Vietnam Weather in September - What to Expect

Vietnam weather in September is a blend of autumn and monsoon. During this time, it is neither too hot nor too cold. It is one of the peak times to visit North Vietnam and the Central Highlands for hiking and other recreational activities. As it comes under the off-season, there are fewer crowds, and you can enjoy affordable bookings.  Let us know more about the weather in Vietnam.

Weather in Vietnam in September

September marks an end to the scorching heat and welcomes autumn in Vietnam. In September, this South-Eastern Peninsula is moderately affected by the Southeast Monsoon, leading to wet weather in Central Vietnam and slightly lesser downpours in South Vietnam and North Vietnam, making highlands worth visiting. The average temperature of Vietnam remains around 24°C this autumn month, and the average humidity level is 94%.

Northern Mountain Region - Sapa, Ha Giang, Bac Ha, Mu Cang Chai, Haiphong

September is monsoon month in the northern mountain region; hence, trekking is open once again in SaPa. September is a peak month to visit SaPa and areas around Mu Cang Chai. This is the month when golden rice crops sway under light showers of rain and are ready for harvesting. Sun appears equally, and the weather is not bad. 

North Vietnam - Hanoi, Halong Bay, Cuc Phuong, Mai Chau & Ninh Binh

By September, North Vietnam is at the end of the summer monsoon phase with an average temperature of 28°C. Outdoors have plenty of hot weather, which tends to decrease by the end of the month. Hanoi and Halong Bay are great to explore under the soothing weather.

Central Vietnam - Hoi An, Danang, Hue, Dalat, Quy Nhon & Nha Trang

After good sunshine beach time in August, Central Vietnam is set to experience a weather change in September. Hoi An, Hue, and Nha Trang have 28°C average temperatures with moderate amounts of rainfall. Stormy weather is possible towards the end of September. Dalat and Central Highlands are very wet, making trekking and other outdoor activities inadvisable, while Pha Nha Ke Bang may get floods. Central Vietnam is prone to typhoons in autumn.

South Vietnam - Ho Chi Minh City, The Mekong Delta, Phu Quoc and Con Dao, Phan Thiet & Mui Ne, Ho Tram & Long Hai

During September, rains affect South Vietnam less than in previous monsoon months, with an average temperature of 28°C. Ho Chi Minh City and Mekong Delta are affected by daily afternoon showers, but you can expect plenty of daylight hours for outdoor activities. September is also the month of Green Turtle's first hatchlings on Con Dao island. 

Why Visit Vietnam in September

• September almost marks an end to beach time and reopens the opportunity for hiking and other recreational activities in North Vietnam, especially in Hanoi, Sapa, and Mu Cang Chai. The latter half of the month is suitable for Halong Bay as well. Overall, it is a picturesque month in rural areas of Vietnam. 

• In Hanoi, the ‘milk flower’ blossoms and brims the streets with its unique scent. Tourists can plan to visit Hanoi on the National Day of Vietnam to witness beautiful flower beds decorated on the streets along with colorful signboards.

• On a public holiday, natives hit the coastal cities, leaving Hanoi and Saigon in a peaceful environment. This is the golden time to explore the culture and history of Vietnam closely.

• Although September attracts foreign tourists to North Vietnam and some parts of South Vietnam, Central Vietnam isn’t very crowded, so you can expect low airfares and low prices of hotels and accommodations. 

Events and Festivals in Vietnam in September 

1. Vietnam National Day

Vietnam celebrates one of the most significant holidays - Vietnam National Day on September 2. Back in 1945, Vietnam’s revolutionary leader, Ho Chi Minh, declared Vietnam’s independence on this day. National Day in Vietnam holds multiple contests, cultural events, boat races on Hoan Kiem Lake, and extravagant fireworks at Ba Dinh Square. Natives decorate with the national flag on the top of houses and buildings and in the streets; red and yellow colors sway with pride along with beautiful flower beds. A big parade, the charm of the day, is held at Ba Dinh Square in front of the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, which is then followed by a fireworks display. 

2. Wandering Soul Day or Trang Nguyen

One of the major festivals of Vietnam is Wandering Soul Day, or Trang Nguyen, which is celebrated on the 15th day of the 7th lunar month. This cultural festival, which is also known as the Hungry Ghost Festival and Cold Food Festival (Tet Han Thuc), holds national importance. Just like in many mythologies, Vietnam Mythology says that this is the day when the gate of hell is set to open, and spirits wander on the land. The Vietnamese consider this day a negative time for new beginnings; they avoid marriages, major contracts, and new projects. But prioritize forgiveness and charity.

3. Hoi An Lantern Festival

The spectacular night view on the 14th night of every month in Hoi An, Vietnam, is worth experiencing as the city celebrates the festival of lights. Lighting lanterns are considered to be a good luck and fortune charm in Vietnam. Hoi An Lantern festival is considered to be an incredible moment to follow the rituals of worshipping deceased relatives. The festival not only brings closeness and happiness but is a wise method to save electricity.

4. Tet Trung Thu (Mid-Autumn Festival)

Tet Trung Thu is the mid-autumn festival celebrated on the 15th day of the 8th lunar month every year. This festival is mainly for children to engage in various cultural dances and arts and is also known as the festival of harvesting crops. The history of celebrating the festival is related to Emperor Duong Minh Hoang’s visit to the moon via Dien Phap Thien’s magic. The Emperor enjoyed the heavenly atmosphere and performances by the fairies on the moon. After he came back to Earth, he decided to celebrate the 15th day of the 8th lunar month under the moon and decorate houses and streets with lanterns. 

5. Do Son Buffalo Fighting Festival

Do Son District in Haiphong celebrates one of the unique festivals of Vietnam, the ‘Do Son Buffalo Fighting Festival,’ on the 9th day of the 8th lunar month, while its preparations start from the 5th or 6th lunar month. This festival is associated with worshipping the Water Goddess and Tutelary God, sacrificial ceremonies towards the Diem Tuoc God, Buffalo Sacrifices, and showcasing bravery.

6. Lam Kinh Festival

Vietnamese celebrate the Lam Kinh Festival on the 22nd day of the 8th lunar month in Tho Xuan District. Lam Kinh has many mausoleums and tombs, all of which are of utter importance to King Le Loi’s Temple. People follow incense offering rites and other rituals to pay homage to the national heroes in King Le Temple. The tourists can participate in traditional folk games and dances, Ly Lien singing, and enjoy the performance of bronze drums. There are several homemade products to buy, like bee’s honey, aloeswood, cinnamon, and mushrooms.