Despite having a mixed bag of weather, May remains one of the best months to visit Vietnam.
The central region of Vietnam reaches its peak heat and dryness, while the South slowly begins to offer more wet and humid weather, especially towards the end of the month. Northern Vietnam also starts to get more rain, while average temperatures rise as the country prepares for a hot, sticky summer.
For those not accustomed to the searing heat of Vietnam weather, May is a. great time to visit Vietnam!
Let’s take a look at the Vietnam weather in May and some of the best activities to do.
Learn more about The Best Time To Visit Vietnam in 2024!
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Best Experience During The Vietnam Weather In May
If you are visiting Vietnam in May, the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Phong Nha Ke Bang is one of the best attractions to visit. Because the dry season lasts from April to August, this is the best time for adventurous tourists to explore Central Vietnam’s deep and ancient cave networks, dazzling rivers and lakes, and dense forests and river valleys. The weather is almost certainly less hot and wet compared to the past few months!
Learn more about the exciting trip to Phong Nha: Elephant Cave & Ma Da Valley Jungle Trek that we offer!
Average Rainfall In Major Vietnamese Cities In May
| Major City | Rainfall In May | Rainy Days In May |
| Hanoi | 133 mm | 7 |
| Sapa | 206 mm | 19 |
| Halong Bay | 156 mm | 16 |
| Hoi An | 86 mm | 6 |
| Da Nang | 63 mm | 3 |
| Nha Trang | 72 mm | 8 |
| Da Lat | 387 mm | 28 |
| Ho Chi Minh City | 157 mm | 12 |
| Phu Quoc | 157 mm | 22 |
Average Temperature In Major Vietnamese Cities In May
Because of its location in the subtropical belt, Vietnam has high annual average temperatures and high levels of humidity.
| Major City | Min. Temp. | Max. Temp. |
| Sapa | 19°C (66°F) | 30°C (86°F) |
| Hanoi | 25°C (77°F) | 35°C (94°F) |
| Halong Bay | 25°C (77°F) | 30ºC (86ºF) |
| Hoi An | 25°C (77°F) | 31°C (88°F) |
| Da Nang | 25°C (77°F) | 32°C (89°F) |
| Nha Trang | 26°C (79°F) | 32°C (89°F) |
| Da Lat | 17°C (63°F) | 26°C (79°F) |
| Ho Chi Minh City | 27°C (81°F) | 35°C (94°F) |
| Phu Quoc Island | 29°C (84°F) | 31°C (88°F) |
Average Humidity In Major Vietnamese Cities In May
| Major City | Humidity | Sunshine Hours |
| Sapa | 71.8% | 12.3 hours |
| Hanoi | 73.1% | 12.0 hours |
| Halong Bay | 82.0% | 12.1 hours |
| Hoi An | 80.4% | 12.6 hours |
| Da Nang | 80.1% | 12.6 hours |
| Nha Trang | 76.8% | 12.3 hours |
| Da Lat | 88.7% | 11.5 hours |
| Ho Chi Minh City | 77.3% | 12.3 hours |
| Phu Quoc Island | 73.4% | 12.2 hours |
The Best Vietnam Experiences In May
The Best Things To Do In Vietnam During May
Explore The Culture
Although May is no longer a holiday season, you can still attend some of the most authentic cultural events in Vietnam.
Buffalo fighting festival (Vinh Phuc – April 21 in the lunar calendar): The Buffalo Fighting Festival honors a bountiful crop. This is one of Vietnam’s oldest cultural events, dating back to 2 B.C. The buffalo fighting is now regarded as a fantastic event in which the entire community comes together to celebrate their history.
Fishing festival (Quang Binh – April 14 in the lunar calendar): The fishing festival honors the efforts and daily lives of Quang Binh fishermen. Those who attend the celebrations also gather to pray for good weather so that fishermen might return with a good catch.
Learn more about The Best Festivals In Vietnam To Experience Its Culture, History And Traditions
Take Part In Exciting Outdoor Activities
Go for a hike in Cuc Phuong National Park. Wildlife lovers and travelers seeking active adventure will discover Vietnam’s oldest national park, rich in biodiversity, with more than 85 square miles (220 square kilometers) of tropical rainforest and enough rocky (and frequently slippery) paths to get the adrenaline flowing. Cuc Phuong Park is well recognized for its “butterfly season” in April and May, but it also has over 300 bird species and almost 90 animal species, including highly endangered indigenous gibbons, langurs, and loris.
A trip to Hoi An, a popular tourist location that should not be missed. Hoi An is well-known for its rustic, unpretentious, and appealing beauty. It retains a vast cultural basis in addition to traditional values and distinctive architecture. Learn about cultures, beliefs, folk art, festivals, and romantic natural settings via traveling.
Related article: A Guide To The Hoi An Lantern Festival 2023
Lose yourself in white sandy beaches and watersports in Nha Trang or other Central Vietnam beach resorts. A fantastic journey to the seaside cities of Quy Nhon, Nha Trang, and Danang is guaranteed by the low rainfall and extensive hours of glorious sunshine. There are a variety of sports available in Nha Trang and other well-established resorts, including parasailing, scuba diving, water skiing, and sea kayaking.
Related article: 10 Dreamy Beaches Vietnam Has To Offer
With the rise in rain throughout the month and across the country, pack rain gear and bug repellent alongside your summer clothing as we enter the hot wet season. To protect yourself from the UV rays, you should also bring a sunhat, sunglasses, and sunscreen. You should take a couple of warm clothes for early morning or late night hikes in the mountains or the Central highlands.
FAQs About Vietnam Weather In May
From October through April, the southern coast experiences less pleasant cold monsoons. In the north, November through December is the warmest and sunniest month, however, it can get fairly hot by March or October. Therefore if you want to avoid crowds, May, June, and September are ideal seasons to visit Vietnam.
Typically, the dry season lasts from January to May, while the wet season is from July to November. Rainfall happens in brief bursts, even though it is occasionally prevalent and seems never ending.
The months of December to March are ideal for visiting Ho Chi Minh City. The temperature ranges from 20°C to 32°C. This is the dry season in Ho Chi Minh City and the surrounding areas, with temperatures being reasonably cold throughout the day and chilly at night.
Visiting Ho Chi Minh City? Learn about Where to Stay in Ho Chi Minh City: From Luxury Hotels to Budget Accommodation
In Summary
Despite the weather complexity, May remains a good time to visit Vietnam, not to mention lower tourism traffic and excellent travel deals.
Have a look at the tours that we offer to experience the one-of-a-lifetime vacation that you deserve with the local experts.
Join us today and let’s discover the awesomeness of Vietnam together!
