The Best Time of Year to Travel to Thailand and Vietnam for 2024

Are you planning a trip to both Thailand and Vietnam? Then, you must understand the weather patterns of each country. Below, we will go through the essential climate considerations to help you determine the best time to visit Thailand and Vietnam and make the most of your journey in 2024. Read on! 

The General Climate Features of Thailand and Vietnam

Thailand and Vietnam are Southeast Asian countries that share a tropical climate. As a result, they experience clear wet and dry seasons throughout the year. 

The two countries' weather is affected by monsoon winds and ocean currents, as well as distinct geographic features. 

▶ In Thailand, there are three main seasons: 
The Cool Season (November - February): This is when most travelers flock to the country. It is dry during this time, and it is cool too. There are low levels of humidity, so little downpours. The cool season is perfect for outdoor activities. 
The Hot Season (March - May):  During this time, the country becomes incredibly hot. The temperatures rise, and so does the humidity. It is particularly sticky and warm in central and southern Thailand. 
The Rainy Season (June - October): This is also called the monsoon period. It is when it is humid and there is heavy rainfall. Usually, the rain is short but intense. It can even cause flooding. 

A sunny day with blue sea in Phuket

▶ In Vietnam, the climate changes from the north to the south: 
North of Vietnam: There are four seasons in Northern Vietnam. From November to February, it is winter. The weather is cold, especially in the mountainous areas, such as Sapa. It is spring from March to April, and summer is between May and August. Spring is mild, while summer is hot and humid. Finally, autumn is from September to October. It is also pleasant during this time, with little rainfall. 
Central Vietnam: There is a wet season and a dry season. The former is between September and February, and the latter is from March to August. During the wet season, there can be storms and typhoons. 
Southern Vietnam: There are also two seasons: the rainy season and the dry season, from May to October and November to April, respectively. Throughout the entire year, there are high levels of humidity. 

Now that you know the general climate features, learn the best time to visit Thailand and Vietnam: November to April. 

Paddy field in Lao Cai of fresh green

The Best Time to Visit Thailand and Vietnam Together: From November to April

The most ideal time for tourists to visit Thailand and Vietnam is the dry season, which falls between November and April. In this period, the weather is fairly mild. It is not too humid, and there is more sunshine than rain. 

In addition, the temperatures are cool and comfortable. Visitors can freely take part in outdoor activities, like hiking, swimming, and cycling. It is easy to take many beautiful photos and to pack appropriate clothes too. 

In Thailand, from November to April, northern regions like Chiang Rai and Chiang Mai are very cool, while areas like Bangkok, Phuket, and Krabi in the center and south are a bit warmer. 

For Vietnam, cities such as Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City are pleasantly breezy between November and April, so it is great for exploration. But it can be slightly chillier in the north.

During the dry season, there is no need to bring lots of weather accessories, like umbrellas, raincoats, hats, and sunglasses. You just need to wear lightweight and casual clothes. Exploring attractions and doing exciting things is convenient! 

However, it is the peak tourist season. So, it can be quite busy. Top destinations will be cramped and noisy. Plus, everything can be more expensive. It is important to plan in advance to find good deals and make bookings to save money, time, and effort, while traveling.

After choosing the best time to visit, try a short but classic tour of visiting both Thailand and Vietnam:

7 Days Short Thailand and Vietnam Highlights Tour

Bangkok - Chiang Mai - Saigon - Hanoi

The Rainy Season for Thailand and Vietnam: From May to October

It is rainy in both Thailand and Vietnam from May to October, which is also known as the monsoon season. There are high levels of humidity during these months, and rain showers are frequent. Most of the time, the rain pours down in the afternoon. Sometimes, there are also storms. 

However, traveling during the rainy season also has its benefits. For example, it is great for trying local delicacies. It is amazing to try Thailand’s Tom Yum while it is pouring, as the warmth of the soup contrasts with the chill vibes. In Vietnam, you can eat Pho or Bun Bo. If you prefer something lighter, you can eat Banh Xeo, Cha Gio, Banh Cuon, etc.

There are also fewer tourists during the rainy season, so attractions are less crowded and noisy. You can get many better deals for tours and accommodations too. So, for budget traveling, the rainy season from May to October is ideal. 

