Weather in Vietnam in February - Temperature, Rains, Best Places and Festivals

Southern Vietnam is a delight in February as it does not feel like you are in a tropical country after all. Northern parts can however be quite chilly. If you are in for hiking or trekking in misty weather, February is great as it is not too cold but still misty. Vietnam’s most important cultural festival - Lantern Festival - is so spectacular that its image is sure to be etched in your memory. Make it to Vietnam in February to catch the country in its best form.

Weather in Vietnam in February

The weather in Vietnam is excellent in the month of February. Blue skies, balmy sunshine minus the humidity and very few spells of rain make it a wonderful time to be in Vietnam.

Central and South Vietnam are blessed with the perfect ‘beach weather’ and summer is almost just about to begin. This is the perfect time to visit your favourite beach resorts. Northern Vietnam is relatively cooler but not very chilly. They are a little misty and foggy and apt for activities like trekking and hiking. The few spells of rain usually in the afternoon help the weather optimal, although these rains are not as bad as the wet season.

If your trip is mostly in the southern and central parts of the country, light clothing and beachwear is sufficient. If you wish to take part in trekking or are planning to visit Sapa, do remember to pack some warm clothing and jackets. Light rainproof clothing is also recommended.

Best Places to visit in Vietnam in February

1. Sapa

Located about 350 km from Hanoi, Sapa is home to the highest peak in all of Indochina - Fan Si Pan. Sapa has pleasant weather with cool breeze, pretty waterfalls and the terraced mountains. When in Sapa, you can visit the Hoang Lein National Park to catch a glimpse of some of the well-protected endangered species of animals, go on a trek to the Fan Si Pan mountain, and visit the Cat Cat or the Ta Phin villages and interact with the locals. The local museum and cathedral are also worth a visit. The weather here, in February is apt for trekking with its foggy misty ambience.

2. Mekong Delta

The Mekong river gets its local name ‘The River of Nine Dragons’ because it is in this delta where the river branches into nine tributaries criss-crossing over low-lying lands before merging into the sea. Life revolves around the river here in the Delta. Neighbourhoods are connected more by streams than by roads. One can find fruit orchards, coconut candy factories on tiny islands, floating markets selling fresh produce and also a french colonial chapel amidst the floating market. The Delta also houses the Tram Chim National Park and the Tra Su Bird Sanctuary.

3. Hoi An

Hoi An is a quiet little town which is connected to other parts of Vietnam only by road. The buildings and the street plan have been influenced by both native and foreign cultures giving rise to a unique heritage site. The central market in Hoi An is the hub for buying and selling fresh produce and foodstuff. All the shops are pedestrian friendly, so you can spend your evening strolling and shopping for all the memorabilia you’ll need to treasure your Vietnam trip. One can also find charity organizations whose proceeds go to helping impoverished Vietnamese families. The best part about being in Hoi An in February is the Lantern festival where the locally handcrafted lanterns are lit and left into the sky painting a beautiful picture that will remain in your heart forever.

4. Hue

Hue (pronounced ‘whey’) was the capital city during the rule of the Nyugen Dynasty. Today, it is the centre of cultural and historical heritage. The highlight of Hue city is the Imperial citadel which is similar to the Forbidden City in China. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Imperial City of Hue once consisted of 160 buildings, but only 10 major ones survived the test of time and the Vietnam War. One must visit this place for its magnificent architecture and beautiful gardens - for your instagramable pictures! The walled city houses temples, gardens, palaces, offices and residential buildings. It experiences a few showers of rain in February, so do not forget to pack your rainproof clothes.

Festivals in Vietnam in February

1. Lantern Festival

The lantern festival falls on the fourteenth day of each lunar month i.e. on the eve of the full moon day. However, the first lantern festival of the year which happens in the month of February is special and is celebrated with much grandeur. Hundreds of lanterns are lit and released onto the Hoi river forming a beautiful spectacle. The locals believe that this would bring good fortune, peace and love. Hoi An is the best place to be during the Lantern Festival. The city comes alive with street food stalls and the colourful lighted lanterns of different designs.

2. Perfume Pagoda Festival

One of the most famous pilgrimage destinations in Vietnam is the Perfume Pagoda. This temple complex consisting of Buddhist shrines was constructed almost 200 years ago. This festival attracts devotees and tourists from all over the world. The most popular activity during this festival is praying in the Huong Tich Cave. The people believe that they will beget a son or daughter by touching the mountains inside the cave. They also pray for wealth and prosperity inside this cave. The festival which happens in the month of February is in honour of Buddha in the place where it is believed to be the deity’s heaven.

3. Quang Trang

This festival is a commemoration of the rebellion against the Chinese army of Emperor Quang Trang in 1788. The day is marked by colourful drum performances, lion dances and human chess contests and is held on the fifth day of the first lunar month of the Vietnamese year. Hanoi’s Dong Da Mound in Hanoi is the venue for the Quang Trang festival.