Vietnam in February: Perfect Weather and Must-Visit Spots
February is often considered the busiest month of the year, due to the Vietnamese New Year frequently falling in this month. If you are planning a trip during this time, you will have the opportunity to immerse yourself in the vibrant and colorful atmosphere of the traditional Asian New Year. Join us to discover the weather forecasts, must-see destinations and all the essential information to fully enjoy your trip.
Written by Tieu Bao (Local Expert)
Updated on Jan 15, 2025
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Originally from Vietnam, Tieu Bao spent years in France to pursue his studies. Passionate about travel and adventure, he has discovered all the countries of Southeast Asia, including Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, Bali, and Burma. Since 2020, he has spent most of his time in Thailand, Cambodia, and Laos to manage Kampá Tour's trips in these countries. Do not hesitate to ask him questions or comments so that he can answer you directly at the bottom of this article.
February is also an ideal month in terms of weather. It's quite cool, and the temperature changes depending on each region of Vietnam.
Vietnam Tourist Map
The North
In this region of Vietnam, the climate is significantly cooler. The average temperature approximates 20 °C (68°F). The mountainous places like Sapa, Bac Ha, or Ha Giang offer temperatures that are even lower at an altitude level of between 12 and 20 °C (54 to 68°F). It is a damp and cold air that favors an easy drizzle and fog. High coastal areas or the beautiful Ha Long Bay may be engulfed in fog, greatly decreasing visibility over long distances.
The Central
Generally, it's cool here but sunnier than North. The average temperature is between 20 and 28 degrees, cooler at the beach. Rain sometimes comes, not particularly heavy.
The South
February is an excellent time if you want really nice, warm temperatures and gentle sunshine in the southern Vietnam region. This time is generally bright and mild in the South, as it usually does not rain, although this may vary from year to year. There may be heavy rainfall, but if it occurs, it typically lasts for just 1 or 2 days in the month. It does not have much impact. It has no significant effect, and the conditions remain comfortably average at around 26-30 degrees (79 to 86 °F).
2. Vietnamese New Year of Light in February
February is the month when the Light New Year takes place in Asian countries, also celebrated as the biggest holiday in Vietnam. With all its colorful Asian decorations, festive activities and bustling markets, this is an event not to be missed if you enjoy discovering Asian culture and understanding the fascinating traditions of this great celebration.
The Tet festival (Vietnamese New Year) officially takes place from 25th Jan 2025 to 2nd Feb 2025, but the lively atmosphere of preparation and decoration begins about three weeks before and lasts more than a week after. You will therefore have a long enough period to fully immerse yourself in this festive atmosphere. Check out this article to learn more about Vietnamese New Year - Tet Holiday.
In February, Vietnam is very colorful thanks to Vietnamese New Year decorations
3. Northern Vietnam’s Must-See Sites for Every Traveler
Hanoi
It has been said that Hanoi is a destination that simply excels when it comes to culture, history, and old beauty. Hanoi's old quarters are vibrant with noises from the past that proudly echo in the walls of old houses, the old houses which are typically Vietnamese and very representative. The old streets of these ancient quarters comprise attractive, typical items.
The old quarters of the capital are full of ancient beauty
To get lost in the essence of Tết, the way would be towards Hang Ma Street, known for the sales of seasonal decorations (such as Christmas, New Year, Moon Festival, etc.). Hang Ma is perhaps one of the most beautiful streets, bursting with colors during this time in the historic districts. Hang Luoc Street would be a must-visit this time. This street has a parade of plants much desired at this time of New Year, where you will find all the typical species for the decoration of Tết, such as kumquats, peach blossoms, and many other equally beautiful streets to explore in the old quarters.
Hang Ma Street, famous for selling Vietnamese New Year decorations
A visit to key sites such as the Temple of Literature, Vietnam Museum of Ethnology, and Thang Long Imperial Citadel will allow you to join an exciting day of exploration, just before going to a water puppet show which is a very interesting and unique art form.
Hang Luoc Street offers a wide variety of plants for the New Year
>>> To learn more about the fascinating Hanoi Museums & Ho Chi Minh City Museums, please read:
Sapa, located approximately 320 km from Hanoi, is a must-see destination for all visitors to northern Vietnam. It is one of the most magnificent places offering majestic landscapes, famous for its rice terraces as far as the eye can see, its colorful markets of local ethnic groups as well as its authentic ethnic villages. It also bears the imprint of the old French resort.