A heavy rain in Bangkok

The Rainy Season is Also the Cheapest Time to Visit Thailand and Vietnam

As mentioned briefly above, the rainy season is more budget-friendly than other seasons. If you do not have a generous budget, traveling to Thailand and Vietnam from May to October is a great option. 

You can book hotel or resort rooms at lower rates because there is a lower demand. The same goes for tour operators and agencies. 

Since there are fewer tourists, vendors do not hike up prices too. You can comfortably sample the local cuisine and shop for local goods without breaking the bank. 

That being said, traveling during the rainy season can be a good idea for big-group travels, which tend to cost more than solo trips. 

For those who like history and countryside, here is a popular 14-days tour for a natural and cultural full-filling experience:

14 Days Vietnam and Thailand Tour with Night Train Experience to Sapa

Hanoi - Lao Cai - Sapa - Hanoi - Saigon - My Tho - Saigon - Bangkok - Chiang Mai

The Monthly Temperatures of Thailand and Vietnam: Find Your Best Time to Visit

Here is a breakdown of the monthly temperature outlook in Thailand and Vietnam. Consider these to choose the perfect time for your trip. 

For Thailand:
November to February: These are the months of the cool season. Temperatures during these months are about 20°C to 30°C (68°F to 86°F). 
March and April: This is when the country shifts to the hot season. Therefore, the temperatures are increasing. The range is between 25°C and 35°C (77°F to 95°F).
May to October: These are during the rainy season, but the temperatures are still quite warm, roughly 25°C to 30°C (77°F to 86°F). 

However, the temperatures can vary from region to region. If you have your itinerary and know the exact areas you are visiting, make sure to do further research based on those locations. 

Blue sea and green palm in Koh Samui, Thailand

For Vietnam: 
▶ Northern Vietnam:
- November to February: This is during winter. Temperatures range from 10°C to 20°C (50°F to 68°F), but they can be even lower in the mountains.
- March and April: Temperatures begin to increase during these months. They are about 15°C to 25°C (59°F to 77°F).
- May to August: This is the summer, so temperatures are quite high. It can reach 30°C to 35°C (86°F to 95°F) in certain places.
- September and October: These are the autumn months, which have mild weather. The temperatures are from 20°C to 30°C (68°F to 86°F).
▶ Central Vietnam:
- March to August: This is the dry season. The temperature is approximately 25°C (77°F), but it can go up to 35°C (95°F).
- September to February: The temperatures during these months are between 20°C and 30°C (68°F and 86°F). It is the wet season. 
▶ Southern Vietnam:
- November to April: This is the dry season. The temperatures start from 25°C (77°F) and, on some days, reach 35°C (95°F).
- May to October: These are the rainy months, with temperatures still warm. The range is from 25°C to 30°C (77°F to 86°F).

On a sunny day, a farmer rests in the beautiful scenery of a rice field

Based on these monthly temperature estimates, you can decide when to visit Thailand and Vietnam. If you are still unsure, here are our recommendations: 

▶ If you like fairer weather, with not too hot or too cold temperatures, you should opt for the cool seasons. These generally fall between November and February.
▶ If you prefer warmer weather and want to bask under the sun while doing water activities like swimming or surfing, the dry seasons are better for you. These are from November to April in southern Vietnam and central Thailand.
▶ If you are looking to save some money while traveling, consider the rainy seasons, which span from May to October. During these months, the prices for accommodations and tours are more affordable. 

If you are having a long-term holiday, check this ultimate and amazing 27-day itinerary out right now:

27 Days Vietnam and Thailand In-depth Tour

Hanoi - Sapa - Hanoi - Halong Bay Cruise - Hoi An - Saigon - Can Tho - Saigon - Bangkok - Chiang Rai - Chiang Mai - Phuket

Conclusion

Now that you know the weather basics of Thailand and Vietnam, you can confidently plan your trip to these two beautiful countries in 2024. Contact us if you need a customized trip to these countries.

Typically, the best time to visit Thailand and Vietnam is during the dry season, which is from November to April. 

But if you are on a budget and like the rain, you can travel to Thailand and Vietnam anytime from May to October. 

Regardless of the season you choose, though, you will have a fantastic time in these two countries. They offer lovely landscapes, cool cultural experiences, and delicious dishes all year round.