Visiting Vietnam in April is a favorable decision as it coincides with several significant holidays. However, before making any reservations, it’s essential to know what to expect in terms of weather and the best places to visit in Vietnam during this month.
Overview of Vietnam Weather in April
April marks the end of spring in Vietnam, with less rain and comfortable weather. The average temperature across the country in this month is around 27°C, which is quite cool. However, it can feel hotter by the end of this month as summer is coming.
Although the weather is generally pleasant in April, it varies depending on the geographical location, from north to south, as shown below.
In the North: Transition from Spring to Summer
You can clearly feel the change from spring to summer in the month of April in northern Vietnam, as the temperature continuously rises during this time. Although the average temperature is only around 25°C, there is a big difference in temperature between the beginning and the end of this month (usually 21°C to 31°C).
As the weather is always affected by spring, sometimes there are drizzles, they can come suddenly, and the weather forecast is not always right. However, since it is quite cool and the rain is light and stops quickly, April remains one of the best months to visit northern Vietnam.
Hanoi is full of lilies in April
In the Central: Last Good Period to Visit
April is the last good time to visit Central Vietnam before the arrival of the hot summer and then the rainy season until almost the end of the year. In fact, the month of April in the center is much warmer than that in the North with an average temperature of around 28°C and can reach 35°C at the end of the month. If you want to visit Vietnam’s central region in April, Da Lat and Nha Trang are the perfect destinations. At the beginning of this month, when the weather is not too hot, you can also spend time exploring Quang Binh, Hue, Da Nang, and Hoi An.
In the South: Sudden Showers
Located near the equator, southern Vietnam is typically hot all year round and it is warmer than other regions of Vietnam with an average temperature of 31°C. Chances of sudden downpours increase as the upcoming of May marks the start of the rainy season. However, thanks to these unexpected rains, the climate is quite pleasant and comfortable as the high temperature and warm atmosphere are mitigated by the showers which come in force but stop quickly.
Major Events in Vietnam in April
Participating in festivals and rituals can teach you a lot about local culture and ways of life. Although the high festive season in Vietnam is soon coming to an end in April, this month still offers many important events that you should not miss.
Tet Han Thuc (Cold Foods Festival)
Banh Troi, Banh Chay
The Vietnamese celebrate this traditional festival on the third day of the third lunar month. This is an opportunity for Vietnamese families to get together and taste “Banh Troi” and “Banh Chay” (traditional dishes of Tet Han Thuc), offer incense, and pay homage to their ancestors.
Hung King’s Temple Festival
Hung King’s Temple Festival
Taking place from the 8th to the 11th day of the third lunar month (the main day being the 10th), the festival honors the Hung Kings who are the founders of the ancient nation (named Van Lang). The Hung King’s Temple Festival is widely regarded as one of the most important festivals in Vietnam. Every year, it attracts tens of thousands of people across the country to visit and witness both the cultural procession and outdoor activities, such as “danh du” (bamboo swings), “nem con” ( game of throwing a sacred ball into a ring), rice cooking contest, lion dance, human chess, water puppet show, wrestling, crossbow shooting, etc.
Vietnam Reunification Day (April 30th)
Reunification Day (April 30th)
This public holiday falls on April 30 every year, known as “Ngay Thong Nhat” or “Ngay Giai Phong” in Vietnamese. It marks the fall of the Saigon government on April 30, 1975, when Viet Cong and North Vietnamese troops captured Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City nowadays), ending the Vietnam War and beginning the process of unification of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam (in the north) and the Republic of Vietnam (in the south).
On this occasion, parades and celebrations are held in major cities, and veterans are honored for their sacrifices during the war. All the streets are decorated with red flags. As International Labor Day (May 1st) immediately follows Reunification Day, many locals take advantage of the long holiday to travel or visit loved ones in their hometowns.
Chol Chnam Thmay Festival (Khmer New Year)
Chol Chnam Thmay Festival
The traditional New Year of the Khmer people, Chol Chnam Thmay Festival, takes place from the 1st to the 3rd day of Chet (the first month of the year according to the Buddhist calendar), generally from April 12th to 15th. This holiday honors the Buddha and Tevoda – a God sent from heaven, who came down to earth to help human beings improve their lives. On these days, the Khmers go to visit their relatives and friends, make prayers, and wish for health, happiness, and fortune.
Xen Xo Phon Festival (Mai Chau)
The beautiful valley of Mai Chau is the Xen Xo Phon festival scene between April and May each year. This festival is part of the calendars of the White Thais, a minority group, and consists essentially of a ritual of calling for rain. This is organized with a variety of songs and offerings made throughout the village. According to local tradition, the bigger the festival, the heavier the rains and the more prosperous the harvest.
>>> Read more: How to Spend 1, 2, or 3 Days in Mai Chau?
Best Places to Visit in Vietnam in April
In fact, Vietnam weather in April makes it possible to visit any destination in the whole country. Here are some recommendations for the best places to visit this month.
Ha Long Bay
Ha Long Bay
Halong Bay, one of the 7 natural wonders of the world, is always crowded with domestic tourists in summer, especially from late May to mid-August, and after that, it is the stormy season which lasts about 2 – 3 months. Therefore, visit Ha Long Bay in April and you can avoid the extremely hot summer weather, the crowds, and also the storms. This destination is cool this month, which is extremely comfortable and suitable for both leisure and soft adventure outdoor activities. Also, most hotels and cruises in Ha Long Bay are not expensive, which can help you enjoy this magnificent destination at a lower cost.
Hanoi
April, the transition period between these two seasons, is the best time to visit Hanoi because it is not humid and it is also quite cool with an average temperature below 30°C. If you miss this opportunity to visit Hanoi, you will have to wait until November to see this city for the excellent weather.
>>> Read more: Best Things To Do In Hanoi
Da Nang and Central Vietnam beaches
Da Nang
Da Nang and central Vietnam beaches are crowded and filled with tourists from all over the world in April. It will be hot and noisy, but the beautiful beach will create a remarkable journey. Get up early in the morning (at least once during your stay) to watch the sunrise, observe fishermen sell their catch, jog, stroll, or simply enjoy the fresh ocean atmosphere.
>>> Learn more: Da Nang Itinerary: What to Do and See in 1,2,3 Day?
In conclusion Vietnam weather in April is very suitable for sightseeing. If you want to travel to Vietnam in April, do not hesitate to contact us to admire the best landscapes of the country.