For trekking enthusiasts, Sapa is the ideal place for an authentic hike. There you will find three main difficulty levels: light, medium and hard. Take the time to stroll through magnificent villages like Y Linh Ho, Ta Phin, Ma Tra,... Each village offers unique elements to discover within their culture.
>> 🗺️ Join our two-week itinerary to Vietnam to experience the breathtaking beauty and rich culture of North Vietnam and beyond.
Sapa in Feb
Halong Bay
Halong Bay is a splendid wonder of northern Vietnam, officially recognized as a world heritage site by UNESCO. With nearly 2,000 limestone islands and islets, it extends over more than 1,500 square kilometers. Offering a variety of landscapes and remarkable biodiversity, Halong Bay still maintains an attractive appearance. To get there, you can choose to travel by bus, private car or minibus, a journey that takes around 3 and a half hours and is very easy to organize.
Once there, you can admire the breathtaking landscapes of Halong Bay from a junk cruise. Spend a night on a cruise to enjoy the nighttime atmosphere of this legendary bay. Kayaking, seafood tasting, visiting floating villages and exploring the thousand-year-old caves in the middle of the bay are among the experiences to be had. To obtain all the practical information on this site.
Did you know that you can go to Ha Long by helicopter from Hanoi? This is an option for those who have a large budget and want to save time while enjoying an aerial view of Ha Long Bay. In addition, on site in Halong, there is a circuit allowing you to visit the bay by seaplane. It's an interesting experiment to try. Contact us if you are interested
Ninh Binh (The Terrestrial Halong Bay)
Ninh Binh, nicknamed “The Terrestrial Halong Bay”, is a spectacular destination near Hanoi that is not to be missed. It is an ideal choice for nature lovers, with its karst peaks emerging from the water and its rice fields along the river. Taking a boat trip along the water to admire these natural wonders is a memorable experience. The incredible landscapes of Tam Coc, Mua Cave, Trang An Scenic Complex, Cuc Phuong National Park will not disappoint you. This site offers a peaceful atmosphere and a total disconnection from the urban hustle and bustle.
Ninh Binh - The Terrestrial Halong Bay
4. The Central Region's Beautiful Destinations and Rich Culture
Hue
Hue was the former imperial city of Vietnam, with poetic beauty and tranquility. Whether from Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City, you can go to Hue by plane or night train.
This city is rich in cultural and historical monuments associated with feudal dynasties, providing a very interesting dive into the history of Vietnam. There are many majestic citadels, sumptuous palaces, and ancestral tombs full of spirituality. Hue is also famous as the "capital of the conical hat" because of its villages specializing in this traditional handicraft.
Besides these historic sites, one can relish very beautiful beaches like Thuan An and Lang Co, among the most beautiful central beaches for a peaceful beach stay. Learn more about Hue as the cultural and historic heart of the Centre.
Hue is home to many cultural and historical monuments linked to feudal dynasties
Hoi An
Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Hoi An Ancient Town is one of the best places to visit in Vietnam in February. This site is a multicultural harmony (Vietnam, French, Japan and China) with many monuments of unique architecture. You will be immersed in a romantic atmosphere, embellished by old houses with yellow walls and red roofs.
You can also explore this ancient city by bike or on foot. If you want to explore the city in depth, take time to visit local villages like Tra Que.
Hoi An Old Town
>>> Worth knowing
What we really like during our stay in Hue and Hoi An is the local cuisine. According to our local guide, this is a ''noble'' cuisine favored by kings, royals and mandarins in Hue. Don''t miss Bun bo Hue and Cao Lau during your trip to the region!
5. The Best Places to Visit in the South
Ho Chi Minh City
Representing the most modern city in the country, Ho Chi Minh City offers harmonious architecture blending the ancient culture of the colonial era and the modern lifestyle with its imposing skyscrapers. You can discover emblematic French monuments such as the Central Post Office, Notre-Dame Cathedral, Ben Thanh Market, as well as the War Remnants Museum.
