# What is Vietnam like in March, and is it a good time to visit? > Vietnam in March: Hanoi 21 to 26°C with drizzle, Hoi An 22 to 28°C and dry, Ho Chi Minh City 25 to 34°C, plus Tet timing, crowds and what to pack. - Source: https://clevertourists.com/resources/vietnam-in-march-weather-what-to-do - Authors: Evan & Clara, Clever Tourists (first-hand, from years of travel across 20 countries) - Published: 2026-07-31 **March is one of the best months to cover Vietnam from south to north: Hoi An and Ho Chi Minh City are dry and warm, and Hanoi is mild but grey and drizzly.** Hanoi averages about 21 to 26°C (69 to 79°F) with 16 rain days and only about 47 hours of sun, while Ho Chi Minh City reaches 25 to 34°C (77 to 92°F) with around 1 rain day and 272 hours of sun. Tet in 2027 is on 6 February, so March has normal prices and no holiday shutdown. We were in Vietnam from 20 April to 19 May 2023, so we have no March experience; the figures are 1991 to 2020 climate normals as listed on Wikipedia. ## Quick answer by priority • **Best weather:** central and southern Vietnam. Da Nang and Hoi An are dry and not yet at peak heat, and the south is hot and sunny. • **Worst weather:** Hanoi and the north, which are cool and overcast with drizzle. • **Fewest crowds:** March is a calmer month than the Tet period and the summer holidays. • **Cheapest:** moderate; prices are normal, not peak. Compare with [Vietnam in December](https://clevertourists.com/resources/vietnam-in-december-weather-what-to-do). • **Avoid:** nothing major. Plan for heat in Ho Chi Minh City and overcast skies in Hanoi. ## March weather by region Typical March figures from 1991 to 2020 climate normals: • **Hanoi:** about 21 to 26°C (69 to 79°F), around 36 mm of rain but 16 rain days, humidity about 88% and only 47 hours of sunshine. It is damp, cloudy and drizzly rather than wet. • **Da Nang and Hoi An:** about 22 to 28°C (71 to 83°F), around 25 mm of rain over 5 rain days. This is the dry, comfortable stretch before the summer heat. • **Da Lat:** about 13 to 25°C (55 to 77°F), around 64 mm of rain over 6 rain days. Cool evenings and warm sun. • **Ho Chi Minh City:** about 25 to 34°C (77 to 92°F), around 18 mm of rain over 1 rain day, humidity about 70% and 272 hours of sun. Hot, dry and bright. These are averages, not forecasts. Our [what to pack for Vietnam](https://clevertourists.com/resources/what-to-pack-for-vietnam-packing-list) and the regional packing pages for [Hanoi and Sapa](https://clevertourists.com/resources/what-to-pack-for-hanoi-and-sapa-winter), [Hoi An and central Vietnam](https://clevertourists.com/resources/what-to-pack-for-hoi-an-and-central-vietnam) and [Ho Chi Minh City](https://clevertourists.com/resources/what-to-pack-for-ho-chi-minh-city-and-mekong-delta) are better guides to what to bring. ## North to south or south to north In March the best order is usually south to north or a split route. Start in Ho Chi Minh City before it gets too hot, spend the middle of the trip in Hoi An and Da Lat, and finish in Hanoi. The north is grey regardless of order, but you will notice it less if you leave it for last and plan indoor stops. Ha Long Bay cruise operators describe March as settled with light drizzle and less fog than December, though these are tour companies rather than official forecasters. Check the forecast before booking an overnight cruise; see our [Ha Long Bay cruise guide](https://clevertourists.com/resources/halong-bay-cruise-worth-it). ## What is on in March 2027 Tet 2027 falls on Saturday 6 February, so the holiday closures and travel rush are over by March. See [Tet 2027](https://clevertourists.com/resources/tet-2027-vietnam-dates-holiday-closures-travel-guide) if you travel earlier. The next big domestic travel dates are 30 April and 1 May. We did not find a major festival that is useful to plan a trip around in March, so use it for the weather split instead. For the other season, see [Vietnam in January](https://clevertourists.com/resources/vietnam-in-january-weather-by-region-where-to-go). ## Where to go in March on our route We spent 20 to 23 April 2023 in Hanoi, 23 to 27 April in Ninh Binh, then Hue, Hoi An (29 April to 5 May), Da Lat, Nha Trang and Ho Chi Minh City. For March, Hoi An and Da Lat are the stronger stops; see [how many days in Hoi An](https://clevertourists.com/resources/how-many-days-in-hoi-an), [how many days in Da Lat](https://clevertourists.com/resources/how-many-days-in-da-lat) and [Hoi An Ancient Town ticket price](https://clevertourists.com/resources/hoi-an-ancient-town-ticket-price-2026-guide). Hanoi and Ninh Binh still work in drizzle. See [how many days in Hanoi](https://clevertourists.com/resources/how-many-days-in-hanoi), [what to eat in Hanoi](https://clevertourists.com/resources/what-to-eat-in-hanoi) and [Hanoi to Ninh Binh](https://clevertourists.com/resources/hanoi-to-ninh-binh-train-bus-day-trip-guide). Our [4-week Vietnam route](https://clevertourists.com/resources/vietnam-itinerary-our-4-week-route-north-to-south) shows the full sequence. ## Prices and crowds March is not a peak month, though the good weather in Hoi An and Da Lat draws domestic and foreign visitors, and weekends in Hoi An's old town are busy. Book rooms near the old town a few weeks ahead rather than months. Hoi An tailoring is cheaper if you order early in your stay; see the [Hoi An tailor guide](https://clevertourists.com/resources/hoi-an-custom-tailor-clothes-guide-pricing-turnaround). For overall costs, see [how much does a trip to Vietnam cost](https://clevertourists.com/resources/how-much-does-a-trip-to-vietnam-cost). ## When March is not the right month **If you want sun in Hanoi,** go later; the north is grey in March. See [best time to visit Hanoi](https://clevertourists.com/resources/best-time-to-visit-hanoi). **If you hate heat,** Ho Chi Minh City reaches an average high of 34°C. See [best time to visit Ho Chi Minh City](https://clevertourists.com/resources/best-time-to-visit-ho-chi-minh-city). **If you want the Tet atmosphere,** go in February, but expect closures and higher prices. ## Frequently asked questions ### Is March a good time to visit Vietnam? Yes for the centre and south, which are dry and warm. Hanoi is cool and drizzly with few sunny hours. ### What is the weather like in Hanoi in March? About 21 to 26°C with around 16 rain days, high humidity and only about 47 hours of sun in the month. ### Is Hoi An dry in March? Yes: Da Nang's normals show about 25 mm of rain over 5 rain days, with highs near 28°C. ### Is Tet in March? Not in 2027. Tet falls on 6 February 2027, so March is back to normal prices and opening hours.