vietnam in May?
2.1 The Water Season in Northern Vietnam’s Mountains
May brings beauty to Hoang Su Phi’s terraced rice fields in Ha Giang. Farmers plant rice in flooded fields during “water-pouring season”. As sunlight illuminates the ocean, it looks like a gigantic mirror reaching into the horizon. Barefoot farmers cultivating crops in undulating mountains is almost poetry.
Hoang Su Phi’s historic stilt dwellings house Nung, Dao, and La Chi ethnic groups in Ban Phung, Ban Luoc, and Sa San Ho. Rice terraces and mountains surround these communities, creating a peaceful retreat. The beautiful May weather lets you enjoy this stunning region without effort!
Mu Cang Chai (Yen Bai province) may be more famous for its terraced fields than Hoang Su Phi, a hidden gem. May must-sees for photographers include Khau Pha Pass, La Pan Tan, Che Cu Nha, and Tu Le. The sun makes the rice terraces shine like silver ribbons down the mountains—an incredible sight!
2.2 Mai Chau: A Calm and Peaceful Valley
In Northern Vietnam, Mai Chau is the right place to get away to peace and nature. The Thai and Muong people live in this beautiful valley. They have cute stilt houses that fit in well with their green surroundings.
Take a beautiful walk along the river from Buoc town to Mai Hich. The friendly people who live there will make the experience one you’ll never forget. Do not be shocked if they ask you to their traditional wooden homes for a cup of tea!
If you’d rather ride a bike, you can go through Ban Lac, Van village, and Naphon. There are hills covered in bamboo and endless rice fields all around you. It’s fun to ride a bike here in May because the weather is nice.
Highlight of the culture: In May, the Thai people hold a special event in My Hoa commune (Bai Tech Lim), which is close to Mai Chau, to make it rain. This event, which includes music, traditions, and old-fashioned games, is a unique way to learn about the culture of the area.
2.3 Halong Bay in May—a Slice of Paradise
Without seeing Halong Bay, no May vacation to Vietnam would be whole. Even more enchanted in May, this magnificent bay is a UNESCO World Heritage site and among the New 7 Wonders of Nature.
The typical mist that usually blankets the bay vanishes under clear sky and warm seas, exposing a stunning scenery of limestone karsts towering from turquoise seas. For kayaking, cruising, or perhaps rock climbing on any of the 2,000 islets, now is the ideal time!
🌅 Tip: Don’t miss the opportunity to see a quite remarkable sunset from a remote beach.
2.4 Hoi An and the Cham Islands: A Beach Getaway and a Heritage City
Because it mixes Eastern and Western art styles in its architecture, Hoi An is without a doubt one of the most beautiful towns in Vietnam, especially in May. Even though the weather is nice, the old town can get crowded with tourists from the United States in the afternoon. If you want to enjoy the peace and beauty of everyday life in the area without having to deal with crowds, it’s best to go early in the morning.
The landscape around Hoi An is just as beautiful. If you go in May, you have to take a bike ride to Tra Que village, which is known for its fragrant herbs, and then take a cooking class using fresh vegetables picked from the garden.
You shouldn’t miss An Bang or Cua Dai beach if you want to go to a beach near the city. The Cham Islands are also a UNESCO nature reserve and can be reached by boat in about an hour and a half from Hoi An. This area was once an important part of the Silk Road in the old Champa Kingdom. It now has wild beaches, seafood markets, tours of fishing villages, and places to swim in clear water.
2.5 Nha Trang: The Beach Lovers and Divers Paradise
Renowned beach Nha Trang boasts year-round sunny weather, beautiful sandy beaches, and glistening clean waves. Seeing Nha Trang in May promises lifelong leisurely memories. Visit the Nha Trang Oceanographic Institute, which French founders established in 1922, first thing in morning. This center provides amazing new perspectives on marine life both worldwide and in Vietnam.
After that, tour the nation’s past by visiting Po Nagar, an archeological site surviving from the Champa Kingdom. Take a maritime excursion to Whale Island for a wonderful adventure where you may swim and dive under a mask to explore the underwater life.
Perfect for relaxation, natural hot springs providing therapeutic mud treatments abound in Nha Trang. Finally, don’t miss the Long Son Pagoda, which sits on a hill with an amazing 360-degree perspective over the city and surrounds.
All things considered, nature lovers, culture vultures, and peace seekers will never forget a May trip to Vietnam. So, pack your bags and get ready to discover this country of a thousand wonders!
Thanh Nam Nguyen
Born in Ho Chi Minh City with Vietnamese-American roots, Thanh Nam Nguyen is passionate about adventures and traveling in Indochina. As a local guide for All Vietnam Senses, he leads tours in southern Vietnam, Cambodia, and Thailand, sharing his knowledge with travelers and inspiring readers to explore the region. Leave a comment below for him to respond directly!
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