The flower market near Nguyen Hue Walking Street and Hai Thuong Lan Ong Street in Chinatown are must-see places. These places specializing in selling festive decorations are not to be missed. Tet celebrations in Saigon offer cultural diversity, particularly in the famous Cholon district, where Chinese from Guangdong have lived for centuries.
For history buffs, a visit to the Cu Chi Tunnels is a must. These underground tunnels are a testament to the ingenuity and resilience of the Vietnamese people during the war.
Ho Chi Minh City
Mekong Delta
The Mekong Delta, a popular destination in southern Vietnam, presents unique landscapes combining land and water. Nicknamed the rice basket of Vietnam, this place thrives thanks to its favorable climate and the fertile alluvium of the Mekong, offering farmers vast areas of rice fields. In February, this region becomes a major source of flowers for New Year decorations. If you go here near Tet, you will see a thousand colorful flowers everywhere.
You can sail aboard a boat to discover the floating markets, or even glide in a boat along the peaceful canals, in the shade of coconut trees. It is also possible to cycle through the small streets lined with fruit orchards.
In February, this region becomes a major source of flowers for New Year decorations
>>> Worth knowing:
Ben Tre is one of the must-see sites in the Mekong Delta, often nicknamed the 'kingdom of coconut trees'. This region offers peaceful landscapes covered with coconut trees and lush fruit orchards. Its major advantage is its proximity to Ho Chi Minh City, just over 2 hours away. Don't miss this unique destination!
Phu Quoc Island
Phu Quoc, Vietnam's Emerald Isle, boasts white sand beaches, a pleasant climate, fish sauce factories, and fresh seafood. You can easily get there by plane.
In February, the temperature on the island is about 27.5 degrees with sunny and rainless weather, making it a good time to visit Phu Quoc. The place is ideal for outdoor activities like swimming, diving, and national park hiking. In addition, Phu Quoc offers visa-free policies for all kinds of tourists. For more details, see: Phu Quoc Visa Waiver.
Phu Quoc Island
💡The 3-region tourist map will help you to have an overview of the most attractive tourist destinations in Vietnam. See details here: Vietnam Tourist Map and Geography
6. Practical advice
Anticipate the Tet period by reserving your transport and accommodation in advance, as demand is very high.
During this holiday, many places will be closed. Plan your activities carefully to take advantage of those that will remain open.
Make sure you have enough cash before Tet, as banks are closed and ATMs are not stocked.
Plan your trip around 10 days before the Lunar New Year to enjoy the festive entertainment and typical markets. Visit Vietnam before Tet for the full experience, without worrying about service closures .
7. Suggested Vietnam Itineraries for February
Traveling to Vietnam in February is ideal, as the weather is favorable for exploring the entire country. About 2 weeks is the perfect time to enjoy the best of the destination.
14-Day Itinerary for Beach Lovers in February
Day 1: Hanoi - Arrival
Day 2: Hanoi - City Tour
Day 3: Hanoi - Ninh Binh - Hanoi
Day 4: Hanoi - Halong Bay
Day 5: Halong Bay - Hanoi - Flight to Danang - Hoi An
Yes, in February, some beaches in southern Vietnam are hot and dry, just perfect to enjoy the sun and sea. Recommended:
Phu Quoc: It is perfect for a swim or to simply relax on its white sandy beaches with temperatures of 27.5°C, sunny weather, and no rain. February falls within the dry period in Phu Quoc, which ranges from November to April.
Nha Trang: Temperatures range between 20°C and 32°C, with a beautiful bay and various water activities. February is also part of the dry season in Nha Trang, which extends from January to September.
Is it safe to travel to Vietnam in February?
Completely safe! Vietnam is a quiet country with friendly people, no political instability, and much less dangerous than other destinations. It is perfect for all types of trips: alone, with family, with friends, or on honeymoon.
We suggest exercising a little caution, just like in any other country, namely staying alert against possible cases of robbery on the streets. Contact us to plan your trip in February!
Conclusion
We hope that all the information in this article will be useful to you in planning your trip to Vietnam in February 2025! If you would like to simplify your preparations, do not hesitate to contact us to organize a tailor-made tour according to your wishes.
>>> See more about things to do in Vietnam by month:
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