February in Vietnam: where it is dry and warm, and where it is wet
In February, Vietnam welcomes tourists in the middle of the dry season in the south. The cool north, mild center, and hot south follow different weather patterns. Plan your trip around the region, not the country as a whole.
The dry season in the south runs from December through April. Below, we break down where February is dry and warm, and where it's still damp and cool. You'll see average temperatures, rainfall, and what kind of vacation each region of the country suits.
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February weather by region
💡 In short:
- The north in February is cool and damp, not suitable for the beach.
- The center offers dry weather and a moderately warm sea.
- The south is hot and almost rain-free, the best choice for the beach.
The country's three regions are nothing alike in February. The north is closer to a European winter, the south to a tropical summer. The difference is especially noticeable if you travel from north to south and change cities every few days.
Region | Daytime | Nighttime | Rain | Who it's for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
North: Hanoi, Ha Long Bay | around +20 °C | around +14 °C | occasional drizzle | city walks |
Center: Da Nang, Hoi An | around +25 °C | around +19 °C | little | sightseeing and a mild beach |
South: Nha Trang, Phu Quoc | around +30 °C | around +23 °C | almost none | beaches and diving |
Average values for February, based on Wikipedia climate tables (09/2026).
Northern Vietnam: Hanoi and Ha Long
In the north of the country, February feels like a mild winter without heat. In Hanoi, the air warms up to +20 °C during the day and drops to +14 °C at night (as of 09/2026, Wikipedia). Downpours are rare, but drizzle and fog come often.
© Andrea Schaffer from Sydney, Australia · CC BYPhoto: Andrea Schaffer from Sydney, Australia, CC BY (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0), Wikimedia CommonsHumidity is high, so the cool feels stronger. Bring a jacket and a warm sweater even for a short evening walk. Mountain areas in the north stay damp and cold.
Swimming in Ha Long Bay in February is uncomfortable: the water stays around +19 °C (as of 09/2026, Wikipedia). Haze over the water softens the outlines of the limestone cliffs.
But this is a time for cities. You can walk through Hanoi's Old Quarter without the heat, and lines are shorter than in summer. You don't have to split the day between the beach and sightseeing; you can simply follow your itinerary at a relaxed pace.
- Who it's for: city walks, food, easygoing sightseeing.
- The catch: a beach vacation in the north in February is nearly impossible.
Central Vietnam: Da Nang and Hoi An
The central provinces offer the most stable weather in February, with no sharp swings. In Da Nang, daytime is around +25 °C, nighttime around +19 °C (as of 09/2026, Wikipedia). There's little rain, and the sea is calm and moderate in temperature.
© Steffen Schmitz ( more photos ) · CC BY-SAPhoto: Steffen Schmitz ( more photos ), CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0), Wikimedia CommonsThe sea off Da Nang and Hoi An warms up to acceptable levels. You can swim, but the water is brisk, especially in the morning. For the beach, choose midday hours, and bring a light jacket for the evening.
You can both see the city and lie by the sea. Hoi An, with its lanterns and old houses, is less muggy in February than in April. Sightseeing in the surrounding area is comfortable, without exhausting heat.
- Who it's for: sightseeing, local cuisine, a moderate beach.
- The catch: evenings are cool, and the center isn't the best choice for long swims.
South Vietnam: Nha Trang, Mui Ne and Phu Quoc
The south of the country is in the middle of the dry season in February. Rain is rare, and humidity is lower than in summer. Sunny days are long, and the sea is warm and calm.
© Leonid · CC BY-SAPhoto: Leonid, CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0), Wikimedia CommonsIn Nha Trang, daytime temperatures are around +28 °C, and the water near the shore is around +24 °C (as of 09/2026, Wikipedia). The city beach runs along the promenade, so you can swim both in the morning and in the evening. The sea stays in a comfortable range for almost the whole month.
Mui Ne is known for wind and kitesurfing. The wind season lasts from November to April, so in February there are plenty of athletes on the water (according to Wikipedia). The sunset over the red dunes is worth seeing at least once.
On Phu Quoc, there is almost no rain in February, and the water is the warmest, around +28 °C (as of 09/2026, Wikipedia).
The island is good for diving, snorkeling and long beach days. Book accommodation on Phu Quoc in advance: February is high season here and demand is growing.
- Who it's for: beaches, diving, kitesurfing, walks by the sea.
- The catch: popular beaches are crowded, and prices are higher than in the off-season.
Hotels on Phu Quoc on Trip.com
What to pack in February
The weather varies by region, so pack according to your route. Here is a short list of things by part of the country.
- For the north: a jacket, a sweater, a raincoat and closed shoes.
- For the center: a light jacket for the evening, a swimsuit and sunscreen.
- For the south: summer clothes, a hat and mosquito repellent.
Put together a first aid kit in advance. Pharmacies exist in Vietnam, but the medicines you need may not be available. For what to put in your first aid kit, see the article what medicines to bring with you.
In the south, the sun is strong in February even on cloudy days. Bring high-SPF sunscreen. Drink more water during the day.
⁉️🤔 Frequently asked questions
Where should I go in Vietnam in February for the beach?
Choose the south of the country. In Nha Trang, daytime temperatures are around +28 °C, and the water near the shore is around +24 °C. On Phu Quoc, the sea is warmer, around +28 °C. There is almost no rain in the south. The north is not suitable for the beach, and the center is only good for short swims between excursions.
How cool is northern Vietnam in February?
In Hanoi, daytime temperatures are around +20 °C, and at night around +14 °C, plus high humidity and drizzle. Warm clothes are a must, especially in the evening. Near Ha Long Bay it is even cooler: the water stays around +19 °C, so swimming there in February is uncomfortable.
Can you swim in Da Nang and Hoi An in February?
Yes, but the water is brisk. Daytime air temperatures are around +25 °C, and the sea is calm and moderately warm. Go into the water during the day and bring a towel for the evening. For a long beach holiday, still choose the south of the country: the water there is several degrees warmer.
Is it expensive to vacation in Vietnam in February?
February is part of the high season, so accommodation in the south is more expensive than in the off-season. On the other hand, the choice of hotels is large, and there is competition between them. Book in advance to catch a low rate at popular resorts. The north and center are cheaper than the south at this time.
What to pack for a trip in February?
Sort your things by route. For the north, bring a jacket and a raincoat; for the center, a light jacket for the evening; for the south, only summer clothes. Sunscreen and mosquito repellent are useful everywhere. Add a first aid kit with your usual medicines.
In short: what is worth booking
If you have few days and want the beach, go for the south. If you want excursions and cities, choose the center. The north is good for walks and food without the heat.
February is high season in the south, so book accommodation early: compare Vietnam hotels on Trip.com.
A small editorial team writing guides for independent travel. We travel ourselves, but we haven’t been everywhere, so we check prices, opening hours and how to get there against official sources.