Vietnam in February: Weather by Region, Tet 2027 and Where to Go
February is one of the most interesting months to travel in Vietnam. The whole country is preparing for, celebrating or recovering from Tet, the Lunar New Year, and the weather splits neatly into three: cool and grey in the north, mild and steadily drying in the centre, and hot, dry and sunny in the south.
If you have read our guides to Vietnam in December and Vietnam in January, the pattern will feel familiar, with one big difference: in 2027, Tet lands right at the start of the month.
Tet 2027: the dates that shape February
The first day of the Year of the Goat falls on Saturday 6 February 2027, with New Year's Eve on the night of Friday 5 February. The official public holiday schedule is usually confirmed late in the year, but expect much of the country to slow down for at least a week around those dates.
What that means for travellers:
Book early. Domestic flights, trains and buses fill up in the two weeks before Tet as millions of people head home, and prices rise.
Expect closures on the first three days. Many family-run restaurants, cafes and shops close, especially in residential areas. Hotels, larger restaurants and most major sights stay open.
Enjoy the build-up. Flower markets, peach and apricot blossoms, red lanterns and New Year's Eve fireworks in the big cities make the days before Tet a lovely time to be here.
Cities empty out. Saigon and Hanoi become unusually quiet and easy to explore during the holiday itself.
Planning to use a private driver over the holiday? Book well ahead, as many drivers take the week off. This Tet 2027 guide to booking a private car covers what to expect.
Northern Vietnam in February: Hanoi, Sapa and Ha Long Bay
February is still winter in the north. Hanoi typically sits between about 14 and 20°C, with grey skies and the fine drizzle locals call mua phun. It is not heavy rain, but days can feel damp, so pack a light waterproof and a warm layer.
Hanoi: atmospheric rather than sunny, with peach blossom markets before Tet and a calm Old Quarter during the holiday.
Sapa: cold and often misty, sometimes close to freezing at night. Views are hit and miss, but a homestay with a fire is cosy.
Ha Long Bay: cruises run, but haze often softens the views and the water is too cold for most swimmers. Our guide to a day trip or an overnight cruise helps you choose.
Ninh Binh: cool and misty, which suits the limestone scenery; boat trips through Trang An are pleasant.
Central Vietnam in February: Hue, Hoi An and Da Nang
The centre is in transition. The heavy autumn rains are over, and while early February can still bring grey days and showers, especially in Hue, conditions improve through the month. Expect roughly 20 to 25°C in Hoi An and Da Nang.
Hoi An: a lovely month, with lantern-lit streets, comfortable temperatures for cycling and plenty of reasons to linger over Hoi An's local dishes.
Hue: cool and sometimes drizzly, so carry an umbrella for the Citadel and the royal tombs. Our two-day Hue itinerary works well in this weather.
Da Nang: fine for beach walks, but the sea is still cool and can be rough.
Southern Vietnam in February: Saigon, the Mekong Delta and the islands
The south is in the heart of its dry season. Saigon is hot and sunny, usually in the low 30s°C, with almost no rain.
Ho Chi Minh City: the flower street on Nguyen Hue before Tet is a highlight, and during the holiday the city is calm and easy to get around.
Mekong Delta: dry, sunny and green, with markets back in full swing after the holiday. Not sure how long to stay? See day trip or overnight.
Phu Quoc: peak season, with calm seas on the west coast and reliable sunshine. Book accommodation early around Tet.
Mui Ne: dry and windy, which kitesurfers love; the sand dunes are best at sunrise.
Da Lat: cool nights and sunny days, and in many years pink cherry blossoms around the lakes from late January into February.
Where to go in Vietnam in February
For beaches: Phu Quoc or Mui Ne, where the dry season is in full swing.
For Tet culture: Hanoi or Hoi An in the days before the New Year, when markets and decorations are at their best.
For families: the south and Hoi An, where warm, dry weather keeps plans simple. Our guide to travelling with kids or grandparents has more ideas.
For a north-to-south trip: start cool in Hanoi and finish warm in Saigon or Phu Quoc, with flights booked well before Tet.
What to pack
Layers are the key in February. Bring a warm jacket and a light rain shell for the north; light clothing, sunscreen and a hat for the south; and something with covered shoulders and knees for temples and pagodas, which are busy with worshippers over the New Year.
Frequently asked questions
Is February a good time to visit Vietnam?
Yes, especially for the centre and the south, which are dry and pleasant. The north is cool and grey but atmospheric. The main thing to plan around is Tet.
Is everything closed during Tet?
No. Hotels, major attractions and many restaurants in tourist areas stay open. Smaller local businesses often close for the first three days, and transport is busiest just before and after the holiday.
Is it too cold for Ha Long Bay in February?
Cruises run normally and the misty weather has its own beauty, but do not expect swimming or perfect blue-sky photos.
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