The month of August has passed with all the remnants of vibrant and stifling summer days. And the sky and earth begin to welcome September, which is considered the most emotional and romantic month of autumn. How is the weather in Vietnam in September? Would it be worth visiting Vietnam in September? If you’re considering a trip to Southeast Asia, be sure to add Vietnam to your travel itinerary.
Overview of Vietnam Weather in September
Marking the beginning of autumn, September is one of the best times to visit Vietnam due to its comfortable climate. As it is the seasonal change between the hot and cold seasons, there will be fluctuating temperature differences between the beginning and end of this month. The average temperature in Vietnam in September is about 24°C – 33°C. With the decrease in precipitation in the northern and southern regions, the weather in September is considered very beautiful and suitable for traveling almost anywhere in the country.
In the North: Cool and dry
The month of September is considered one of the fantastic periods for a tour in northern Vietnam. It is the end of summer, with occasional light rains and generally clear skies. The average temperature in northern Vietnam in September is about 28°C, and you can expect cooler temperatures in high and remote mountain regions like Sapa or Mu Cang Chai.
Thanks to this ideal weather, the end of September is a particularly picturesque time of year to see the golden rice fields of northern Vietnam. During this month, the rice changes from yellow-green to golden colors, which is a sign of the harvest season. These dreamy terraced rice fields are a splendid sight to behold, especially for photographers.
The golden rice fields of northern Vietnam
Tip: Prepare light shorts or pants, T-shirts, and a light jacket for the evenings.
>>> Read more: Top 7 Places to See Golden Rice Fields in Vietnam.
In the Central: Cool and rainy
It’s unfortunate that central Vietnam experiences its rainy season in September, which makes it unsuitable for tourist activities. Throughout this month, rains multiply in cities in the central region such as Hoi An, Hue, Da Nang, Dalat, and the central highlands. The rain makes the weather cool but humid as well. There is also a high chance of storms and floods towards the end of the month. If you insist on visiting central Vietnam in September, Mui Ne (Phan Thiet) is the most promising destination as these places are less rainy than other places in the region.
Mui Ne (Phan Thiet) is the most promising destination in the central in September
Tip: Bring an umbrella, waterproof jacket, and shoes/flip-flops.
In the South: Beautiful and dry
In September, although southern Vietnam remains humid, it seems that the rainy season is coming to an end because the rainfall decreases as the month progresses. September temperatures in South Vietnam can be high (average temperature of 28°C), but the rain can ease the heat of last summer. It is also flood season in the Mekong Delta, which surprisingly is a very beautiful time here and suitable for all water activities.
Tip: Bring an umbrella, waterproof jacket, and shoes/flip-flops.
Major Events in Vietnam in September
Vietnam National Day (September 2nd)
Vietnam National Day (September 2nd) is the most important event for Vietnam as a nation. On that day in 1945, President Ho Chi Minh read the Declaration of Independence on Ba Dinh Square in Hanoi, marking the country’s liberation from colonialism. Since then, every year throughout the country, and especially in Hanoi, large parades and special events are organized. During a visit to the capital on this occasion, you will admire the streets filled with red flags and yellow star and hear about the heroic history that has made Vietnam the peaceful country as it is today.
Streets filled with red flags with the yellow star
Mid-Autumn Festival
The Mid-Autumn Festival, also known as the Full Moon Festival, falls on the 15th of August on the lunar calendar. However, Vietnamese people start preparing for the festival more than a week in advance. Families buy mooncakes and sweets and get together on this occasion. On the night of the festival, the streets of major cities will be filled with children carrying star lanterns, fish lanterns, or mini lion heads to attend lion dance performances. In Hanoi, the busiest area is around Hang Ma street in the Old Quarter. In Ho Chi Minh City, the pedestrian street Nguyen Hue and the Cho Lon area are the main celebration venues.
