Vietnam weather in March

March in Vietnam marks the arrival of spring, bringing favorable weather across the country. With rising temperatures and minimal rainfall, it's an ideal time to explore this diverse land. Vietnam weather in March offers a harmonious blend of weather and experiences, making it a great time to visit this captivating Southeast Asian destination.

Vietnam in March at a glance

March offers some of Vietnam's best weather with dry, warm conditions throughout the country, making it ideal for exploring from north to south.

• Average temperatures between 68°F and 86°F (20°C and 30°C), with comfortable warmth and minimal rainfall nationwide
• Excellent time to visit with perfect weather conditions for beaches, cities, and countryside exploration
• Peak season brings increased tourist numbers and higher prices, especially in popular destinations like Ha Long Bay and Hoi An

What is the weather like in Vietnam in March?

The weather in Vietnam in March is some of the best all year, especially if you're covering multiple regions. It stays dry in most parts of the country, with clear skies in the north and calm seas in the center and south.

Hanoi and Halong Bay are great for boat trips and walking tours, while Hue and Hoi An have reliable sunshine for beach days or exploring ruins. Rainfall stays low across the board, with only occasional afternoon showers. Down south, the Mekong Delta and Phu Quoc remain hot but not yet humid, and water conditions are ideal for swimming or diving. If you're planning to cross the country north to south, March makes the logistics easy and the travel smooth. This is a great time to plan your Vietnam itinerary. 
 

Average daily temperatures in March

March is one of the best months to visit Vietnam thanks to clear skies and steady warmth. In the north, Hanoi sees highs of 75 to 80°F (24 to 27°C), with nights cooling to around 65 to 70°F (18 to 21°C).

Central areas like Da Nang and Hoi An enjoy daytime temperatures of 75 to 82°F (24 to 28°C) with low rainfall. In the south, Ho Chi Minh City stays consistently warm at 85 to 90°F (29 to 32°C) during the day and around 75 to 78°F (24 to 26°C) at night.

Sea temperatures average 78 to 82°F (26 to 28°C), perfect for swimming. March falls during the dry season, with good conditions for traveling the length of the country, whether you’re trekking in the north or island-hopping in the south.

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Is March a good time to visit Vietnam?

Vietnam is one of the best places to visit in March. It’s the sweet spot for weather across almost the entire country. The north is cool and dry, central Vietnam is in its driest period, and the south stays warm without being oppressively hot.

You can cruise through Ha Long Bay with clear skies, stretch out on beaches near Da Nang or Nha Trang, or explore floating markets in the Mekong without worrying about rain. This is also a great time for hiking around Sapa or motorbiking through the highlands. For more tips, see our guide to how to plan a trip to Vietnam.

• Consistent dry weather across regions
• Great time for cruising, beach trips, and hiking
• Clear skies and calm seas
• Comfortable for long travel days
• One of the best months to visit overall

What about the crowd and cost?

March brings steady tourism without the stress of high season. You’ll find a good flow of travelers across the country, especially in popular areas like Ha Long Bay and Hoi An, but it rarely feels too busy.

Prices stay lower than in December or January, and there’s still wide availability for hotels and domestic flights. Beach areas stay lively but not overcrowded. If you wait until April or May, you’ll see prices start to climb again. For a mix of decent rates, comfortable travel conditions, and no major vacation rush, March is a smart pick. See more in our guide to the best time to visit Vietnam. 
 

Where to go in Vietnam in March

March is one of the smoothest months for traveling the length of Vietnam. Rain is rare, roads are dry, and each region offers something different without the extremes of high or low season. Here are some of the best places to visit in Vietnam. 

Hanoi and Halong Bay

Northern Vietnam starts to feel like spring in March. Hanoi’s parks and lakes are livelier, and the Old Quarter is easier to explore on foot with less dust and no rain. Halong Bay cruises run steadily, with clear air and good visibility. Back in the city, street food tours and puppet shows run on full schedules, and weekend nights near Hoan Kiem Lake bring out musicians, roller skaters, and families. For more advice, see our Vietnam travel tips.

Hoi An

Hoi An is dry and warm in March, which makes walking and cycling around the old town more pleasant. The riverfront glows at night, especially during the monthly lantern festival. You can spend a full day getting something custom-tailored, taking a cooking class, and ending at the beach. Local markets carry more fresh herbs, and it’s a good time to try regional dishes while they’re in season.

Ho Chi Minh City and Mekong Delta

The south is still in dry season, so it’s a good time for long walking days in the city and early-morning boat trips in the Mekong. Markets are packed with tropical fruit at peak ripeness, and small guesthouses along the river feel more relaxed than in January. There’s always a buzz in Saigon, but March gives you space to enjoy it without the vacation traffic or summer heat. 
 

What to do in Vietnam in March

March brings stable weather across much of Vietnam, which makes it one of the best months for covering long distances or hopping between cities and coast. Roads are dry, temperatures are comfortable, and things feel calm after Tet, the Lunar New Year.  Here are some of the best things to do in Vietnam. 

Cruise Halong Bay

Halong Bay is often misty and magical in March. Overnight cruises include kayaking, cave visits, and early morning tai chi. The weather is cool but clear enough for limestone views. Some boats stop at floating villages or pearl farms, depending on the route. 

Explore the Cu Chi Tunnels

Outside Ho Chi Minh City, the Cu Chi Tunnels are easier to walk through in March without the sticky heat. You’ll learn about guerrilla tactics and see how people lived subway during the war. Some tunnels have been widened slightly, but the original narrow ones are still there if you want to try them.

Take a street food tour

Cities like Hanoi, Hoi An, and Ho Chi Minh City are ideal for street food in March. Walk through night markets with a guide who knows the best vendors. You might try banh xeo, grilled pork skewers, or egg coffee, depending on the region. Evenings are cool enough to linger and eat outside. This is one of the best things to do in Ho Chi Minh City.
 

Planning your itinerary

Our Vietnam itineraries are crafted to help you experience the best of the country, stress-free. Think of them as a starting point—perfect for planning but flexible enough to adjust to your own pace and interests. After all, travel is about freedom, but a little planning goes a long way.

• Vietnam itinerary 5 days: Short on time? Five days is enough for a focused trip—stick to either the north, center, or south. You’ll get a taste of Vietnam’s food, culture, and scenery without feeling too rushed.
• Vietnam itinerary 7 days: A quick trip to experience Vietnam’s highlights. Expect an introduction to the country’s vibrant culture, rich history, and beautiful scenery.
• Vietnam itinerary 10 days: Ten days lets you explore multiple regions, giving a good balance of city life, natural landscapes, and cultural experiences.
• Vietnam itinerary 14 days: With two weeks, you’ll have time to go beyond the basics, discovering a wider range of landscapes and local traditions.