Weather in Vietnam in February
The weather in Vietnam is excellent in February. Blue skies, balmy sunshine minus the humidity, and very few spells of rain make it a wonderful time to be in Vietnam.South Vietnam is blessed with the perfect beach weather. Places like Ho Chi Minh City and the Mekong Delta have warm temperatures ranging from 25°C to 30°C. This is the perfect time to visit your favorite beach resorts. Central Vietnam regions like Hue, Hoi An, and Da Nang have mild and pleasant temperatures ranging from 20°C to 25°C, making it the perfect time for exploring the historical destinations.
Northern Vietnam is relatively cooler but not very chilly. Places like Hanoi and Halong Bay experience cool temperatures ranging from 10°C to 20°C.They are a little misty, foggy, and apt for trekking and hiking.
Light clothing and beachwear are sufficient if your trip is mainly in the southern and central parts of the country. If you wish to take part in trekking or are planning to visit Sapa, 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 breezes, pretty waterfalls, and 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 ambiance.
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 crisscrossing over low-lying lands before merging into the sea. Life revolves around the river here in the Delta. Neighborhoods 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 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 Nguyen Dynasty. Today, it is the center 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 ten 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. However, the first lantern festival of the year, which happens in February, is special and 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 colorful 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 February, is in honor 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 colorful 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.