Hang Ma Street in the Mid-Autumn Festival
Buffalo Fighting Festival – Do Son, Hai Phong
On the 9th of August in the lunar month (mid-September in the Gregorian calendar), Do Son, Hai Phong, will host a buffalo fighting festival. The two buffaloes fight until one of them falls, and the last one standing becomes the winner of the race. This festival has existed for 1000 years, making it a representative of the people of Do Son. The buffalo fighting festival is closely linked to the custom of worshiping the water genie and the sacrifice, but it also reflects the martial spirit of the people in Do Son.
Best Places to Visit Vietnam in September
Golden rice fields in Northern Vietnam
This month, going hiking in the mountains of northern Vietnam will be an interesting experience. It’s a fantastic time of the year for photographers, especially around the hills of Sapa and Mu Cang Chai, where the terraced rice paddies turn golden and ready for harvest, shining under the bright sun. The scene is made even more picturesque by the many Hmong ethnic minority farmers working in the fields in their traditional attire.
Spectacular view of the rice terraces
>>> Want to trek terraced rice fields in Northern Vietnam, refer to our Mu Cang Chai’s Ripe Rice Season 3 Days Tour.
Hanoi – Early Autumn
Planning to visit Vietnam in September, don’t miss its capital – Hanoi city. The weather is simply perfect, not too cold nor too hot. You can easily find autumn colors at Hoan Kiem Lake, with rows of trees shining on the surface of the water and locals strolling around peacefully. In September, the capital is golden with gentle sunlight and yellow leaves. You can take a walk under these golden roofs on streets like Phan Dinh Phung, Tran Phu, Hoang Dieu, or in the West Lake area when you visit Vietnam in September.
Phan Dinh Phung Street in September
Stunning Lan Ha Bay in Autumn
Some tourists avoid going to Lan Ha Bay at this time, but there is a reason to go. September is autumn in Lan Ha Bay with some rain that does not last long. You can enjoy a cool breeze and more comfortable weather than in summer. Moreover, it is the low season for local tourists, because the school reopens and you can easily find a lot of promotions. Fewer tourists mean you get better service and the bay is more peaceful. You have the option to fully enjoy the breathtaking Lan Ha Bay, with its crystal clear blue sky and seawater, or participate in swimming and other water activities, such as snorkeling, kayaking, and visiting floating villages.
>>> Check Lan Ha Bay related itineraries in our Halong Bay cruises.
Mui Ne (Phan Thiet) – Water activities
A little rain in the Central can’t stop you from getting closer to the beach, because it doesn’t matter if you’ll get wet on the beach somehow. September is the first month of autumn in Mui Ne (Phan Thiet) and the weather is cooler than the previous month as the temperature ranges from 24°C to 30°C only. The sea water temperature is around 28°C. All this goes to show that September is an ideal time to relax on Mui Ne beach and enjoy other activities like swimming, windsurfing, or kitesurfing (thanks to the strong sea breeze).
Mekong Delta – Floating water season in September
Although September is the rainy season in the Mekong Delta (southern Vietnam), it is also the time when you can admire the unique beauty of this region, which is difficult to find elsewhere. As it usually rains during this month, the water level of rivers and fields rises dramatically, creating the annual floating water season which lasts from September to November.
More water brings a better life for plants and creatures in the Mekong Delta, creating a beautiful nature that you can admire on a Mekong Delta cruise. You should allocate time to visit national parks and nature reserves to admire precious birds (some species even listed on the IUCN Red List) and the wild beauty of mangrove forests as well.
Floating water season in Mekong Delta
Furthermore, the Mekong Delta is home to many orchards that provide fresh tropical fruits all year round. Visiting an orchard, you can taste the delicious fresh fruits offered at a very cheap price. Cai Be Orchard (Tien Giang province), Cai Mon Orchard (Ben Tre province), and Vinh Long Orchard are among the best destinations where you can find a variety of fruits throughout the four seasons of the year. Don’t forget to try some remarkable fruits of Vietnam, such as Nam Roi pomelo and Binh Hoa Phuoc rambutan, and a wide selection of other fruits such as durian, longan, mandarin, mango, etc.
In conclusion, it is best to visit Vietnam in September as summer is over and gradually turns into autumn. So now, pack your luggage and enjoy a wonderful Vietnam tour with IDC Travel.
