Vietnam in January
January is a good time to visit Vietnam, though not the very best.
In January, cold winter weather hits the north. This is often accompanied by fine persistent mists, which could spoil your views at Ha Long Bay. There's also the chance of ground frost in higher regions, or even a rare snowfall. Don't let it put you off outdoor activities though – while January is the coldest month in mountainous areas, such as Sa Pa, rainfall is at its lowest, making perfect trekking conditions. Hanoi averages a pleasant 20ºC. The southern end of the country is firmly into the dry season come January, so it's a good time to explore cities such as Ho Chi Minh. And for post-city downtime make for beaches within easy reach of the capital, such as at Phan Thiet and Mui Ne. It's a fantastic time to try water-related activities, such as diving, around Phu Quoc. Nha Trang and Da Nang beaches also start to beckon in January, as the central coast sees the tail end of the rains.
Festivals in January
Tet (Lunar New Year) Closures (approximate dates)
Vietnam's biggest holiday. Widespread closures for up to a week and transport booked out; dates late Jan–Feb.
First day of the lunar year: the second new moon after the winter solstice, always between 21 January and 20 February. The first three days are the main holidays.
Next date: 6–8 Feb 2027
Where to go in Vietnam
Other places with good weather in January
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