Vietnam Weather January: Temperatures & Best Places to Visit

Vietnam Weather January Overview

In general, it's a good time to travel throughout Vietnam. Visit Vietnam in January, you will have a chance to experience the drastic weather difference among regions, encounter many traditional festivals, and learn interesting things.

Vietnam’s average temperature in January is around 20°C to 24°C from North to South and it is one of the driest months here. However, as a long country with different climates in each part of the nation, there will be a little difference of weather in each region here; please see detail as below:

Weather in North

Vietnam's January weather in the North is chill and dry with light sunshine and clear blue skies. The average temperature in North Vietnam in January will be around 20°C, and annual rainfall is also mostly at its lowest of approx 40mm. At this time, haze is not unusual, especially in coastal areas and around Ha Long Bay. In the North Pole such as Sapa, Mau Son (Lang Son), Ha Giang, etc, the weather conditions are quite good, there’s almost no rain (just drizzles sometimes) but it’s cold and usually foggy at night. Also, there might be a few days in early January, you can experience frost and snow in these areas.

You want to know more about: How cold is it in Northern Vietnam Winter?

Freezing might happen in North Vietnam in January

Weather in Central

During January, the weather in Central Vietnam improves gradually. The rainy season ends and the long rainfall is unlikely to happen, especially in the second half of the month. In January, the average temperature is about 23°C. Although it’s not so warm, beaches in Hoi An, Da Nang, and Nha Trang become crowded with tourists. On the other hand, in mountainous areas like Dalat and the Central Highlands, the weather is dry but quite cold, especially at night when you may need a thick jacket.

Travelling in Central Vietnam during January, you should prepare swimwear, appropriate light clothing, and some warm clothes for evenings and early mornings when the temperature is much cooler than daytime. 

Weather in South

There is no doubt that January is the most beautiful time of the year in South Vietnam when the climatic conditions in this month are the best of the year. The average temperature is around 24°C and there would be no rain as it's the dry season here,  January is absolutely the right time to visit South Vietnam, especially to enjoy the comfortable sunshine in islands like Phu Quoc or Con Dao. 

Pros & Cons

Best places to visit in Vietnam’s January

Phu Quoc

Phu Quoc is the place you are looking for. Different from the cold in the North of January, in Phu Quoc, the weather is quite cool between 25°C and 28°C, the sun is clear, and the cool seawater is suitable for a vacation with family in the last days of the year. Travelling in January, you can sunbathe, snorkel and swim at Long Beach and Ong Lang Beach, or picnicking, jungle-trekking, camping, and bird-watching at Phu Quoc National Park and Suoi Tranh Waterfall.

Da Lat

You want to see the cherry blossoms in January, Da Lat is the destination that you cannot miss. Located on the land of the Central Highlands 1500m from sea level, Dalat has a very special climate that changes during the day. Temperatures at this time of the year are ideal for outdoor activities such as hiking, swimming, walking, or enjoy vibrant parades, exhibitions, and workshops, as well as the colourful flowers that surround Xuan Huong Lake. This is the right place for you and your family to have a complete vacation. More importantly, Da Lat Flower Festival is held in early January, this biennial festival features elaborate and mammoth floral displays, plus live music, fashion shows, and more.

Visit Da Lat in January

Danang

Da Nang will be a place not to be missed at this time. The interference between the late winter and early spring weather makes Da Nang a very peaceful feeling, the air is fresh and gentle. The rainfall is not a concern and the average temperature is around 22-28°C. No noise, no excitement, but not boredom. Must-see places in Danang are The Marble Mountains, Cham Island, Dragon Bridge, Son Tra Peninsula, Cham Museum, My Khe beach, and Ba Na Hills

Ba Na Hills in Da Nang is the best place in Vietnam to visit in Jan

Halong Bay

Halong Bay can be cold this time, but it is not as cold as somebody may think. You can even swim and enjoy the sunlight some days during the month. If you are not familiar with the cold weather, you can enjoy sightseeing, relaxing on the sun deck. Exploring the cave, cycling to the fishing village, or climbing the mountain are great options to choose from. 1^st day of January is the New Year, there will be a countdown party or many other activities on the Halong Bay cruise to celebrate this occasion.

Mekong Delta

January is an excellent time to visit the Mekong Delta, the rice bowl of Vietnam with a maze of rivers, canals, and swamps because there is usually very little rain and it is much cooler than usual. The Mekong Delta is also home to many floating markets. Visiting the delta this time, tourists can enjoy the dry and relatively cool weather and have a chance to see beautiful flowers and the sensational colors of the floating markets.

Travel tips in Vietnam’s January

• Hunt deals and book services at least 2-3 months before coming to Vietnam in January as it’s peak season and everything’s expensive.
• Bring along both spring and winter clothes as there might be a large temperature difference between day and night, especially in mountainous areas. 
• Prepare flu and pollen allergy medicine (if needed) as January is the changing season time which may affect your health negatively.

All in all, with some places in January that we recommend above, you must have found a place that is best for you and your family. To have an economical journey, you must plan carefully. Let's plan a trip to Vietnam with BestPrice Travel in Jan, you will be advised by local experts who will show you the best itinerary.

You might want to know: Best time to visit Vietnam

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